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Most curio shops are on Chowrasta and along Nehru Rd. All
things Himalayan are sold here - thangkas, brass statues, religious objects,
jewellery, wood carving, woven fabrics, carpets etc - but if you are looking
for bargains you have to shop judiciously and be prepared to spend plenty of
time looking. Thangkas in particular may look impressive at first sight, but
on closer inspection of the cheaper offerings you will find that little care
has been taken over the finer detail.
If you are looking for bronze statues, the real goodies are kept under
the counter and cost in multiples of US$! Woodcarvings tend to be excellent
value for money. Most of the shops accept international credit cards.
West Bengal's Manusha Emporium, on Nehru Rd, is a fixed-price shop
selling Himalayan handicrafts, silk and handloomed products. There is also a
market off Hill Cart Rd next to the bus and taxi stands. Here you can find
excellent and relatively cheap patterned woolen sweaters. If you need an
umbrella these can be bought here cheaply. Made out of bamboo, they are
collectors' items themselves!
For Tibetan carpets, the cheapest place in the area is at Hayden Hall,
opposite the State Bank of India on Laden La Rd. It's a women's co-operative
- excellent value and well worth checking out. |
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A packet of tea is a popular souvenir. First
Flush Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe I is the top quality. The
price varies enormously. The way to test tea is to take a small handful in
your closed fist, breathe firmly on it through your fingers and then open
your hand and smell the aromas released. At least it will look as if you
know what you're doing even if you don't have clue! Avoid the tea in fancy
boxes as this is usually blended and comes from Kolkata. A good place is
Nathmull's Tea Merchants, near the post office on Laden La Rd. |
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