Best Souvenirs to Buy
Himachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts, woolen textiles, and unique souvenirs, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship. From handwoven shawls to wooden artifacts, here’s a guide to the best things to buy in Himachal Pradesh and where to find them.
1. Kullu & Kinnauri Shawls – Handwoven Woolens
- Why Buy?
- Famous for their intricate geometric patterns and bright colors.
- Made of pure wool, ideal for winter.
- Where to Buy?
- Kullu Shawl Weaving Co-Operative (Kullu).
- Tibetan Market (Dharamshala).
- Mall Road (Shimla, Manali).
2. Woolen Caps – The Iconic Himachali Topi
- Why Buy?
- The Himachali cap (topi) is a symbol of local identity and pride.
- Comes in two styles:
- Kullu Cap (bright-colored bands).
- Chamba Cap (green or maroon velvet border).
- Where to Buy?
- Lakkar Bazaar (Shimla).
- Mall Road (Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala).
3. Pashmina Shawls – Luxurious & Soft
- Why Buy?
- Made from the finest Pashmina wool sourced from Ladakh and Spiti.
- Extremely soft, lightweight, and warm.
- Where to Buy?
- Bhuttico Handloom Emporium (Kullu).
- Tibetan Handicraft Center (Dharamshala).
4. Wooden Handicrafts – Carved Artifacts
- Why Buy?
- Hand-carved wooden items like keychains, decorative boxes, utensils, walking sticks, and idols.
- Made from walnut, deodar, and pine wood.
- Where to Buy?
- Lakkar Bazaar (Shimla).
- Manu Market (Manali).
5. Thangka Paintings – Tibetan Art Masterpieces
- Why Buy?
- Traditional Buddhist paintings on silk or cotton.
- Features deities, mandalas, and sacred symbols.
- Where to Buy?
- Tibetan Handicrafts Market (Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj).
- Spiti Valley Monasteries.
6. Metal Craft & Traditional Jewelry
- Why Buy?
- Handmade silver and metal jewelry, including nose rings, anklets, and tribal pendants.
- Brass idols of Hindu and Buddhist deities.
- Where to Buy?
- Chamba, Kullu, and McLeod Ganj markets.
7. Chamba Rumal – Hand-Embroidered Art
- Why Buy?
- A heritage craft featuring intricate double-sided embroidery.
- Usually depicts mythological stories and folk art.
- Where to Buy?
- Chamba Handicraft Center.
8. Himalayan Organic Products – Spices & Herbal Items
- Why Buy?
- Wild honey, organic herbs (thyme, basil, turmeric), dry fruits, and herbal tea.
- Local medicinal oils like Seabuckthorn oil (Spiti), Apricot oil (Kinnaur), and Mustard oil (Chamba).
- Where to Buy?
- Government Emporiums in Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala.
- Spiti Valley local markets.
9. Kangra Tea – The Himachali Green Tea
- Why Buy?
- Famous for its mild flavor and health benefits.
- Grown in the Kangra Valley, a historic tea-growing region.
- Where to Buy?
- Palampur Tea Cooperative.
- Shops in Dharamshala, Manali, and Kangra.
10. Handmade Woolen Socks, Gloves & Mufflers
- Why Buy?
- Hand-knitted by local Himachali women, warm and stylish.
- Made from pure sheep wool.
- Where to Buy?
- Tibetan Markets (McLeod Ganj, Kullu, Manali).
- Roadside stalls in hill stations.
