Exotic Destinations Shopping Guide: Seven Days in Tibet

By The Inside Source
August 11, 2010

In 2006, the Qingzang railroad opened connecting parts of Tibet to mainland China, and just last year, the Chinese government announced the construction of Tibet's first major expressway, in southwestern Lhasa. The once remote province of Everest and the exiled Dali Lama is now suddenly more accessible to travelers. In the event that you're not trekking to the Himalayas anytime soon, here's a sampling of inspiring, finely detailed, utterly beautiful goods that look like they could have been plucked from a Shigatse bazaar.

1. NEW Hand Hammered Tibetan Singing Bowl with Striker Pillow Strike this hammered metal bowl atop its accompanying pillow, and its ring will last and last. (buy it now price, $109.95; search term hammered tibetan bowl)

2. Tibetan Prayer Flags These colorful flags (which would look great draped across a backyard or patio) are handmade—and blessed!—by Tibetan nuns. (buy it now price, $16; search term tibetan prayer flag)

3. Asian Jade Dragon Portable Teapot Just the right size for a single serving of tea. (buy it now price, $18.99; search term asian teapot)

4. NEW Tibetan Buddhism Kalachakra Handmade Journal This unique, bright orange notebook is filled with textured, handmade paper. (buy it now price, $16.95; search term handmade journal)

5. NEW Tibetan Buddhist Spiritual Chime The goddess depicted at the top of this bronze bell represents wisdom and femininity. (buy it now price, $39.99; search term buddhist chime)

6. Tibetan Buddhist Coral Prayer Beads Glossy beads are an eye-catching adornment. (buy it now price, $18; search term prayer beads)

7. NEW Handpainted Tibetan Leather Jewelry Box This wood-and-leather stash box has been meticulously hand-painted with Chinese bird symbols and characters. (buy it now price, $34.99; search term tibetan leather box)

8. Tibetan Wood Round Lotus Coin Stool Bring in this glossy solid wood stool wherever you could use a shot of exotic flair. (buy it now price, $280.25; search term tibetan stool)

9. Tibetan Turquoise and Coral Prayer Box This beautifully embellished, traditional Tibetan box is meant to house your most sacred possessions. (buy it now price, $599; search term tibetan prayer box)

10. Tibetan Tangka Thankga Painting A finely detailed, wildly colorful rendering of Buddhist deities. (buy it now price, $399.99; search term thankga painting)

(Photo Credit: Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, seated on his throne in Lhasa, Tibet; Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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