Government Institute of Cottage Industry         

Distance -  km ( from Gangtok )
Note - closed on Sundays, all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.
Phone No -
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries(GICI). Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. A word of caution to the innocent guest

unique novelty of the Institute and is made from the bark of a tree Algeri. The paper is used extensively for invitation cards and letter-pads.

This institute is located at about half a kilometre uphill from the main market of Gangtok. It was established with the purpose  promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts. thangkas, hand carved wooden tables -known as Choktsees and exquisite  woven woollen carpets. 

More than hundred student workers turn out cottage crafts adhering strictly to authentic Sikkimese designs. The carpets produced here, with textures, plush and exotic, the designs varying from sophisticated simplicity to a brilliant riot of vermilion pitted against intense blue, are durable and popular allover the world. Second to carpets in popularity is Sikkimese hand-made paper. Other products are Sikkimese thangkas, variegated appliqué work, batiks and exquisite dolls, in wood-work are available intricate carved Sikkimese tables, hand-painted masks, lamp-stands, shade and bamboo-craft. Esoteric masks, flashing silks, opulent brocade,  and embroidered boots, clothes for the Sikkimese dancers