Overview
Learn about what makes shopping in Sikkim special, what are the things to buy in Sikkim and the best places to shop from.
Table of Contents
Shopping in Sikkim: Introduction
What to Buy in Sikkim?
- Organic Tea
- Thangka Paintings
- Singing Bowls
- Prayer Flags
- Tibetan Carpets
- Chhurpi
- Organic Spices
- Wooden Crafts
- Bamboo Items
- Silver/Semi-Precious Jewellery
- Organic Himalayan Honey
- Bamboo Pickles
- Timur (Sichuan Pepper)
Best Places to Buy Souvenirs from Sikkim
- Lal Bazaar
- MG Marg
- Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms
- Kheunpheling Carpet Centre
- New Market
- Old Market
- Lachen Market
Conclusion
Shopping in Sikkim: Introduction
Sikkim is among the most popular states in India for tourism. Renowned for its pleasant climate, monasteries, and picturesque scenery, Sikkim attracts many tourists. In last year (2025), Sikkim alone pulled over 1.7 million tourists, out of which a huge chunk is formed by domestic tourists.
The state offers a variety of experiences including adventurous, cultural, culinary, spiritual and more. Out of all the experiences one has in Sikkim, shopping remains a fun and rewarding exercise that will keep one hooked for hours. Even if you are not into shopping, something or the other will definitely catch your eye. Be it a handicraft, a bamboo or cane storage box or prayer flags, there is something beautiful and unique for everyone.
What to Buy from Sikkim?
Sikkim is filled with incredible and colourful items that you can take home with you as a keepsake. Artisans in Sikkim are known for their incredible bamboo and cane crafts, carpet making, and paintings. Here are all the items that are sold as souvenirs and curios in Sikkim. Each item carries a part of Sikkim’s history, culture and identity.
| What to Shop | |
| Organic Tea | Buy naturally sourced tea from Sikkim’s Temi Tea estate. |
| Thangka Paintings | Miniature paintings hand drawn on cotton, silk and paper depicting the life of Buddha. |
| Singing Bowls | These bowls have mantras engraved on them and come with a wooden stick. When you hit and move the stick around the rim, it produces a sound which is believed to cleanse off any negative vibrations. |
| Prayer Flags | Colourful prayer flags with mantras or imagery decided on them. They are believed to spread the high vibrations of the mantra in their air. |
| Tibetan Carpets | Adorned with intricate designs and colours, Tibetan carpets are a work of fine craftsmanship. Their prices start above INR 3500/- |
| Chhurpi | Chhurpi or a hardened Cheese is made from yak’s milk or sometimes cow’s milk is rich in protein and calcium. |
| Organic Spices | Sikkim grows the following species: large cardamom, turmeric, chillies, ginger, bay leaf that you can buy. |
| Wooden Crafts | Hand carved wooden crafts are the highlight of Sikkimese craftsmanship. This includes choktse table, cham dance masks, etc |
| Bamboo Items | Switch from plastic to bamboo containers. Sikkim craftsmen are skilled at making bamboo items like fruit and vegetable baskets, beer mugs, hair clips, flower vases, containers. |
| Silver/Semi-Precious Jewellery | The intricate and handmade Sikkim jewellery is made using the influence of Lepchas, Nepalis, and Bhutia people. |
| Organic Himalayan Honey | Carry the sweetness of Sikkim home by purchasing organic Himalayan Honey. |
| Bamboo Pickles | Made from tender bamboo shoots, bamboo pickles are eaten with great enthusiasm. |
| Timur (Sichuan Pepper) | An extremely hot spice with a citrusy flavour that adds flavour and heat to the dishes. |
Best Places to Buy Souvenirs from Sikkim
- Lal Bazaar – The most popular and affable place to shop in Sikkim, Laal Bazaar is on the recommendation list of many people who go and shop from Sikkim. It is located below MG Marg and comes alive on weekends.
- MG Marg – The most pedestrian friendly boulevard in the country, MG Marg is the commercial hub of Gangtok lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here you can buy books, magnets, postcards, and other curios.
- Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms – To buy 100% authentic handicrafts, carpets, bamboo and cane items, masks, etc. visit the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms in Gangtok.
- Kheunpheling Carpet Centre – For woven items like carpets and rugs, visit Kheunpheling Carpet Centre. Here you will find handcrafted shawls and carpet made by Tibetan refugees. This centre is located in Ravangla.
- New Market – Located in downtown Gangtok area, the charming market of Sikkim is filled with a variety of items. You will find stacks of dry fruits, mango peels, sweets and other dry snacks besides the usual souvenirs in the shops.
- Old Market – Just adjacent to MG Mark lies Sikkim’s old market where you will find daily produce being sold. You will also find items such as Bhakus clothing) and fashion accessories
- Lachen Market – In the small hamlet of Lachen, you will find a market where you can buy organic Himalayan honey, tea, and spices.
Conclusion
Sikkim, despite its small size offers a galore of items to its visitors. From spices to honey to tea and more, shopping is extremely fun in Sikkim’s pleasant weather. If you need assistance in Sikkim or are in search of a local travel planner, https://sikkimtourism.org/ is reliable partner offering exclusive trips and flexible itineraries for Sikkim tours.
