Travelling to Himachal Pradesh will open up a scenic avenue of the untouched and pure natural beauty of the Himalayas. This is the reason as to why this northern most state of India receives a massive influx of travelers, explorers, and holiday goers along with peace seekers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. This place is also considered to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in India which has been serving as home to different protected tribes and sub-tribes. People traveling to Himachali can witness a diverse range of locally produced traditional Artifacts, handicrafts items, souvenirs and many other unique things that you may not think about generally buying from the market.
When traveling one must make sure to buy, eat and shop local as not only does it help the local businesses grow and thrive but you also take back some valuable memories that you can keep at home and think about that place every now and then. Himachal has numerous options for one to shop for things due to the presence of several local market places and bazaars selling locally produced items. Here is a list of things you can buy and where to most likely get them from when you are in Himachal:
Shopping in Kalpa
Kalpa marks the higher reaches of the state of Himachal and consists of some of the most jaw-dropping 180 degrees views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and especially Kinner Kailash Parvat. Being situated at such a high altitude you should expect things and items here in the market places to keep you warm. You will get the best priced and some very stylish winter wear like jackets, Shawls, sweaters, lower etc. They are very comfortable, produced locally, and available at the cheapest rates. They are so durable that you can even wear them back home during the winter months. The handicrafts emporium is another shopping place where you can also buy some souvenirs in the form of various handicrafts items, local traditional toys, wall hangings, tools, etc. The most popular but perishable must buy things here are the famous Kinnauri apples that are found here in abundance and even exported to different parts of India and are the best quality of apples anyone could find in India.
Shopping in Kullu
Kullu is a hilltop filled with incredibly scenic views and a peaceful environment unlike anywhere else. Its proximity to various other holiday destination makes is favorable for travelers to go further and explore more. Apart from natural beauty, Kullu offers more than what meets the eyes. the market places here are laden with warm, comforting and locally made clothes like mufflers, Kullu traditional hats, Kurtas, Kurtis and of course the famous Kullu shawls which are not only famous here but are popular all over the world for its smoothness and traditional prints which makes it better than the rest and a worldwide famous product. Some other popular products one can buy from Kullu include items like Buddhist paintings, eatables like jams, pickles, snacking items, etc. you can easily buy all of these stuff at the famous Tibetan bazaar and Sultanpur Market Place. Another regional favorite and perishable eatable is the famous yam milk cheese which tastes very different from the cheese that you may be used to.
Shopping in Shimla
People living around the border of Himachal visit Shimla as a part of their almost every holiday or vacation opportunity. Being just a couple of hours of road journey away, Shimla also makes for one of the best long extended weekend getaway options. Shopping enthusiasts can rejoice here as there are numerous options from where one could shop till drop. This is a big town catering to numerous visitors; travelers from different parts of the world and of course the locals living in and around the region. The best place to shop here is the famous Mall road apart from the various government-operated emporiums and private shopping outlets. Another underrated place to shop in Shimla is the lower bazaar part of the town which is vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Here you can also try out some local snacking items and a range of street food items as well. Here you can shop for literally everything from Kinnauri shawls, Tibetan Jewellery, Kullu rugs, winter clothing items, accessories, toys and so much more.
Shopping in Mcleodganj
Mcleodganj is one of the most beautiful and scenic hill stations in north India that serves as a peaceful cool oasis away from the scorching heat of the plains. This was developed by the British officials as a summer getaway destination and was very much loved by them for its pure atmosphere, cool surroundings, and lush green thick forest cover. It has now become one of the must-visit tourist destinations for people looking to go on fun-filled road trips with their family, friends, and loved ones. Once there you can go back bearing lots of beautiful gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones back home. one can easily shop for things like bronze artifacts, decorative items, prayer wheels, prayer flags, prayer Thangkas, etc. these items are available in shopping places like Bhagsu roadways main shopping area, Jogibara road, temple road, and even Tibetan handicrafts cooperative. A shopping trip that you can follow here is to bargain till you get the best price out of it.
Apart from the list and places mentioned above, everywhere you go in Himachal you will be greeted with several market places and shopping areas selling the best locally produced items that you can take back home to your family, friends and loved ones.
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