Shopping

Shopping

Shopping in Bhutan is less about bargaining and more about appreciating the craftsmanship and supporting local artisans. The country’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy extends to its shopping scene, emphasizing quality and authenticity over mass-produced souvenirs.

Here’s a guide to shopping in Bhutan:

What to Buy (Popular Souvenirs & Crafts)

Bhutan is renowned for its “Zorig Chusum,” the 13 traditional arts and crafts. Many souvenirs reflect these ancient skills:

1. Handwoven Textiles: This is arguably the most famous Bhutanese craft. You’ll find exquisite handwoven fabrics, scarves, shawls, bags, and traditional garments like Kira (for women) and Gho (for men). Prices vary dramatically based on the intricacy of the design, the type of silk or cotton used, and the weaving technique. Some elaborate, hand-loomed Kiras can cost thousands of dollars.
   • Price Range: Small scarves can start from USD 20-50, while intricate pieces can be hundreds to thousands of dollars.
2. Wood Carvings (Parzo) and Wooden Products:
   • Dapas (Wooden Bowls): Beautifully crafted wooden bowls, often with lids, are a popular souvenir. They are typically made from special burls and roots of trees.
   • Masks: Vibrant, carved wooden masks used in traditional dances (Tshechus) are popular. You can find both large decorative pieces and smaller replicas.
   • Other Wooden Items: Furniture, altars, and decorative pieces featuring Buddhist symbols or even phalluses (especially near Chimi Lhakhang).
   • Price Range: Small wooden items and replicas can be USD 10-50. Intricate masks can range from USD 50-200+, with antique or very large pieces significantly more.
3. Thangka Paintings (Lhazo): Intricate Buddhist scroll paintings on cotton or silk, depicting deities, mandalas, and religious scenes. These are highly detailed and can be quite expensive, depending on the artist’s skill and size.
   • Price Range: Small Thangkas can start from USD 50-100, while high-quality, large ones can be several hundred to thousands of dollars.
4. Cane and Bamboo Products (Tsharzo): Bhutanese artisans craft beautiful and practical items from bamboo and cane, including baskets (bangchung for carrying snacks), mats, containers, and even lampshades.
   • Price Range: Small baskets or decorative items can be USD 5-30, larger items more.
5. Handmade Paper (Deh-sho): Traditional Bhutanese paper is made from the bark of the Daphne plant. You can buy beautiful handmade paper products like greeting cards, journals, and decorative sheets.
   • Price Range: Small paper products can be a few dollars, journals USD 10-30.
6. Buddhist Sculptures & Religious Artifacts (Jinzo, Lugzo): Small statues of Buddha, prayer wheels, miniature stupas, and other religious items.
7. Jewelry (Troeko): Traditional Bhutanese jewelry crafted from gold, silver, and copper, often adorned with semi-precious stones like turquoise and coral. Dzi beads (Himalayan beads) are particularly sought after, with ancient ones being extremely valuable.
   • Price Range: Varies widely from simple silver pieces (tens of dollars) to elaborate gold and Dzi bead jewelry (hundreds to thousands of dollars).
8. Bhutanese Incense: Made from natural herbs and spices, Bhutanese incense has a distinct, calming aroma and is often used in religious ceremonies.
9. Local Food Products:
   • Bhutanese Red Rice: A unique, nutty, and highly nutritious staple.
   • Local Honey: Known for its natural purity.
   • Yak Cheese (Chhurpi): Hard, chewy yak cheese, often sold in dried sticks.
   • Spices: Especially dried chilies!
10. Lemongrass Spray: A natural insect repellent and aromatic spray.

Where to Shop (Key Locations)

In Thimphu:

• Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar (Handicraft Market): Located along Norzin Lam, this open-air market is a collection of bamboo stalls offering a wide variety of authentic Bhutanese handicrafts sourced directly from rural artisans. It’s an excellent place to browse and find diverse products under one roof. Prices are generally fixed, and quality is good.
• National Handicrafts Emporium: A government-run store (also on Norzin Lam) that offers a curated selection of traditional arts and crafts. Prices are fixed, and you can be assured of authenticity and quality.
• Norzin Lam Street: The main street in Thimphu is lined with various shops selling textiles, jewelry, souvenirs, and general goods.
• Centenary Farmers Market (Weekend Market): While primarily a fresh produce market, the upper floor often has stalls selling local crafts, textiles, and traditional food items. It’s a vibrant place to experience local life, especially from Thursday to Sunday.
• National Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of Traditional Arts): Students here learn the 13 traditional crafts. They often have a small retail outlet where you can buy items made by the students, ensuring authenticity and supporting their training.
• Private Boutiques and Galleries: Thimphu has a growing number of private galleries and boutiques (e.g., Lunga Handicraft, Choki Handicrafts, Tarayana Rural Products) offering higher-end or specialized craft items.

In Paro:

• Paro Market: Similar to Thimphu, Paro has a market area with shops selling textiles, general souvenirs, and sometimes local produce.
• Hotel Shops: Many of the higher-end hotels have their own souvenir shops with a selection of quality crafts.

Other Regions:

• Bumthang: Known for its unique woolen textiles (Yathra and Mathra).
• Eastern Bhutan (e.g., Khoma in Lhuentse): Famous for exquisite silk textiles, particularly Kishuthara.
• Trashiyangtse: Known for its traditional wooden bowls (dapa).

Shopping Tips for Bhutan

• No Antiques: It is strictly forbidden to buy or export antiques or religious artifacts from Bhutan. Stick to newly made handicrafts.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is generally not common in Bhutanese shops, especially in government-run stores or higher-end craft shops where prices are often fixed. In smaller market stalls, you might try a little polite negotiation, but don’t expect dramatic reductions. The prices generally reflect the time and skill involved in creating the handmade items.
• Cash is King (for smaller purchases): While some larger shops and hotel boutiques may accept credit cards, many smaller stalls and local markets prefer or only accept cash (Bhutanese Ngultrum – BTN). It’s always good to have smaller denominations.
• Support Local Artisans: Buying directly from co-operatives, institutes, or the Handicraft Bazaar ensures that your money directly supports the artisans and the preservation of traditional crafts.
• Quality over Quantity: Bhutanese crafts are known for their quality. Don’t be swayed by very cheap imitations, especially for textiles.
• Shipping: If you buy large or fragile items, inquire about shipping options. Some reputable shops may offer international shipping services.

Shopping in Bhutan is an opportunity to take home unique, handcrafted items that truly reflect the country’s rich culture and heritage.