In Tibet there are many things to buy, such as small prayer wheels, prayer beads and other local items. Many girls like to wear Tibetan apparel and adore Tibetan accessories. If you focus on your health, you can also buy caterpillar fungus (cordyceps sinensis), saffron, matsutake mushrooms, snow lotus and more.
These crafts and specialties vary in quality and price, ranging from tens to several tens of thousands of yuan. Here are some shopping tips for your reference.
In Lhasa, Jokhang Temple sits in the middle of Barkhor Street (also known as Bajiao Street). This street is known for its market of Tibetan souvenirs, arts and crafts. In addition to the street, there is also an outdoor market near the Ramoche Temple, but mainly daily necessities, clothes and the like are sold there. If you are interested in Tibetan life through this outdoor market could also give you an understanding of their everyday life.
In theory, all Tibetan jewelry is hand-finished. Before, Tibetan jewelry was often made by lamas in the temple, and each piece was unique. But handmade Tibetan jewelry is now rare, and there are mostly imitations. Nepalese Tibetan jewelry though will always be reliable in quality.
Traditional Tibetan clothing, either made of wool or cloth, is generally sold in general stores. However, this clothing is not easy to carry. Therefore you might as well buy some colorful pulu. There are also beautiful small hats that are popular both in towns and agricultural areas. These goods give rise to distinctive local Tibetan style.
Whether buying from stalls or shops, Tibetan knives are not hard to find. Men's knives are sharp and rough. Ladies' knives are more delicate. Prices can range from several yuan to several hundred yuan.
The most famous Tibetan knife is produced in Lhatse and Shetongmon counties of Shigatse City. The carving on their fine silver scabbards is difficult for others to imitate. These Tibetan knives must be mailed, as they are not allowed to be transported by plane.
Tibetan saffron and medicinal plants such as the Chinese caterpillar fungus production processes vary, which determines differences in final quality and pricing.
Because of the drug shortage, these medicinal plants are often more expensive. Illegal traders will often sell and trade shoddy, fake products rather than the actual goods. So it is best to buy these valuable products from legitimate pharmacies.
Many people will often think of Tibetan Dzi beads and turquoise stones. But it is important to note that Buddhist prayer bead, Dzi bead, and turquoise stone jewelry products are often fakes. It is therefore important to pay attention and carefully examine these products when buying.
Yak jerky, Tibetan incense and other products are generally the real things. Only the quality of the product will vary, rather than if it is a real or fake version of the product.
