Traditional wear in Pelling
Bakhu (Kho)
Best worn at Sanga Choeling Monastery
The bakhu (kho) — the traditional Sikkimese Bhutia wrap-robe tied at the waist, worn with a silk blouse (honju) and, for women, a striped pangden apron.
Best colours
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Price range
₹1,500–12,000
Comfort level
High
Best place
Sanga Choeling Monastery
Footwear
Boots
Buy / rent nearby
Gangtok / Pelling
Best colors
The story behind it
The bakhu is worn by Sikkim's Bhutia community at festivals and ceremonies; the Lepcha and Nepali communities have their own dress too.
Styling guide
How to style this look
Accessories
Footwear
Boots — comfortable, on-theme and easy for cobbled lanes and steps.
Bag suggestion
A potli (drawstring) bag or a small embroidered clutch keeps the look authentic with your phone within reach.
Hair & makeup (optional)
Soft kajal, a bold lip and loose waves or a braided bun with a maang tikka complete the traditional look.
Best colour combinations
Where to shoot it
Best photo spots for this outfit
Spots in Pelling where Bakhu (Kho) really works.
Great matchSanga Choeling Monastery
- Best time
- Best time: Early morning, before the cloud settles on the ridge and while the skywalk is empty; late afternoon on clear days for soft light on the statue.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stand at the foot of the prayer-wheel stairway and take an upward photo of the Chenrezig statue, then walk to the end of the skywalk for a wide shot of the valley.
Kanchenjunga Viewpoint
- Best time
- Best time: Sunrise, when the first light turns the snow pink and then gold over a dark valley; the first hour after sunrise for sharp, white peaks.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stand at the edge of the helipad ground or a hotel rooftop in Upper Pelling and take a wide photo of the range, then zoom in on the main summit as it catches the light.
Khecheopalri Lake
- Best time
- Best time: Morning, when the water is still and the walkway is empty; a bright overcast day for even light under the trees.
- Best angle
- Best angle: Stand at the start of the wooden walkway and take a photo along it towards the water, with the prayer flags on either side and the forest behind.
Shop the look
Where to buy or rent nearby
Typical price · ₹1,500–12,000
Wear it well
Practical tips for tourists
Machine-made imitations of the silk brocade
Carry boots or comfortable flats — you'll be on your feet a lot.
Comfortable enough for longer sightseeing and walking days.
Golden hour light flatters rich traditional colours — plan the shoot early or late.
The full guide
Styling Bakhu (Kho) in Pelling
Bakhu (Kho) is a traditional wear favourite in Pelling, and looks its best in maroon, gold and blue. It pairs naturally with a shoot at Sanga Choeling Monastery, worn with boots.
Comfort is high, so plan your route accordingly. You can buy or rent it around gangtok from about ₹1,500–12,000. Check the photo spots above for the best time and angle to capture the look.
Bakhu (Kho)
The bakhu (kho) — the traditional Sikkimese Bhutia wrap-robe tied at the waist, worn with a silk blouse (honju) and, for women, a striped pangden apron.
What follows is the practical brief for buying it and wearing it well.
🧵 What it is
The tradition behind it, in one line: The bakhu is worn by Sikkim's Bhutia community at festivals and ceremonies; the Lepcha and Nepali communities have their own dress too.
This is heritage wear, and that changes the shopping brief - quality of make matters more than the label, the season, or the discount.
What distinguishes a good one is consistency - even work, honest materials, and a finish that looks the same on the second inspection as the first.
🎨 The colours and finishes
The palette to shop within:
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Maroon
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Gold
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Blue
The advantage of this range is forgiving: dust, daylight and flash all treat it well.
Worn with Silk honju, Pangden apron and Silver jewellery, the look completes the way the tradition intends.
👟 Wearing it around Pelling
Footwear: Boots.
Rated HIGH for comfort - comfortable from the first hour to the last.
One practical note for India: shoes come off at temples and mosques through the day, so build the outfit around that rhythm rather than fighting it.
Movement matters as much as fit: sit, reach, and walk a few steps in the shop mirror before deciding, because a Pelling day involves all three.
🚫 What to avoid
- Machine-made imitations of the silk brocade
Each of these is the standard way this purchase goes wrong - none of them is hard to dodge once known.
🛍️ Where to buy it
In Pelling: Gangtok / Pelling.
Expect to pay in the region of ₹1,500–12,000.
Prices at traditional markets are commonly negotiable - quote politely, counter at a fair distance from the first number, and let the conversation find its level.
🧳 Bringing it home
Care is simple: fold along the original creases, keep it dry, and air it before the first wear. Natural fibres crease in a bag and forgive on the body, so a steamy bathroom often does the work of an iron.
Take the time to buy it properly and it will still be in use when the trip is a distant memory; rush it and the shelf gets another orphan.
✅ The one-minute checklist
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Palette: Maroon, Gold and Blue
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Footwear: Boots
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Accessories: Silk honju, Pangden apron and Silver jewellery
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Budget: ₹1,500–12,000
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Where: Gangtok / Pelling
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Avoid: Machine-made imitations of the silk brocade
Questions
Bakhu (Kho) — FAQ
Can I wear Bakhu (Kho) at Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Yes — Bakhu (Kho) suits Sanga Choeling Monastery beautifully. Comfort is high, so you can explore at an easy pace. Pair it with boots for the walk up.
Where can I buy or rent traditional wear in Pelling?
Try Gangtok in Pelling. Expect roughly ₹1,500–12,000. Many shops rent festive outfits by the day, which is ideal for a single shoot.
Which colours look best for Pelling photos?
Maroon, gold and blue photograph especially well against old stone in Pelling — they stand out without clashing with the setting.
Is Bakhu (Kho) comfortable for sightseeing?
Comfort level is high. It works for a relaxed day of sightseeing as long as your footwear is comfortable. Boots keeps it easy on the feet.