Souvenir Shopping on Bhutan Tours

Let’s face it; no one goes to Turkey just to buy a carpet. However, thousands of holidaymakers returning from Istanbul and Ankara do so with a rolled up Turkish carpet in their suitcase. There’s something wonderful about travelling to an exotic destination and returning with a suitcase of assorted souvenirs that range from ceremonial hunting knives, to bags of the local sweets to hand out to your friends. Bhutan tours are simply perfect for souvenir shopping and if you want to buy an unusual and lasting memento of your holiday in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, keep your eyes peeled for these rare keepsakes:

Bhutanese Art

If you want to bring some Bhutanese art home with you, wait until the end of your Bhutan tours and visit the Art Shop Gallery in Thimpu. The calibre of the art work sold at this gallery is much better than anything that you’ll see on your travels and you can be sure that you’re getting an original piece of art, rather than a replica. The Art Shop Gallery features work from the Voluntary Artists Studio and holds regular exhibitions. This is also the place to buy traditional handicrafts; but while the pieces are of excellent quality they are by no means cheap.

Dappa

On your Bhutan tours you’ll find that ‘dappa’ are sold almost everywhere. However, they are originally from the Trashi Yangtse Region and are used to carry hot foodstuffs, like rice and curry dishes. Dappa are traditionally two large bowls that fit together, keeping the food inside them warm and well-ventilated. Once you get them home though, their attractive design means that they can also be used to store fruit or cold salad in.

Dzi Beads

Jewellery made from Dzi beads has recently become popular among the wealthy in Taiwan, causing the Bhutanese to increase their prices substantially. However, on your Bhutan tours it’s still possible to pick up a bargain. Dzi beads are not merely designed to look good, they are considered to hold great spiritual benefit, with each circle and wavy line holding its own significant meaning. Traditionally Dzi beads actually come from neighbouring Tibet, where the word Dzi translates into shine, brightness, cleanness and splendour.

Stamps

You may not be intending to travel to Bhutan just to buy stamps, but you’ll probably be fascinated to find that many people do. Bhutan has been labelled a 'philatelist's (stamp collector to you and me!) paradise'. Stamp-collectors love Bhutanese stamps because of their vibrant colours and detailed images; and if you can manage to find the series of Bhutan stamps that detail the Walt Disney characters then you may have paid off a sizable chunk of the cost of your Bhutan tours. Stamp collectors congregate regularly at the Central Post Office in Thimpu which has a number of first editions.

Items to Avoid

While you’ll find yourself wanting to take numerous mementos home from Bhutan, there are also a number of items that you should avoid; and we don’t mean the strong Bhutan mist liqueur. As in many Buddhist countries, religious artefacts and antiques must remain in the country so avoid buying them on your Bhutan tours and being disappointed at the airport.