Monks, monasteries, prostrating pilgrims and yaks all come to mind when one conjures up images
of isolated Bhutan. However, the last Himalayan kingdom offers a bevy of desirable finds around its bustling capital, Thimphu.
Make time to ogle the hand-woven fabrics at the Textile Museum on Norzin Lam and marvel at the intricate mosaics inside the country's many Buddhist temples. For more tactile memories, visit the boutique at the ultra-chic Amankora Thimphu lodge (below; near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang, tel: 975 2 331 333). Women's blazers (HK$4,600 to $14,000) made from traditional Bhutanese textiles can liven up any outfit. Music fans will have fun blowing the elongated Tibetan horns (HK$1,100 to HK$2,000) while considerably more cash will buy a coral, turquoise and amber-encrusted silver treasure box (HK$40,000).
Head down into town to the General Post Office (Chang Lam, tel: 975 2 322 381), which is a must-stop for philatelic visitors. It is also the only place to pick up a smiling monk key ring (HK$12) or a T-shirt (HK$78) emblazoned with the same enlightened one.
Across the road, Lungta Handicraft (tel: 975 2 333 855) offers harmonious Bhutanese tunes on discs such as Ap Dawpel - Songs from the Master (HK$74), organic honey from east Bhutan (HK$29) and holistic incense sticks (HK$49) produced by the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services.
Brimming with vividly hued weavings, Namgay Handicrafts (tel: 975 2 328 274) rivals even the Textile Museum with its hand-woven kira (HK$9,365 to HK$30,240), the traditional dress for women in Bhutan, and, for those less flush with funds, colourful backpacks (HK$146) made from local textiles.