The dried apricot market stalls in Leh, Ladakh, form a vibrant cornerstone of the region's local economy and cultural heritage.
Concentrated along the bustling streets of Leh Main Bazaar and Moti Market, these stalls are run mostly by local Ladakhi women who display open sacks and woven baskets overflowing with various grades of dried apricots, locally known as chuli. Visitors can find a wide range of varieties, from sun-dried, naturally tart whole apricots with the kernel inside to the highly prized Raktsey Karpo, a sweet variety unique to Ladakh featuring a distinct white seed kernel.
Beyond raw dried fruit, these market stalls have increasingly evolved into one-stop hubs for derivative apricot products driven by rising tourist demand and Ladakh's Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognitions. Vendors offer cold-pressed apricot kernel oil, apricot jams, fruit bars, and edible apricot seeds, which taste similar to almonds. The trade not only provides vital seasonal income for rural farming households across the Sham Valley and Nubra Valley but also preserves traditional Himalayan post-harvest preservation methods in one of India's most high-altitude cold deserts.
Stalls selling dried apricots |
Choosing and tasting the dried apricots |
Buying the dried apricots |
See Also
Source
Location