4 Best Places to Shop in Tibet, China

For quality Tibetan handicrafts, visit Dropenling, down an alley opposite the Muslim Quarter's main mosque. Unlike those at other souvenir shops, all the products here are made by Tibetans, and all profits are returned to the local community.

On the road between Lhasa and Gongga Airport is the Tanva Carpet Workshop. The artisans here use handspun Tibetan highland wool to make both traditional and contemporary carpets using natural dyes. Even if you're not buying, it's interesting to see the whole carpet-making process from start to finish. Tanva makes the carpets that are sold in Torana stores in Beijing and Shanghai. Call ahead to arrange a visit.

West of the Potala Palace, the Third Pole can outfit you with everything you'll need to enjoy the great outdoors, from good hiking shoes to walking sticks to sunglasses.

A Chinese clothing chain, Toread features a wide selection of genuine outdoor equipment, as well as warm clothing if you're planning a trip to the mountains.