Shopping in Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an amazing and mysterious country, located in the Himalayas, which, like a magnet, attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are planning to visit this state, it is worthwhile to ask in advance what you can bring as a souvenir for yourself and your relatives.

Features of shopping in Bhutan

1. In Bhutan, it is not accepted to bargain, but for the sake of communication with the buyer, the Aborigines are ready to yield a little. For this they need to just hint. Many of the souvenirs are made in India and in Nepal, so in this country they are several times more expensive.
2. In Bhutan, the monetary unit is called Ngultrum (Nu) and it consists of 100 Chromes (Ch). The local rate is strongly tied to Indian rupees, which, along with US dollars, are accepted in almost all stores. Currency exchange is only in large cities and hotels , so it is worth considering this fact when visiting the provinces. Non-cash payment is accepted only in the major institutions of the capital .

Textiles in Bhutan

One of the favorite products of tourists in Bhutan are textiles. Most of them are made by hand, so most often the thing is unique and exists in a single copy.

Bhutanese textiles are a unique form of applied art, including all possible combinations of patterns, structures, colors, types of interlacing, as well as creative imagination. Bright fabrics, original ornaments, sophisticated production techniques - all this is an integral part of the country's culture, which has developed over the centuries. Moreover, a certain design concerns not only different villages, but also each family.

The value of textiles depends on sophistication, originality, complexity, mode of production and, most importantly, from imported or traditional raw materials: wool of yak, nettle, cotton and silk. Fabric production is one of the main daily activities of Bhutanese. The needlewomen hang their works from the windows of houses, so finding and acquiring goods will not be difficult.

Usually tourists buy for a memory jackets, bedspreads, bags and tapestries, as well as national outfits: "kira" - for women and "gho" - for men, which can be used instead of a robe. In the kit to "kira" sell "komasy" - traditional brooch, decorated with turquoise and fixing the fabric on the shoulders. But the most elegant gift from Bhutan will be a thin woolen carpet of handwork. It has excellent quality, has an original ornament and is painted with bright colors. The product will last for many years, without losing its qualities, giving warmth and pleasing the eye with its uniqueness.

Popular souvenirs

1. In Bhutan, paper production is established. Here, the paper Dezho is made of handmade from the bark of the wolfberry, which has strength and durability. It is used for packing gifts, souvenir cards and for religious books. Many ancient religious sacred texts and writings were written on Dezho. A souvenir from rice paper is also topical.
2. Every philatelist dreams of getting Bhutan marks in his collection, as the images on them are detailed, very bright, saturated with all sorts of shades. The country constantly produces new series, which can be bought at the post office.
3. The tourists are particularly interested in wooden products. The most popular ethnic souvenir is the duppa bowl . It consists of two halves: the lower and the upper, which are very tightly joined together. They cook, transport or store food. You can buy such a souvenir all over the country, but they are produced in the Dzanghag Tashiyangtse. In the local market you can be offered a wooden bowl, which, if you believe the legend, you can pour in liquid with poison, and it immediately boils.
4. The Kingdom of Bhutan is famous for its weapons traditions, so in local markets and in shops you can be offered a huge selection of daggers and swords . They have a unique ornament, the handles are decorated with rich inlay, complements all this lasting blade. Such a souvenir will bring joy and admiration to any collector.
5. Fans of Buddhist religion will be pleased with ritual masks , which can be purchased in local monasteries . According to the monks, this souvenir is able to endow its possessor with various divine virtues. For this reason, they themselves wear the same masks.
6. In churches, you can always buy various small symbolic souvenirs that fit easily in suitcases and will certainly please your friends. Traditionally, they depict the most famous landmarks of Bhutan, for example, the Buddhist temples of Taktsang-lakhang , Trongsa-dzong , Tashicho-dzong, Parks Motitang Takin , Tkhrumshin and many others. other
7. Also worth a visit is the large market in Thimphu. Here you can buy wonderful jewelry , decorated with precious stones: bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, amulets and beads. A woman who received such a gift will appreciate the quality work, noble metal and extravagance of jewelry.
8. Edible souvenirs . The market also sells local delicacies, honey, jam, confitures. Stalls of local artisans will be surprised by skilful boxes, housekeepers, thangkas, bronze products, paintings, sculptures and furniture.