Mist-wrapped valleys, prayer flags snapping against crisp mountain air, the scent of incense drifting from a centuries-old dzong—Bhutan feels like a living postcard. From the embroidered hems of a kira in Bumthang to the painted masks paraded in Paro’s Tsechu, the kingdom’s crafts are woven with stories, faith, and the slow rhythms of Himalayan life. If you’re hunting for authentic Bhutanese souvenirs that carry a sense of place, this is where to begin.

Whether you shop the weekend market in Thimphu, browse the Handicrafts Emporium, or discover an artisan in Punakha, every item here reflects a craft tradition or taste rooted in Bhutanese daily life. Here’s what to buy in Bhutan to bring a piece of its timeless culture home.

1. Handwoven Kira and Gho (Traditional Dress)

Why pick this up: The kira (women’s ankle-length dress) and gho (men’s knee-length robe) are wearable pieces of Bhutanese identity—handwoven with patterns and colors that signal region, status, and occasion. A textile is both a keepsake and a wearable memory of the country’s aesthetic.
What to look for: Natural-dyed silks and wool, intricate warp-faced ikat (known locally as yathra or thigser), and tight, even weaving. Ask where it was woven—Bumthang, Haa, and Lhuentse are famed for distinctive motifs.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 3,000–90,000 (simple scarves and kira pieces at lower end; ceremonial silk kira and full outfits toward the top).
Where to find it: National Textile Museum and Handicrafts Emporium in Thimphu, village weavers’ shops in Bumthang and Haa, and Punakha markets.

2. Thangka Paintings

Why pick this up: Thangkas are devotional scroll paintings that bring Bhutan’s Buddhist iconography and meditative narratives into any home—each one a hand-painted study in color and symbolism.
What to look for: Natural mineral pigments, hand-stretched canvas, and a certificate of provenance if it’s antique. Smaller, modern thangkas are easier to transport; larger pieces are more costly and often framed locally.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 2,000–120,000 (small tourist thangkas to large, antique or intricately painted originals).
Where to find it: Paro and Thimphu galleries, monastery shops, and artisans around Bumthang.

3. Festival Masks (Cham Masks)

Why pick this up: Carved and vividly painted, cham masks—worn during religious dances—are instantly evocative of Bhutan’s colorful Tsechu festivals and make dramatic wall art.
What to look for: Hand-carved wood with authentic pigments, traditional motifs (animals, deities, protectors), and solid craftsmanship rather than cheap machine-made copies.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 800–25,000 depending on size, age, and detail.
Where to find it: Mask-makers in Paro and Thimphu, souvenir stalls at festival grounds, and specialized workshops in central valleys.

4. Prayer Flags and Prayer Wheels

Why pick this up: Prayer flags carry blessings on the wind and small, hand-turned prayer wheels make a meditative desktop memento—both are tangible links to Bhutan’s spiritual landscape.
What to look for: Cotton or silk flags printed with proper mantras, and brass or wood prayer wheels with clear mantras (Om Mani Padme Hum) inside. Locally made pieces are preferable.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 50–3,500 (small packs of flags to hand-turned brass wheels).
Where to find it: Roadside stalls near dzongs, towns like Thimphu and Paro, and monastery gift shops.

5. Bhutanese Silver Jewelry (Turquoise & Coral)

Why pick this up: Traditional necklaces, bracelets, and amulets often use silver paired with turquoise and red coral—stones valued for protection and beauty—creating jewelry that reads unmistakably Himalayan.
What to look for: Hallmarked silver, authentic stones, and classic motifs like dorje, chakras, or flora. Custom pieces from local silversmiths are common.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 1,500–40,000 (simple pieces to substantial, museum-quality ornaments).
Where to find it: Thimphu’s craft shops, Paro craft markets, and jewelers in Punakha and Bumthang.

6. Incense and Herbal Remedies

Why pick this up: Bhutanese incense blends local herbs, pine, cedar, and medicinal roots—used in temples and homes—offering a fragrant memory of the country’s mountain air.
What to look for: Pure, hand-rolled incense with ingredient lists or artisan labeling; avoid overly perfumed factory blends. Traditional monastic or village-made packs are most authentic.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 150–1,200 per bundle or boxed set.
Where to find it: Monastery shops, health herb stalls at Thimphu weekend market, and specialized incense makers in Paro.

7. Dried Chilies & Ema Datshi Kits

Why pick this up: Chilies are at the heart of Bhutanese cuisine—so much so they’re served as a vegetable. Dried chilies and small ema datshi (chili-and-cheese) kits let you recreate Bhutan’s national flavor at home.
What to look for: Packs of local red chiles, chili sauce, or vacuum-sealed kits with instructions. Combine with locally made cheese (see item 8) if you plan to cook.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 200–800 for dried chili packs or basic kits.
Where to find it: Local markets in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha; roadside stalls and the Centenary Farmers’ Market.

8. Ara (Local Rice or Millet Spirit) and Yak Cheese

Why pick this up: Ara is a traditional distilled spirit (rice, millet, or maize) and yak cheese is a rustic dairy favorite—both are intensely local tastes that capture Bhutan’s highland life.
What to look for: Properly sealed bottles of ara from licensed producers; vacuum-packed, labeled yak cheese for transport. Check customs rules for carrying dairy/alcohol home.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 200–1,200 per bottle of ara; Nu 400–1,500 for packaged yak cheese.
Where to find it: Rural distillers, Punakha and Haa markets, and sometimes at Thimphu specialty shops.

9. Handmade Paper and Stationery

Why pick this up: Bhutanese handmade paper and handcrafted stationery are made in small batches and make elegant, tactile souvenirs—perfect for letters or framing.
What to look for: Thick, fibrous sheets with deckled edges, natural dyes, and local motifs pressed into the paper. Look for shops selling journals, cards, and wraps made from the paper.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 200–1,500 for packs, notebooks, or framed sheets.
Where to find it: Thimphu’s craft stores, small studios in Paro, and art cooperatives in valleys like Bumthang.

10. Bamboo & Cane Crafts

Why pick this up: Lightweight, utilitarian and beautifully made, bamboo and cane baskets, trays, and household items reflect Bhutan’s rural crafts tradition and are easy to transport.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving, smooth finishes, and traditional forms such as rice baskets or carrying trays. Sustainable, locally sourced bamboo is a plus.
Price bracket (2025): Nu 150–2,500 depending on size and intricacy.
Where to find it: Village craft cooperatives, Thimphu weekend market, and Punakha artisan stalls.

One last tip: buy directly from artisans when you can—the story behind each piece is part of its charm and value. Happy hunting for Bhutanese souvenirs that actually feel like Bhutan 🌄

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!