From “Paradise on Earth,” the title given to Kashmir, to the most fabulous landscape and serenity in beauty, it has been all the more famous for its art, history, and its crafts. If you like art, are a keen textile enthusiast, or like to take back some piece from the Valley, you will definitely find something unique to buy in Kashmir. This region is known for some of the finest traditional crafts and specialties, ranging from pashmina shawls to handcrafted wooden products.
This guide will take you through the top things to buy in Kashmir, giving you an insight into local artistry, famous products, shopping tips, and much more. So, in case you’re planning a trip to this enchanting region, indulge in some shopping for authentic Kashmiri items that would truly bring out the essence of the land.
1. Pashmina Shawls: The Epitome of Kashmiri Luxury
Pashmina is one of the finest and softest wool types in the world, making it a prime attraction for those visiting Kashmir. The process of making Pashmina is extremely complex and involves much expertise. A genuine Pashmina shawl may take weeks or even months to create, depending on the design and intricacy involved.
Why Buy Pashmina?
Unrivaled Softness and Warmth: Pashmina wool is more fine and soft as compared to the normal wool. Hence, this is one of the richest fabrics to wear.
Timeless Charm: Pashmina shawls are also known for the silky feel and also with motifs hand-embroidered within it. This may either be floral, paisley or geometric in type.
How to buy pashmina Shawl in Kashmir
Srinagar: Markets of Srinagar, especially Lal Chowk, are known for selling the original Pashmina shawl. Among the best, places where quality Pashmina can be found is Kashmir Shawl House and Shawls by Nida.
Kashmir Handloom and Handicrafts Emporium: A good place where originals are not over-charged.
2. Kashmiri Carpets: Masterpieces of Art and Craft
Kashmir is famous for its hand woven carpet. Kashmiri carpets have gained a large market globally due to intricate designs they carry out, quality of material and workmanship.
Why Buy Kashmiri Carpets?
These carpets are considered to be the heritage of Kashmir; motifs on Kashmiri carpets primarily carry floral, geometrical or abstract motifs with natural colours.
Durability and Quality: These carpets are woven using excellent wool and silk providing durability and comfort.
Where to Buy Kashmiri Carpets
Lal Chowk Market in Srinagar: You would find diversified vendors selling handwoven carpets ranging from local to international varieties.
Carpet Weaving Centers: You may take visits to some of the local carpet weaving centers to get firsthand experience about how these carpets come into existence. This is authentic because you are getting directly from those centers.
3. Walnut Wood Crafts: Wood Artistry
Kashmir is also famous for its wood crafts mainly the products of walnut woodwork. Walnut trees grow everywhere and anywhere in this valley. The wood is specially carved for ornamental purposes, elaborate furniture, and many other decorative things.
Why Buy Walnut Wood Crafts?
Extensive Carvings: Walnut wood is carefully carved with very detailed designs by Kashmiri crafts persons, which means no two pieces are alike.
Durability: Walnut wood is also strong and does not decay. Items made from this wood will continue to exist for years.
Product Variety: Jewelry box, coffee table, anything you need a walnut wood, this kind of craft can provide.
Where to Buy Walnut Wood Crafts in Kashmir
Kashmir Crafts Emporium: This is the best place where walnut wood crafts can be purchased at excellent craftsmanship.
Srinagar Handicraft Markets: You will find lots of shops selling walnut wood carvings, and you can often bargain for a better price.
4. Kashmiri Saffron: The Golden Spice
It is also known for the best quality saffron; this is because of the deep color, flavor, and aroma. Kashmiri saffron is grown at Pampore in this region and is considered as the best for culinary and medical use.
Why Invest in Kashmiri Saffron?
The shade that a kashmiri saffron has is deep red while having the richest aroma of that kind which is used well as an ingredient in cooking. Natural mood enhancer: That can reduce inflammation in any living body.
How to buy Kashmiri Saffron
Pampore: Safron fields in Pampore are the hub for saffron production of Kashmir. Visit local farmers to ensure that you get the freshest, authentic saffron available.
Srinagar Markets: You can also source it from the popular markets in Srinagar. Please make sure you get it only from the right sellers. Otherwise, you might end up getting counterfeit products.
5. Kashmiri Dry Fruits: A Healthy and Delicious Memento
This region is highly renowned for dry fruits. Some of the major ones include almonds, walnuts, and apricots. So, all these factors create a unique taste and flavor for the fruits grown in that region.
Why Buy Kashmiri Dry Fruits?
They are picked during their ripening time. So, they stay fresh and rich in quality.
They contain much nutrient-rich value such as antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Where to Buy Kashmiri Dry Fruits
Srinagar’s Lal Chowk Market: Is a good place to get dry fruits of high quality. You have here many products, whether it is almonds and apricots or walnuts and raisins
Pahalgam and Gulmarg: Some vendors of dry fruits can also be found in these the most popular tourist towns
6. Kashmiri Paper-Mâché:Handicraft Beauty
Art that had centuries in its history, Kashmir paper-mâché includes the usage of paper pulp by the local artisans for beautiful decorative items including boxes, trays, bowls, and even dolls painted with intricate designs and bright colors.
Why Buy Kashmiri Paper-Mâché Items?
Uniqueness: Every paper-mâché item is a work of art, painted with beautiful motifs.
Lightweight: Though they look very fragile, paper-mâché items are surprisingly light and portable.
Where to Get Kashmiri Paper-Mâché
Kashmir Crafts Emporium and Lal Chowk: They have authentic paper-mâché available.
Local Artisans: There are street vendors selling paper-mâché everywhere in any tourist place, but that is something you should really check for quality.
7. Kashmiri Tea (Kahwa): A sip of tradition
The most popular tea in Kashmir is Kahwa, a scented green tea prepared with saffron, almonds, and other spices. The welcome drink of Kashmir is prepared mainly in the winter months.
Why buy Kashmiri Kahwa?
Tasty Experience: Nowhere else can be there a taste of saffron, almonds, and spices mixed into one.
Health Benefits: Numerous health benefits of Kahwa including a good immune system, healthy gut, and calm mind.
Where to buy Kashmiri Kahwa
Srinagar Market: There are local tea shops that have the best quality Kahwa in Srinagar market. Pack pre-packed tea leaves or pick fresh products from the local market shops.
Kahwa Stores in Gulmarg: One can get freshly brewed Kahwa from cafes and tea stores. It is also possible to take the leaves for brewing at home.
8. Kashmiri Silk and Woolen Textiles: Wearable Art
Among the finest weaving traditions, Kashmir proudly produces the finest silk and woolen garments. It’s one of the best places, for that matter, when it comes to silks like scarves, stoles, and woolen shawls.
Why to Buy Kashmiri Silk and Woolen Textiles
Silky and Warm Feeling: Kashmir silk is silky to touch and soft. Light, without the bulginess. The woolen one provides warmth without getting bulgy.
Handwoven Quality: Many of these textiles are handwoven by skilled artisans, which adds to their uniqueness and quality.
Where to Buy Kashmiri Silk and Woolen Textiles
Craft Markets of Srinagar: Local markets provide a wide variety of silk and woolen textiles, and one can make choices for several colors and designs.
Kashmir Handloom Stores: These stores are highly in demand for their quality textiles and have a wide variety of handwoven fabrics.
Conclusion: Why Kashmir is a Shopper's Paradise
From Pashmina shawls that exude luxury, fine saffron, intricate woodwork to every kind of things and whatnot, it’s got all the stuffs for you. If it’s something luxurious that you may wish to carry home or just something so unique that could remind you of your time spent in the Valley, it has everything.
When shopping in Kashmir remember a few things: About the Pashmina Shawl, saffron and carpets, authenticity is the word. Most shop-owners sell imitation products to tourists and that’s why it makes sense to buy only from reputed outlets or the artisans themselves. Second, never forget to haggle! Bargaining is part of shopping culture in Kashmir and that makes a huge difference on one’s bill.
Thus, the handicraft and specialties made in Kashmir are more than the merchandise-they’re a part of the valley’s rich treasure. Whether he is the seasoned customer or the fresher, what one packs from Kashmir-the beautiful will remind him time and time again of that magic over this enchanting place.
How to book Kashmir tour online?
Contact Brown Chinar at +91 6005039532/+91 9906188874 or Email us at brownchinartourtravels@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best things to buy in Kashmir?
Some of the best things to buy in Kashmir include Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, Kashmiri saffron, dry fruits (especially almonds and walnuts), Kashmiri tea sets, and wooden handicrafts.
2. Where can I buy Pashmina shawls in Kashmir?
You can buy Pashmina shawls from markets in Srinagar, particularly in Lal Chowk and Mochi Market, or directly from Pashmina weaving centers in Srinagar and Pahalgam.
3. What makes Kashmiri carpets so special?
Kashmiri carpets are known for their intricate hand-knotting techniques, fine wool, and beautiful patterns. They are highly valued for their craftsmanship and quality, making them a perfect souvenir.
4. What are the top places to buy Kashmiri handicrafts?
Top places to buy Kashmiri handicrafts are Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Mochi Market, and Kashmiri Handicrafts Emporium. These markets offer products like wooden carvings, papier-mâché items, and Kashmiri rugs.
5. What is Kashmiri saffron, and where can I buy it?
Kashmiri saffron, known for its deep color and rich aroma, is one of the finest saffrons in the world. You can buy it at local markets in Srinagar and Pampore, the region known for its saffron fields.
6. What are some unique wooden items to buy in Kashmir?
Wooden handicrafts such as carved walnut wood furniture, hand-carved wooden boxes, and wooden trays are unique items to buy in Kashmir, renowned for their craftsmanship.
7. Can I buy dry fruits in Kashmir?
Yes, Kashmir is famous for its dry fruits, particularly almonds, walnuts, and apricots. These are available at local markets like Lal Chowk and floating markets on Dal Lake.
8. Where can I buy authentic Kashmiri tea sets?
Authentic Kashmiri tea sets, made of copper and brass, can be found in stores around Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Mochi Market. These sets often come with traditional Kashmiri cups called ‘Kashmiri Khawa’ cups.
9. What is the best time to buy Pashmina shawls in Kashmir?
The best time to buy Pashmina shawls is during autumn (September to November) when the new collection is available. Avoid buying from street vendors to ensure quality.
10. Are there any traditional jewelry items to buy in Kashmir?
Yes, Kashmiri jewelry includes intricate pieces made from silver, gold, and Kashmiri stones. Traditional Pashmina shawl clasps, jhumkas (earrings), and Kashmiri necklaces are popular choices.
11. What is the significance of papier-mâché products in Kashmir?
Papier-mâché products in Kashmir are famous for their bright colors and beautiful patterns. Items such as decorative trays, bowls, wall hangings, and masks are popular souvenirs.
12. Can I buy Kashmiri woolens in Kashmir?
Yes, Kashmiri woolens like woolen socks, shawls, and cardigans are widely available in local markets. These woolens are famous for their warmth and softness.
13. What is a traditional Kashmiri carpet?
A traditional Kashmiri carpet is a handwoven rug made from wool or silk, featuring intricate patterns inspired by Persian and Mughal designs. They are crafted with skill and are an iconic Kashmiri product.
14. Are there any famous Kashmiri saffron-based products to buy?
Yes, you can buy Kashmiri saffron-infused products like Kesar (saffron) soap, saffron-flavored teas, and Kesar sweets, which make excellent gifts.
15. Where can I buy Kashmiri copperware?
Kashmiri copperware, such as Kashmiri samovars, copper tea pots, and copper trays, can be found in stores near Lal Chowk and Mochi Market in Srinagar.
16. What is the best place to buy Kashmiri walnut wood products?
The best place to buy walnut wood products like carved boxes, photo frames, and furniture is at Srinagar’s local markets, especially Lal Chowk and Handicraft Emporiums.
17. What Kashmiri products are great for souvenirs?
Great souvenirs include Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, Kashmiri tea, dry fruits, wooden handicrafts, and papier-mâché items.
18. Can I buy traditional Kashmiri perfumes?
Yes, Kashmiri perfumes made from attar (natural fragrance oils), especially Kesar attar and Kashmiri rose attar, are available at local markets and emporiums.
19. What are the famous Kashmiri spices to buy?
Kashmiri spices such as Kashmiri red chili powder, Kashmiri saffron, and Kashmiri garam masala are popular and available in local markets.
20. Can I buy Kashmiri handmade paper products?
Yes, Kashmiri handmade paper products such as notebooks, stationery, and wall hangings are available in local craft stores, and they make wonderful souvenirs.
21. What kind of woolen items can I buy in Kashmir?
In Kashmir, you can buy woolen shawls, woolen socks, blankets, stoles, and cardigans, all made from high-quality Kashmiri wool.
22. Is it safe to buy Pashmina shawls in Kashmir?
Yes, as long as you buy from reputable shops or certified emporiums, you can safely buy genuine Pashmina shawls in Kashmir. Be wary of cheap imitations sold by street vendors.
23. What is the cost of Pashmina shawls in Kashmir?
The cost of a Pashmina shawl varies greatly depending on quality, with prices ranging from INR 1,000 for a basic shawl to INR 30,000 or more for high-quality, handwoven shawls.
24. What are the must-have items in Kashmir for nature lovers?
For nature lovers, Kashmiri saffron, dried apricots, pashmina wool products, and handmade paper products are some of the must-buy items that reflect the essence of Kashmir’s natural beauty.
25. Where can I buy the best Kashmiri tea?
The best Kashmiri tea, including Kahwa and Noon Chai, can be bought from Kashmiri tea shops in Srinagar, especially in Lal Chowk or floating markets.
