Lal Bazar is a vibrant and bustling market area located in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. It is a popular shopping destination for locals and tourists, offering a wide range of goods and souvenirs to return home. The market is in a narrow lane and divided into different sections specialising in specific products.
One market area is dedicated to traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, where visitors can find beautifully crafted items made of bamboo, cane, and other materials. These include handwoven carpets, shawls, bags, and hats. Another section is dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms and orchards.
Lal Bazar is also known for its street food, offering a variety of local delicacies that visitors can savour while they shop. These include momos, a steamed dumpling filled with vegetables or meat, and thukpa, a hot noodle soup with vegetables or meat.
Visitors can also explore the nearby Enchey Monastery, just a short distance from Lal Bazar. This Buddhist monastery is one of the oldest and most important in Sikkim and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Lal Bazar is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Gangtok. Its vibrant atmosphere, local products, and delicious food offer a unique and memorable shopping experience in the heart of Sikkim's capital city.
Places To Visit In Sikkim Nearby Lal Bazar:
Lal Bazaar is located in the heart of Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. It is a popular shopping destination and commercial hub for locals and tourists alike.
Located just 3 km from Lal Bazaar, Enchey Monastery is a prominent Buddhist shrine in Gangtok. It is known for its traditional architecture and serene surroundings. The monastery is believed to have been built in the 19th century and is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche.
Tsomgo Lake:
Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake around 38 km from Lal Bazaar. It is situated at an altitude of 12,400 feet and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is considered sacred by the locals and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Hanuman Tok is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, around 10 km from Lal Bazaar. The temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Gangtok town. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals to visit and seek blessings.
Banjhakri Falls is a picturesque waterfall around 7 km from Lal Bazaar. Lush green forests surround the waterfall, and it is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists. The park around the waterfall is also home to many exotic plants and animals.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a research institute and museum around 2 km from Lal Bazaar. The institute is dedicated to studying the Tibetan language, culture, and religion. The museum houses many Tibetan artefacts, rare manuscripts, and thangkas.
Tashi View Point is a scenic spot around 7 km from Lal Bazaar. It offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and the surrounding hills. The viewpoint is named after Tashi Namgyal, the former king of Sikkim.