sikkim is a shopper’s paradise where the guests can buy spiritual items like prayer flags, thangka paintings, singing bowls, prayers wheels; traditional dresses, traditional jewellery, masks and so on. the best place to shop would be in gangtok which has a lot to offer for shopaholics. some of the key things to buy include:

• prayer flags: colorful prayer flags are everywhere wherever you go. hence one of the best souvenirs that can be picked are prayer flags which come in various sizes to choose from and has the mantra “om mani padme hum” written on them.
• thangka paintings: common in himalayan range such thangka paintings can be seen bhutan, nepal, ladakh and sikkim. thangkas made from cotton and silk represent paintings depicting buddhist deities or the mystic mandalas.
• tibetan carpets: reflecting art & culture of sikkim such carpets can be in your home to add a traditional touch.
• singing bowls: metallic bowls which produces deep tone when played and which are believed to offer powerful healing properties. such singing bowls come in all possible sizes.
• prayer wheels: these are small cylindrical boxes attached to a holding stick and with a beaded thread hanging from it. traditionally a mantra is written on the wheel, with the most common being “om mani padme hum”. such prayer wheels send positive energy into air when the holder rotates the wheel.
• traditional clothes: things like traditional dresses, hand woven jackets, traditional headgear and traditional jewellery are quite common shopping items for the tourists.
• masks: giant wooden masks used by monks for ritual dances are also used by common people to ward off the evil eye and evil spirits. such masks can be hanging outside homes and shops and each mask has a unique purpose and symbolism.

the best area/places to shop include:

• mg marg
• new market near mg marg
• directorate of handicrafts & handlooms located at the end of tibet road
• lal bazaar located below mg marg
• temi tea garden