A splash of local colour

The weekends are the best times for the Bhutanese farmers when they get to showcase the best of their crops amongst the overwhelming hustle and bustle of this spacious two storied market located on the banks of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. The best of the crops come at the cheapest of the prices here and farmers from all over the region can be seen to arrive on Thursday and stay till the end of the week with the sole aim of selling their goods at the best possible prices.

About four hundred stalls feature all kinds of fruits, vegetables and meats while a separate cafeteria and non wood forest produce can be found at another part of the market. Variety is key here as it is often very easy to find a fascinating array of seasonal produce, dried or fresh according to one’s desires. This is a place chockfull of local colour and flavours as one can easily blend in amongst the exotic aromas and the vibrant hues of the season creating a mesmerizing experience for the curious traveller.

On the other side of the market across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam is where the various knickknacks, household items and handicrafts can be found. Quite a lot of bargaining is due at this side of the market as various types of locally produced baubles wink invitingly at passersby. From cymbals, horns, cloth, baskets to delightfully curious looking hats, many things are guaranteed to grab the visitors’ attention. One is tempted to purchase of course as these would be invaluable memorabilia of an unforgettable journey and yet it is always wise to seek the opinion of a local or a guide on the quality of the products that one intends to purchase.

Another remarkable feature that would attract the attention of a wandering traveller unaccustomed to the ways of the land would be the Lung Ta prayer flags hung along the length of the footbridge. In additionally known as Wind Horse flags, these are intended to disperse the prayers at the swiftness of a horse around the world.

Uma Bhutan is a favourable Bhutan hotel to spread one’s tired limbs in after an extensive journey of discovery within the market. Experience the joys that this exclusive Paro hotel has to offer in this exhilaratingly spiritual location.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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