Shopping and Souvenirs

Lhasa has a fantastic array of exotic items and there are a number of truly unique items to buy. Pulu is a hand-woven cloth made from wool and most clothing in Tibet is made from this material. Tibetan joss sticks are made from local plants and are seen everywhere. Tibetan knives are both decorative and practical, most Tibetans carry one. The knives are inlaid with gold or silver with bone or wood handles. The scabbards are commonly carved with lion, dragon, tiger or flower designs and inlaid with gemstones. Kadian are often woven into carpets or tapestries.

The Barkhor Market area is the most colorful and cheapest place to shop, items such as traditional turquoise jewelry, clothing, meditation beads, prayer wheels and white and colored prayer scarves (taras) are available. Bargaining in the market is a must and be aware of fakes.

Another place to purchase souvenirs such as beautiful Buddhist protection amulets is in the temples. Here you'll find less hassle, there's no need to haggle. Also if you purchase an item inside the temple, it'll have been blessed by a Lama and the funds support the monks of the monastery.

Another item that should be on the shopping list is the splendid Tibetan tankas which are Buddhist paintings. They're a part of Tibetan history and can be seen hanging from walls, often beautifully intricate and bold in color. A great place to purchase them is the Lhasa Carpet Factory located south of the city government and west of Tibet University. All the tankas sold here are handmade and use traditional vertical looms. Here you can see them being made, it's also a nice break from the temples.