Top 10 Things To Buy In Bhutan – Bring Home Souvenirs and Gems

Want to bring home something unique from your Bhutan trip? The Land of the Thunder Dragon is not only famous for its monasteries, dramatic mountain landscapes, and cultural traditions but also for its beautiful handmade souvenirs. From intricate bamboo handicrafts and vibrant textiles to sacred jewellery and traditional wooden artefacts, there are many things to buy in Bhutan that reflect the country’s rich heritage. While exploring the monasteries, markets, and scenic valleys, travellers also discover many things to do in Bhutan, such as visiting ancient dzongs, attending colourful festivals, and experiencing traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship up close.

Bhutan is a must-visit destination for travellers who appreciate nature, culture, and authentic art. Walking through local markets in cities like Thimphu and Paro is an experience in itself, where skilled artisans proudly display handcrafted items that capture the spirit of Bhutan. Here are the top things you should buy on your next trip to Bhutan.

Bhutan Travel Planning Snapshot

Travel Factor	Recommendation
Best Time to Visit Bhutan	March–May and September–November for clear skies and festivals
Ideal Trip Duration	5–7 days to explore Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha
Popular Places to Visit	Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Valley, Thimphu, Punakha Dzong
Must-Try Experiences	Monastery hikes, cultural festivals, traditional markets, and local cuisine
Average Bhutan Trip Cost	₹60,000 – ₹1.5L per person depending on season and itinerary

Here are the top 10 things that you should buy on your next trip to Bhutan!

1. Cane and Bamboo Handicrafts

Bhutan is famous for its Cane and Bamboo plantations. Most of their harvest and by-products are extracted by the craftsmen of the country in order to make beautiful handicrafts. The items made from cane and bamboo are durable and have an authentic style. You can find such shops in almost every corner of the country. These shops offer various things such as floor mats, baskets, wall hangings, utensils, and much more. They incorporate vivid colours on these products using natural dyes. 

Where: Lunga Handicraft, Chang Lam, Thimphu

Baskets made of bamboo

2. Dzi Beads- Himalayan Beads

Are you a huge fan of bracelets and necklaces made out of vibrant coloured beads? If you are not a fan yet, you will become one. Such beaded jewellery goes well with all kinds of sarees and ethnic attire. It is commonly known as the Himalayan beads or the Dzi beads. You can find different patterns and sizes such as ovals, circles, squares, waves, stripes, zig-zags, lines, dots, diamonds and much more. These beads are the most expensive beads found on the earth. It is believed that these beads are God’s own creation. People in Bhutan trust that these beads bring luck and protect them from evil spirits. Cheaper versions of these beads are sold in the local street markets.

Where: Thimphu

3. Gold and Silver Jewellery

Gold and silver jewellery will always have a special place in everyone’s heart. One of the many handicrafts that Bhutan specialises in is the art of making gold and silver jewellery. Bhutanese locals, especially women, consider this a source of pride. You can find different and varied intricate designs of jewellery. Experts and skilled craftsmen dedicate themselves to creating beautiful arm adornments, earrings, necklaces, etc. 

Where: Thimphu

Golden earring with stone work

4. Dappa – Handmade Wooden Bowls

You will be aware of utensils made of stainless steel, plastic and other alloys. But vessels made of natural products such as clay and wood will always be everyone’s favourite. Wooden bowls, also known as dappa is one of the best things to buy in Bhutan. These traditional Bhutanese wooden bowls can be purchased almost everywhere in Bhutan. Almost every household in Bhutan uses these bowls on a daily basis.

Where: Thinley Dhendup General Shop and Handicraft, Trashi Yangtse

5. Hand-woven Textiles

Though there are various things to buy in Bhutan, the hand-woven textiles will always top the list. Bhutan’s dress code always stands out from other countries. Their clothes are mostly made out of natural cotton, raw cotton and silk. Weaving is the prime job of most of the people residing in small villages in Bhutan. 

Where: Thimphu, Rahi and Bidung Villages, Khoma Village, Trongsa.

Fabric woven by weavers famous in Bhutan

6. Colored Carved Masks

Any festival in Bhutan is incomplete without artists performing dance and stage plays wearing the colour-carved masks. If you are a lover of peculiar and authentic designs, then the carved masks are one of the ideal things to buy in Bhutan. These masks can be used as home decor adornments. 

Where: Thimphu

7. Sculptures and Buddhist Paintings

Bhutan’s beauty is incomplete without its remarkable sculptures and paintings. The Buddhist kingdom stands as an example of its intricate sculpture and painting works. These are easily available in the local markets. The artists make use of minerals and clay to make these artworks. Make your home and workspace adorable with these beautiful Bhutanese sculptures and paintings.

Where: Choki Handicrafts, Choki Khangzang, Pedzoe Lam

Buddhist sculptures, one of the best things to buy in Bhutan

8. Bhutanese Handmade Paper

One of the famous things to buy in Bhutan is the Bhutanese paper, also known as Daysho. 72% of the country’s land is covered by rich forests. This paved the way for the locals to make the utmost use of forest products. These papers are used for printing scriptures, legal agreements, and painting manuscripts. This paper is also used for making gift wraps, diaries, greeting cards and notebooks.

Where: Thimphu

9. Swords, Bows, and Arrows

Witness and buy the artefacts that you have seen in your history books. Purchase mighty swords, bows, and arrows as souvenirs and give your home a touch of Bhutanese richness. These are usually sold as gifts and are quite popular among travellers. Bhutan’s national game is archery, which is why these weapons are found in abundance.

Where: Thimphu and Paro

10. Wooden Products

Bhutan’s vast forest cover has given it the boon of an abundance of wood. They trained themselves to be the best in wooden artworks. Carved wooden utensils, cabinets, mirror frames, jewel box and tables are a few of the many wood products they produce. The prime quality wood found in the country makes these products worth buying. 

Where: Thimphu and Paro

Wooden products of Bhutan

Quick Recap

This colourful Buddhist nation has many monasteries populated with friendly and likeable people. There are various things to buy in Bhutan during your trip. While enjoying the natural landscapes, do not forget to explore the souvenir shops in the streets. The rich history and culture of the country come in all shapes and sizes. Pack a few of those and take back the essence of Bhutan’s rich culture made by the skilled craftsmen of the country. The colourful handicrafts will definitely adorn the showcases and walls of your home. Head to the Pickyourtrail and start planning your trip to Bhutan right away.

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