With its quaint roadside stalls and street-market stretches, shopping is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Manali. From beautifully-woven shawls to local handicrafts, Manali offers numerous unique souvenirs at relatively cheaper prices. If you’ve had your fill of exploring the emerald-green valleys and snow-clad peaks all around, then head to these markets to take home some of Manali’s bric-a-brac.
Manu Market, Manali
Located at the Mall, the tiny Manu market is home to book shops, handloom and clothing stores. You’ll find here many shops selling second-hand goods sold to them by foreign backpackers, heading out of Manali. In case you are shopping for imported products, don’t forget to check their expiry dates mentioned on the labels.
Tibet Art Collections
Want to take back home souvenirs for friends and family? Well! Tibet Art Collections is where you can bag local handicrafts and other beautiful artworks. Located in City Centre, this shop offers you pocket-friendly souvenirs. After looking at the price, you will definitely not mind picking something for everyone.
Old Manali Market
Wander through the cobblestoned pathways of the quaint village of Old Manali, and explore its small shopping area known as Old Manali Market. Away from the bustling lanes of the Mall Road, the market is full of quirky little outlets. With a wide variety of shops selling old music CDs, the streets of Old Manali Market will take you back in time. Other popular picks here include funky T-shirts, beads and jewellery. As you stroll through the hidden lanes of the market, you will also spot many shops selling fruit jams, jellies and pickles.
Tibetan Market, Manali
Manali’s Tibetan Market is the perfect place to pick up some Tibetan artefacts and souvenirs. Known for its hand-woven carpets, intricately designed rugs, shawls and other woollen apparels, the market offers an interesting peek into Tibetan culture. If you decide to explore the inner by-lanes of the market, you will come across small shops selling local handicrafts, prayer wheels, bamboo souvenirs, silver jewellery and thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cloth). Make sure you bargain before you settle for any price.