5 markets in Darjeeling worth travelling for

While you are in Darjeeling, the crest jewel of Eastern India, make the most of your trip by attacking the best flea markets with all the vigour we know that you have got. The markets here are havens of stone work objects, Tibetan wares, artistically made woolen clothes, and the tasteful Darjeeling Tea. And if you could get the best deal you know, do let us know. We will be so glad.
Bhutia Market or New Mahakal Market

The New Mahakal Market is not to be confused with the Mahakal Market located near Chowk Bazaar. This market was previously located on Nehru Road, and was called as the Bhutia Market. One can score things made of pure wool like caps, hand-knitted sweaters, shawl, and even pretty umbrellas at bargain-able prices at the New Mahakal Market. Just make sure you convince the vendors that you are a serious buyer, and they would be ready to comply with your quoted price. To reach the place, hit the Darjeeling Mall Road towards the right of poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya’s statute, and follow the keep walking on the pedestrian pathway of the market.

Chowk Bazaar or Lower Bazaar
Chowk Bazar is a great place to shop for woollens at dirt cheap rates. Also called the Lower Bazaar, the market covers the area from the head post office of Darjeeling to the railway station. The sellers enthusiastically bargain with shoppers for their wares. Visit this market to buy almost every lifestyle product – right from electronics, household items, bakery and food, apparel, local art and handicrafts. The Dragon Market and the Mahakal market located in the same area are also worth visiting. There are small restaurants in Chowk Bazar that cater to the hungry shoppers with local food and the world-famous Darjeeling Tea.

Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre

The Tibetan Self Help Center in Darjeeling sells jewellery, local clothing, scarves, jackets, carpets, and other accessories at much affordable prices than the other local markets. There is also a rehab centre for Tibetan refugees which is worth visiting to witness the handicrafts being made by the people, and picking up a skill or two from the artisans.

Chowrasta Market or Mall Road

As one of the best markets to visit on a Sunday evening in Darjeeling, the Chowrasta or the Mall Road sells a variety of collectibles, antiques, curated décor items, woollen clothes, trendy wear, and vintage wares from a variety of dealers. There are shops lining up the street on both sides of the road. The market begins from Keventer’s eatery, and ends at the Tibet Arts store.

Mahakal Market or Dragon Market Complex

The Mahakal Market aka Dragon Market Complex is located at a walkable distance from the Chowrasta – Mall Road. These are the two most popular shopping complexes located along the Laden La road on the Chowk Bazaar. The Dragon Market and Mahakal Market are located at the same place just opposite to each other. It is a one-stop-market for buying bead work objects, batik print goods, sculptures, things brought from African destinations like Masai Mara etc. While, the Mahakal Market is good for buying woollen items, the Dragon Market on the other hand is a hub of fashion accessories imported from Bangkok. All kinds of girly stuff such as sandals, frocks, t-shirts, jewellery are sold here.