Manali and Kullu Shopping Guide: What to Buy and Where
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A trip to Manali or Kullu is not complete without taking something home from the hills. But with hundreds of shops on Mall Road and along the highway, it is easy to get confused about what to buy, where to buy it and what a fair price is. This guide covers the best things to buy, the main markets and a few honest tips from a family shop in Kullu.
Best Things to Buy in Manali and Kullu
1. Kullu shawl
The Kullu shawl, with its bright geometric Kullu Patti border, is the most famous buy from the valley. It is a registered Geographical Indication of India (IP India GI Registry). Before you buy, read our guide on how to identify an original Kullu shawl. Browse: Kullu shawls.
2. Himachali topi
The Himachali topi is a light, easy gift that everyone recognises. Styles include the Kullu topi with a multicolour band, the Kinnauri topi with a green band and the Bushahri cap. See our guide to Himachali topi designs and the Kullu cap collection.
3. Kullu muffler and lohi
A muffler is a small, useful gift, and a lohi (men's shawl) is a traditional present for fathers and elders. Read Kullu muffler vs lohi to choose. Browse: Kullu mufflers and lohi.
4. Stoles, ponchos and jackets
Kullu stoles are lighter than shawls and easy to wear in the city. Woolen ponchos and Kullu Patti jackets are popular with younger travellers. Browse: Kullu stoles, ponchos for women, ponchos for men and Kullu jackets for women.
5. Woolen socks and kids' wear
Handmade woolen socks and small woolen clothes for babies make good, practical gifts. Browse: Kullu woolen socks and newborn baby woolen clothes.
6. Himachali food products
Many visitors take back local food items. Our range includes homemade Himachali pickles like lingdu and peach pickle, gucchi mushrooms, wild honey, gutti ka tel (apricot oil) and Himachali sheera. Browse: Himachali food and herbs.
7. Tibetan handicrafts and wooden items
Prayer flags, thangka paintings, singing bowls and silver jewellery are found in the Tibetan markets, and carved wooden items are sold across the valley (NDTV Travel).
Where to Shop in Manali
- Mall Road: the main shopping street with woollens, souvenirs and food, and also global chains. Prices tend to be on the higher side (Travel + Leisure Asia).
- Tibetan Market: a few minutes from Mall Road, known for warm clothing at more affordable prices and Tibetan items (Travel + Leisure Asia).
- Old Manali: boho clothing, hippie accessories, woollens and silver jewellery (Travel + Leisure Asia).
- Himachal Emporium and Manu Market: the emporium on Mall Road sells shawls and handicrafts, and Manu Market has utensils, wooden items and everyday goods (Holidify).
Where to Shop in Kullu
Akhara Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Kullu town, near the main road and bus stand, with shops selling Kullu shawls, caps, woollens and handicrafts (zingbus). Our shop, Aruna Kullu Handloom, is in Akhara Bazaar near Sood Petrol Pump. Many shawl showrooms are also found along the Kullu–Manali highway.
Smart Shopping Tips
- Check the border: a woven Kullu Patti shows on both sides of the fabric. A printed border is plain on the back.
- Ask about the wool: sheep wool, angora, yak or a blend. A shawl for ₹1,000–₹2,000 is not pure pashmina.
- Know what is local: many shops in Manali and Kullu also sell Kashmiri shawls and ponchos. These are good products, but they are Kashmiri, not Kullu-made. Ask the seller.
- Compare prices: look at two or three shops before buying expensive items, and bargain politely in small shops.
- Do not overload your bag: woollens are bulky. You can buy online after your trip and get it delivered home.
- Keep the bill: ask for a bill and the shop's phone number in case you need an exchange.
Shopping Budget Guide
| Item | Price range in our shop |
|---|---|
| Himachali topi | ₹170 – ₹999 |
| Kullu muffler | ₹229 – ₹599 |
| Kullu shawl | ₹699 – ₹11,900 |
| Lohi for men | ₹899 – ₹1,799 |
| Woolen poncho | ₹699 – ₹1,299 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Manali famous for in shopping?
Kullu shawls, Himachali caps, woollens, Tibetan handicrafts and local food products are the most popular buys.
Is it cheaper to buy Kullu shawls in Kullu than in Manali?
Prices depend on the shop and the quality. Mall Road prices tend to be higher, so it is worth comparing with Kullu shops and online stores.
Can I buy Kullu products online after my trip?
Yes. We ship from Kullu across India with free shipping and Cash on Delivery.
Shop from Kullu, Delivered Home
If you forgot to shop, or did not have space in your bag, you can order everything from our online store. See our winter combos for ready gift sets.
