Store tour with Kunsang: A walk-through of our Tibet shop in Bern
Kunsang
“Come in and take your time. Here you can touch, smell and ask about everything.”
Many people write to us that they would love to visit but don't know what to expect in the shop. So today I'm taking you on a walk. We start at the door and go step by step through our Tibet shop at Kramgasse 63 in Bern.
At the door: entrance and display case under the arcades
We are in the heart of Bern's old town at Kramgasse 63, directly opposite the Zytglogge. You'll recognise us by the sign “Himalaya Vibes – Tibet Shop & Souvenirs” and the display case with prayer flags. A few steps lead down into the shop. Don't worry, there is much more down there than you can see from the street.
Stop 1: The thangka wall
As soon as you step in, your eye is drawn to the wall of thangkas. These are Tibetan scroll paintings in brocade frames, each showing its own figure: Buddhas, Taras and teachers. In the shop you can see how big they really are and how the colours look in the light, which is hard to judge online. If you want to know who is shown on which picture, just ask me. I'm happy to explain. You'll also find an overview in the article Tibetan Deities Explained.
Stop 2: Singing bowls, malas and wool
The singing bowls stand in the middle of the shop. Each one sounds a little different, so it's worth listening before you decide. Behind them hang malas, the Tibetan prayer beads, and knitted wool items from Nepal (Hand-knitted in Nepal). You can read more in the article Singing Bowl Effects.
Related collections: Singing Bowls & Decorations and Malas.
Stop 3: Incense sticks
Here Indian incense sticks such as Satya stand next to Tibetan varieties, along with holders and incense resins. A tip from me: tell me which scent you're after, for example calming, floral or spicy. Then I'll show you what fits.
To browse: Tibetan Incense Sticks, Satya Incense Sticks and Incense Holders.
Stop 4: Prayer flags, sage and cushions
Further back you'll find the prayer flags, neatly rolled up, with incense bundles and colourful cushions beside them. Prayer flags are hung outdoors so the wind carries the wishes onward. If you're not sure which colours you need, just ask me.
To browse: Tibetan Prayer Flags and Incense Bundles.
Stop 5: Perfume oils and attar
Right next to it you'll find the perfume oils. Attar is a traditional fragrance oil from India that contains no alcohol. You wear it as a drop on the skin. In the shop you can smell the scents. That helps a lot, because scents are a matter of taste and work a little differently on every skin.
You'll find all scents in the collection All Perfumes, and the attars separately under Attar Perfume Oils.
Stop 6: Scarves and shawls
The back of the shop gets colourful. A whole shelf full of scarves and shawls, sorted by colour. Here it's worth picking up the fabrics and holding them up to the mirror. Wool, silk or viscose feel very different. A scarf also makes a lovely gift, because you can choose colour and pattern to suit the person.
Related collection: Scarves, Shawls, Lungis & Sarongs.
Stop 7: Jewellery, malas and gemstones
The tour ends with the jewellery. Malas and bangles hang on the wall, and rings lie in trays beneath. In the display case you'll find silver rings, gemstones and necklaces, plus bracelets and pendants from Tibet and Nepal. You can try on rings right away. That's a big advantage over the online shop, because you feel the right size best on your finger.
Online you'll find a selection under Handmade Jewellery with Natural Stones and Arm Jewellery.
Stop 8: Gemstones and minerals
To finish, take a look at the gemstones and minerals in the wooden compartments. Rose quartz, amethyst and many others lie out in the open, and you can pick them up and choose the stone you like. Next to them hang sweaters and jackets from Nepal.
How to find us
You'll find us at Kramgasse 63 in Bern, in the middle of the old town, directly opposite the Zytglogge. I look forward to your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I look at and try out products in the shop?Yes. You can listen to singing bowls, smell scents, try on rings and handle fabrics. Just ask if you'd like a closer look at something.
Does the shop carry the same range as online?No, we have much more in the shop than online. It's well worth dropping by and browsing at your leisure.
Where exactly is the shop?At Kramgasse 63 in Bern's old town, directly opposite the Zytglogge. In front of the shop there is a display case with prayer flags, and a sign shows you the way. A few steps lead down.
Not in Bern? Then browse our online shop. In Switzerland we deliver in 2 to 3 days.