Nestled among the eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a vibrant and scenic capital city of the Indian state of Sikkim. From stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga to the lively local markets, the city has something for everyone! Set at an elevation of 1,605 meters (5410 feet), it is a vibrant center of Himalayan craft, Tibetan-Sikkamese culture, and regional agriculture. Similarly, shopping in this city offers a mix of sacred art, wood carvings, hand-loomed textiles, and more. So, here is a list of the 10 best things to shop for in Gangtok.
Best Things To Buy In Gangtok
1. Organic Temi Tea
Sikkim is home to Temi Tea Garden, which is known as the state’s only tea estate. Spread along the slopes of Tendong Hill, Temi is known to produce some of the world’s finest 100% organic tea. It is loved for its amber-toned body, clean finish, and naturally sweet aroma. You can visit MG Marg’s specialized shops and local stockists. They sell packaged varieties of organic Temi Tea. Other local markets like Lal Bazar feature small tea stores such as the Sikkim Tea Centre. Here you can buy a variety of teas like Oolong, Green, or White tea.
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2. Traditional Thangka Paintings
A Thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist scroll painting. It is created on silk or cotton applique which depicts mandalas, deities, or scenes from Buddha’s life. The artists use mineral pigments (even ground gold) to paint intricate religious imagery that takes several months to be completed. You can buy printed paper replicas of these paintings in souvenir shops along MG Marg. But if you wish for genuine hand-painted paintings, you can enquire about certified hand-painted ones at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. You can also visit the master studios around Rumtek Monastery.
3. Hand-Woven Tibetan Carpets And Lepcha Textiles
Sikkim has a rich weaving heritage that combines traditional Lepcha geometrical patterns with Tibetan knotting methods. The hand-woven Tibetan rugs are crafted from high-altitude sheep wool and dyed with organic pigments. The popular motifs are medallions, floral borders, and central dragons. You can look for Lepcha handloom products for small textile gifts. This includes shawls, shoulder bags, table runners, and winter jackets. You can buy authentic woven carpets and textiles from the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms in Gangtok. They can also be bought from small family-owned weaver shops along Tibet Road.
4. Sikkimese Pickles
People who love food must try Gangtok’s spicy preserves. Dalle Khursani, which is the star of local cuisine, is a bright red, cherry-sized chilli pepper and is used to prepare pickle here. It is known for its fruity aroma and intense spice level. Local vendors pack these into jars, which are convenient to take home. They also have variations where it is mixed with bamboo shoots or even processed into dips. You can shop for them at Lal Bazaar or local grocery shops along the Lal Bazaar road.
5. Hand-Carved Choktse Tables
Choktse Tables are one of the most impressive examples of Sikkimese woodworking. It is a traditional wooden table that folds flat. It is carved intricately from woods like Walnut or Tooni (red cedar). They are all decorated with Buddhist motifs, including dragons, snow lions, lotus flowers, and Asthamangala (eight auspicious symbols). As these tables are collapsible, you can conveniently pack them for travel. You can buy them at the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, as they sell authentic pieces and also help you support the local artisans.
Also Read: What Are The Best Places To Visit In Sikkim? 15 Destinations You Should Know
6. Sikkimese Ceramic Cups
If you want a nice functional souvenir that reminds you of the local aesthetics, Sikkimese cups are the perfect ones. They are fine porcelain or ceramic mugs that feature vibrant traditional motifs like clouds, floral patterns, and double dragons. It also comes with a complete matching porcelain saucer and lid. The lid makes sure that the heat of the tea inside is retained. You can easily shop for them along MG Marg and New Market, packed in padded, safe gift boxes.
7. Large Black Cardamom
Sikkim is said to be one of the largest producers of black cardamom in the world. They are grown in shade-covered Himalayan orchards. These dark pods are dried over a wood fire and then are given a distinct smoky flavor, which is essential for authentic biryanis, curries, and even herbal broths. You can skip all the tourist gift shops that are located in the main markets and directly buy them from Lal Bazaar’s upper spice floor. You will find local farmers selling freshly cured cardamom at wholesome rates by weight.
8. Himalayan Cheese
Sikkim has two distinct cheese traditions: Alpine Swiss Cheese and Chhurpi, or traditional cheese. Alpine Swiss Cheese is basically aged Gouda-style cheese is smooth, malty, and rich. Chhurpi is a traditional cheese that is available in both hard and soft forms. The hard one consists of small, rock-hard smoked cheese cubes that are made from cow or yak milk. You can find it at Sikkim Dairy Products retail outlets and Lal Bazaar’s cheese counters.
9. Singing Bowls
Tap into the long-standing Himalayan tradition of sound healing and meditation with singing bowls. They offer a wide variety of choices across local markets, like Machine-Cast brass bowls and hand-hammered seven-metal bowls. The first one offers a smooth surface with etched mantras or Buddhist motifs. The latter ones are made from an alloy of seven metals, which represent celestial bodies. You can shop for them at MG Marg souvenir shops and also local handicraft emporiums.
10. Jewellery
The traditional Sikkimese and Tibetan jewelry features intricate silver work. It is embedded with semi-precious stones like red coral, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. One of the most unique items to buy here is Ghau, which is a small silver amulet box. It is traditionally worn around the neck by Himalayan locals and holds traditional mantras, small protective relics, and printed prayers. Shop at established jewellers in New Market rather than open-air souvenir stalls.
Also Read: 10 Best Cafes & Restaurants In Gangtok You Need To Visit On Your Trip To Sikkim
Author’s Note
Bringing back souvenirs for your friends, family members, or even yourself is always a good idea. When I went to Gangtok, I shopped for some beautiful silvery jewellery, carpets, and large black cardamoms. All of these are highly recommended by me!
Summing Up
We have listed out all the amazing things you can shop for in Gangtok that will feel like taking a piece of Sikkim back with you. While buying Sikkim local products, remember that prices at government outlets are generally fixed, while you can try to bargain at the local markets.
