Quick Answer
Shopping in Leh: Main Bazaar, the Tibetan refugee markets and Moti Market; pashmina from Changthang, apricots, prayer flags, thangkas, turquoise jewellery and how to buy genuinely.
Leh's Main Bazaar, pedestrianised and lined with shops, is the centre of shopping in Ladakh. Around it are Tibetan refugee markets, small handicraft cooperatives and shops selling dried apricots, woollens and Buddhist art. Buying from local producers keeps money in Ladakhi families.
Quick answer
Buy dried apricots and apricot oil, sea-buckthorn products, Changthangi pashmina from a trusted shop, prayer flags, singing bowls, thangkas and turquoise or coral jewellery. Shop in the Main Bazaar, the Tibetan markets and Moti Market. Ask for certificates on pashmina and expensive thangkas.
What to buy
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dried apricots and apricot oil | From Kargil, Turtuk and the lower valleys |
| Sea-buckthorn juice and jam | Made in Ladakh from wild berries |
| Pashmina | From the wool of Changthangi goats; buy from trusted cooperatives or shops |
| Prayer flags and prayer wheels | Inexpensive and widely sold |
| Thangkas | Painted scrolls; prices vary greatly with quality |
| Turquoise and coral jewellery | Traditional Ladakhi styles |
| Woollens | Socks, caps and shawls |
| Singing bowls and incense | Mostly sold in Tibetan markets |
Where to shop
- Main Bazaar: the central pedestrian street with shops of every kind.
- Tibetan refugee markets: stalls of jewellery, woollens and souvenirs.
- Moti Market: everyday goods, dried fruit and clothes.
- Cooperatives and craft centres: pashmina and handicrafts made by local women's groups.
Buying genuinely
For pashmina, real wool is soft, slightly irregular and warm; machine-made blends are cheaper and often sold as pashmina. Ask about origin, look for certification where available, and buy expensive items from established shops. Our real vs fake pashmina guide explains the tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is famous to buy in Leh?
Dried apricots, pashmina, prayer flags, thangkas, turquoise jewellery and sea-buckthorn products.
Where is the main market in Leh?
The Main Bazaar in the centre of town, with the Tibetan markets and Moti Market close by.
Is pashmina from Ladakh genuine?
Ladakh's Changthangi goats produce real pashmina, but blends are common in markets. Buy from trusted shops and ask about origin.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.