About Lal Bazaar, Gangtok
Opening time- 8 am to 9 pm, Closed on Thursdays
Prime days and hours- Sundays, evenings
Suggested Duration- 3-4 hours
Tickets- Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station- Siliguri Railway Station, about 110 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Gangtok Bus Stand, about 2 km
Nearest Airport- Pakyong Airport, about 27 km
Lal Bazaar is located just below the MG Marg, at a walking distance from most of the hotels in Gangtok. It was originally built in 1956 and named after J. Lal, a Dewan of the Chogyal. The old market has now been transformed into a more modern shopping space known as the Khangchendzonga Shopping Plaza. Despite the upgrade, the market still holds its old charm, cultural significance, and history, which you will be exploring on your next Gangtok Tour Package!
Lal Bazaar is where you can truly feel the vibrant spirit of Gangtok. It is a lively hub where local farmers and sellers from surrounding areas come together to sell fresh vegetables, dairy products, spices, and everyday goods. On Sundays, the market becomes even more colourful, as people from nearby villages, belonging to different ethnic communities, gather here to shop, bargain, or spend time together.
The first two floors of the complex are packed with vegetable stalls, while the upper floors are lined with clothing shops offering a wide range of traditional and modern wear. Visiting Lal Bazaar is not just about shopping, it’s about soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavours of local life in Gangtok.
Lal Bazaar, Gangtok Highlights
• Visit Lal Bazaar, the biggest shopping Complex in Sikkim, which is also known as the city’s hub for shopping.
• Engage in the vibrant market of the city centre, where local farmers bring in their produce and sell it here.
• Find a number of stalls and shops selling local spices, ingredients, handicrafts, clothes, and other accessories as well.
• Pick up a pair of the popular Sikkim cups, known for their traditional designs and attractive colour combinations.
How To Reach Lal Bazaar, Gangtok
By foot/walking- Lal Bazaar is located near MG Marg, making it a short distance to travel. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Gangtok city centre, for about 600m.
By Car/Auto- To get to Lal Bazaar via MG Marg, you can either drive or take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw. It will take 5 minutes to reach, as it is just a 600m drive.
Best Time To Visit Lal Bazaar, Gangtok
Peak Season- (April-May)
- Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Cool and pleasant weather with spring at its best.
- Things to do- Enjoy the full and fun market, perfect for photography.
Moderate Season- (October-November)
- Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 13°C to 22°C. Clear mountain views and skies with post-monsoon, mild temperatures.
- Things to do- Enjoy exploration through the market, this is when the market sees the most activity, with farmers selling their produce.
Low Season- (June-September)
- Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 15°C to 26°C. Heavy rainfalls, high humidity, and potential landslides.
- Things to do- Enjoy the market views and taste the local delicacies.
Lal Bazaar, Gangtok Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go-
- Consider visiting the market in the early mornings or afternoons, as most of the shops close till 9 pm.
- Sundays are very busy in Lal Bazaar, where you can explore the various stalls and shops at your own pace, enjoying the local atmosphere.
- Don’t miss the opportunity of shopping in Sikkim to taste cheese made from Yak’s milk, a speciality of the region.
- Bargain a little, especially for textiles and handicrafts, to get the best deals.
- Make sure you're equipped with umbrellas and mosquito repellent in the monsoon season.
- Consider carrying sunscreens, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles to make the summers bearable.
- Get your hands on the best local handicrafts such as textiles, pottery, jewellery, wooden carvings, and metal products like theki, tongba, and khukuri.
Shop local at Lal Bazaar
Find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic produce. Try local favourites like Alpine cheese and Churpi, made from yak’s milk. You can also support vendors by purchasing Sikkim handicrafts, including bamboo and cane knives and baskets, handwoven carpets, shawls, bags, and hats. These items not only showcase the region’s artistry and craftsmanship but also help preserve traditional techniques and sustain the livelihoods of skilled artisans
Savour the local delicacies
Lal Bazaar is also a great place to try local street food while shopping. Popular dishes include momos, steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat and thukpa, a warm noodle soup. These local favourites add to the lively experience of exploring this colourful market.
Grab the famous Sikkim cups
Grab a pair of Sikkim cups adorned with attractive traditional Sikkim designs in vibrant colour combinations. These beautifully crafted cups make perfect souvenirs, reflecting the region's rich culture and artistic heritage while adding a touch of elegance and charm to your collection or daily use.
Tourism Board Alliances
Lal Bazaar, Gangtok FAQs
What is Lal Bazar famous for?
Lal Bazaar is located in the heart of Sikkim, known as a vibrant marketplace. From colourful textiles and traditional handicrafts to fresh produce and local delicacies, the bazaar entices visitors with its diverse offerings. Lal Bazaar is not merely a marketplace, it is a reflection of Gangtok's vibrant spirit and cultural heritage.
What can I buy from the Lal Bazaar?
You can buy a diverse variety of products in Lal Bazaar, ranging from cheese, butter, incense sticks, to the latest electronic gadgets. The smell of dried fish, vegetables and cheese attracts the visitors. Recently, an Organic vegetable outlet has also been opened at this site. Some of the famous outlets and shops are Tashi’s Handicrafts Emporium, Sikkim Organic Produce, Karma’s Jewellery Corner and many more.
What is the history of Lal Bazaar?
Lal Bazaar's origins date back to the early 19th century and have been a central hub for trade and commerce in Sikkim. The bazaar was initially established by the royal family to facilitate the trading of local produce, handicrafts, and goods from neighbouring regions. Over the years, it has evolved into a bustling market, retaining its historical charm while adapting to modern times.
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