Bhutan offers a unique shopping experience centered around its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.1 Here are some famous items to consider buying:Textiles: Bhutanese textiles are renowned for their intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and high quality.2 Woven by hand using traditional backstrap looms, these fabrics often incorporate complex Buddhist symbols and motifs.3
Kira and Gho: The traditional attire for women and men, respectively.4 You can buy ready-made ones or fabric to be tailored. High-quality, handwoven Kiras can be expensive and are considered valuable items.
Yathra: Colorful woolen cloth woven in the Bumthang region, often used for blankets, cushion covers, bags, and jackets.5
Other textiles: Look for stoles, scarves, wall hangings, and table runners in various materials like silk, cotton, and wool.
Handicrafts: Bhutan boasts a vibrant tradition of handcrafted items, often reflecting religious and cultural significance.6
Thangkas: Intricately painted Buddhist scroll paintings depicting deities, mandalas, and religious scenes.7 The quality and price can vary greatly depending on the detail and materials used.
Wood carvings: Skilled artisans create beautiful masks (often used in religious festivals), bowls (Dapas and Phobs), statues, and other decorative items from wood.8
Bamboo and cane crafts: Baskets (Bangchungs), mats, containers, and other useful and decorative items are skillfully woven from bamboo and cane.9
Handmade paper (Dezo): Made from the bark of the Daphne and Edgeworthia plants, this paper is insect-resistant and has a unique texture.10 You can find notebooks, greeting cards, and other paper products.11
Metalwork:
Bronze statues: Often depicting Buddha and other religious figures, these can be found in various sizes and levels of detail.12
Traditional jewelry: Look for silver and gold ornaments, often adorned with precious and semi-precious stones like turquoise and coral.13
Other Unique Items:
Postage stamps: Bhutan is famous for its beautiful and innovative postage stamps, which can be a unique souvenir.14
Incense: Locally made incense with natural ingredients is popular.15
Local honey: Bhutanese honey is known for its purity as beekeepers often follow traditional and sustainable practices.16
Cordyceps: A high-altitude fungus with purported medicinal properties, though it can be quite expensive.17
Where to Shop:
Thimphu: The capital city offers the widest range of shopping options, including:

Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: A vibrant open-air market with numerous stalls selling handicrafts directly from artisans.18
National Handicraft Emporium: A government-run store ensuring authenticity and supporting local artisans.19
Weekend Market: A large and bustling market where you can find a variety of goods, including handicrafts and textiles (operates from Thursday to Sunday).
Norzin Lam: The main street in Thimphu with various shops and boutiques.20

Paro: Has several craft shops and markets, especially around the main town area.21
Other towns: You'll find smaller shops and local markets in other towns like Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, and Bumthang, often offering regional specialties.22
Important Considerations:
Authenticity: Be aware that some items might be imported. If you're looking for genuine Bhutanese handicrafts, try to buy from reputable shops, government-run emporiums, or directly from artisans.
Prices: Bargaining is generally not a common practice in Bhutanese shops, especially in government-run stores or established handicraft shops. However, you might be able to negotiate politely in local markets.
Export Restrictions: Be aware that there are restrictions on exporting antiques and certain religious artifacts. It's best to inquire with your guide or the shop owner before purchasing such items.
Shopping in Bhutan is not just about buying souvenirs; it's an opportunity to appreciate the country's rich artistic traditions and support local communities.23