Shopping and girls go together like Maggi and mountains! Utterly inseparable and completely satisfying!
Let’s be honest—no trip is complete without a little shopping, especially if you’re in a place as charming as Manali. 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.
During my first trip to Manali—I had strictly told myself, “No unnecessary shopping!” (Yeah, right.) An hour into Mall Road, and I was already knee-deep in woolen shawls, silver jewelry, and dream catchers. My suitcase was bursting, and my bank account was giving me bombastic side eyes! But I was happy.
So, if you’re heading to the hills, 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, are you excited to shop in Manali? Here are the 10 best things to buy in Manali for girls that you simply can’t resist!
Things to Buy in Manali for Girls
Now it’s time to find the best items to buy in Manali. Here’s an overview of some things to buy in Manali.
Kinnauri & Kullu Shawls, Kullu Caps
Kinnauri & Kullu Shawls are ideal gifts to bring back for family or friends. Kinnauri and Kullu Shawls are appropriate and classy gifts to take home. The wonderful texture complements the remarkable variety, showcasing Manali’s true essence. The beautiful cloth patterns merge with brilliant colors to capture Manali’s soul. These shawls will quickly become your favorite, so keep an eye out for Kullu caps. The traditional ones are primarily green, but you can select your favorite color.
Jewellery
Authentic places like the Gadan Thekchokling Gompa area are great buys in traditional pieces, where lined old Tibetan sellers are beckoning from tiny stores. In Gadan Thekchokling, the Tibetan market will also have semi-precious stone jewelry for you. Traditionally inspired and symbolizing beliefs, Tibetan silver jewelry would range from carefully carved amulets to neckpieces and earrings.
Dry Fruits
It is a great idea to buy dry fruits in Manali, as these are grown in those high-altitude regions where temperatures remain low. For many tourists, it is a good idea to buy dry fruits since it’s cheaper than those of other areas and also one of the best amongst the hundreds of things found in Manali. Walnuts, berries, apricots, nuts, almonds, and others are the dry fruits readily available in the local shops or markets.
Kesar
Kesar is one of the most highly prized spices of India that can be found at an authentic and reasonable price in Manali. The reason being, it is cultivated there. Kesar found here is very authentic and deep red in color. Kesar can be bought from the markets or even from the farmers, so that you know your spices are freshly packaged and authentic.
These are collected, dried, and sold out in the market from a special flower in the Himalayas. It is sold at a very cheap price by street vendors, but those are hardly real Kesar. Buyers have to be really intelligent about purchasing from the street sellers, as they would sell them fake or forged pieces.
Handmade Soaps and Creams
Plant life may flourish in any number of valleys in Himachal, but Kullu is where cheap cosmetics come from. You can buy handmade organic soaps with exotic fragrances like lavender and apple, tea tree, saffron, hyacinth, and orchid. The ingredients used in these soaps are sourced locally from the market. You will also find lotions of saffron, almond, etc. However, while choosing a cosmetic, please consult an expert.
Thangkas
First, these traditional thangkas could be the perfect gifts for loved ones. Thangkas are scroll paintings of Buddhist deities on cotton cloth, and are some of the famous things to buy in Manali. It requires good care and should be handled delicately to make it last long. Almost all souvenir stores in Manali have collections of stories used during rituals and believed to showcase the power of a thunderbolt.
Jams and Jellies
Lovely Kullu valley also has many little shops where exotic kinds of jams and organic jellies are sold. The cottage industries employ about 20% of the population engaged in the production of delicious food items like fruit compost, bread, jellies, and jams. The jams come in many flavors, including blackberry, strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, apple, ginger-cinnamon, and the soup. If you are thinking of picking something in food items, then count these delicious goodies to carry back to your family kitchen.
Tibetan and Himalayan Artifacts
When it comes to Kullu-Manali, which has a rich rural culture and history reflected in handicraft work, travelers hunt for goods such as Mohras (deity masks), decorations, and household items. A Tibetan bazaar offers remarkable artwork, handicrafts, jewelry, and antiquities. Ornaments and family heirlooms are popular items among tourists. Straw and grass slippers are popular items to buy in Manali.
Woolen Apparels
If you wish to buy warm woolens, visit Manali. This place is nothing short of a woolen shopping utopia, offering the highest quality, softest, and most comfortable woolen clothes. Whether you need cardigans, mufflers, stoles, or gloves, the Manali market has you covered. Visit this market in the winter and watch the busiest market activity ever.
Dorjes
Dorjes, as ritual items, are weapon-like constructions that resemble diamonds and thunderbolts. In addition, they resemble a club with a ribbed spherical head. Their beauty makes them ideal showpieces or gift items. Dorjes have significant spiritual significance and are frequently utilized as ritual objects in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies.
Dorjes are one of the most fantastic things to buy in Manali because they act as a conduit for spiritual energy, directing it into the mundane realm. Dorjes are weapon-like designs that serve as unique items to represent the properties of a diamond and a thunderclap.
Final Shopping Tips for Your Manali Adventure
When exploring the markets of Manali, don’t rush! Each shop has its own treasures waiting to be discovered. I’ve found some of my favorite items by taking the time to chat with shop owners and hearing the stories behind their crafts.
If you’re traveling with Manali tour packages, ask your guide about the best shopping spots. They often know hidden gems away from the tourist crowds where you can find more authentic items at better prices. Check out some of the best Manali packages here at our website.
And remember – bargaining is expected at most shops, but always do so respectfully. These artisans take pride in their work, and their craftsmanship deserves fair compensation.
My final tip from years of Manali shopping experiences: leave extra space in your luggage! Trust me, you’ll need it for all the wonderful treasures you’ll want to bring home.
Have you been to Manali? What were your favorite purchases? I’d love to hear about your discoveries in this magical mountain town!
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating Holi 2025 in Sangla Valley
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