Authentic Bhutanese Craft bazaar in Thimphu sits along the Norzin Lam stretching from the Taj Tashi hotel up till Royal textile academy of Bhutan.
Authentic Bhutanese Craft bazaar in Thimphu sits along the Norzin Lam stretching from the Taj Tashi hotel up till Royal textile academy of Bhutan. The market consists of around 80 shops which are entirely made of bamboo huts aligned together along the Norzin Lam covering about half a kilometer of the road. Bhutan had its first craft bazaar or handicraft market in 2011 in Thimphu.The craft bazaar was initiated to promote the young talented rural based artists who master the arts and crafts of the age-old Bhutanese traditional arts which were passed down from generations. It offers a platform for these young entrepreneurs from remote communities, from all over the country to showcase their art and craftworks. The most important and the foremost aim of this initiative is to improve the socio-economic status of these rural-based communities. The shoppers will enjoy the stroll through this bazaar and will find at least a thing or two to take with them as souvenirs to remind them of their enchanting voyage through Bhutan.
Timings:
Open on: Wednesday – Monday
Closed on: Tuesday
Opening time: 9AM – 5PM
What to look for at the craft Bazaar: (products)
- Hand-woven stoles /Gho and kira
- Popular yathra items from Bumthang
- Traditional Thangka paintings
- Wooden bowls & utensils
- Wooden carvings
- Locally handmade paper (desho)
- Slate/stone carvings
- Traditional masks
- Brass/bronze statues
- Wooden bowls/other household items
- Religious items
- Hand-woven/ stitched bags
Why shop at craft bazaar?
Probably wondering why this market is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs in Thimphu? Exactly! getting to that, the craft bazaar in Thimphu also known as the Handicraft market provides a wide range of traditional craft items all in one place not having to run from one end of the town to the other. The shopkeepers, usually the artists themselves display their products in the shop and who better people to explain their products than the makers themselves. These shopkeepers are excitingly friendly and polite. Travelling on a tight budget? Want to take souvenirs or small gifts for loved ones back at home? The craft bazaar is the place. Why? Firstly you can bargain with the makers which you cannot do at other handicraft shops. Why? Because these retail handicrafts basically buy their products from these artists in order to make profit and will probably sell the same items for a little higher price. Secondly the products at the craft bazaar are much cheaper. Unlike other handicrafts from around the world, Bhutanese handicrafts have unique cultural backgrounds to each and every item.