Exploring the Almora Bazar: A Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant Almora Bazar in Uttarakhand, a blend of traditional crafts, local delicacies, and scenic beauty. Discover unique souvenirs, bustling markets, and the cultural essence of Almora. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic shopping experience.

• Attractions: Chaughanpata, Lala Bazar, Chowk Bazar, Karkhana Bazar, Kutchery Bazar, Shah Residence, Khazanchi Mohalla, Johari Bazar, Thana Bazar, Paltan Bazar, Clock Tower
• Duration: 2 hours
• Suitable for: Families and groups
• Experience: Walking

DAY 1: From Chaughanpata to Karkhana Almora Bazar

The journey through Almora’s bazaars begins at Chaughanpata, the town’s lively heart. This spot is always buzzing due to its many tourist accommodations and is where routes from Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Nainital, and Malla Bazaar converge. The history of Almora’s bazaars dates back to Raja Kalyan Chand of the Chand dynasty, who moved his capital from Champawat to Almora in 1563.

• Lala Bazar Almora

During Holi, Lala Bazar is the place to be for the famous Baithaki Holi. The narrow path from Lala Bazar leads to Karkhana (workshops) Bazar, known for its wooden houses with beautifully carved doors depicting images of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Durga, and Bhairav.

You can explore at your own pace, stopping and wandering as you wish. Lala Bazaar is pedestrian-friendly with a walkway made of corbelled stone, and there are convenient parking spaces in Chaughanpata.

Suggested Read: kasar Devi Temple Almora; Meditate and relax 

DAY 2: Kutchery Bazar

Next, head to Kutchery Bazaar, located next to Karkhana Bazaar. Almora is renowned for its exquisite copperware, a must-buy for visitors. The traditional coppersmiths, or ‘tamtas’, were royal coin-makers 500 years ago. After the Chand dynasty’s downfall, they began making copper utensils and decorative items. The Tamta Mohalla, where these artisans live, is nearby.

DAY 3: Lala Badri Sah’s Residence

Kutchery Bazaar also hosts the residence of the Sah family, including Lala Badri Sah’s house, which welcomed Swami Vivekananda in August 1890. A memorable incident occurred here where Swami Vivekananda is said to have cured a possessed man, making him famous in Almora.

DAY 4: Khazanchi Mohalla

Being the royal capital, Almora was rich with gold, silver, and other valuables. The Khazanchi Mohalla, home to treasurers, still holds some of these treasures. Freedom fighter Mohanlal Shah was born here in 1895. Nearby is the colony of goldsmiths and the Johari Market, where you can buy traditional Kumaoni jewelry, including ‘nath’ (nose rings), ‘chaarau’ (necklaces of black beads), and various bangles. The market also sells pashmina and angora wools, used to make traditional Kumaoni clothing like the ‘ghagra’ (skirt) and ‘pichaura’ (shawl).

DAY 5: Paltan Bazar

Your shopping tour ends at Paltan Bazaar, established in the 16th century during Raja Kalyan Chand’s reign. The slate road of Paltan Bazaar leads to Almora’s iconic Clock Tower, made of stone with a tin roof and a central clock. The trail concludes at a nearby compound with statues of freedom fighters Victor Mohan Joshi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, highlighting Almora’s significant role in India’s freedom struggle.

Bazar o Basar?

• Bazar: Store or market with various products. Example: “We will go to the bazar to buy kitchen utensils.”