Shopping In Gangtok : 15 Things That Can Be Taken Home As Mesmerizing Souvenirs!
Top 15 Things To Buy In Gangtok
Here’s a list of the best things to buy during your shopping in Gangtok. You’ll be amused to see how everything from home decor to clothes is so beautifully handcrafted in this city.
- Tibetan Carpets
- Semi-Precious Stones & Silver Jewelry
- Sikkim Tea
- Thangkas
- Buddhist Figurines & Prayer Flags
- Wall Hangings
- Sikkimese Cups
- Alpine Cheese
- Black Cardamom
- Fresh Bamboo Shoots
- Hand-Woven Jackets
- Choksee
- Hand-Carved Wooden Tables
- Sikkimese Liqueur
- Masks
1. Tibetan Carpets
Unlike any other home decor item on sale, the tibetan carpets are one of the best things to shop in Gangtok. Beautifully reflecting the art and culture of Sikkim, you can use it in your living room to give it a traditional touch. And if you really wish to buy an original work of art, head right to the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (DHH).
2. Semi-Precious Stones & Silver Jewelry
Dragon jewelry, precious stones, and all kinds of accessories made of silver are quite famous in the city of Gangtok. You can find almost every other shop in the city selling these. But if youre really into jewelry and wish to take home only the most authentic and traditional one, make sure you buy from Sikkimese Handicraft & Jewellery.
3. Sikkim Tea
Grown at the popular Temi Tea Garden, the Sikkim Tea is an organic tea that can be bought as a souvenir too. The refreshing and healthy taste of the tea makes one fall in love with chai even if he or she is not already. And as far as the price goes, a pack of Green Tea from the garden costs around INR 120.
4. Thangkas
Thangkas or Thankas are popular miniature paintings that depict the lifestyle and important events from Buddhas life, Buddhist deities, and the mystic mandalas. These paintings are mostly made on cotton, silk, and paper are amongst the best things to buy in Gangtok. They might seem a bit costly and feel delicate, but they are worth every dime.
5. Buddhist Figurines & Prayer Flags
Of all the things in the city, if theres one thing that very prominently beautifies it all, it is the colorful prayer flags that flutter in the air and extend a warm welcome to all those who come to Gangtok. Apart from this, the Buddha statues are another attraction that can be bought as a souvenir for your loved ones. Both these things come in various sizes and can be chosen accordingly. Some of the best places for shopping in Gangtok-are MG Market and Buddha Park of Ravangla, especially for these items.
6. Wall Hangings
Canvas and wall hangings are amongst the other famous shopping items in Gangtok that you need to add to your list. You can pick beautiful Tibetan lanterns or colorful hangings from MG Market, which is the best shopping place in Gangtok. Most of these items cost around INR 100 and reflect the colorful history of the city.
7. Sikkimese Cups
Shopping in Gangtok, Sikkim is an absolute delight, thanks to things like the Sikkimese cups that keep popping up in between. Made up of ceramic with colorful art printed on them like dragons and events, these cups make up for great souvenir gifts. You can pick them up from the MG Market and the Lal Market for as low as INR 80 per piece.
8. Alpine Cheese
Shopping in Gangtok is as offbeat and interesting as it can get. Out of all the things that Gangtok is known for, its alpine cheese wins when it comes to the most unique souvenirs. Made with a combination of Indo and Swiss, this European delicacy is Sikkim’s specialty. As the rich, yellow Gouda cheese melts in the mouth right after a bite, it makes one forget all about the calories. Alpine Cheese is not something that one can resist and hence, it is a global flavor sensation.
9. Black Cardamom
Among many things that India is known for, its flavoursome and aromatic food is what takes away the heart of many. Black cardamom is one of the most important ingredients of Indian cuisine and is used in dishes like Biryani from Hyderabad, Dal Makhani from Punjab, and vegetable stew from Tamil Nadu. Sikkim probably offers the best flavors when it comes to black cardamom or ‘Bari Alcha’. This fragrant ingredient is indeed one of the best souvenirs for your moms, aunts, and chefs back at home.
10. Fresh Bamboo Shoots
Sikkim has an ultra food scene that makes the foodies out there in the world go weak on the knees. Fresh bamboo shoots are something that one cannot find in any other part of the country but in Sikkim. The sweet and juicy flavor of bamboo shoots is a reason enough to take it for yourself and the family back home. It’s similar to carrying a slice of Gangtok with you. Do carry some shoots back for your friend chefs or homecooks as the number of dishes these shoots can be used in is truly extraordinary.
11. Hand-Woven Jackets
Another thing that makes shopping in Gangtok an experience to remember is the hand-woven jacket that is idyllic for those who love to get an insight into the cultures of different towns and cities. These jackets exude tradition from each of its yarn. Handicrafts in Sikkim are perfect to witness the impressive craftsmanship. These are kimono style jackets adorning beautiful embroidery. You can find these jackets at Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms.
12. Choksee
Sikkim is a destination that is all about customs, traditions, and heritage. Another souvenir that you can buy while shopping in Sikkim is Choksee. Choksee is the finest example of Tibetan craftsmanship. This is a Tibetan designed table that can make your living room more aesthetically pleasing and culturally inclined. This piece of work is as artistic and colorful as it can get and attracts the art lovers
13. Hand-Carved Wooden Tables
Apart from the Tibetan style tables, one can also find the hand-carved tables in Sikkim. Tables might seem a bit too much to carry as souvenirs, but the intricate designs of these hand made tables will make you think otherwise. The tables in Sikkim are built using ‘tooni’ or toona celiata, ‘rani chhaap’ or Macalia Exelsa, and ‘okher’ or Walnut. The eye-catching patterns and designs of these tables makes it difficult to not purchase them.
14. Sikkimese Liqueur
This is something for adults. For those who love to stock up their bars with liqueurs from various parts of the world, the country should consider going for the local, authentic flavours of Sikkim. Right from paan and orange liqueur to ginger and cardamom liqueur, the variety of liqueurs that Sikkim has to offer is outstanding. You can surely add the diversity in flavors to your home bar or carry some flavours for your friends back home!
15. Masks
Another thing that one can only find in Sikkim are the colorful and extremely creative masks. There are little workshops spread all across the country that one can visit to witness the making of this handicraft. A particular wood named ‘Zaru wood’ or ‘Zaru Shing’ is mostly used to make these masks. Such masks adorn the shapes and faces of various deities, animals, and other legends.
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