Khiva
Carpet makers hand-weave high-quality silk rugs here, not in traditional carpet patterns but in unique designs inspired by Khivan tilework, carved doors…
Must-see shopping in Central Asia
Tashkent
Close to the Oliy Majlis in Navoi Park, this medressa has been turned into an artisans’ school and workshop where local wood carvers, lacquerware makers,…
Samarkand
A dozen craft shops cluster around this single courtyard, making it a great place to shop for quality souvenirs, from ceramics and jewellery to wood…
Samarkand
Around and behind Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand's frenetic, colourful main market is a great place for both vegetarians and photographers (vegetarian…
Samarkand
If you are interested in buying suzani (embroidery), owner Dilshod in the Tilla-Kari Medressa is very knowledgeable and gives an excellent free…
Dushanbe
This attractive gallery is stocked with tasteful modern crafts, including hand-painted ceramic plates, wooden boxes and woollen items.
Bishkek
Stylishly presented, high-quality embroidery and pottery, both modern and traditional. Credit cards accepted.
Tajikistan
On Saturday morning a trans-border market (intermittently closed due to political sensitivities) takes place on a no-man's-land island in the middle of…
Tajikistan
Although now in his dotage and no longer living locally, some of the works of this master instrument maker are for sale in the seldom-visited village of…
Tashkent
The vast local flea market of Tezykovka Bazaar is also known as Yangiobod Market. This sombre sea of junk – ‘everything from hedgehogs to car parts’ as…
Tajikistan
Upholding a tradition dating back 2000 years, blacksmiths at this mini-bazaar whet the edges of top-quality knives using traditional tools, including…
Bukhara
For carpets, you couldn’t ask for a better shopping atmosphere than at the silk-weaving centre in this cavernous late-16th-century building, located near…
Dushanbe
Largely providing outlets for mobile-phone sellers and pharmacists, the city's original department store has a small selection of souvenirs on the ground…
Dushanbe
Adbul Ahmad, the owner of this small arts and crafts shop, is very knowledgeable about regional carpets, including the lost art of hand looming in…
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
This mall is worth visiting for two stores. Red Carpet features ladies' fashion and accessories by Kazakhstan designers such as Aida Kaumenova, Gulnara…
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
These (mostly) tasteful, high-end gifts include framed traditional silver belt ornaments and necklaces, locally designed crystal goblet sets, chess sets,…
Kyrgyzstan
Felt-work galore, with a focus on shyrdak and ala-kiyiz carpets but also everything from mobile-phone cases to felt toys for the kids. Adjoining the CBT…
Samarkand-Bukhara Silk Carpets Showroom
Samarkand
Samarkand-Bukhara Silk Carpets has a Registan-based showroom with its trademark high-quality woven silk tapestries and suzani carpets on display. If you…
Almaty
The ground-floor shop here has a good but pricey selection of Kazakh carpets (60,000T to 80,000T for a 2m-by-3m one) and other Kazakh souvenirs. The…
Bukhara
If your itinerary isn't taking you to the Fergana Valley, check out Feruza's stall for a great collection of stylish, family-made ikat silks from Margilon…
Bishkek
This Bishkek branch of the Karakol-based association One Village One Product. They sell the same high-quality handicrafts, honey, jams and gifts. Proceeds…
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
A mind-boggling array of all things Kazakhstan: felt yurts, hats and booties, replica nomadic objects, such as the phallic-looking vessels for carrying…
Tashkent
This shop not only has carpets, skullcaps, suzani and textiles from various Uzbek provinces, but it also doubles as one of Tashkent’s most fashionable…
Tashkent
There are several antique and musical instrument shops nestled here amid a row of hardware and baby cradle shops behind Chorsu Bazaar. Interesting finds…
Tashkent
It may not have the atmosphere of the bazaars, but for the best prices and a surprisingly good selection of silk scarves (US$7) and silk by the metre, try…
Samarkand-Bukhara Silk Carpets Factory
Samarkand
Head to this carpet factory in the eastern suburbs if you have a particular interest in carpets. They also have a showroom in the Registan.
Bishkek
For prepared foods (best selection at lunch time), baked goods or imported foods and liquors, this is one of the most popular shops in the centre of…
Kyrgyzstan
Shyrdak and ala-kiyiz carpets, plus a selection of modern souvenirs, are available at this women's cooperative next door to CBT.
Dushanbe
A selection of local crafts and souvenirs are offered here including mineral trees, embroidery and scarves in among the fridge magnets.
Almaty
Amanulla's little shop has a decent range of reasonably priced Kazakh carpets and dearer ones from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Tajik Painters Union Exhibition Hall
Dushanbe
Comprises of three floors of modern Tajik art, with most pieces for sale. The opening hours here are somewhat erratic.
Bishkek
Pick up a bottle of locally-made cognac, some of the best in Central Asia, at this branded store in the city centre.
Tashkent
A fiesta of fruit bathing in the teal-green glow of its giant, octagonal flying saucer of a roof.
Almaty
Best place in Kazakhstan for hiking, road and city maps; also has dictionaries and phrase books.
Tashkent
Lacks the character of Chorsu, but locals say it has the best, if priciest, produce.
Bishkek
Sells and repairs mountain bikes, ski equipment, and other types of outdoors gear.
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