5 Must Buy Himachal Souvenirs

We know Himachal for its lovely landscapes, its snow-covered mountains, its red apples, its wood and stone architecture. We visit Himachal for fresh air, for its cold desert and its adventure sports. What do you bring back with you from this Dev bhumi – this divine land? I think good health and loads of positive energy are what we all bring back from Himachal. For those back home, we have curated a list of Himachal Souvenirs that you can pick.

# Himachali Topi or Cap

You see someone with a round cap sitting delicately on their hands with a bright band in front, and you know the person is from Himachal. Interestingly, Himachali Topi or Cap are unisex and they are worn both by men and women. It is a lovely souvenir to pick from Himachal. Readily available in most touristy places or otherwise in the markets. They are not very costly so most of us can afford it.

# Kullu Shawls

Himachal has a cold climate, making warm clothing an absolute necessity. It also has an abundance of wool providing animals like sheep. No wonder wool weaving has evolved as an art form in Himachal. Shawls here have simple but elegant designs. They are worn by both men and women. As expected, the men’s shawls called ‘Loi’ or ‘Pattu’ are larger in size and rather plain. Women’s shawls come with a strip of geometrical colorful patterns. While beige and light colors dominate, the border adds vibrance. Sometimes you find floral patterns as well.

# Chamba Rumal

Chamba Rumal as the name indicates comes from the Chamba region of Himachal, and Ruman means handkerchief. It is a beautifully hand embroidered piece of silk or fine cotton, usually telling a story. You can see scenes from Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. A reflection of the miniature art that is practiced in this region is unmissable.

# Paintings

Himachal is known for its lovely Pahari Miniature paintings. Any museum worth its salt in the country has a collection of these exquisite paintings. Kangra, Chamba, Guler, and Basholi schools of miniature paintings are known for their exquisiteness. Whole epics have been painted in these paintings in the past.

# Dorje’s

The Dorje is often used in meditation rituals as a symbol of the union between the experiences of everyday life, and the state of being that we live in unity with nature and all that surrounds us. It is the principal ritual trident of Tantric Buddhism.They make beautiful mementos or gift items. You can pick one up while shopping at Old Manali.