Question 1

What is the "Drug entrapment and dealer-police scams" scam in Manali?

Accepted Answer

Around Old Manali, dealers offer charas (hashish) to tourists, and some operate with corrupt contacts who then threaten arrest to extort large bribes, on top of the serious legal risk drugs carry in India. Do not buy or carry drugs — possession is a serious criminal offence in India and a known setup for extortion of foreigners.

Question 2

What is the "Fake pashmina and Kullu-shawl authenticity" scam in Manali?

Accepted Answer

Machine-made or blended shawls are sold as pure pashmina or genuine handwoven Kullu shawls at inflated prices, relying on tourists not knowing the difference. Buy from government emporiums or established cooperatives, ask about fibre content, and be sceptical of 'pure pashmina' at low prices.

Other Tourist Scams in Manali

Drug entrapment and dealer-police scams

Fake pashmina and Kullu-shawl authenticity

Experienced a scam here?