Monastery Market Delhi: Experience the Hidden Tibetan Gem

It’s no secret that the most popular markets in Delhi, like Sarojini Nagar market and Lajpat market, are majorly dedicated to women’s clothing and accessories. But some lesser-known places, like Palika Bazar, are where men take refuge when they need to thrift clothes. 

Monastery Market Delhi is one such heaven for guys where you can shop for anything and everything, be it t-shirts, jackets, pants, shoes, or jeans. 

The best aspect of the market, according to me, is that you can find trendy stuff here at the cheapest prices. Let’s take you through a quick rundown of everything related to the market! 

Tibetan Market Delhi Overview 

The grand historical monuments, the beautiful parks, and the magnificent museums do not sum up Delhi’s attractions. Many places are still hidden in the fast city life, just like the Tibetan market, which is nestled under the ISBT Shahdara Link Flyover. 

I was shocked that I hadn’t heard of this location before when I first visited here and conducted my research. There are Tibetan refugees all around this area. 

The place was initially a locality for the fugitives but was later converted into a popular shopping destination. 

• Ideal visit duration: 1–2 hours
• Location: Bela Rd, Monastery Market, Ladakh Budh Vihar Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi, 110054
• Entry: Free entry 
• Monastery Market, Delhi nearest metro: Kashmere Gate 
• Monastery Market, Delhi, closing day: Monday 

Monastery Market Kashmere Gate Timings 

From book markets to clothes markets in Delhi, the timings of markets in Delhi differ; hence, it’s important to remember the proper timings so that you can explore the place to your heart’s content. 

The Monastery market Delhi is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day and the market stays closed on Monday. 

Tibetan Refugee Market: Main Attractions 

The market offers a huge selection of men’s clothing and accessories lined throughout the streets. Here’s what you can find on the market. 

Some of the best and highest-quality clothes for men are available on the market, that too for a throwaway price. One thing I noticed on the premises is that you can even buy homemade woolen clothes for cheap prices, along with stylish jackets, scarves, and cardigans. This market is heaven when it comes to winter shopping. 

Shoes and sandals for men are very commonly found here. You can buy some very stylish and affordable footwear, ranging from white sneakers to shining boots.  

There are some specific things that you definitely shouldn’t miss, like incense, Tibetan lucky charms, home decor, Buddha statues, and Tibetan curios. 

Best Food Near Monastery Market, Delhi 

After you’re done with your shopping and tired as hell, the first thing you might want to do is look for some good and authentic food. On my trip to the market, I discovered some of the most amazing restaurants with authentic and delicious food. Here’s what and where you can eat.

1. Kundol Restaurant

Location: House no. 35, Ladakh Buddhist Vihar, Ladakh Budh Vihar Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi, 110054

Popular dish: Chicken Thukpa 

Price: ₹110

2. Dolma Restaurant 

Location: M6FJ+8G5, Monastery Market, Ladakh Budh Vihar Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi 110054

Popular dish: Veg Jhol Momo 

Price: ₹250

3. Zomsa Restaurant 

Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Ladakh Budh Vihar (Monastery Market), Civil Lines, Delhi 110054

Popular dish: Thenthuk  

Price: ₹140

4. Open Air Restaurants 

Location: M6FJ+3GH, Ladakh Budh Vihar Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi, 110054

Popular dish: Egg Wondon Soup 

Price: ₹160

5. Leh Zakhang 

Location: 110054, Central, Ladakh Buddhist Vihar, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi, 110054

Popular dish: Egg Noodle Soup (Thukpa)

Price: ₹110

Best Time to Visit the Monastery Market, Delhi 

Visiting the Tibetan market will not only give you the pleasure of buying cheap clothes and eating delicious authentic food, but you’ll also be able to interact with Tibetan men and women dressed traditionally. Here are some of the best times to visit the market:

1. Morning and evening visits: The Tibetan market has specific hours of operation that are from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you want to explore the market in peace, the best time to visit is early in the morning, as soon as the market opens. Visiting in the evening has its own charm, but the market might look a bit crowded.

2. Winters: One of the most popular collections in the market is the winter collection, where you can find handmade woolen clothes. The market is also one of the best places to visit from September to February, when the temperature is low, and it’s easier to explore.  

3. Festivals: The markets of Delhi radiate a different sheen during the festive season. You can find new and trendy clothes, along with all other festive accessories, at the market. 

Tips to Shop at the Tibetan Refugee Market

If you’re a woman visiting the market, I think you already know as many tips and tricks as I can list. But if you’re a man visiting the market for the first time, here are some tips that will surely be of use to you. 

1. We all know that bargaining is very common in markets; you can bargain here too, but I would suggest not going too extreme since the market is run by refugees. 
2. Make sure you check the clothes for damage before you buy them. 
3. Carry enough cash, since not all shopkeepers accept online payments. 
4. Do not litter in the market and dispose of your trash properly. 
5. Make sure to carry your own bag and avoid taking plastic bags from the shopkeepers. 
6. Take your time to look around the market before buying anything. 
7. Respect all shopkeepers and avoid shouting at anyone.
8. Try the local food of the area. 
9. Apply sunscreen and wear a cap, especially if it’s too sunny outside.  
10.  Carry drinks and water bottles to keep yourself hydrated. 
11.  Keep noise levels moderate to avoid disturbing others. 

Watch this YouTube vlog by Sohil Saifi on Monastery Market for more information. 

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Monastery Market, Kashmere Gate Photos 

Here are some pictures of the market to give you a scenic insight into the area! 

Monastery Market Delhi Address and How to Reach It 

Reaching the monastery market in Delhi is quite easy since it’s located quite close to the metro station and has super accessible roads. 

Here’s the full Monastery Market Delhi address: 

Bela Rd, Monastery Market, Ladakh Budh Vihar Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, Delhi, 110054

Here’s how you can reach the market through different modes of transport:. 

1. By Metro: The nearest metro station to the market is Kashmere Gate, situated on the Red Line of Delhi metro map. The station is located about 2 km from the market and will take you about 5 minutes to reach by car. 

2. By Bus: The nearest bus stop to the monastery market is ISBT Ring Road; the buses that pass through it are 412, 978LTD, 188, 135, 173, 205LINKSTL, 205LSTL, and 188STL. 

3. By Train: The following transit lines have routes that pass near USP Monastery Market — EMU 64031, EMU 64091, EMU 64411, EMU 64439, and EMU 64001

Nearby Tourist Places to Tibetan Market Delhi 

The market will require around 2 to 3 hours to explore, so when you’re done with it, you can step out to explore the nearby places to the Tibetan market. Here are some amazing tourist places that you can traverse in a single day: 

1. Vasudev Ghat (1 km)
2. Yamuna Ghat (1.6 km)
3. Kashmere Gate (1.8 km)
4. Qudsia Bagh (2.1 km) 
5. Maharaja Agrasen Park (2.2 km)
6. Red Fort (8.4 km)
7. Jama Masjid (8.7 km)

Final Words 

The Monastery Market was built by Tibetan refugees and provides a distinctive fusion of contemporary retail experiences and cultural history.

This market, camouflaged on the streets of Delhi, is a must-visit whether you’re searching for reasonably priced clothing, Tibetan handicrafts, or a taste of real Tibetan food.

So what’s the wait for? Grab your bag and get ready to experience the satisfaction of buying designer clothes at affordable prices and tasting authentic Tibetan food.