Manali is a paradise for those who love nature but also a shopper’s delight.
Be it colorful markets or local crafts, the picture-perfect hill station houses the unique souvenirs that you’ll want to take back home to remind you of your wonderful trip.
Here are five famous Manali souvenirs that you should not miss when you visit this beautiful place.
Kullu Shawls and Woolen Clothes
Woolen products of high quality are offered by Manali. The most popular item in the woolen category is the beautiful, intricately hand-woven shawl from Kullu, specific to this region.
Sheep’s wool, pashmina, or angora wool bring warmth combined with style to these shawls. There are available options in a range of colors and designs, so they can be used as gifts or personal collectors’ items.
Apart from shawls, you can also buy woolen sweaters, scarves, and caps to wrap up in for the chill winter months.
Buy Them From: Shop some authentic Kullu shawls and woolen clothes at the Mall Road in Manali. For a more local feel, head to nearby villages of Kullu to check out their markets.
Himachali Handicrafts
Manali boasts of some very exclusive handicrafts created by the local artisans. From beautiful wooden carvings to intricate metal work, handicrafts here bear testimony to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Wooden products like deities, trunks, and decorative items for a home are in demand. These are usually carvings of walnut or deodar wood with a fine polish finish.
Handmade jewelry, especially those with traditional Himachali designs, is also something from which one could return with as a souvenir.
Where to Buy: The best places to buy them are local handicraft shops along the Mall Road and Old Manali. You can also visit the Himachal Emporium; they offer authentic handicrafts in great variety.
Kinnauri and Tibetan Jewelry
Tourists could find stunning Kinnauri and Tibetan jewelry pieces at the markets in Manali.
Kinnauri jewelry is renowned for its flavours and vibrant traditional designs that include necklaces, earrings, and bangles with semi-precious stones in silver.
The Tibetan jewelry is renowned for wearing bold designs that feature turquoise and coral stones.
These kinds of jewelry make very good souvenirs, whether one wishes for a bold statement piece or something subtle.
Where to Buy: Some of the best places to see a wide variety of Kinnauri and Tibetan Jewelry would be Tibetan Market in Manali and shops in Old Manali. The differentiation and uniqueness of designs make these markets worth visiting.
Fruit Products and Local Spices
Manali is well known for its orchards of apple fruits and one of the best souvenirs you can carry back from there are fruits-juices and products made from locally grown fruits.
Apple jams, jellies, and fresh juices are in great demand. You can also find those preserves made from apricots, plums, and other fruits grown in the region.
Moreover, Manali is also famous for their aromatic local spices-dried red chilies and turmeric, which add an extreme flavor to any dish.
Where to Shop: Fruit products and spices can be found at shops in Old Manali and Mall Road areas. Fruit products and spices can also be available at nearby orchard farms, which sell direct from the source.
Thangka Paintings
Thangka painting is another traditional Tibetan art. Generally, it depicts Buddhist deities, mandalas, or scenes from Buddhist mythology.
These Thangka paintings come out full of zest and details with colors on cotton or silk that are mounted on fabric frameworks thereby becoming very appropriate for hanging on the walls.
Along with aesthetic appeal, such pieces of painting usually carry an astral and personal significance along with it, thus making it a special souvenir.
The Thangka painting will be a cherished souvenir of your visit to Manali as an art enthusiast or someone who is in awe of cultural heritage artifacts.
Available at: Thangka paintings are sold authentically in Tibetan monasteries spread all over and around Manali. Dha-rali shops selling their pieces of art can be located on Mall Road and at Tibetan Market.
Conclusion
Shopping in Manali is carried out with such mixed effects of local crafts, local products, and cultural souvenirs.
From the warmth of Kullu wool wraps, beauty of hand-made jewelry to the intricate designs of a Thangka painting, every one of these items carries a piece of rich heritage from Manali.
So, while visiting Manali, do not forget to roam in its lively markets and purchase these special souvenirs so that you can take some small pieces of this beautiful hill station back home with you.
Also read: 10 Best Local Dishes You Must Eat in Manali