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
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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,…
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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…
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Samarkand
Around and behind Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand's frenetic, colourful main market is a great place for both vegetarians and photographers (vegetarian…
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Samarkand
If you are interested in buying suzani (embroidery), owner Dilshod in the Tilla-Kari Medressa is very knowledgeable and gives an excellent free…
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Dushanbe
This attractive gallery is stocked with tasteful modern crafts, including hand-painted ceramic plates, wooden boxes and woollen items.
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Bishkek
Stylishly presented, high-quality embroidery and pottery, both modern and traditional. Credit cards accepted.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Tajikistan
Upholding a tradition dating back 2000 years, blacksmiths at this mini-bazaar whet the edges of top-quality knives using traditional tools, including…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Nur-Sultan (Astana)
These (mostly) tasteful, high-end gifts include framed traditional silver belt ornaments and necklaces, locally designed crystal goblet sets, chess sets,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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Kyrgyzstan
Shyrdak and ala-kiyiz carpets, plus a selection of modern souvenirs, are available at this women's cooperative next door to CBT.
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Dushanbe
A selection of local crafts and souvenirs are offered here including mineral trees, embroidery and scarves in among the fridge magnets.
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Almaty
Amanulla's little shop has a decent range of reasonably priced Kazakh carpets and dearer ones from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
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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.
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Bishkek
Pick up a bottle of locally-made cognac, some of the best in Central Asia, at this branded store in the city centre.
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Tashkent
A fiesta of fruit bathing in the teal-green glow of its giant, octagonal flying saucer of a roof.
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Almaty
Best place in Kazakhstan for hiking, road and city maps; also has dictionaries and phrase books.
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Tashkent
Lacks the character of Chorsu, but locals say it has the best, if priciest, produce.
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Bishkek
Sells and repairs mountain bikes, ski equipment, and other types of outdoors gear.
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