To explore a new destination, you always need to do some shopping. Shopping is an integral aspect of any vacation, whether it’s for traditional souvenirs or local handlooms and crafts. When people travel, they often like to bring back a memento from their destination to serve as a visual memory of the amazing experiences they had there.
At the end of a trip, the souvenirs you bring home are the most meaningful aspect. This northern state has everything a shopper might want, from bakeries and bazaars to stores selling high-quality leather and everything in between. In addition, tourists can buy authentic Garhwali paintings, carpets, gems, jewelry, squashes, jams, woolen goods, and more to take home with them.
9 Best Places to Shop in Uttarakhand and what to buy from there
1. Shopping in The Almora Market
Those of you planning a trip to Almora shouldn’t miss out on the city’s fantastic shopping opportunities. There is a beautiful shopping center in Almora where you can find anything from charming trinkets to carefully crafted works of art made by local artisans.
Almora is home to a number of thriving markets and shopping districts. Visit the Showroom Mall Road if you’re looking for woolens, the Tamta Mohalla if you’re interested in copper works, and the weekly Almora markets if you want to purchase some of the city’s magnificent local handicrafts.
Almora Market in Uttarakhand might be short on posh shopping centers, but it’s full of 200-year-old stores selling beautiful traditional wares and a king’s worth of regal edicts. Invest in Angora clothing, jewelry, rare stones, and handmade ceramics.
Almora is well known for its copperware and brassware. Other fantastic souvenirs you may pick up in the markets of Almora include pashmina shawls and woolen coats. The production of khadi is also quite successful in Almora.
What to Buy:
- Traditional Kumaoni jewelry
- Woolen shawls and blankets
- Handmade candles
- Brass and copperware
Where to Buy:
Lala Bazaar: Famous for its traditional items, it’s a must-visit for local crafts and artifacts.
Khajanchi Mohalla: Known for its wide range of jewelry and metalware.
Additional Tips: Bargain politely, explore various shops for the best deals, and try local sweets like ‘Bal Mithai’.
2. Shopping in Badrinath
Badrinath, one of India’s most respected pilgrimage spots, is part of the Char Dham, a grouping of four of the holiest places in India that are essential destinations for any devout Hindu. A visit to Badrinath should, therefore, be a crucial element of any vacation itinerary that takes you to Uttaranchal. There will also be time for shopping in Badrinath, an integral part of the trip.
Markets selling items like god statues, incense, miniature lamps made of metal, beads, and other souvenirs can be found near the shrines in these tiny towns. When visiting any of the holy cities, you must purchase a small “Silgram Sila”, or sacred stone of Lord Vishnu.
What to Buy:
- Religious souvenirs
- Woolen clothing
- Ayurvedic herbs
Where to Buy:
Local Market near Badrinath Temple: Offers a variety of religious items, warm clothing, and local produce.
Additional Tips: Best visited during the pilgrimage season (May to October), and don’t miss trying the local herbal products.
3. Shopping in Kedarnath
Hindus consider Kedarnath to be one of the holiest places on Earth. Lord Shiva, one of the most worshiped deities in Hindu mythology, resides here in his hidden Himalayan lair. Kedarnath is revered by Hindus since it is home to one of Shiva’s 108 Jyotirlingas.
In Kedarnath, there aren’t many options for retail therapy. Kedarnath’s many gift shops sell paintings, pictures, and other mementos depicting Lord Shiva, his consort Parvati, and the temples of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
You can also purchase Rudraksha Malas, which are crafted from Rudraksha, a fruit that plays an essential role in Hinduism. In addition, crystals, saligrams, natural herbs, Shilajit, natural vitalizes, valuable stones, and tulsi beads can be purchased in Kedarnath’s shops.
What to Buy:
- Spiritual items
- Woolen garments
- Local handicrafts
Where to Buy:
Kedarnath Main Bazaar: Located near the temple, it offers a variety of religious and woolen items.
Additional Tips: Shopping is seasonal (May to October), so plan your visit accordingly, and be prepared for basic market setups.
4. Shopping in Dehradun
Dehradun disproves the myth that Uttarakhand lacks commercial complexes. These malls sell everything from clothing and makeup to home appliances and video games. In this hilly town, Pacific Mall is among the most well-known shopping centers.
Another popular destination for the purchase of high-end goods is Crossroads. For those on a tighter budget, however, Dehradun’s street markets are well worth a trip for their brassware, knickknacks, antiquities, and shawls.
If you want to enjoy the finest shopping in all of Uttarakhand, a trip to these marketplaces is a must. You can get reasonably priced clothes, never-seen-before antiques, second-hand books, and Pahari handicrafts – all without getting broke.
What to Buy:
- Basmati rice
- Handwoven carpets
- Wooden crafts
- Bakery products (Rusks, Biscuits)
Where to Buy:
Paltan Bazaar: Ideal for budget shopping and traditional items.
Rajpur Road: Offers a mix of modern and traditional shops.
Tibetan Market: Great for Tibetan artifacts and woolen clothes.
Additional Tips: Explore local eateries, and don’t miss the famous bakery products from Ellora’s Melting Moments.
5. Shopping in Gola Bazaar
Any self-respecting shopaholic should make a beeline for the Gola Bazaar in Srinagar Garhwal, often known as the Gola Bazaar.
This busy marketplace is well-known for its wide selection of goods, which satisfy the demands of shoppers of all ages.
You may find anything you need here, from excellent restaurants to stores where you can buy authentic traditional Garhwali goods.
What to Buy:
- Fresh produce
- Local spices
- Handicrafts
Where to Buy:
Gola Bazaar in Haldwani: Known for its bustling atmosphere and variety of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional crafts.
Additional Tips: Visit early in the day for the freshest produce, and be prepared to haggle for the best prices.
6. Shopping in Mussoorie
Shopping is an integral part of a trip to Mussoorie. Mussoorie’s markets include something for every kind of shopper, from woolen clothing to wooden and brass objects to little trinkets to silver jewelry.
On your shopping trip, you can pick up prayer wheels, ceramic decorations, lampshades, and costume jewelry.
The Mall Road, the Library Bazaar, and the Tibetan Market are just a few of the markets you really must visit. Visit these marketplaces if you plan on buying gifts for friends and family back home.
What to Buy:
- Souvenirs
- Handmade shawls and stoles
- Wooden decor items
- Local jams and preserves
Where to Buy:
Mall Road: The main shopping area with numerous shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and local specialties.
Landour Bazaar: Known for its quaint shops and handmade goods.
Additional Tips: Enjoy a stroll while shopping, and don’t forget to try the locally-made jams and peanut butter.
7. Shopping in Mero Pahad – The Artisan Market
In Joshimath’s central market, you’ll find the brand-new souvenir shop “Mero Pahaad”, stocking authentic regional specialties and artifacts from the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Leaving this part of Uttarakhand, where “Mero” means “my” and “Pahaad” means “mountain” or “Himalaya” (in the genuine meaning), is like taking a piece of the Himalayas with you.
What to Buy:
- Handcrafted artifacts
- Organic products
- Traditional clothing
Where to Buy:
Mero Pahad Artisan Market in Rishikesh: Focuses on sustainable and organic products made by local artisans.
Additional Tips: Support local artisans by purchasing their handmade goods, and explore the organic and eco-friendly products available.
8. Shopping in Haridwar
Haridwar’s status as a religious hub has made it a hub for the sale of religious goods, precious stones, and fine jewelry.
In the vicinity of Har ki Pauri, one can visit various marketplaces. Bottles to hold pious water from the river are the most unique item, but the entire market is devoted to selling cooking equipment, religious artifacts suitable for display in worship spaces, and other sacred objects.
All pilgrims to Haridwar purchase these bottles, which come in a variety of sizes, and fill them with holy water before returning home. Stylish glass bangles and adornments made from semiprecious stones are also available to purchase as gifts for the women in your life.
Another significant item that people invest in is a rudraksha mala. You may also get a wide variety of wooden goods in these shops.
What to Buy:
- Religious items
- Ayurvedic products
- Brassware
- Stone idols
Where to Buy:
Moti Bazaar: Located near Har Ki Pauri, it’s ideal for religious souvenirs and local crafts.
Kankhal Market: Known for its Ayurvedic products and traditional items.
Additional Tips: Visit during the day for a better shopping experience, and don’t miss the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
2 Days Tour Package for Haridwar & Rishikesh
9. Shopping in Nainital
You may find a wide selection of stores in the malls that line the streets of every hill station in Uttarakhand. The same holds for Nainital. Many stores sell woolen handlooms and wooden trinkets in seemingly endless rows.
A great place to haggle is in the Tibetan Market, which is located next to the Naina Devi Temple. At this market, you may get fashionable scarves, handbags, and outerwear at reasonable prices. Stop for a plate of the local specialty, steaming hot momos, if you grow hungry while browsing the shops.
Strawberries, apples, cherries, and litchis may all be found in plenty at Nainital’s Bara Bazaar. You should buy some and share them with your pals.
A trip to Nainital, Uttarakhand, simply must include some retail therapy.
What to Buy:
- Candles
- Pine tree craft items
- Woolen clothes
- Fresh fruits
Where to Buy:
Mall Road: The primary shopping destination in Nainital, offering a variety of local goods and souvenirs.
Tibetan Market: Famous for its woolen clothes and accessories.
Additional Tips: Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake after shopping, and try the local fruit products like jams and squashes.
Finally, souvenirs are more than simply a remembrance; they’re a physical memory that will make you miss your time in Uttarakhand and may even entice you to return to this northern state of India. You can embark on a shopping spree with ease because of the abundance of handmade goods, including cutlery, cooking implements, handloom textiles, and jewelry. If you want to visit any of the well-known cities in Uttarakhand, you should schedule (and perhaps pay) a shopping binge.
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FAQs
1. What are some famous things to buy in Uttarakhand?
- Himalayan Honey: Known for its purity and health benefits.
- Aipan Art: Traditional Kumaoni art on coasters, trays, and wall hangings.
- Pahari Handicrafts: Wooden artifacts, jewelry, and home decor.
2. What should I shop for during my Uttarakhand trip?
- Woolen Clothes: Shawls, sweaters, and caps knitted by locals.
- Organic Products: Locally grown spices, herbs, and tea.
- Local Handicrafts: Souvenirs, jewelry, and decorative items.
3. What are some must-buy items in Kedarnath?
- Rudraksha Beads: Sacred prayer beads.
- Religious Souvenirs: Idols, photographs, and other items related to Lord Shiva.
- Handmade Woolen Clothes: Shawls, sweaters, and caps.
4. What is special to buy in Kedarnath?
- Holy Water from Kedarnath: Bottled holy water from the Kedarnath stream.
- Prayer Beads: Rudraksha and other prayer beads.
- Traditional Woolens: Hand-knitted scarves and hats.
5. What are popular shopping items in Badrinath?
- Herbal Products: Locally made oils, balms, and herbal remedies.
- Sacred Books and Scriptures: Religious texts and guides.
- Local Handicrafts: Woolen goods and wooden artifacts.
6. What are some famous things to buy in Haridwar?
- Brassware: Utensils and decorative items made of brass.
- Ayurvedic Medicines: Herbal remedies and natural health products.
- Religious Items: Rudraksha beads, Ganga water, and prayer materials.
7. What are the best things to buy in Dehradun?
- Basmati Rice: High-quality aromatic rice.
- Lychee Products: Fresh lychees and lychee-based products like juice and squash.
- Woolen Clothes: Shawls, sweaters, and other warm clothing items.
8. What can I buy in Rishikesh?
- Spiritual Books and CDs: Yoga and meditation guides.
- Ayurvedic Products: Natural skincare and wellness items.
- Silver Jewelry: Intricately designed silver ornaments.
9. What are the must-buy items in Nainital?
- Candles: Decorative and aromatic candles.
- Handmade Bags: Stylish and durable bags made by local artisans.
- Organic Produce: Locally grown fruits, vegetables, and spices.
10. What are famous shopping items in Joshimath?
- Local Woolens: Handmade woolen garments.
- Religious Souvenirs: Idols, prayer beads, and holy books.
- Organic Spices: Locally grown and processed spices.
11. What is famous to buy in Almora?
- Copperware: Traditional copper utensils and decorative items.
- Angora Wool Products: Soft and warm clothing made from Angora wool.
- Organic Fruits: Apples, apricots, and other local fruits.
12. What should I buy in Mussoorie?
- Wooden Items: Handcrafted wooden artifacts and furniture.
- Winter Wear: Woolen sweaters, shawls, and scarves.
- Local Jams and Pickles: Made from locally grown fruits.
13. What are some unique souvenirs to buy in Kedarnath?
- Holy Water from Kedarnath: Sacred water collected from the Kedarnath stream.
- Handcrafted Idols: Small idols of Lord Shiva and other deities.
- Traditional Woolen Items: Hand-knitted scarves, hats, and mittens.
14. Are there any special gifts to buy in Uttarakhand?
- Traditional Jewelry: Silver and gold jewelry with intricate designs.
- Pahari Paintings: Traditional paintings depicting local culture and landscapes.
- Local Wine: Wine made from fruits like apples and plums.
15. What are the famous markets in Kedarnath?
- Temple Market: Near the Kedarnath Temple, offering religious items and souvenirs.
- Local Stalls: Scattered around the pilgrimage area, selling woolens and handicrafts.
