Shopping in Kashmir offers a plethora of exquisite items to choose from. From intricately designed Pashmina shawls to handcrafted walnut woodwork, the region is known for its unique and high-quality products. Embark on a delightful shopping experience in Kashmir, where you can indulge in traditional textiles, vibrant carpets, and authentic spices, making it a haven for avid shoppers.
About Shopping in Kashmir
Before you’re going to book a Kashmir Trip, You should know more about Shopping in Kashmir the best Things to buy that make your Trip more Memorable. So On this page, we are going to guide you about the Best Things to Buy in Kashmir Like Srinagar Gulmarg Pahalgam & Other Places. Guide to to do the Best shopping in Kashmir Valley
You can shop for every item of your preference with the help of local shopkeepers and vendors. If you are a shopaholic person, then you should definitely think of buying the beautiful handmade local products of Kashmir for your family and friends.
You can explore the floating market of Dal Lake through a shikara ride where you can buy traditional local products at genuine prices
Kashmir, also called ‘Heaven on Earth’ is famous all over the world for its never-ending beauty and rich culture with the hospitable nature of people. While Kashmir is well known for its beauty, it has also gained popularity for its traditional products and handicrafts items.
You can shop for every item of your preference with the help of local shopkeepers and vendors. If you are a shopaholic person, then you should definitely think of buying the beautiful handmade local products of Kashmir for your family and friends.
You can explore the floating market of Dal Lake through a shikara ride where you can buy traditional local products with genuine prices which is famous all over India.
There are many stores in Meena Bazar where you can buy original Kashmiri products at very reasonable prices.
You can also explore the Makkah market in Lal Chowk Srinagar, where you can find various local products. If you want to purchase Saffron, then you may need to visit the link road between Srinagar and Pahalgam where you can find various shops of saffron.
The local market of Pahalgam is well known for shopping in Kashmir. Here you will find authentic products of Kashmir like Pashmina Shawls, and Krewel furnishing items at very reasonable prices.
Gulmarg also offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities. From traditional Kashmiri handicrafts to high-quality leather items, Gulmarg has everything. You can shop pashmina shawls, textile products, and handmade paper machine products in budget-friendly prices.
Tangmarg is a tourist destination in the Baramulla district of Kashmir. The place is famous for its walnut shops and various other dry fruit shops. You can purchase walnuts and dry fruits here with very decent prices. Besides, also you can buy local handicrafts and other local products in the Tangmarg market.
Shopping in Kashmir-Popular things to buy
You can shop for a variety of products during your trip to Kashmir. Kashmir markets have many authentic and moderately priced items that you can shop for.
1- Namda:
It is a traditional rug or mat which is made up of wool mixed with a small amount of cotton. Mostly there are two types of namdas such as plain and embroidered. These rugs are adorned with thread which is handmade which gives it a unique and traditional look. Namda industries in Kashmir are mostly located in Rainawari in Srinagar, and Anantnag and Baramulla districts. Prices usually vary depending upon the quality of wool, type, design, and size of Namda.
2- Kashmiri Carpets
Kashmiri carpets are renowned all over the world for their intricate handmade embroidery and well-knotted designs. These carpets are designed with chemical dyes, particularly the subtle shades are used. There are many places in Srinagar where you will find carpet shops with a very reasonable price range.
3- Dryfruits -Almonds and walnuts:
Kashmiri dry fruits are well known for their superior taste and are very popular among consumers of the world. Almonds and walnuts are best in taste and there is a vast market of these dry fruits all over in Kashmir.
You can shop for walnuts, almonds, dried berries, and dried apricots from the local shops in Srinagar and other districts of Kashmir at very affordable prices.
4- Paper Mache items:
Paper Mache is a decorative delicate art that showcases the artistic nature of Kashmiri craftsmen. This art is practiced in the whole of Kashmir and you can buy these products from low to higher price ranges depending upon the quality of materials used.
5- Pashmina shawls
Another famous Kashmiri product which you can purchase is a pashmina shawl. Pashmina yarn is woven from the hair of Ibex goat which is found in the higher reaches of Ladakh. The Pashmina shawl has been designed with Kashmir’s most exquisite embroidery which covers its entire surface earning it with the name of Jamwaar.
Prices may vary depending on the material being used.
6- Kashmiri bats:
Kashmiri bats are intricately designed and handcrafted wooden bats made by local artisans from Kashmir. Crafted from finest grade Kashmiri willow, these bats are well known for their best quality and durability making them a popular choice among the cricket enthusiasts of India.
7- Saffron:
One of the most expensive and precious spices of the world, Saffron is predominantly grown in Pampore Srinagar. Saffron is grown only in Pampore other than in Spain and that’s why this place is also known by the name ‘ saffron town of Kashmir’. There are three different grades of saffron among which the finest one is ‘ mogra cream’ which is harvested only in Kashmir.
Places to do shopping in Kashmir
While visiting Kashmir, you can shop anywhere as there are shops in every nook and corner of the valley selling local products. The top places where you will find genuine Kashmiri products with affordable price ranges are the market in Lal Chowk where you can explore shawl shops, ari workshops, papier machine shops, etc. you can also shop for traditional Kashmiri products in Lal chowk’s polo view where you will see a huge number of shops specialized in Kashmir based items and textiles.
While enjoying your shikara ride in Dal Lake, you may also get to experience the famous floating markets and Meena Bazar which is a one-stop for every local Kashmiri product.
You can also shop for willow products of Kashmir which are handmade by skilled artisans of Kashmir. Dargah Hazratbal Road is the best place to buy willow items at affordable prices.
Apart from Srinagar, you can also visit other places of Kashmir such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Tangmarg where you will find every local artistic and traditional thing of Kashmir to buy.
Tips for shopping in Kashmir
Before planning to shopping in Kashmir, you should follow some tips to make your shopping experience worth every penny.
First of all, you should research the traditional handicraft products for which Kashmir is famous for. This will help you to identify authentic product shops so that you can make informed purchasing decisions.
Visit local markets of Srinagar like Lal Chowk and Polo View Market where you will be able to find products in the best price ranges while also interacting with locals of the place.
Most importantly, do not hesitate to negotiate prices with the local vendors. you should bargain in a friendly manner so that you will get the best of the products at very decent prices.
Shopping & Things to Buy FAQ
1. What are the must-buy items in Kashmir?
Kashmir is famous for Pashmina Shawls, Namdas, carpets, Ari work products, paper mache items, willow and walnut wooden items, saffron, dry fruits, and Kashmiri bats.
What are the best places for shopping in Kashmir?
some of the best places to shop in Kashmir include Lal Chowk Market, Polo View Market, Residency Road, floating markets of dal lake, Pahalgam market, Tangmarg Market, and Gulmarg besides various government-approved stores that specialize in traditional handicrafts.
What are the best times of year for shopping in Kashmir?
The ideal time for shopping in Kashmir is during the peak tourist seasons, which typically begin in the spring and summer months (April to June) and the autumn months (September to November). During these times, markets are bustling with activity, and you will find a range of Kashmiri products available for purchase.
Are credit cards accepted in Kashmiri markets?
Yes, most of showrooms and small stores accept credit cards, but it is also advisable to carry cash when shopping in Kashmiri markets, as smaller vendors and local shops may not have credit card payment facilities.
Are government-approved stores reliable for purchasing authentic Kashmiri products?
Yes, government-approved stores are generally reliable for purchasing authentic Kashmiri products. These stores often guarantee you the authenticity and quality of their products, which makes them a perfect purchasing choice for most tourists.
