What to Buy in Bhutan: Traditional Crafts, Clothing & Local Treats

A lot of people have been to Bhutan, but how many of them can actually say they brought the most precious souvenirs from that nation? Well, the answer is very few. This is because when you’re new to a nation, you’re confused about where to travel, what to purchase, and how much money to actually give to the shopkeepers. A Bhutan tour operator would be able to help you out in understanding the culture and what to actually purchase. But wait no more, because in this guide, we’ll tell you all about the best purchases that you can make in Bhutan. This way, you won’t miss out on your essential shopping items and will have the best tour of your life with Bhutan Travel Now. Here we go:

7 Famous Things To Buy In Bhutan

Here are some of the top Bhutan souvenirs that you can buy:

1. Hand-Woven Textiles

While almost every Asian country has rich textiles, Bhutan still stands in its own individuality and reputation in the market. You’ll see that each fabric here speaks for the artist and the hard work that has gone into the art. 

Here’s what makes these textiles special: 

• Each design has meaning, from protective designs to designs that signify prosperity. 
• These textiles can take anywhere from weeks to months to make. 
• The colors are all dyed using natural dyes.  
• They are detailed, durable, and absolutely invaluable.  

2. Bhutanese Attire

Nothing will truly envelop you in Bhutanese culture more than wearing authentic national attire. You will get to see the bright and colorful kira for women and the thick, structured gho for men in the Bhutanese clothing market. You do not have to buy a whole outfit (unless you’d like to!); a traditional belt, jacket, or scarf all make lovely standalone mementos. Here’s why you really should purchase them: 

• The stitching is done with amazing skill
• You can wear them during festivals or significant events
• They will evoke happy memories of the country’s traditions. 
• Bhutanese clothing items are meaningful gifts. 

If you plan to wear traditional clothing during festivals, it’s helpful to know Bhutanese etiquettes so you can blend in respectfully.

3. Traditional Handmade Jewelry: Vibrant Colors, Distinctive Sizes, and Meaning

Bhutan’s jewelry is distinctive, displayed with larger beads, turquoise stones, coral, and silver pendants. Jewelry that is precious not entirely for its beauty, but it may invoke the country’s rich traditions with nature and spirit. Some examples of this type of jewelry include when purchasing your Bhutan gift items.

• Himalayan turquoise necklace
• Silver pendant with Buddhist inscriptions
• Coral bead bracelets
• Old-style antique jewelry. 

If you want to find unique cultural gift items from Bhutan, jewelry is a great option that has meaning.

4. Bhutanese Art and Paintings

Thangkas and wooden sculptures are authentic art forms in Bhutan. While exploring for art, you will find:

• Thangka scroll paintings,
• Mandala art,
• Masks used for religious dances,
• And carved wooden wall hangings.

5. Wooden Crafts

If you are someone who appreciates items that you can keep and use, Bhutan will certainly have a selection of handcrafted wooden products just for you. Each item has been personally carved by artisans and includes rustic bowls, burnished and carved wooden storage boxes, and other wooden products. There are a few wood crafts that are particularly popular: 

• Dapas (traditional wooden bowls) 
• Carved masks 
• Hand-painted boxes 
• Small furniture

These wood crafts have a modern shape but bring the rural splendor of Bhutan to your home.

6. Incense, Herbal Tea & Natural Products

After experiencing the monasteries and temples, you may become entranced by that sweet Bhutanese smell, earthy, clean, and calming. The good news is you can take it with you.

What to look for:

• Holy grade incense
• Healing balms and handmade soaps
• Most of these items are created in small batches by local communities. They are ideal if you’re considering Buddhist gift items that are soothing, useful, and lightweight.

7. Bhutanese Snacks, Honey, and Local Treats

Want to taste the kind of food that just lands well on your taste buds? Well, you’re in the right place because every meal sample here will leave you just wanting more. This is mainly because people in this country love to have their food in a simple and authentic style.  Here are some of Bhutan’s best snacks.

Best items to buy:

• Wildflower honey 
• Red rice
• Dried apples and pears
• Homemade chili paste 

Conclusion

Remember, every time you buy something from Bhutan, you’ll also bring in a hint of their beautiful culture and heritage.  Not only this, but every fabric, wood carving, and brush stroke that you’ll witness is a sign of beauty and art, and in our opinion, you’ll enjoy this culture a lot. But still, partnering up with a trusted Bhutan tour operator will give you that sense of confidence.  Bhutan Travel Now can help guide you to find real handcrafted pieces. In the end, the most famous Bhutan souvenirs to buy are those pieces that speak to your heart and make you smile long after you leave the Himalayas.

FAQs

1. What mementos ought to be brought back from Bhutan? 

Textiles, traditional apparel, jewelry, incense, wooden crafts are the best things to take back to your home. Bhutanese artwork and paintings are also popular.   

2. Are handicrafts expensive in Bhutan?

It depends on the handicraft. While some of the artifacts can cost you a lot, others, like tea or candles, will be cheaper. 

3. Where is the best place to shop in Bhutan?

You can try out places like the Thimphu Craft Market and Paro town. The local village workshops also have good items.