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.
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.
Mall Road, Manali
Often referred to as the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Manali is the focal point of this popular hill destination. Buzzing with activity throughout the day, the Mall Road is close to all places of interest and perfect for street shopping. Lined with multiple hotels, restaurants and bars, this busy commercial centre also houses numerous shops and emporiums. From Kullu and Kashmiri shawls, rugs, woollen caps, jewellery, to wooden furniture and books, the Mall Road has something for everyone. It also includes smaller shopping zones such as Hong Kong Market, Thai Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Lama Underground, Shangri La Shopping Complex, New NAC Market and Snow Lion Underground Market.
Bhuttico
Established by a group of village women in 1944, Bhuttico is a cooperative shop which has three stores in the in Manali (located at the Mall Road, Manu Market and NAC Market). If you are looking for woollens, then visit Bhuttico for its variety of shawls (angora and pashmina), jackets, caps, scarves, socks, gloves, and bags. Don’t try to bargain though Bhuttico maintains a strict fixed price policy.