India
The Tibetan Refugee Market in Leh is a colourful handicraft market run by long-term Tibetan refugees, many whose families first fled to Ladakh more than 50 years ago.
DESTINATION
Ladakh
BEST TIME TO GO
Apr-Jun
TRAVEL STYLE
Cultural Heritage
The Tibetan refugee settlement was established in 1969 for a large Tibetan population from the western part of Tibet bordering with Ladakh, who fled in 1959 in the aftermath of Chinese occupation of Tibet.
The settlement is composed of few villages in Leh at the height of 3,500 metres above sea level. With limited irrigation facilities, farming alone is not enough to sustain the families. For that, most of the refugees are engaged in trading, restaurants and shop keeping besides agricultural work.
Experience the rich culture at the colourful handicraft markets run by Tibetan refugees. A great cause to interact with the Tibetan refugees’ honourable initiatives and support the locals by shopping for gifts & souvenirs, such as silver, jewellery and handicraft items of Ladakh.
