Just off Mall Road you’ll find Manu Market – a maze of stalls selling all manner of items – mostly aimed at locals – from colorful fruit and veg to cooking utensils and electrical goods. It’s a great place for observing the locals as they go about their daily lives. Just watch out for roaming cows, dogs, and goats as they too go about their daily routines, rummaging among the food scraps. There’s also a selection of Tibetan handicraft and jewellery stores thanks to Manali’s community of Tibetan refugees.
Old Manali Market
Old Manali’s bustling market is the place to buy touristy souvenirs, bohemian jewellery and hippy-style clothing primarily aimed at the hordes of foreign travellers and backpackers who are drawn here. You’ll no doubt find yourself haggling with street vendors for that must-have key-ring with your name written on it, or that silver and turquoise ring that you just can’t live without. Plenty of stalls also sell woollen goods, though these might be higher priced than around Mall Road.
Tibetan Bazaar
Dotted all around Manali - but especially along Mall Road and the markets and lanes off this central commercial area – are stores and market stalls selling Tibetan handicraft, clothing, and jewellery. One of the best areas to find souvenirs sold by the Tibetan community is at the Tibetan Bazaar, a riot of color brimming with shawls, silver jewellery, rugs, bamboo trinkets and prayer wheels. You’ll also find plenty of t-shirts with messages supporting Tibetan independence.
Shopping Tips
As with shopping in India in general, it’s worth haggling to get the best price, especially when buying from street vendors and stall owners in tourist-centric areas. Sellers tend to start their price high when they see a foreigner, but if you suggest that you’ll walk away rather than pay the elevated price, they will often call you back with a lower offer. If you need any help or advice you could ask at the Tourist Information Centre in town.
