Shopping & Handicrafts in Sikkim
Sikkim is a paradise for shoppers, offering unique handicrafts, handmade souvenirs, and locally produced specialties. From Buddhist artifacts to organic tea, woolen products, and tribal jewelry, here are the best souvenirs to buy in Sikkim and where to find them.
1. Thangka Paintings – Traditional Buddhist Art
✅ What is it?
- Intricate Tibetan Buddhist paintings on silk or cotton, depicting deities and mandalas.
- Used for meditation and religious rituals.
✅ Why Buy?
- A timeless spiritual souvenir, representing Sikkim’s Buddhist culture.
- Handmade and beautifully detailed by local artisans.
Where to Buy?
- Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Gangtok
- Monasteries like Rumtek & Pemayangtse
Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹50,000 (varies based on size & detail).
2. Prayer Flags & Prayer Wheels – Symbols of Peace & Positivity
✅ What is it?
- Colorful Tibetan prayer flags with sacred mantras, believed to spread blessings in the wind.
- Handheld prayer wheels, used for meditative spinning.
✅ Why Buy?
- Perfect for home décor or personal meditation.
- Symbolizes peace, luck, and prosperity.
Where to Buy?
- Monasteries across Sikkim
- Lal Bazaar, Gangtok
Price Range: ₹100 – ₹2,500.
3. Sikkimese Tea – World-Class Organic Tea
✅ What is it?
- Temi Tea, Sikkim’s only tea estate, produces high-quality organic tea.
- Flavors include black, green, and white tea, known for their rich aroma and health benefits.
✅ Why Buy?
- Sikkim’s finest tea, grown in the Himalayan foothills.
- Great for gifting or personal use.
Where to Buy?
- Temi Tea Garden, South Sikkim
- Government Tea House, MG Marg, Gangtok
Price Range: ₹200 – ₹2,000 per pack.
4. Chhurpi (Himalayan Yak Cheese) – A Healthy & Unique Snack
✅ What is it?
- A traditional Himalayan cheese, made from yak’s milk.
- Soft Chhurpi is used in dishes, while Hard Chhurpi is a chewy snack.
✅ Why Buy?
- Rich in protein & probiotics.
- A rare & exotic delicacy from the Himalayas.
Where to Buy?
- Local markets in Lachen & Lachung (North Sikkim)
- MG Marg, Gangtok
Price Range: ₹100 – ₹500 per pack.
5. Wooden & Bamboo Handicrafts – Eco-Friendly Home Décor
✅ What is it?
- Handmade bamboo and wooden items, including bowls, trays, and furniture.
- Beautifully carved masks, wall hangings, and decorative pieces.
✅ Why Buy?
- Supports local artisans & sustainable craftsmanship.
- Stylish yet eco-friendly souvenirs.
Where to Buy?
- Handicrafts & Handloom Emporium, Gangtok
- Namchi & Ravangla handicraft centers
Price Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000.
6. Sikkimese Traditional Dresses – Bhutia & Lepcha Attire
✅ What is it?
- Bakhu – A Bhutia-style cloak, similar to a Tibetan dress.
- Dumvum & Shambo – Traditional Lepcha dresses with a unique belt design.
✅ Why Buy?
- A beautiful way to embrace Sikkimese culture.
- Perfect for photography & cultural events.
Where to Buy?
- MG Marg, Gangtok
- Local tailors & fabric stores in Namchi & Pelling
Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000.
7. Handmade Woolen Carpets & Blankets – Warm & Artistic
✅ What is it?
- Tibetan-style woolen carpets, woven with traditional geometric patterns.
- Handmade yak wool shawls & blankets for winter warmth.
✅ Why Buy?
- Handwoven using traditional techniques.
- Durable, high-quality wool, perfect for cold weather.
Where to Buy?
- Handicrafts Emporium, Gangtok
- Carpet weaving centers in Ravangla & Namchi
Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹15,000.
8. Himalayan Spices & Organic Honey – A Taste of the Mountains
✅ What is it?
- Locally grown cardamom, ginger, wild honey, and Sichuan pepper.
- Sikkim is India’s largest producer of large cardamom!
✅ Why Buy?
- Adds authentic Himalayan flavors to your kitchen.
- Natural, organic, and chemical-free.
Where to Buy?
- MG Marg & Lal Bazaar, Gangtok
- Rural co-operative stores in West & North Sikkim
Price Range: ₹200 – ₹1,500.
9. Beaded & Silver Jewelry – Authentic Tribal Accessories
✅ What is it?
- Handmade jewelry with beads, turquoise, and silver.
- Traditional designs worn by Lepcha & Bhutia women.
✅ Why Buy?
- Unique, ethnic, and stylish jewelry pieces.
- Handcrafted using locally sourced materials.
Where to Buy?
- MG Marg, Gangtok
- Handicraft markets in Ravangla & Namchi
Price Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000.
10. Local Handwoven Bags & Accessories – Fashion with a Sikkimese Touch
✅ What is it?
- Traditional handwoven bags, wallets, and pouches.
- Made from organic fabric & dyed naturally.
✅ Why Buy?
- Sustainable and fashionable souvenir.
- Perfect for gifts or daily use.
Where to Buy?
- Cottage industries & local markets in Gangtok
- Handicraft emporiums in Namchi & Pelling
Price Range: ₹300 – ₹3,000.
