Gilgit bazaar shopping is worth an hour or two even if you are only passing through on the way to Hunza. Gilgit's bazaars are the biggest markets in the region, serving the whole of Gilgit-Baltistan rather than just the city, and the main things to shop for are dried fruit and nuts, local woollens, gemstones, and the Chinese consumer goods that come down the Karakoram Highway from across the border.
This guide covers what to buy, roughly what to expect to pay, and how to bargain, so a stop in the bazaar is useful rather than overwhelming.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Main areas | Gilgit's central bazaar, and the NLI Market for a wider mix of shops |
| Best time to go | Late afternoon and evening, once the heat has gone |
| What to buy | Dried apricots, walnuts and mulberries; woollen caps and shawls; gemstones; Chinese goods |
| Payment | Cash; smaller shops rarely take cards |
| Bargaining | Expected for gemstones and handicrafts; less so for food sold by weight |
The two main markets
Gilgit's central bazaar, along the main roads through town, is where most of the food, dried fruit and general shopping happens, alongside the city's older shops. NLI Market, established to serve the Northern Light Infantry and now the largest single market area in the city, has a wider mix of clothing, jewellery, electronics and general goods alongside dried fruit and gem shops. Between the two, most visitors find everything they are looking for.
Both are busiest in the late afternoon and evening, once the day's heat has broken; Gilgit's summer afternoons can pass 40°C, and shopping is more pleasant after the sun drops.
Dried fruit and nuts
This is the easiest and most reliable buy in Gilgit. The valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan produce apricots, mulberries, walnuts and almonds, and dried versions of all four are sold loose by weight in the bazaar, usually cheaper than in Islamabad or Lahore.
- Look at a few stalls before buying, since quality and freshness vary.
- Ask to taste a piece if the stall allows it.
- Buy a little extra for the journey home; dried apricots and walnuts travel well and keep for months.
Woollens and local dress
Shawls, waistcoats and the round wool cap worn across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral are sold through the bazaar, made locally or brought in from the surrounding valleys. Quality ranges widely, from simple, inexpensive pieces to finer handwoven shawls, so it is worth handling a few before choosing.
Gemstones: buy for pleasure, not investment
Gilgit-Baltistan's mountains produce aquamarine, tourmaline, topaz, garnet and other semi-precious stones, and gem shops, particularly around the NLI Market area, sell them loose and set into jewellery.
Unless you genuinely know how to judge stones, treat this as a souvenir purchase rather than an investment. Prices and quality both vary a great deal between shops, and it is easy to overpay for a stone whose value you cannot judge. Buy something you like, at a price you are comfortable losing if it turns out to be worth less than you paid, and avoid any shop that pressures you to decide quickly.
Chinese goods
Gilgit sits on the Karakoram Highway, the road link to China, and Chinese consumer goods, from electronics and household items to clothing and toys, fill a good part of the bazaar and the NLI Market. Prices are generally low, though quality is mixed, as with imported goods anywhere. This is not a specialist craft market, but it is worth a look if you are curious what comes down the highway.
How to bargain
Bargaining is normal in Gilgit's bazaars for gemstones, handicrafts and general goods, less so for food sold by weight, where prices are usually closer to fixed. A few practical points:
- Ask the price, then offer somewhat below it rather than accepting the first figure, particularly for gemstones and jewellery.
- Stay polite and unhurried; a good-natured negotiation is normal and expected, not confrontational.
- Compare prices at two or three stalls for the same item before settling, especially for dried fruit and gemstones.
- Carry cash in smaller denominations, since change can be an issue with larger notes at smaller stalls.
What not to expect
Gilgit's bazaar is a working market for a region of around two million people, not a boutique tourist souvenir strip. Don't expect fixed-price shops with English signage everywhere, or a curated selection aimed at visitors. What you get in exchange is real prices and a genuine sense of what the city buys and sells day to day.
Fitting it into your day
The bazaar works best as an evening stop, after sightseeing at the Kargah Buddha or Danyor and once the heat of the day has passed. Our guide to one day in Gilgit sets out a full day that ends here, and our wider guide to places to visit in Gilgit covers the city as a whole. If you would rather sit down after shopping, see our guide to where to eat in Gilgit.
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy in Gilgit bazaar?
Dried apricots, walnuts and mulberries, local woollen caps and shawls, and gemstones if you are buying for pleasure rather than as an investment. Chinese consumer goods fill a large part of the market as well.
Is bargaining expected in Gilgit's bazaars?
Yes, particularly for gemstones, jewellery and handicrafts. Food sold by weight is usually closer to a fixed price.
What time is Gilgit bazaar busiest?
Late afternoon and evening, once the summer heat has passed. Mornings are quieter and cooler for a first look around.
Can I pay by card in Gilgit's markets?
Rarely at smaller stalls. Carry cash, including smaller notes, since change can be limited.
Are Gilgit's gemstones good value?
They can be, but quality and pricing vary widely between shops. Buy something you like at a price you are happy with rather than treating it as an investment, unless you know how to judge stones.