Enjoy Haggling In The Local Markets Of Darjeeling

Last Updated : Sept. 30, 2016, 10:10 a.m.

You must have heard of Darjeeling for its tea plantation and scenic views of Kangchenjunga. But do you what most tourist like doing here? They love shopping in the street markets and flea markets of Darjeeling. The markets here are loaded with the variety of woollens, handicrafts, artefacts, copper and silver jewellery. You can shop for trinkets, decorative materials, souvenirs and cosmetics. These local markets provide all the things of requirement at reasonable prices. The prices charged here are always negotiable and this is what makes the shopping more authentic. So, if you are planning to visit Darjeeling, grab this opportunity and step in these markets where you can save a lot :

Batasia Loop Market

This market is set along the railway track. The shopkeepers create makeshift stalls on the railway line and remove these stalls on the arrival of the toy train. Schedule the visit in a way that you reach here around 9 in the morning as this is the time when toy train comes along. You can witness the swift folding and unfolding of market by the locals. The street shop vendors sell souvenirs, decorative items, bags and woollen clothes. Bargaining here will help you get good deals.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

Visit this shop to buy the gifts for your dear ones. The shop is open from 9:00AM – 5:00 PM. You can get short kurtas, Nepalese woollen clothes, stoles and jackets at reasonable prices. You can always bargain here and the lock the deal at lower prices.

Pashupati Nagar Market

Ladies see what you get here. Situated at the Nepal border, the market is close to the Mirik Lake. It is the best place to buy cheap cosmetics and clothes. The clothes are imported from Thailand. The stalls are set up between 9:00AM – 6:00PM.

Teesta Bazaar

Also known as Tenth mile, Teesta Bazaar is the most vibrant market with colourful stalls selling different items. The market is named after the river Teesta that flows through the area of Kalimpong. Here, you can shop for jackets, shawls and footwear. You can also buy tea cups, artefacts and handicrafts. The copper and silver items are also available at reasonable rate. It is the best place to buy ornaments and trinkets. You can always bargain to get the things at the best price.

Ghoom Monastery Market

Spread out on the tracks of Darjeeling toy trains, it is the place to watch market being folded and unfolded as the toy train takes round of the area. This is the best place to buy  cheap Tibetan curios like prayer wheels, prayer bowls and singing bowls, wall paintings and buddha heads.