Tibetan New Year Markets Will Kick off on January 26th, 2017

With Chinese Spring Festival (Jan.28th, 2017) and Tibetan New Year (Feb.27th, 2017) getting closer, stores and shops in Lhasa have entered its selling season. Strolling around Tibet, we found that lots of people have begun to buy Qiema box, dry goods, sweet candies and colorful valance for the hilarious festivals. Learning from the bureau, Tibetan new year markets will officially open to public on January 26th, 2017.

Tibet Vista, a trustworthy travel agent in Tibet, always puts customer experience in the first place. We strongly suggest our clients not to shop in those scenic spots. So where shall we buy Tibetan New Year gifts for family and friends? Please see below:

1. Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market

Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market, located at Barkhor West Street, is the largest travel souvenir market in Tibet. Here you can find all kinds of Tibetan specialties and native products, like turquoise, Tibetan incense, shawls, Thangka, Tibetan knives, highland barley wine, sweet tea, dried beef and mutton strips, etc.

Most locals prefer to shop in Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market.

Since it's a wholesale market, the price here is almost the cheapest in Lhasa and the bargaining space is very slim. But if you want to buy some high-end tourist souvenirs like delicate turquoises, exquisite bracelets made of red sandalwood, the price would be much higher. It’s usually open at 10 am and closed at 6 pm. Hence, we recommend you to go there after visiting Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

2. Barkhor Shopping Mall

If Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market can't meet your needs, then you can go to Beijing East Road for Barkhor Shopping Mall. Since operated in 2013, this three-story building has become extremely popular among tourists. Roaming around Barkhor Mall, you can take several Tibetan handicrafts, hats, carpets, Kadian or Bangdian back home, especially for your female friends. However, the purchase of tourist souvenirs in Barkhor Mall needs great patience. All sorts of goods and gifts will dazzle your eyes. And it's time to practice your negotiation skills!

In Barkhor Shopping Mall, an old lady is choosing beautiful clothes for her family.

3. Lhasa Night Market

Night market is a great place to experience the real life of local people. Joining the classic Lhasa tour, you can ask our tour guide to take you to Tianhai Road and Yutuo Road, the two biggest night markets in Lhasa. Besides the the daily necessities and local products, Tianhai Night Market is well-known for its tasty street barbecues. Here you shouldn’t miss out Sichuan barbecue and Golmud barbecue with strong Halal flavor. It’s also advised to try some roast lamb, yak meat, steamed buns, fried vegetables. After a fancy dinner, a sweet watermelon will bring a fresh feeling to your mouth. What a cozy trip in Tibet!

The man is frying the vegetables for our clients.

Yutuo Night Market consists of Yutuo Road, Barkhor Street and Beijing Road. When the night falls, many young people would gather here to sell out their homemade handicrafts and other creative items. Goods from Nepal and India can be easily found along the street. Just be patient, you'll find what you want at a very seasonal price!

4. Lhasa Department Store

Some high-end tourist souvenir shops and department stores are concentrated at the east of the Potala Palace, Beijing Road. The price is much higher than the above and these are more suitable for local consumption. Unless you require, our professional tour guide won't take you go there. So take it easy!

Lhasa Department Store is the largest shopping mall in Tibet.

Same as last year, the operation time of new year markets will last from 9: 30 to 19: 30. Sometimes, it would also extend to the mid-night. If you have intent to go there, please contact our travel experts in advance to work out a specific Tibet tour itinerary!