Pelling is a small town located on the outskirts of the mammoth Mount Khangchendzonga, it is situated on the west region of Sikkim. Because the town is on the border of neighboring countries like China, Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal it has a lot of influence on its culture, lifestyle, and fooding habits. Pelling has got ancient structures that are way old even before the 17th century. There are four main monasteries which are also important tourist spots that have spread the Buddhism religion here. Buddhism is followed by most of the locals residing in the town. You can enjoy various adventure activities here like trekking, hiking, rope sliding, zip-lining at this amazing soil of nature. Shopping is Pelling is also one of the most fun-loving aspects of this touring experience as you will find new things to explore and you would like to keep all of them as a memory with you. The cultural impact would be visible on the items you can get some amazing decorative items, handicrafts, unique souvenirs, carpets, homemade Tibetan Thangkas, handmade paper products, Buddhist religious items, paintings on canvas, cloth bags, wall hangings and much more. You can check out the best places in Pelling to satisfy your shopping quest.
1. Geyzing Bazaar
If you want to keep the memories of Pelling tour then this is the best place to visit. It is a small town market situated approximately 10 Km from the center of Pelling. This market was started by a monk of Pemayangtse Monastery, considering the need of the local people and to assist them in covering their daily needs from here. It is almost more than 100 years since it was established and it has become and the biggest and oldest market of Pelling. This is the most popular market to shop for Local handicrafts, handmade paper products, Thangkas, items made of wood, traditional caps, carpet, items of clothing, wall hangings, and homemade items as various artifacts shops and stores are available that too at reasonable prices. You will also find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other editable items. The market starts in the early morning at 8:30 am and begins to close at around 7:30 in the evening.
2. Lama Tenzing Wangdak Place
If you talk about a place that is quite easily accessible for shopping within Pelling the first name which could come to one's mind is Lama Tenzing Wangdak Place. The market is located just beside the Hotel Sonamchen of Pelling which is located in the Upper Pelling near to the Old Helipad area. This center is quite famous for a wide variety of marvelous collections of handmade Thangkas, which is a Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué usually depicting the Buddhist God or goddess, scene, or Mandala a combination of symbols used for the spiritual purpose. Apart from it you can explore traditional carpets, wall hangings, clothing, and many more things at cost-effective or fair prices. You can start shopping as early as 9 o clock in the morning and it remains open till 7 pm.
3. Rural Artisan Marketing Center
This shopping center is also famous for the traditional items of Pelling. You will find the traditional clothing at this place along with its local crafts, wall hangings, unique souvenirs for travelers. Apart from these items this place can be explored for organic local items like Tibetan Tea, cardamom, walnuts, and other similar items. The market has rich cultural items which are of the utmost beautiful and you would like to buy some of them. All these traditional and cultural handicrafts have a significance in the lives of indigenous people. You can understand their reasoning behind each item and buy them with understanding would assist you in doing proper use of it. Tibetan prayer flags and Lepcha weaved shawls are quite famous for this place which you can pick from here. The pricing would give you value for money. The market opens at 8.30 am and you can last shop till 7 pm here.
4. Rinchenpong Bazaar
This is also one the famous place for shopping in Pelling it is more a local market however this market offers a lot of options for everyone. If you are visiting this place it is for sure that you cant come back empty hand. Ironware, utensils, rugs, carpets, brassware, traditional textiles such as multiple options are available at the place. This is one of those places you can't miss out on.
5. Bermiok Bazaar
This bazaar is located in the center of the city and one of the important tourist attractions because of its location. You will find a lot of daily use products here as it quite frequently visited by the locals for their needs. Travelers can look for multiple items here leather products, camel leather items are commonly available here, carpets, traditional clothing, and other local stuff is available to purchase. Once you reach this local market you can't resist yourself from trying some kulfi falluda, Momo, Golgappas.
