What to Buy

Kullu-Manali has a rich rural culture and tradition which exhibits itself in their handicraft works. A large section of the population is involved in the handicraft industry. Items that the tourists go looking for include the Mohras (masks of deities), ornaments, and household items. The straw and grass slippers are also on that list. There is also the Tibetan Market, where you will find an impressive range of arts, handicrafts, jewelry, and antiques. Kashmiri Gift House is another shopping store that offers these items at affordable and reasonable prices.

If you are looking to buy warm woolens, then indulge in some in Manali. This hill station is a paradise for woolen shopping, bringing the best quality, soft, and comfortable woolen garments. Whether you are looking for cardigans, mufflers, stoles, or gloves, the markets in Manali have got you all covered. Visit the Manu Market during the winters and witness the busiest market activities ever. The shops buzz with the overflowing tourists trying to bargain with the shopkeepers to grab the best deal.

If You are looking for appropriate gifts to take back home, then what can be better than the Kinnauri & Kullu Shawls. The impressive, beautiful patterns of the fabrics blend with the bright colors that reflect the true essence of Manali. Feel the soft surface, and you will know it’s the best you could find. Light yet warm, these shawls are tourists’ first preferences. People also dig the market for Kullu caps, another specialty of Manali. The traditional ones always come in green, but you can always choose one in your favorite color.

The traditional thangkas and dorjes make the perfect gift for your loved one. Thangkas are scroll-paintings of Buddhist deities on cotton or silk applique cloth. If maintained well, these delicate and vibrant thangkas can retain their luster and last long. Almost all souvenir shops in Manali keep collections of dorjes. A spiritual symbol, dorjes are used during rituals and are believed to represent the power of a thunderbolt as well as the positiveness of a diamond.

Even though recognition of Ladakh, prayers wheels are widely available in the markets of Manali. To purchase one, visit the Tibet store in Siyal which exclusively sells Tibetian souvenirs and products. These metal prayer wheels are considered sacred, and one rotating it is said to invite good luck. People think that the prayer wheels are empty from within, but few know the wheels contain papers with the inscription of Buddhist prayers. The charm of prayer wheels makes the best souvenirs and gifts.

Kullu-Manali is home to many beneficial Himalayan herbs including Kesar or saffron. It is the most expensive spice used in cooking various items. Extracted from a particular Himalayas flower, it is dried and then sold in the market. Authentic Kesar has health benefits, and its high demand is the main reason why it is so expensive. Even if it is a bit costly, purchase Kesar from a good shop in Manali. You will often find people offering to sell Kesar on the roads at much lesser prices. Be careful when buying from the street vendors. They can easily mislead you into buying something which is anything but not Kesar.