Leh, July 23 - Breathtaking Leh, this predominantly Buddhist region bordering China, is not just a pilgrimage place for many, a trekking idyll but also, strangely, a shoppers' paradise.

When tourists invade this small town in Jammu and Kashmir, all roads seem to lead to the Main Bazar where bargaining is a fine art.

From Buddhist prayer wheels to Tibetan singing bowls, from the famed pashmina shawls to trendy customised T-shirts, there is no end to the wide variety of attractions.

But nothing beats Leh's main attraction: turquoise jewellery.

Ashwani Kapila from Bangalore bought a turquoise neck piece for his wife after lots of bargaining and window shopping.

'This place is very famous for turquoise jewellery. My wife wanted something for her. After a lot of searching I am happy with my choice. I'm sure she too will like it,' said Kapila, on a holiday with his friends.

Briton Christine Barlow, an avid trekker on her second visit to Leh, told a visiting IANS correspondent that she bargains a lot -- because that is what Lonely Planet advises.

'I find these pretty exclusive,' Barlow said after buying turquoise jewellery. 'I also managed to get prayer wheels for 200 rupees. I think it is a great buy.'

It's just not this modern-day jewellery that tourists splurge on. Many go for traditional Ladakhi jewellery and antiques.

A hugely popular attraction is 'Mandala', a cloth painting that depicts the life of Lord Buddha in a geometric pattern.

'These are hand paintings and it takes up to two and a half months to prepare one,' explained Mohammad Ashraf, owner of Little Tibet, one of the 100-odd shops in the very heart of Leh town.

According to Ashraf, some tourists ask for the traditional 'Parakh' - a jewellery a father gives to his elder daughter at her wedding studded with precious stones like turquoise, amber and coral.

An authentic piece can cost around Rs.100,000. Antique collectors love it.

Said Ashraf: 'There are not many takers for Parakh. There are so many fake pieces in the market. One should have knowledge about gems and stones before buying one.