Top 14 Things to Buy in Manali: Souvenirs, Woolens, and More
Whether passing by a bustling market or strolling around the serene, snow-kissed lanes, Manali beckons you to take home a piece of its charm. Don’t miss out on the things to buy in Manali, as it offers a shopping paradise with enchanting landscapes, starting from intricate handicrafts to Himachali teas to vibrant Tibetan souvenirs. So get ready to uncover the magic of Manali, where every purchase carries the soul of the mountain! Manali can be called a one-stop destination for youngsters that offers you a variety of options to buy things in Manali and a refreshing escape. Items from Himachal Pradesh and the surrounding region are famous for shopping in Manali. So, are you excited to shop in Manali? Read on to know about it in a detailed description.
What Things to Buy in Manali? Popular Items to Grab to Take Back Home
Well, it’s time to uncover the best things to buy in Manali because shopping is yet to be done when you’re done exploring the city! From bustling marketplace to hidden gems, this place offers an unforgettable shopping experience for locals and tourists. You should always take advantage of the must-buy and shopping etiquette you must know. Here’s a breakthrough of a few things to buy in Manali.
1. Local Tea and Herbal Products
2. Traditional Jewelry
3. Kullu Products
4. Jams and Jellies
5. Tibetan and Himalayan Artifacts
6. Woollen Apparel
7. Wooden Furniture
8. Dorjes
9. Dry Fruits
10. Kinnauri, Kullu Shawls and Caps
11. Thangkas
12. Prayer Wheels
13. Kesar
14. Handmade Soaps and Cream
1. Local Tea and Herbal Products
Manali is surrounded by tea gardens producing delicious tea varieties. You can look for locally grown tea to buy in Manali and also try to find herbal infusions and natural skincare products from indigenous plants.
2. Jewellery
You can buy traditional pieces in authentic places like the Gadan Thekchokling Gompa area, where wrinkled old Tibetan vendors sit in tiny shops. Semi-precious stone jewelry is available in the Tibetan market of Gadan Thekchokling. Tibetan silver jewelry is intricately carved and comes in various forms, such as amulets, neckpieces, and earrings inspired by traditional beliefs and motifs.
3. Kullu Products
Kullu, a picturesque valley, is known for its unique handicrafts, which can be bought in Manali. One of the most famous items to buy is cashmere Kullu puppets, handcrafted wooden puppets often depicting mythological characters. Kullu also produces a variety of items, such as wooden carvings, musical instruments, and local spices.
4. Jams and Jellies
The beautiful valley of Kullu is dotted with small shops that sell exotic flavors of jams and organic jellies. Approximately 20% of the population is engaged in cottage industries that churn out delicious food items such as fruit compost, bread, jellies, and jams. These jams come in different flavors like blackberry, strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, apple, and ginger-cinnamon. If you are thinking of buying something in food items, count these delicious goodies to carry back to your family kitchen.
5. Tibetan and Himalayan Artifacts
When we talk about Kullu-Manali, which has a rich rural culture and tradition exhibiting itself in handicraft work, tourists look for items like Mohras (Masks of deities), ornaments, and household items. You’ll find a Tibetan market with impressive arts, handicrafts, jewelry, and antiques. The Ornaments and family heirlooms are some of the items sought after by travelers. Straw and grass slippers are cool things to buy in Manali. The Kashmiri Gift House is another spot offering famous things to buy in Manali at a reasonable price.
6. Woolen Apparels
If you want to buy warm woolens, indulge in some in Manali. This place is nothing less than a paradise for woolen shopping, bringing the best quality, soft, and comfortable woolen garments. Whether it’s cardigans, mufflers, stoles, or gloves, the Manali market has you all covered. Visit this market during winter and witness the busiest market activities ever.
7. Wooden Furniture
Intricately carved furniture, prayer wheels, or toys crafted from evergreen wood are found in Kullu Khangra or the Tibetan market. Practically, it might be difficult to transport furniture back home. However, you could purchase Tibetan prayer wheels at home and pick up colorful toys and bangles from the Kullu Valley.
8. Dorjes
As ritual objects, dorjes are weapon-like structures representing both the properties of a diamond and a thunderbolt. Also, they’re a kind of club with a ribbed spherical head. Their beauty makes them perfect showpieces or gift items. The Dorjes hold deep spiritual significance and are often used as a ritual object in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies. Dorjes are one of the incredible things to buy in Manali as a conduit for divine energy, channeling it into the earthly realm. Dorjes are weapon-like designs that act as unique items to depict the qualities of a diamond and a thunderclap.
9. Dry Fruits
Buying dry fruits is a great option in Manali, as they are cultivated in hilly places with low temperatures. Many travelers prefer to buy dried fruit as it is less expensive and one of the best things in Manali. Dry fruits are readily found in local shops or markets selling walnuts, berries, apricots, nuts, almonds, and other items.
10. Kinnauri & Kullu Shawls, Kullu Caps
If you’re looking for appropriate gifts to take back for your family or friends, what could be better than Kinnauri & Kullu Shawls? Gifts like Kinnauri and Kullu Shawls are suitable and classy gifts to carry back home. The incredible texture blends with superb variety, showcasing the authentic core of Manali. The incredible patterns of fabrics blend with bright colors that offer Manali’s true essence. These shawls will become your first preference, so don’t forget to dig the market for Kullu caps. The traditional ones are mostly green, but you can choose your favorite color.
11. Thangkas
These traditional thangkas can be a perfect gift for loved ones. Thangkas are scroll paintings of Buddhist deities on cotton cloth, some of the famous things to buy in Manali. You need to maintain this well and delicately to make it last long. Almost all souvenir shops in Manali have collections of stories that are used during rituals and are believed to showcase the power of a thunderbolt.
12. Prayer Wheels
Even though these are recognition of Ladakh, prayer wheels are available in Manali’s markets. To purchase one, visit a Tibetan store in Siyal that sells Tibetan products. Such metal prayer wheels are empty from within, but few know that these contain papers with inscriptions of Buddhist prayers. Manali offers diverse shops and markets where you can buy local and authentic Thangkas. Also, you can learn about the history and meaning behind these paintings. It can be one of the best things to buy in Manali.
13. Kesar
Saffron (Kesar) is one of India’s most highly prized spices, and Manali is where you’ll find the most authentic one as it is cultivated here. Kesar is one of the best things to buy in Manali for its authentic and deep red color. Visitors can buy Kesar from local markets or directly from farmers, ensuring they get the freshest and most authentic product. These are extracted from a particular Himalayas flower, dried, and sold in the market. People often sell Kesar at low prices, but these are hardly real. You need to be careful when buying from street vendors, as they can mislead you into buying something.
14. Handmade Soaps and Creams
Having a variety of flora in Himachal valleys, Kullu boasts of a strong local cosmetic industry. You can buy handmade organic soaps in exotic fragrances such as lavender and apple. Tea tree, saffron, hyacinth, and orchid. The ingredients of these soaps are sourced locally in the market. You’ll also find lotions of saffron, almond, and more. However, look for an expert when making a cosmetic choice.
FAQs of Things to Buy in Manali
What are the special things to buy in Manali?
Manali is renowned for its exquisite woolen items, including shawls, stoles, and sweaters crafted in quality wool. You could find handcrafted wooden artifacts. You can buy prayer wheels, thangkas (Tibetan painting), and intricate jewelry. You can also buy aromatic spices, local fruit wines, and honey, which are popular.
Is Manali cheap or expensive for shopping?
Manali offers a fusion of shopping experiences that aligns with budget and premium buyers. Local markets, such as Tibetan and Old Manali, are affordable, selling woollen, accessories, and handmade items at budget-friendly rates. Also, it depends on what you’re buying, but you could enjoy budget-friendly options if you shop wisely.
What are the most expensive things to buy in Manali?
The most expensive things in Manali are authentic Pashmina Shawl, premium woolen products, and intricate thangka paintings. Genuine handcrafted antiques, specifically from local culture, could be pricey for their uniqueness and cultural value, making them cherished collector’s items.
What is famous in Manali to eat?
Manali is not limited to shopping but also includes excellent Himachali cuisines such as Siddu, a steamed bread stuffed with lentils or poppy seeds. Other dishes include dham, a traditional feast such as rice, lentils, and yogurt-based curries, and babru, a deep-fried bread.
Can we buy woolen stuff from Manali?
Manali is a paradise for woolen products, with various high-quality items such as shawls, sweaters, gloves, and caps made from Himalayan wool. You can also find such products in Tibetan Market and Mall Road, often handmade by local artisans.
What is the best handicraft market in Manali?
The Tibetan Market is a top choice for handicrafts, offering an array of traditional Tibetan items, including designed jewelry, thangka paintings, and prayer wheels. Apart from shopping, the market is a cultural experience enabling visitors to explore authentic Himalayan artistry while associating with local artisans.
What is the specialty of Mall Road Manali?
Manali’s Mall Road is the city’s heart and combines shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Recognized for its lively ambiance, the area features shops selling woolen garments, handicrafts, and local Himachali products. The scenic backdrop of mountains makes Mall Road a memorable base for tourists.
What is the best gift from Manali?
A Kullu Shawl is one of the best gifts you can buy from Manali, and it has intricate patterns and vibrant colors. You can also buy edible items such as organic honey, Himachali spices, famous fruit wines, etc.
