Manali is situated at an altitude of 1,829 m in Himachal Pradesh. It is the main tourist destination of the Kullu Valley. Suggested clothing - heavy/light woolens in winter & summer. It receives an annual rainfall of 1,780 mm. In summer Manali is packed with Pahari and foreign and Indian tourists. Apple growing has been the mainstay of the local economy. Manali is the centre of a flourished orchard industry. A host of small shops, restaurants and small hotels provide the necessities of daily life. Every year more hotels are opened in and around Manali. Handicrafts and local souvenirs can be purchased from Main Market, New Shopping Centre, Tibetan bazaar and Tibetan Carpet Centre. Manali has grown over the last ten years in the business. The government shop on the Mall also has good collection for shawls, bhutico, himachal handicrafts at circuit house road, and NAC market can be visited. Skiing at Solang Nullah can be arranged by many of the agencies in the town, although one can hire skis and ski independently at this resort. The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provide straining facilities for basic and advanced climbing, both for Indian nationals and foreigners. This institute also conducts rock climbing, skiing and high altitude rescue and relief courses. There is a hostel, an exhibition of equipment and an auditorium. Himachal Tourism Club House, on river bank has facilities for indoor sports and a well appointed restaurant.