Amazing and Exciting Places for Shopping in Bhutan

Shopping in Bhutan in unlike any other shopping experience you may have ever had. For starters, shopping there is very region oriented and centric. You may not find everything, everywhere. Secondly, Bhutan is most famous for its regional handicrafts, and they don’t come cheap. Prices here are a direct indication of the hard work and dedication of the local artists in Bhutan. You must respect them and their craft, don’t bargain unless you know for sure that you are ripped off. Although, the Bhutanese people are not known to be disloyal, and won’t try and rip you off in the name of authenticity and tradition.

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Major Shopping centres in Bhutan include the likes of Phuntsheoling, Paro and Thimphu. You can buy local handicrafts such as finely crafted metallic products, handmade paper, Thangkas, Masks, Carpets, Bamboo Handicrafts, Jewellery made using Yak-Bones, Brassware, Handmade Gho and Kira, traditional jewellery, stoles, handwoven bags among other things.

The sale and promotion of Handicrafts are an integral of part of the tourism industry in Bhutan. The lively hood of many artists and store owners depends on tourists. Try and make a small contribution to them by Shopping in Bhutan, even if it’s a few small souvenirs. If you are travelling to Bhutan soon, then refer to this guide as it will tell you everything you need to know about Shopping in Bhutan.

An Overview of Bhutan

Bhutan is a small country nestled in the southern end of the magnificent Eastern Himalayan ranges. The country is known for its biodiversity, rich heritage and age-old cultural traditions, gross national happiness (According to the index, Bhutan is the happiest country in the world), forest conservation and most importantly its scenic natural beauty. 72% of the total area in the country is covered with lush green forests. Bhutan has one of the largest biodiversity spaces in the world.

So, if you are on in search of true peace, calm and happiness then head onto Bhutan and explore its untouched terrains, delicious local cuisine, wellness and spirituality, adventure sports, biodiversity, heritage and shopping.

Bhutanese Handicrafts

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Your experience of Shopping in Bhutan will be incomplete without exploring the immaculate Bhutanese Handicrafts. The local people in Bhutan have developed and perfected the art and science of making the perfect handicrafts that are an accurate representation of the countries rich culture, tradition and historic past.

Local handicrafts include the likes if Wooden Masks, Blankets, Bags, Wall Hangings, Rugs, Containers, Jackets, Handmade Paper, Woven Fabrics, Bamboo Products, Cane Products, Wooden cups and bow among many others.

There are thirteen main categories of handicrafts in Bhutan. They are called “Zorig Chusum” and are said to be an accurate representation of the countries rich culture, tradition and Bhutan’s historic past. You must buy at least on these immaculate handicrafts as a souvenir and Rembrandt of your trip to Bhutan.

Best Places to buy Bhutanese Handicrafts:

1.     Lungta Handicrafts

• Address: Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 8 pm

2.     National Handicraft Emporium

• Address: Nordzin Lam POB 771, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: +975 2 323 245
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

3.     Handicrafts Association of Bhutan

• Address: Cham Lam Rd, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: +975 2 338 089
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

Hand-Woven Textiles

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Bhutanese textiles are made using a variety of products such as silk, raw cotton and cotton. They are then spun into cloth with intricately designed motifs.

The textile production in Bhutan in a fascinating process and many have been inspired by old spiritual tales. Bhutanese Hand-Woven Textiles is a true representation of their culture. Every village and the suburban home in Bhutan has a loom.

So, make you pick up a few pieces of Bhutanese textile while shopping in Bhutan. With every piece of woven fabric, you buy, you also take with you a piece of their culture and history.

Tip: Take a local guide along when you go shopping in Bhutan, especially for textile so he or she can point out the different variety. As well as guide you on the meaning of the different patterns such as birdseye, tree of life, swastika, double thunderbolts, eternal knots etc.

Places to Buy Textiles in Bhutan:

1.     Norzin Lam Craft Stalls

• Address: Thimphu, Bhutan opposite Taj Tashi Hotel.
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

2.     National Handloom Development Project

• Address: Trashigang, Bhutan
• Contact Number: 04-581140 or +975-581122
• Operating Hours: 8 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm – Monday-Friday (April-December)

8 am to 12 pm – Saturday (April-December)

3.     Sephub Gyeltsen Tsongkhang

• Address: Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 8 am to 9 pm

4.     Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre

• Address: Changzamtog, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: +975 77 17 22 66
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

5.     Bhimraj Stores

• Address: BHIMRAJ STORES, SHOP NO. 9/GF-01, THARPAI LAM, Phuntsheoling
• Contact Number: +975 17 60 27 79 Ext 252114
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

Most Recommended: Why Bhutan is the happiest country in the world

Gold and Silver Jewellery

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Bhutanese Women love wearing Jewellery. Immaculately designed gold and silver jewellery are worn on a daily basis and special occasions. Jewellery in Bhutan is made using gold, silver, bronze and precious stones. The local craftsmen are highly skilled at making precious jewellery.

You can buy a variety of Ornaments in Bhutan including Ear Rings, Necklaces, Pins, Arm Ornaments. You can also buy other products like Sheaths and Swords, Lights, Unique Bowls, Vases, Cups, Mugs, Containers all made using the same materials.

You can Buy Bhutanese style Jewellery from these places:

1.     Druk Jewellery

• Address: Traffic Square, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: +975 2 325 485
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

2.     Sorji Jewelry Gift Shop

• Address: Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

Cane and Bamboo Products

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Almost all households in Bhutan use various Cane and Bamboo Products for their day to day activities.

You must explore the vast variety of cane and bamboo products while Shopping in Bhutan. Popular items you can buy include the likes of, Tea Strainers, Cane Hats, Plates, Storage Containers, Bamboo Floor Mats, Bows and Arrow, Wall Hanging, Wooden Baskets, Carpets, Ropes, Bamboo Baskets etc.

Wooden Products

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Bhutanese households are decorated using intricately designed wooden products. They are beautifully designed and bright colours. Buddhist Monasteries, local buildings, house and Dzongs have wooden interiors such as carved pillars, ceilings and walls.

Places You Can Buy Wooden Products:

1.     Handicrafts Market

• Address: Trashi Yangste, Bhutan
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 7 am to 7 pm

2.     Thinley Dendup General Shop and Handicraft

• Address: Chhogyel Lam, Bhutan
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

Postal Stamps

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Postal Stamps may sound like an odd thing to buy as tourist. But your Shopping in Bhutan will be incomplete without getting your hand on some Bhutanese Stamps. Bhutan is a haven for a Philatelist, a person who collects stamps or studies about stamps from all over the world. And since Bhutan has a unique collection of stamps that include stamps of various designs like round, square, rectangle and even 3D, it’s often referred to as a Philatelist’s Paradise.

Bhutanese Stamps have vibrant pictures on them, are brightly coloured and often have detailed imagery on them.

You can even have personalised stamps printed using any image or design. They can be used to send postcards to your loved ones living back home.

Philatelic Bureau (Bhutan Post Office Headquarters)

• Address: PO Building| Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: 02- 322281
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

Buddhists Painting and Sculptures

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Buddhism is the primary religion in Bhutan. As a result of which it has had a lot of impact on its painting and sculptures. Buddhist paintings are known as Ihazo. They are made using mineral paints and depict various aspects of the Buddhist religion. Many Bhutanese Household and building are decorated with these paintings.

Bhutanese sculpture making is a very skilfully and intricate craft, mastered by the local artists. The artists use clay to make their sculptures. In addition to being used for religious and decorative purposes, these sculptures are used for commercial trade purpose. Tourists have sculptures made on order and to their exact specifications.

Thangkas

Best Places to Buddhists Painting and Sculptures are:

1.     Lungta Handicrafts

• Address: Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: NA
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 8 pm

2.     National Handicraft Emporium

• Address: Nordzin Lam POB 771, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: +975 2 323 245
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

3.     Handicrafts Association of Bhutan

• Address: Cham Lam Rd, Thimphu, Bhutan
• Contact Number: +975 2 338 089
• Operating Hours: 9 am to 5 pm (Unconfirmed)

Must Read: Top Places To Visit In Bhutan – The Land Of Happiness

Masks

Masks play an integral part in the Bhutanese way of life. They are used as ornaments in dance performance during festivals, for decorative purposes, religious purposes, and commercial purposes among others.

The Bhutanese tradition of mask making and wearing van be traced back to as early as the 8^th century. More often than not, the masks are carved out of some wood and then decorated with beads, paints and colourful fabrics that often match the costumes if the dancers. The masks are a true representation of the Bhutanese culture, tradition and heritage.

These masks make for great decorative pieces, their bold designs and bright colours immediately catch your eye. Tourist can buy these masks from any souvenir shop or handicraft Museum in Bhutan. They are lightweight and reasonably priced.

Handmade Paper

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Bhutanese handmade paper is a trendy product in demand all over the world. The art of making handmade paper in Bhutan is an ancient one and is passed down from generation to generation. Since Bhutan has vast forest reserves, they manufacture 100% natural handmade paper and handmade paper products using the wood from trees like Daphne.
Handmade Paper in Bhutan is used for religious scriptures, manuscripts, paintings etc. These days, handmade paper is most in demand for gift wrapping purposes. However, since the sourcing of wood is regulated to ensure sustainability, the demand often supersedes the supply.
Popular handmade products include the likes of Dairies, Notebooks, Wrapping Paper, Greeting Cards, Decorative Paper etc.

Also Read: Tour packages of breathtaking beautiful Bhutan

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Shopping in Bhutan

1. What is Shopping in Bhutan like?

Shopping in Bhutan in unlike any other shopping experience you may have ever had. For starters, shopping there is very region oriented and centric. You may not find everything, everywhere. Secondly, Bhutan is most famous for its regional handicrafts, and they didn’t come cheap. Prices here are a direct indication of the hard work and dedication of the local artists in Bhutan. You must respect them and their craft, don’t bargain unless you know for sure that you are ripped off. Although, the Bhutanese people are not known to be disloyal, and won’t try and rip you off in the name of authenticity and tradition.

2. What are the major Shopping Avenues in Bhutan? What can you buy there?

The major Shopping centres in Bhutan include the likes of Phuntsheoling, Paro and Thimphu. You can buy local handicrafts such as finely crafted metallic products, handmade paper, Thangkas, Masks, Carpets, Bamboo Handicrafts, and Jewellery made using Yak-Bones, Brassware, Handmade Gho and Kira, traditional jewellery, stoles, and handwoven bags among other things.

3. What are the local handicrafts that you can buy in Bhutan?

Local handicrafts include the likes of Wooden Masks, Blankets, Bags, Wall Hangings, Rugs, Containers, Jackets, Handmade Paper, Woven Fabrics, Bamboo Products, Cane Products, Wooden cups and bow among many others.

4. What is so special about the textiles of Bhutan?

The textile production in Bhutan in a fascinating process and many designs have taken inspiration from old spiritual tales. Bhutanese Hand-Woven Textiles is a true representation of their culture. Every village and suburban home in Bhutan has a loom.

5. What are the different cane and bamboo products you can buy in Bhutan?

Some of the popular items you can buy include the likes of, Tea Strainers, Cane Hats, Plates, Storage Containers, Bamboo Floor Mats, Bows and Arrow, Wall Hanging, Wooden Baskets, Carpets, Ropes, Bamboo Baskets etc.

6. What’s all the hype about the Stamps in Bhutan?

Bhutan has a unique collection of stamps that include stamps of various designs like round, square, rectangle and even 3D. Bhutanese Stamps have vibrant pictures on them, are brightly coloured and often have detailed imagery on them. You can even have personalised stamps printed using any image or design. They can be used to send postcards to your loved ones living back home.

7. What are Thangkas?

Thangka is a unique style of Buddhist Paintings that are drawn either in silk or cotton fabrics. Thangka painting is often made using coloured background such as red, black and gold and has embroideries drawn on them. Sometimes, they are even block printed.