A major tourist activity in Lhasa is shopping . The main area for browsing is the Barkhor , where the better stuff is in the shops behind the stalls, but it's much more expensive. The vendors on the street outside the Lhasa Hotel have essentially the same range, but in smaller quantities, and they start off at higher prices. The shop at the Pentoc Hotel has a good range of souvenirs, including yak-wool jumpers and socks. Another good gift is the handmade paper sold from a shop beside the Lhasa Kitchen.

The search for postcards can be frustrating and expensive as sets on offer at the main sights are generally pricey. The sets at the post office and the Xinhua Bookstore are the best value. For film , check out the photography shops on Kharnga Dong Lu opposite People's Park. Processing is also available here; expect to pay about ¥1 per print, although the quality is variable - it's best to ask around among travellers to get a current recommendation.

Some travellers buy bikes here and ride them to Nepal, where they can be sold, sometimes at a profit. The best bike for this is the Pegasus, which costs ¥700. You can buy it in the department store just east of the intersection of Dosengge Lu and Beijing Dong Lu.

Finally, if you feel like doing some shopping for rather than from Tibetans, buy notebooks and pens to donate to an orphanage and give them to Neema at the Snowlands Restaurant. Alternatively, turn up at the orphanage itself at 42 Beijing Xi Lu.