The stroll in this massive farmer’s market opens up a window to Bhutan’s rural world and its close interactions with its urban space. The farmers’ market is an excellent platform for these two worlds to come together on a regular basis. With over 400 shops selling a variety of products it’s a great window for the learning experience of the country’s commercial and socio-economic workings – and an opportunity to purchase a souvenir or two to take home for family and friends.
A stroll around the farmers market, with over 400 stalls selling a great variety of produce from the countryside allows us to plunge into the heart of rural Bhutan’s agri-activities. But that’s not all – the market is an excellent avenue for channelizing the sale of all manner of goods needed by the populace under one roof as it were.
From wines and cheeses to honey and cherry-peppers, from local handicrafts to jewellery to prayer wheels …from different varieties of rice to handmade wovens, you will find much that catches your fancy as you wander past the many stalls. Richly atmospheric, the bustling market affords plenty of photops, bargaining, sampling of wares, buying of items of choice and an opportunity to interact with the farmers and even unearth some interesting tales.
Recommended buys include the local pure honey, dried cheese, Boyo Zaw (puffed rice), Zaw (roasted rice), Mekhu (Crispy rice crackers), kabchi (roasted, ground wheat) and kharang (pounded maize) which is a staple in Bhutanese kitchens. Do pick up the local incense powder (sang) of which there are several varieties. These incense powders are made from specific ingredients available only in high altitude areas. Cross the cantilever footbridge on the west bank to browse in the handicraft market located here. The art of weaving has deep links with religion in Bhutan, so it’s little wonder that the master weavers command great respect.