Shopping

There are plenty of supermarkets to be found along Beijing Dong Lu, including Baiyi Chaoshi opposite the post office and Hongyan Chaoshi, a few minutes walk farther east. If you're heading out into the wilds of the TAR and haven't got the necessary kit, Lhasa has lots of outdoor stores, but if you're going to be relying on your gear, don't believe the brand names you'll see in many of these places. For genuine outdoor gear, head for Toread at Beijing Zhong Lu 182.

Tibetan art is seeing something of a renaissance and thangka shops seem to be all over Lhasa now, although many sell items of questionable quality produced over the border in Katmandu. If quality and authenticity are important to you, it's worth heading into a shop where you can see the craftsmen at work, painting the tiny details onto the Tibetan scroll that is used for meditation. Prices can range from several dollars to several thousand. The Ancient Fine Art General Restoration Company (tel. 0891/632-2860) on the third floor of the building opposite Dropenling is recommended for thangkas.