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Tucked away amidst the great Himalayan ranges, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is a place for magnificent natural beauty and an abundance of thriving markets. This charming hill station boasts a unique shopping experience, as visitors can come across a wide variety of products here, right from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion. Shopping in Gangtok is delightful, from cultural immersion to retail therapy. Here are some of the best places to shop in Gangtok to ensure you get the most out of your visit to this picture-perfect destination.
10 Best Places To Shop In Gangtok
From electronic goods to amazing local handicrafts, here are some of the best and liveliest markets for shopping in Gangtok:
1. M G Marg
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
MG Marg, or Mahatma Gandhi Road, is the heart and soul of Gangtok. This street is a pedestrian, principal shopping, and pub point. The central pedestrianised promenade is covered with shops, restaurants, and cafes. MG Marg caters to different things: garments, gift articles, handicrafts, and local snacks. The street is ever more alive with activity and unfolds a nice, clean pathway with a decorated ambience, making it a great place for shopping in Gangtok.
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Location: Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Suggested Read: Your Complete Guide For Trekking In Gangtok
2. Lal Bazaar
Photo: Piyush Tripathi / Wikimedia Commons
Lal Bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous markets of Gangtok. The local market will provide fresh produce, spices, traditional clothing, and other household items. The marketplace will give you a feel of the local culture and its hustling with affable vendors. Lal Bazaar is famous for its organic products, fresh fruits, and green vegetables supplied from farms in the surrounding area. The variety of goods available and the live atmosphere make Lal Bazaar a must-visit for those who wish to explore the local market of Gangtok.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
3. Directorate Of Handicrafts And Handlooms (DHH)
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The government of Sikkim runs the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms (DHH), helping to promote local artisans and their crafts. It houses a complete unit of traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, from hand-woven carpets, exotic-designed traditional costumes, and wooden masks to numerous bamboo products. The quality and authenticity of the products make it an excellent place to buy souvenirs and support local artisans. It is also famous for workshops and demonstrations where visitors can see the delicate craft-making process. Purchase at DHH not only stands for buying exclusive items but also stands for Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Location: Zero Point, NH 31 A, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Gangtok
4. Old Market
Photo: Max Brown / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A crowded marketplace, the Old Market in Gangtok is home to countless shops offering various wares, ranging from clothing and accessories to electronic goods and items one can buy to take back home as souvenirs. The narrow lanes of the market, coupled with the colourful stalls, make up for a different kind of shopping experience, wherein you may grab great deals and bargains. The Old Market is known for its traditional Sikkimese attire and handcrafted jewellery collection. The ambience in the market emanates liveliness and dynamism with various items.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
5. New Market
Photo: Dinesh Ratnakar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Next to the Old Market, New Market is another market with more up-to-date shopping. It is a place for fashionable clothing, accessories, and stylish electronic gadgets. Therefore, the trendy clothing stores and boutiques in the market are trendy among young people. Many eateries and cafes in New Market are available where one can sit and relax while relishing the local delicacies after a long spree of shopping. This unique blend of traditional and modern products makes New Market a most versatile shopping destination in Gangtok.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
Suggested Read: Explore A Different Side Of Sikkim By Witnessing The Nightlife In Gangtok
6. Lal Bazar Shopping Complex
Photo: Eric Prouzet / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Spreading over many levels, the Lal Bazar Shopping Complex is a commercial centre that takes effort to beat across all categories. All sorts of goods are available here, from grocery and household goods to readymade garments and electronic goods. The market is famously known for cheap rates and a vast range of products, drawing the maximum local crowds. The lively ambience and the benefit of everything under one roof make this shopping experience at Lal Bazar Shopping Complex enjoyable. Many food stalls and small eateries within the complex also offer a taste of local food.
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location: Lal Market Rd, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
7. Rachna Bookstore
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For book lovers, the Rachna Bookstore is a must-visit destination in Gangtok. This humble bookshop has an excellent selection of various books: fiction, nonfiction, tour guides, and books on local culture and history. The ambience is homely, with friendly staff, making it just the right place to spend some quiet time browsing books. Rachna Bookstore also hosts book readings and cultural events. It is a great place to learn more about Sikkim and its rich heritage with the help of the many books and publications from local authors one might find.
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location: Jeewan Theeng Marg, Upper Sichey, Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Suggested Read: Discovering The Best Food In Gangtok
8. Pelling Road Market
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is a marketplace in the peripheral region of Gangtok City where one may find many things ranging from fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices to traditional dresses. The market is alive and vibrant, and the vendors are friendly, as reflected in their attitude. The Pelling Road Market gives insight into the local lifestyle, and one can even come across the locals themselves. It’s simply the best place to shop for organic products, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The beautiful surroundings and massive variety of shops—shopping at the Pelling Road Market is a pleasure.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Pelling – Dentam Rd, Pelling City, Sikkim 737113
9. Tibetan Market
Photo: Piyush Bansal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tibetan Market is one such address in Gangtok where you can come across all things of traditional Tibetan importance. Situated near MG Marg in Gangtok, this market enjoys the presence of items like prayer flags, jewellery, woollen clothes, and handicrafts. The hues and intricate designs of the items reflect a vibrant culture that Tibet holds close to its heart. One can also pick up souvenirs and gifts from the same place. The array of goods available in stock and the affable vendors make shopping in the Tibetan Market a different experience.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Location: Tibet Rd, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Gangtok For An Ideal Getaway
10. Flower Exhibition Centre
Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Anyone who loves flowers and gardening must visit the Flower Exhibition Centre in Gangtok. Adjacent to Ridge Park, the garden houses many exotic flowers and plants. You can shop for lovely orchids, potted plants, and other gardening accessories. This centre also holds various shows and exhibitions of flowers, which are a treat to the visitor’s eyes. As a compliment to the quiet environment, the markets of such beautiful flowers make shopping at the Flower Exhibition Centre a delightful experience.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737111
Shopping in Gangtok is more than mere retail therapy; it is like a cultural journey across the rich tapestry that Sikkim showcases. From the crowded streets of MG Marg to other traditional markets such as Lal Bazaar and the Tibetan Market, every shopping destination in Gangtok speaks a lot about local life and culture. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a fantastic time in Gangtok with Trip XL today!
Cover Photo: Utkarsh Tiwari / Unsplash
