Manali is a scenic hill station renowned for its breathtaking scenery, thrilling adventure sports, and vivid bazaars. Shopping in Manali is a delight, with plenty of one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find anywhere else.
From fashionable winter wear, ethnic handicrafts, to natural beauty products, Manali’s local bazaars have something unique for everyone.
If you are travelling to Manali in the Best Manali package, then make sure that you visit the crowded streets and purchase souvenirs according to the vibe of this beautiful town. Below are 10 cool things to shop in Manali for girls that will enhance your trip even more!
1. Shawls and knitted wool garments.
Manali is famous for its high-quality woolen garments, particularly hand-knitted shawls, sweaters, and scarves. Kullu and Kinnauri shawls are particularly famous for their fine stitching and traditional patterns, which reflect the rich heritage of the region.
These shawls are crafted from excellent wool, which keeps you warm as well as gives a grace to your outfit.
Apart from shawls, warm coats, ponchos, and fashionable cardigans are also available, all of which are produced by local artisans. The wool utilized is usually obtained from Himalayan sheep, and therefore it is soft, durable, and ideal for cold conditions.
You can purchase these wool garments from street vendors, boutique shops, and government stores, and thus you are assured of authentic and quality products.
2. Handmade Jewelry
Individuals who adore jewelry will find plenty to adore in Manali’s bazaars. The town is renowned for its exquisite handmade jewelry, which comprises pieces crafted from silver, semi-precious stones, and beads.
Most of the jewelry pieces have Tibetan and Himachali designs, thus making them unique and distinct from the common accessories in towns.
You can discover beautiful chunky bracelets, dainty earrings, bold rings, and beautifully carved pendants, all made by skilled hands. Some of the jewelry also uses Yak bone and turquoise stones, which are auspicious in Tibetan culture. These accessories are great options for giving a bohemian look to your outfit.
3. Tibetan Handicrafts & Souvenirs
One of the most interesting things about shopping in Manali is the range of Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs. The town has a touch of Tibet, and you can find numerous well-made things that are characteristic of their culture.
Prayer wheels, Buddha statues, singing bowls, incense burners, and Thangka paintings make great souvenirs.
These handicrafts are aesthetically pleasing and carry significant spiritual significance. Travelers purchase singing bowls to help them meditate and relax as their soothing sound calms the mind. Beautifully painted tapestries and wall hangings are the most perfect decorative pieces for any home.
4. Multicolored wool gloves, hats, and socks
If you are fond of fun and warm winter accessories, Manali is the perfect destination to purchase cool wool socks, colorful beanies, and warm gloves.
They are hand-made from pure wool and are available in numerous bright colors and playful designs. Some of them even feature traditional Himachali designs, adding a pleasant ethnic flavor to your winter attire.
Manali wool socks are renowned to be soft and warm, which makes them ideal to keep your feet warm in the cold seasons. The hats and gloves are also essential to purchase, which enables you to feel good and comfortable during the winter season. These wool items also make for ideal gifts for family and friends.
5. Natural Skincare Products & Aromatic Essential Oils
Manali has plenty of natural essential oils and herbal skin products accessible from herbs found in the Himalayas. Some of the most popular essential oils are lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, and cedarwood because they are health-promoting and are used in relaxation, stress relief, and skin care.
Manali is also renowned not just for oils but also for soaps, herbal face creams, lip balms, and natural body lotions. All these items do not have harmful chemicals and are made using very old recipes which have been handed down for decades. If you have sensitive skin, these natural skincare products can be an appropriate addition to your beauty care routine.
6. Himachal Jackets and Caps
Himachali cap (Kullu topi) is a widely used article of clothing in Manali. It is a woolen hat, both worn by men and women, and embroidered with colors of intricate patterns. The caps are of different colors and designs and hence a stylish accessory imbued with Himachali culture.
Apart from caps, embroidered jackets are also in demand among the clothing you can buy in Manali. The jackets are usually adorned with nice threadwork, mirror work decorations, and motifs inspired by Himachali art.
If you need a casual jacket or one for a special occasion, you will find ample options in the local bazaars.
7. Handmade Purses & Bags
Manali’s bazaars have plenty of hand-made bags, sling bags, and rucksacks that are designed by local artisans. The bags are of wool, leather, and stitched fabric, hence long-lasting and fashionable.
The majority of the bags have bright colors, tribal prints, and unusual patterns that are not available in regular shops.
If you like collecting bohemian bags, these will be an excellent addition to your collection. They are available in different sizes ranging from small coin pouches to big tote bags, and they will be ideal to use for daily life or for travel.
8. Nuts and Nutritious Foods
Manali is renowned for its high-quality dry fruits and organic food products. The region’s cold climate is a perfect place to grow walnuts, almonds, apricots, and pine nuts. The dry fruits are grown locally and are far fresher than those available in shopping malls.
Apart from dry fruits, you can also purchase organic honey, herbal teas, homemade jam, and fresh apple products.
Manali’s apple orchards yield some of the best apples in India, and you can purchase apple cider, juice, and apple chutney from local shops. These are excellent healthy gifts to bring back home.
9. Home Decor and Woodwork
Woodwork is a significant aspect of Himachali craft, and Manali has plenty of wooden handicrafts and domestic furnishings. You can find exquisite wooden trays and coasters and elegant keychains and furniture. There are plenty of choices.
Most of these wooden items are crafted from walnut and deodar wood, which are durable and have a smooth texture. If you wish to provide a warm appearance to your home, these wooden items are excellent decorative items.
10. Locally made wool shoes
For something truly unique, you have to opt for Manali’s handcrafted woolen footwear. These cozy shoes and slippers are crafted from the best quality wool and are perfect for keeping your feet warm during the chilly winter season.
Available in bright colors, floral patterns, and embroidered designs, these woolen shoes are comfortable and stylish. They are suitable for wearing inside and are a good alternative to normal slippers. You can also find fur-lined boots and traditional Himachali footwear in most local shops if you are looking for something different and quirky.
Conclusion
Shopping at Manali is a delightful experience. You can purchase trendy winter wear, homemade accessories, and herbal beauty products. Whether you go to the markets on your own or on a Manali tour package, do not forget to purchase some of these excellent items as souvenirs.
There are so many enjoyable things to shop for, so your shopping in Manali will be a great one! When you visit again, do not forget to visit the crowded local bazaars and collect these special things. Happy shopping!