Shopping In Sikkim Guide To Buy Authentic Handicrafts & Souvenirs In 2025
Hemmed in by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal, Sikkim is a beautiful state in northeast India. The pleasant climate, organic vegetation, snow-covered landscape and decent commercialisation have endeared Sikkim as one of the best destinations. While the landscape offers various adventure activities, Shopping in Sikkim is an experience that every traveller must enjoy on a tour. One can easily shop for the best souvenirs, handicrafts, prayer flags, woollen carpets, etc. Check out the top shopping places in Sikkim that offer you the best of each category listed above.
5 Places For Shopping In Sikkim
Sikkim is largely inhabited by three ethnic groups – Lepcha, Nepali and Bhutia- practising different cultures. Whether you are planning a trip to the places to visit in north Sikkim or south, the multicultural aspect of Sikkim has given birth to a number of things – food, costumes and festivals. In order to enjoy the best of these diversities, we suggest you try shopping in Sikkim. Check out these 5 best shopping destinations in Sikkim for a fantastic experience –
1. MG Road
2. Lal Bazaar
3. New Market
4. Old Market
5. Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms
1. MG Road
One of the main commercial areas of Sikkim, MG Road, is located in Gangtok. It is an open Sikkim market in the heart of the city and acts as the hotspot for all major shops, restaurants, etc. MG Road is largely famous for its traditional Sikkimese cups, Thangkas, and Choksi table designs. Shopping for garments, souvenirs, trinkets, accessories, and footwear is the best thing to do in Sikkim. It is surely one of the best places for handicrafts shopping in Sikkim.
- Location: MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
- Operating Time: 8 AM to 7 PM
- What To Buy: Sikkimese cheese, thangka paintings, prayer flags, woollen carpets, handmade paper products, Sikkimese tea, organic spices, and bamboo and cane crafts
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2. Lal Bazaar
Located in East Sikkim, Lal Bazaar is fondly known as the soul of Sikkim's kitchen and is a famous market in Sikkim. It is the best place to shop for organic and farm products, sold by the local villagers. Take a walk down the streets of this flea market to shop for dried fish and exotic eatables. You can also take a detour to the nearby posh shopping arena, MG Road.
- Location: Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim
- Operating Time: 8 AM to 6 PM (Except Thursdays)
- What To Buy: Fresh produce, street food, clothing, footwear, stationery, utensils, and cups
3. New Market
If you want to go for shopping in Gangtok, New Market is where you should go. The new market is considered one of the most popular markets in Sikkim. It is a bustling little marketplace in the main area of Gangtok. Some of the best items to buy from New Market are dry fruits, barfis and sweet mango peels. A lot of tourists come here to shop for dried mango peels that can be carried back home.
- Location: Near MG Marg, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim
- Operating Time: 8 AM to 7 PM
- What To Buy: Traditional Sikkimese clothing, handicrafts, Tibetan prayer flags, and local tea, spices, and organic produce
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4. Old Market
One of the liveliest shopping places in Sikkim is the Old Market. Located in MG Marg, this market is famous for fashion wear and accessories. Old Market is always buzzing with the overwhelming tone of tourists who bargain for a good deal. Make sure to check out the Dogra jewellery and handicraft sets that are sold here. You can also shop for walnuts and almonds, which are again best-sellers here.
- Location: Near MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim
- Operating Time: 9 AM to 8 PM
- What To Buy: Authentic Sikkimese handicrafts, including traditional wood carvings, handwoven textiles, thangka paintings, and jewellery, along with local spices, tea, and other souvenirs
5. Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms
Located at the furthermost edge of Tibet Road, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms is a famous Sikkim market for its distinct, large Sales Emporium. This is one of the best shopping destinations in Sikkim if you are looking for authentic Sikkimese handcrafted items and artwork. Local artisans and craftsmen are engaged to create these fine traditional products. You can find stunning Thangkas, artistic wood carvings, decorative wall hangings, soft woollen carpets and more.
- Location: Zero Point, NH 31 A, Gangtok, Sikkim
- Operating Time: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
- What To Buy: Authentic Sikkimese handcrafted, wood carvings like 'Choktse' tables, wooden masks, carpets, and Thangka paintings
Related Post: Sikkim In June
9 Things To Buy In Sikkim
As there are some amazing places to go shopping in Sikkim, you must also know what to expect from them. Listed below are some of the things you can buy in Sikkim!
1. Masks
The uniquely designed masks available in huge numbers in some of the markets in Sikkim signify the very essence of this state of India. You’ll find various giant masks worn by monks and some locals to perform some of the prominent rituals or in festivals of Sikkim. These masks are made from unique wood, and each mask represents the heritage and craftsmanship of Sikkimese artists.
- Price: Starting from INR 600
- Best Places To Shop Mask: Tibetan Curio Craft, Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom and MG Road Market
2. Tea
Image Credit: Subhrajyoti07 for Wikimedia Commons
Tea is one of the best beverages that can be found in Sikkim and this is why you must take back some packets home. You can buy some of the best teas at Temi Tea Gardens. Temi Tea is full of aroma and flavour, make it a ideal gift for loved ones. Additionally, you can explore the Sikkim's tea garden and take an authentic experience.
- Price: Starting from INR 200
- Best Places To Shop Tea: Sikkim Tea Center, Mg Road Markets, Golden Tea Company
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3. Traditional Dress
Longing what is famous in Sikkim for shopping? Head to the clothes markets of Sikkim, where you can buy Sikkimese ethnic dresses. The fabric and designs of these dresses will definitely tempt you to buying one of them. This can be one of the best souvenirs you’ll take back from your Sikkim trip.
- Price: Starting from INR 600
- Best Places To Shop Traditional Dress: Old Market, MG Road Markets, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom
4. Thangkas
Thangkas are religious scrolls that are supposed to be hung on the walls. You can find various designs and styles in them. The fine fabric and intricate embroidery make them one of the best souvenirs from Sikkim. Thangkas are vibrant Buddhist paintings portraying deities, historic scenes, and mandalas.
- Price: Starting from INR 2,000
- Best Places To Shop Thangkas: M.G. Road, Lal Bazaar, and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom
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5. Prayer Flags
If you are going for shopping in Sikkim, you will discover colourful prayer flags welcoming tourists. Prayer flags are generally displayed on waterfalls, roadsides, paths heading towards the lake, and mountain tops, making the places to visit in Sikkim worthy. The flags symbolise the goodness of worship among the people, which you might also take away and display on your car, shelves, or outside your home.
- Price: Starting from INR 250
- Best Places To Shop Prayer Flags: Lal Bazaar and MG Marg
6. Singing Bowls
These bowls are generally displayed in Buddhist monasteries and are regarded as one of the favourite souvenirs from Sikkim. The singing bowls are metallic bowls made of mixing various metals and mantras engraved on them. These bowls are accompanied by a wooden stick, which produces sound, thus making the bowl sing, hence, the singing bowl.
- Price: Starting from INR 700
- Best Places To Shop Singing Bowls: M. G. Market, Handicraft Buddhist Shop, Sikkim Shine
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7. Prayer Wheels
Prayer wheels are small cylindrical boxes attached to a holding stick, and thread hangs from them. They are usually found in monasteries in Sikkim. The cylinders are generally carved in metal with precious tones. Prayer scrolls are placed inside the cylinder and are supposed to impart positive energy into the air when the holder rotates the wheel.
- Price: Starting from INR 800
- Best Places To Shop Prayer Wheels: Markets near monasteries in Sikkim
8. Dorjee Bell & Thunderbolt
Dorjee bell and thunderbolt are two of the brass artefacts made of metal which are widespread across the country. The merging of the two represents male and female energies, which are placed together. Thunderbolt is the male energy, and Dorjee Bell is the female energy. Tourists can also pick some of the masterpieces of Buddha statues.
- Price: Starting from INR 850
- Best Places To Shop Dorjee Bell & Thunderbolt: M. G. Market and Handicraft Buddhist Shop
Related Post: Sikkim Travel Tips
9. Traditional Jewellery
Turquoise and blue stone jewellery are some of the famous Himalayan jewellery with which everyone wants to pick a piece. Some of the traditional designs might fascinate you the most. Ghau pendants and Akor earrings are two of the popular traditional jewellery. Ghau pendants are ornate boxes where you can keep the prayer scrolls in them, and the Akor earrings are generally worn by Lhasa women, which are long earrings.
- Price: Starting from INR 2,000
- Best Places To Shop Traditional Jewellery: Jewellery shops in Sikkim
You May Also Like To Read: Sikkim In December
Plan a trip to Sikkim and head on an extravagant shopping spree this travel season by visiting the above-best places. You may also take a chance for healthy bargaining to get a few traditional items at a lower price while shopping in Sikkim. Bring home some good shopping memories that you will later look back upon.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Sikkim
What is best to buy in Sikkim?
Sikkim is one of those places that enthralls visitors with its awesome shopping experience. There are numerous things to buy in Sikkim but the following are the most popular amongst tourists- prayer flags, wall hangings, Thangkas, woolen carpets, Chosees, tea, the traditional dress of Sikkim, pickles, and Sikkim liquor.
What are the best markets in Sikkim?
There are numerous places for shopping in Sikkim including, Lal Bazar, one of the cheapest markets in Gangtok, Sikkim. MG Marg and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms are the other best markets in Sikkim.
What is the best time for shopping in Sikkim?
The ideal time for shopping in Sikkim is from March to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring markets.
Are there any night markets in Sikkim?
Yes, there are a few night markets in Sikkim especially in its capital city Gangtok. In the night markets you can buy unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
What are the best souvenirs to take back from Sikkim?
Prayer flags, Thangkas, Masks, Sikkim tea, Sikkimese cups, Tibetan carpets, and Handicrafts are the best souvenirs to take back from Sikkim.
Which is the best places for shopping in Sikkim?
MG Road in Gangtok is the best place for shopping in Sikkim. This vast road is lined with numerous shops on both sides and offers almost everything. You can find men’s and women’s dress material, souvenirs, gifts, trinkets, shoes, accessories, home decorative, etc. in this market.
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Neenaz has 3 years of experience in content and copy writing. A writer by passion, she exercises her creativity to come up with ideas full of wit and humor. When not at work, she just loves to sleep and eat. (And travel, of course!)
