A Shopper's Guide to Darjeeling: What to Buy and Where

If you've embarked on a journey to the charming hill town of Darjeeling, you're in for much more than just breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. Darjeeling is not just a visual treat but also a shopping paradise, brimming with unique and locally crafted treasures. In this guide, we'll explore what to buy in Darjeeling and where to find these gems, ensuring you make the most of your shopping experience.

Exploring Darjeeling's Unique Markets

While you may be tempted to head to a typical shopping mall, Darjeeling offers a more authentic and vibrant shopping experience.

1. Tibetan Treasures

Darjeeling boasts a rich Tibetan influence, and you can find a wide array of Tibetan handicrafts and art. Some must-buy items include Tibetan masks, cloth paintings reflecting ethnic Bhutia faces, and local jewelry like brooches and pendants adorned with carved gems. Don't forget to explore curios, traditional boots, Khukri (curved Gorkha knives with decorative handles), and an assortment of woolen items, including shawls, pashminas, jumpers, scarves, and caps.

Where to Shop: Wander through the shops along Nehru Road in Darjeeling, and you'll come across various stores offering these Tibetan treasures.

2. Thankas: Art from the Heart

If you have a keen interest in art and handicrafts, Darjeeling's Thankas are a unique find. Created by local Bhutia artists, these scroll paintings depict Buddhist religious stories, and they make for a truly meaningful souvenir.

Where to Shop: Look for craft centers, emporiums, and stores known for their craftsmanship and authenticity. A great starting point is "Darjeeling Art & Craft."

3. Toy Train Memorabilia

Darjeeling is renowned as the birthplace of the Toy Train, introduced by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in 1881. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an integral part of Darjeeling's heritage. You'll find miniatures of the Toy Train, T-shirts adorned with DHR logos, beer mugs, wine glasses, caps, pens, and more. These mementos are perfect for preserving the rich history of this charming hill town.

Where to Shop: Various outlets around Darjeeling station area offer an array of Toy Train memorabilia.

4. Darjeeling Tea

No visit to Darjeeling is complete without savoring its world-famous tea. Known for its muscatel flavor, Darjeeling tea is produced in 87 operational tea gardens in the region. Be sure to pick up a few packets of authentic Darjeeling tea while you're here.

Where to Shop: Numerous stores along Nehru Road offer Darjeeling tea for purchase, and you can even enjoy a cup in some of these stores.

Strolling Through Nehru Road and Beyond

As you wander along Nehru Road in Darjeeling, you'll find stores catering to various tastes and preferences. The main stores here are usually lined up on both sides of Nehru Road, leading up to the Mall (Chowrasta). Here's a quick glimpse of what to expect:

Singh Studio

Located on the left and after Keventers, Singh Studio offers an eclectic mix of items, from books and photos to children's books and novels. This is an excellent place to find picture postcards of Darjeeling, including the iconic Toy Train and Himalayan landscapes. Additionally, it sells gift items, cameras, toys, and music.

House of Tea

House of Tea, an exclusive outlet of Goodricke Tea Estate, provides an extensive collection of Darjeeling tea in various qualities. You can choose from teas that have been plucked and processed at the Goodricke gardens and factories. It's an ideal destination to purchase some of the finest Darjeeling tea.

Khukri House

For those seeking unique souvenirs, Khukri House is a must-visit store. This compact shop specializes in different kinds of Khukris, the distinctive curved Gorkha knives. They also offer a range of curio items and models of Buddha.

Tirupati Handloom Emporium

This store is a treasure trove of shawls, jackets, sweaters, and other clothing items. You'll find an array of shawls, jackets, and sweaters suitable for various occasions.

Darjeeling-Pharmacy

This store not only stocks medicines but also offers a selection of toiletries, hair care products, and other essentials. It's a convenient stop for any personal care needs during your stay.

Frank Ross Chemist Shop

A popular medical store in Darjeeling, Frank Ross Chemist Shop has been serving the community for many years. It's known for providing a range of pharmaceutical products. Adjacent to it is the Frank Ross Cafe, a vegetarian eatery and coffee shop that's equally popular.

Discovering More Unique Shops

Several other stores and outlets are scattered around Darjeeling, each offering distinct products and experiences. Here are some noteworthy mentions:

Glenary's

This iconic establishment is home to a bakery downstairs, a multi-cuisine restaurant upstairs, and a modern bar in the basement. Glenary's has been a part of Darjeeling's history for decades and is a delightful spot to dine, grab a coffee, and soak in the local atmosphere.

Chandulal's

A clothing store located opposite Glenary's, Chandulal's specializes in woolens like shawls, jumpers, scarves, and mufflers. They are also known for their Pashmina shawls.

Das Studio

Founded in 1927, Das Studio is a well-known family-run business that started as a photo studio but has expanded to offer stationery items, gifts, and souvenirs. The store features a remarkable collection of pictures capturing the beauty of Darjeeling and its surroundings.

Elite Studio

A large store offering diverse products, Elite Studio is a great place to pick up picture postcards, soft dolls, posters, cameras, films, and numerous souvenir and gift items.

Biswa Bangla

Previously known as Manjusha Emporium, this store is part of a state government initiative to showcase the art and craftwork of West Bengal and its heritage, including handmade products from rural artisans and weavers. Here, you'll find dokra (metal craft) items, leather products, conch shell products, masks, dolls, clay work, wood carvings, jute products, paintings, and more.

Beyond Nehru Road: Exploring Additional Markets

While Nehru Road offers a fantastic shopping experience, there are several other markets and stores worth exploring in Darjeeling:

Chowk Bazar

Situated in the lower town, Chowk Bazar is the local hub for all kinds of shopping, from household items to food and groceries. This bustling market is a great place to witness the daily life of locals and shop for essentials at reasonable prices.

Nathmulls Tea Room

A heritage tea store that has been operating since 1931, Nathmulls Tea Room is where you can purchase high-quality Darjeeling tea. The store collects tea leaves from various Darjeeling tea gardens and offers a variety of black, green, white, and oolong teas