Shopping in Thimphu
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General Stores
Thimphu has a plethora of general shops containing a hodgepodge selection such as light bulbs, stationery, farm implements, shampoo, computer disks and canned fish. To provide even more variety, shops may sell drinks by the glass and their sign may read 'shop cum bar' or the all-encompassing 'general cum bar shop'. Many items on sale are made in India, but there are lots of interesting Bhutanese products, especially textiles, baskets, jewellery, incense, books and religious items.
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Bhutan Archery Shop
Catering to the large community of Bhutanese archers, Bhutan Archery Shop specialises in American-made Hoyt brand bows that range in price from US$600 to US$1100. Arrows are the steel-tipped Easton brand, which sell for Nu 280 to 500. It’s a relatively expensive sport. The traditional bamboo bows are usually homemade and the bamboo arrows can be picked up at the weekend market.
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Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
In the industrial estate at the south end of Thimphu, the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work.
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Handicrafts Emporium
If you want to wear Bhutanese dress, there are many shops in Thimphu’s shopping complexes that have ready-made gho and kira in a variety of sizes, patterns and quality. Handicrafts Emporium is worth a try.
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DSB Books
Probably Thimphu’s best selection of coffee-table and other books on Buddhism, Bhutan and the region. Particularly good for Bhutanese and Indian newspapers. On the ground floor of Jojo’s Shopping Complex; enter from the lane behind Chang Lam.
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Philatelic Bureau
The Philatelic Bureau here has a counter that sells stamps and souvenir sheets of Bhutanese stamps. There is also a tiny shop on the ground floor of Hotel Tandin, which has a small selection of postcards and unusual stamps.
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Kelzang Handicrafts
If you want to wear Bhutanese dress, there are many shops in Thimphu’s shopping complexes that have ready-made gho and kira in a variety of sizes, patterns and quality. Kelzang Handicrafts is worth a try
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Duty Free Shop
At the Duty Free Shop you can buy imported liquor, wine, biscuits and other ‘luxury’ items, but you have to pay the full price, including duty, unless you’re a diplomat or a senior government official.
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Art Shop Gallery
Located near the Clocktower, Art Shop Gallery has art supplies, traditional paper and handicrafts, and contemporary paintings from the Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu.
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Book World
At the southwestern end of the square next to Jimmy Bros Stationery, this tiny shop has a good selection of coffee-table books and posters as well as internet access.
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Choki Handicrafts
Near the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Choki Handicrafts manufactures and sells masks, thangkas, paintings and painted lama tables called choektse.
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Druktrin Rural Handicrafts
At the rear of the Wangchuk Hotel (enter from Clocktower Sq), this shop offers a great variety and has a small museum with antique jewellery and textiles.
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Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
This small factory produces watermark paper as well as cards, lampshades, envelopes, calendars and other items made from traditional Bhutanese paper.
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Sangay Arts & Crafts
To purchase the excellent works by students of the National Institute for Zorig Chusum visit Sangay Arts & Crafts.
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Sachak Enterprise
If you are missing a piece of gear for your trek, try Sachak Enterprise for good Nepalese copies of brand-name gear.
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Norling Audio
CDs and tapes of Bhutanese and Hindi songs are available for Nu 200 to 400 in Norling Audio.
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Zangmo Handicrafts
Sells work from the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and sometimes also has students practising there.
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Tashi Supermarket
Huge supermarket with vast range imported and local groceries, ice creams and refrigerated chocolates.
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Pekhang Bookshop
Somewhat hidden in the same building as the Luger Cinema; carries lots of stationery supplies.
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Namgyel Tyres
Namgyel Tyres stocks hiking boots and is your best bet for larger sizes.
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Megah Books
Has a smaller selection that includes some dusty, hard-to-find-elsewhere books on Bhutan.
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Sharchhogpa Grocery
Friendly grocery shop with cereals, bread and plenty of packaged foodstuffs.
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