What to buy in Manali
- Kullu shawls: hand-woven wool shawls with bright geometric borders, a registered Geographical Indication of Himachal Pradesh.
- Kullu caps (Himachali topi): round woollen caps with a coloured band, worn across the state.
- Woollens: sweaters, socks, gloves, mufflers and jackets, useful if you've under-packed for the cold.
- Tibetan handicrafts: prayer flags, singing bowls, thangka paintings, jewellery and carpets.
- Dry fruit and nuts: walnuts, almonds, dried apricots and apples.
- Apple products: fresh apples in season (roughly August to October), juice, cider, jams and pickles.
- Local herbs and teas, honey and handmade soaps.
Where to shop
Mall Road is the main shopping street: pedestrian, busy every evening, and lined with shops selling woollens, shawls, souvenirs and dry fruit. Just off it, the Manu market and the Tibetan market have stalls for clothes, jackets, Tibetan goods and cheaper souvenirs. Prices here are open to bargaining.
Old Manali's shops are smaller and lean towards jewellery, bags, clothes and crafts aimed at travellers. For shawls with clearer quality and pricing, look for weavers' cooperative and state emporium outlets in Manali and Kullu, where prices are fixed and the products are labelled. Kullu town, on the way to and from Manali, has several shawl factories and showrooms where you can see weaving.
Buying a genuine Kullu shawl
Real Kullu shawls are handloom woven, often in sheep wool, angora or blends, with the characteristic border patterns. Machine-made copies are common and much cheaper. Ask what the shawl is made of, look at the back of the border (handloom work is slightly irregular), and prefer shops that give a tag or receipt stating the material. Be cautious with cheap 'pashmina': genuine pashmina is expensive, and most low-priced pieces are blends or synthetic.
Shopping on day trips
On the way back from Solang or Rohtang, roadside stalls sell snacks, local honey and rented snow gear rather than souvenirs, so do your serious shopping in town. If you drive down the valley, Kullu and Bhuntar have shawl showrooms and fruit sellers, and in autumn the orchards along the left bank of the Beas sell apples straight from the trees.
Market timings and tips
- Most Mall Road shops open from mid-morning until late evening; the street is busiest after sunset.
- Bargain politely in the markets; fixed-price showrooms won't move much.
- Carry cash as well as cards and UPI.
- Buy apples and dry fruit last, so they stay fresh for the trip home.
- Check the size and quality of woollens in daylight if you can.
- Your driver can stop at Kullu's shawl showrooms on the way out of the valley.
Frequently asked questions
What is famous to buy in Manali?+
Kullu shawls, Himachali caps, woollens, Tibetan handicrafts, dry fruit and apple products.
Which is the main market in Manali?+
Mall Road, with the Manu market and Tibetan market just off it. Old Manali has smaller craft shops.
Are Kullu shawls expensive?+
Genuine handloom shawls cost much more than machine-made copies. Prices depend on wool, size and work, so compare a few shops.
Can I bargain in Manali markets?+
Yes, in the street markets. Fixed-price showrooms and emporiums usually don't bargain.
What time does Mall Road market open?+
Most shops open by mid-morning and stay open until late evening, longer in peak season.
Is it better to buy shawls in Kullu or Manali?+
Both have good shops. Kullu has more weaving showrooms, so it's easy to stop on the drive.
