The main retail areas in Bhutan are Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing. The vibrant cultures of the dragon kingdom undoubtedly entice foreign visitors to purchase ethnic goods to bring home with them after their journeys. Bhutan's towns and cities host a variety of weekend markets and local bazaars where you can find fascinating and unusual goods for too-good-to-be-true prices. Here is a list of the top souvenir items that most tourists purchase and bring home:
- Woven bags and fabrics
- Stoles
- Traditional and Gold-Silver jewelry
- The traditional Bhutanese costumes (Handmade Kira and Gho)
- Brassware
- Yak-bone jewelry
- Carpets and rugs
- Masks
- Thangkas
- Finely crafted metal products
- Wooden bowls and cups
- You can buy Cane and bamboo products like utensils, baskets, bow & arrows, floor mats, storage containers, cane hats, wall hangings, tea strainers, etc.
- Handmade paper, jackets, containers, blankets, etc.
- Hand-woven textiles like Adang Rachu, Adang Mathra, and Adang Khamar.
- Himalayan beads (Dzi Beads).
The aforementioned items might not be available at the few department stores and shopping complexes of Bhutan However, you'll find these stores crammed with branded goods like laptops, iPads, and cell phones. Additionally, these shops offer a large selection of clothing, shoes, music systems, toys, kitchenware, perfume, and a variety of other household goods. They also sell jewelry, watches, cameras, fitness equipment, and technological appliances.
The majority of store owners in Bhutan's main tourist regions accept local currencies in addition to US dollars and Indian rupees when doing their shopping. Markets typically open at nine in the morning and stay open until seven in the evening. Some of the well-known locations for buying beloved souvenirs and local items in Bhutan are:
- Norzim Lam Street, Thimphu
- National Textile Museum, Thimphu
- Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center, Thimphu
- Adang Village, Wangdue Phodrang
- Tashi Industries Carpet Factory, Phuentsholing
- Bhutan Art Gallery, Thimphu
- National Institute of Zorig Chusum, Thimphu
- National Handicraft Emporium, Thimphu
- Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Thimphu
- Cheencho Handicraft, Paro
- Lunga Handicraft, Thimphu
- Centenary Farmers Market, Thimphu
- Tea Market, Phuentsholing
- Yoser Lhamo Shop, Jakar
- Authentic Bhutanese Crafts, Thimphu
- Town Square or Clock Tower Square, Thimphu
- Wood Turning and Lacquering Cluster, Trashi Yangtse
- Choki Handicrafts, Paro
- Sorji Jewelry Gift Shop, Thimphu
- Hong Kong Market, Thimphu
- Yanki’s Sales, Paro
- Yarkay Central Mall, Thimphu
- Weekend Market, Thimphu
- Lama Tshering Dorji General Shop, Paro
- Kuenphen Terzoed Weaving and Handicraft House, Paro
- Ethno Metho Plaza, Thimphu
- Tarayana Rural Craft Outlets, Thimphu
- Bhutan Traditional Archery Shop, Thimphu
- Sephub Gyeltsen Tsongkhang, Thimphu
- Yuesel Handicrafts, Paro
- Thinley Choden Handicraft, Trashigang