15 Best Places For Shopping in Himachal Pradesh – The Complete Guide

Are you planning a vacation but aren’t sure where to go? Himachal tour packages could be your ticket to shopping heaven! Whether you’re seeking stunning Pashmina shawls or delectable pickles, shopping in Himachal Pradesh is an unforgettable experience.

But don’t get the idea that shopping in Himachal Pradesh is all about filling your suitcase with souvenirs. There’s a lot more to it! You’ll discover places to visit in Himachal that redefine retail therapy as you travel through the crowded markets, weaving among merchants. 

Trust us when we say that the unique blend of traditional workmanship and modern flare found at shopping places in Himachal Pradesh will make your shopping bags heavier but your heart lighter.

So pack your bags, put on your most comfortable walking shoes and join us on an entertaining tour of Himachal’s bazaars. These marketplaces provide something for everyone, whether you’re a heavy spender or a window shopper. Let’s get started on this one of a kind retail excursion!

Best Places To Shop In Himachal Pradesh

As we said above, Himachal Pradesh has a plethora of places to shop in different cities offering something unique. So, scroll through and check them all out. 

Places To Shop In Shimla

1. Mall Road

Shimla’s Mall Road is more than a road; it’s a vibrant buzz of culture, flavours and experiences that will keep you returning for more. 

This busy boulevard in Shimla’s centre is the hotspot for shopping in Himachal Pradesh, offering everything from handicrafts to stylish goods.

Worried about becoming hungry while exploring one of the places to shop in Himachal? Not to worry! Restaurants in Himachal have a strong presence here, with a diversity of gastronomic delicacies that will satisfy even the pickiest cravings. 

The flavours here are as diverse as the shopping selections, ranging from traditional Himachali foods to foreign cuisines.

But Mall Road is more than simply a shopping and dining destination. It’s a place where old world charm meets modern rush and activity. The colonial buildings, street sellers and local musicians all contribute to the lovely atmosphere.

Mall Road is a must see for anyone interested in shopping or learning about the local culture. Wander, explore, shop and dine; this vibrant Shimla street guarantees an amazing experience including the best of what Himachal has to offer.

Things To Buy: Organic Products, Woollen Products, Handmade Products

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh

2. Himachal Emporium

Himachal Emporium, located on Shimla’s Mall Road, is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Himachal. This government-run establishment is not only a marketplace but also a cultural centre showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s diverse traditions.

Visitors to Himachal Emporium can browse a wide variety of merchandise. Among the things to buy from Himachal Pradesh, the emporium sells traditional woollen shawls and carpets with exquisite designs. Colours, patterns and sizes are plentiful, with something to suit every taste.

Aside from these, the emporium sells apparel, textiles, and a variety of other handicrafts at highly affordable costs. A 20% government rebate is frequently available, making it even more appealing.

Things To Buy: Woollen Shawls and Carpets, Jewellery, Pottery, Woodwork

3. Tibetan Market

The Tibetan Market in Shimla, a hub for Shopping in Himachal Pradesh, offers an experience that appeals to culture enthusiasts, explorers and shoppers alike.

Situated just below the Ridge, this lively marketplace bustles with activity, as street vendors, many of whom are Tibetan refugees, present an array of fascinating products.

When considering Things to Buy from Himachal Pradesh, the Tibetan Market stands out with its offering of authentic Tibetan goods, crafted by vendors who found refuge in India after the 1959 Chinese invasion.

In addition to shopping, the Tibetan Market provides an immersive cultural experience. You can observe Tibetan monks and nuns in their daily routines, visit nearby monasteries and temples and delve into Tibetan history at the Tibetan Handicraft Centre, located within the market.

Things To Buy: Carpets, Jewellery, Souvenirs

4. Minchy

Minchy Shimla, a family-owned firm nestled among the verdant hills of Himachal Pradesh, has been conserving the essence of the Himalayas in their food items for over half a century. The company takes pleasure in supplying meals free of artificial flavours, colours and preservatives by sourcing fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

A visit to Minchy Shimla provides a real experience of the region, making it a top choice for Himachal Pradesh shopping. Tourists, residents and connoisseurs all crave these wonderful preserves, either as keepsakes or as a gastronomical voyage to the Himalayas.

Visiting Minchy Shimla indeed counts among the delightful places to shop in Himachal, with their factory outlet in Shoghi, approximately 15 kilometers from Shimla, offering the widest selection.

Things To Buy: Fruit Jams, Fruit Jellies, Fruit Wines

5. Lower Bazaar

Lower Bazaar is a prominent destination for shopping in Himachal Pradesh. This bustling market, situated just below Mall Road encapsulates the essence of local culture and offers a diverse range of goods.

As a maze of narrow lanes, Lower Bazaar presents an enchanting experience filled with the clamour of local vendors and vibrant displays. Its charm lies in the unpredictability of finding unique items and the joy of exploration. For those seeking places to shop in Himachal, Lower Bazaar is an unmissable spot.

Tips for visitors include bargaining with the skillful shopkeepers, being prepared to get lost in the exciting labyrinth, bringing cash as many shops don’t accept credit cards, and wearing comfortable shoes for a day of walking.

Things To Buy: Clothing, Handmade Items, Local Produce

6. Lakkar Bazaar

Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla is one of the prime shopping destinations in Himachal Pradesh, rich in history and culture. Originating from the 19th century, this wooden market—’Lakkar Bazaar’ in Hindi—was home to Sikh carpenters skilled in woodwork.

They began selling their crafted wooden products, giving rise to a bustling marketplace. Today, Lakkar Bazaar is not just about wooden items; it’s a blend of tradition and modernity that attracts shoppers from all over.

You can discover everything from simple toys to intricately carved furniture, all offered at very reasonable prices.

The shopkeepers are known for their bargaining acumen, and great deals are often found for those willing to haggle. Besides shopping, the market is also a fascinating place to wander.

Narrow alleyways, colourful stalls selling street food and local temples add to its character, making it more than just a shopping destination.

Things To Buy: Wooden Items, Jewellery, Pottery

Places To Shop In Dharamshala

7. Kotwali Bazaar

Located in Dharamshala, Kotwali Bazaar is a must-visit among shopping places in Himachal Pradesh. Named after the nearby old Kotwali police station, this energetic marketplace is a hive of activity, with its long, slender street crammed with shops and stalls offering an array of goods.

Here, one can encounter a melting pot of cultures, with people from diverse backgrounds engrossed in shopping, dining, and mingling. The atmosphere is dynamic, making the bazaar an authentic representation of the vibrant local culture of Dharamshala.

Adding to the charm are numerous eateries serving traditional Himachali cuisine. With options ranging from delectable momos and thukpa to hearty puri and daal, there’s something to satiate every palate.

Things To Buy: Fresh Produce, Clothing, Electronics

8. Jogibara Road Bazaar

Jogibara Road Bazaar in Dharamshala stands as one of the remarkable shopping places in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in McLeod Ganj’s Tibetan settlement, it’s an extraordinary marketplace teeming with culture and bustling with life, attracting tourists and locals alike.

What sets Jogibara Road Bazaar apart is its vibrant atmosphere. Always bustling with activity, the crowded streets echo with the sounds of haggling and laughter, as both locals and tourists negotiate for the best prices.

Things To Buy: Paintings, Carpets, Clothing, Artifacts

Places To Shop In Dalhousie

9. Tibetan Market

Situated in the picturesque hill station of Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh, India, the Tibetan Market is an enchanting locale bustling with vibrancy from dawn till dusk.

It’s the epicenter of local activity in Gandhi Chowk, the main marketplace of the town. Known for its diverse range of Tibetan goods, the market has become a thriving hub for both tourists and locals.

Kashmiri shawls, luxuriously soft, made from the finest wool, remain a sought-after souvenir. For those with an appreciation for intricate designs and vivid colors, the market offers a range of embroidered items, including bags, clothing, and purses that exude Tibetan aesthetic flair.

Thangkas, religious paintings on cloth depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology, bring colour and culture into one frame. Tibetan jewellery, known for its simplistic elegance, crafted from gold, silver and turquoise makes for a perfect gift.

Additionally, a variety of other handicrafts like carpets, rugs, bowls, and statues can be found.

Things To Buy: Kashmiri Shawls, Jewellery, Clothes

10. Tibetan Handicraft Centre

The Tibetan Handicraft Centre in Dalhousie, situated in the scenic Bakrota hills, is a hub for those entranced by Tibetan culture and art.

Managed by the Central Tibetan Relief Committee, this charitable institution supports Tibetan refugees in India through sales proceeds.

Visitors can explore an extensive collection of handicrafts such as carpets, jewelry, clothing, paintings, and sculptures, all handcrafted by Tibetan artisans, reflecting Tibet’s rich history.

Particularly notable are the hand-knotted carpets, created from wool, silk and cotton, adorned with designs influenced by Tibetan Buddhist symbols.

Besides shopping, the centre’s small museum is worth a visit. Exhibiting Tibetan art and artifacts, it provides a glimpse into the culture and history of Tibet.

Things To Buy: Carpets, Jewellery, Clothing, Paintings

Places To Shop In Manali

11. Old Manali

Old Manali offers an immersive shopping experience in its vibrant market. This marketplace is a treasure trove, featuring everything from conventional handicrafts and fashionable apparel to delightful souvenirs, making it a paradise for shoppers.

It’s an energetic bazaar, teeming with rich colors and thrumming with life, as people from around the globe converge to browse and bargain.

The market brims with local handicrafts, ranging from intricate wooden sculptures to handwoven woolen carpets, all crafted by skilled artisans.

In terms of apparel, one can find traditional Indian attire juxtaposed with Western-style clothes, satisfying diverse sartorial tastes. The bustling souvenir shops display an array of items such as magnets, t-shirts, and key chains, allowing you to bring a piece of Old Manali back home.

Things To Buy: Handicrafts, Clothing, Souvenirs, Local Food

12. Manu Market

Nestled within Manali’s vibrant core, Manu Market is a bustling hub for shoppers, with its multifarious stores presenting an array of goods ranging from local handicrafts and apparel to unique souvenirs.

This market offers the perfect place to procure a charming keepsake or the ideal gear for the chilly mountainous climate.

Easily reachable from the bus stand and railway station, the market, situated just off the main thoroughfare in New Manali, is conveniently accessible for all. Its energetic ambiance is most pronounced in the afternoon when all shops open and the streets buzz with activity.

The market bursts with color and vibrancy as stalls display traditional Himachali crafts, such as intricate wooden sculptures, authentic brassware, and exquisite carpets. You’ll also find clothing, jewelry, spices, and keepsakes.

Things To Buy: Traditional Handicrafts, Tibetan Souvenirs, Local Spices, Traditional Clothing

13. Bhuttico

Bhuttico began its journey in Bhutti village, where 12 local weavers driven by the passion for preserving handloom weaving techniques, laid its foundation. Since its inception, the company has evolved into a significant player in the woollen textiles industry, boasting over 700 weavers.

Known worldwide, Bhuttico’s product line includes not only woolen shawls, stoles and scarves but also sweaters, jackets, blankets, and home furnishings.

The uniqueness of Bhuttico’s offerings lies in its use of top-quality local wool, traditional processing methods, and hand operated looms. Each product stands as a unique handcrafted masterpiece, testament to the skills and dedication of its artisans.

Things To Buy: Shawls, Scarves, Blankets, Jackets

Places To Shop In Kullu

14. Akhara Bazaar

Akhara Bazaar, located in the heart of Kullu town, is a haven for shoppers. Just a brief walk from the main bus stand and the Mall Road, this large, open-air market is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, filled with shops offering an array of goods.

From traditional Himachali handicrafts like intricate wooden carvings and jewelry to vibrant shawls and scarves, the market is a showcase of local artistry.

Besides handcrafted items, there are stalls laden with fresh produce, spices, and indigenous delicacies.

Things To Buy: Woollen garments, Handicrafts, Souvenirs, Local delicacies

15. Sultanpur Market

Just a short stroll from the main bus stand, Sultanpur Market offers an assortment of products, including jewellery, paintings, woollen garments, and handicrafts. Whether it’s a special souvenir or unique clothing, the market has something for every taste.

Open from dawn to dusk the market is best visited in the morning when it’s less crowded, and shopkeepers are more inclined to negotiate. The experience is a sensory delight with a kaleidoscope of colours and a symphony of sounds, from the haggling of prices to children’s laughter. The rich aroma of the market completes the experience.

Sultanpur Market showcases a rich blend of cultural items, with products ranging from traditional Pahari jewellery, Tibetan carpets and Buddhist paintings to woollen garments like shawls and sweaters.

Things To Buy: Traditional Pahari Jewellery, Woollen Garments, Handicrafts, Souvenirs

Exploring the shopping destinations of Himachal Pradesh is an adventure in itself. From bustling markets like Sultanpur in Kullu to quaint local bazaars in Shimla, the state offers a diverse blend of traditional and contemporary goods.

Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just looking for unique souvenirs, Himachal’s markets promise a rich experience. Happy shopping, and don’t forget to indulge in the local culture and flavours that make shopping in Himachal an unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Shop In Himachal Pradesh