Lovingly known by many as ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir turns into a mesmerizing winterland during the months of winter. However, the place is much more than just snow-laden mountains and rows of chinar; it features treasures of rich culture and heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and a range of winter specialties.
In fact, winter is considered by many to be the best time to shop for authentic Kashmiri products. That’s because the artisans produce their best work during this season. As you stroll the markets of Kashmir during winter, you will witness markets filled to the brim with Kashmiri saffron, special winter items, dry fruits, and more.
You can be a lover of art, a tea enthusiast, an admirer of fashion, or somebody who loves craftsmanship; Kashmir has it all. And to help you in your shopping spree on your next trip to Kashmir, here’s a guide on things to buy from Kashmir.
And guess what? The list will have some hidden gems, too!
Kashmiri handicrafts are known the world over for their intricate detailing, strong heritage, and unique and original techniques used in them. What’s even more remarkable? These are all passed down through generations.
Popular items to look for:
Copperware: Also known as Kashmiri Samovar, this includes utensils, kettles, and other copper items that are engraved with Persian designs.
Intricate Wood Carving: These include trays, photo frames, furniture, and beautifully engraved pieces for decor.
More Decorative Pieces: The Kashmiri artistry is all over the market in handcrafted flower vases, mirror frames, and wall panels.
Best places to buy:
When in Kashmir, you can shop from local artisans markets, government emporiums, and special kashmir handicraft boutiques. As you explore, you will get to learn so much more about the mastery and heritage of Kashmiri handicraft.
You simply can’t leave Kashmir without taking home a warm and elegant shawl!
Regular Wool Shawls: Much more affordable than the ones that will come later in this list, these shawls are also great specimens of Kashmir artistry and craftsmanship.
Shahtoosh: Known as the ‘King of the fine wools’, Shahtoosh shawls are extremely rare and expensive. But it is not without reason, as these shawls are known the world over for their quality, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Pashmina: As light as a feather, ultra warm, and luxurious, taking home a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl is synonymous with visiting Kashmir.
How to identify an authentic Pashmina shawl?
Remember to take the famous ring test, which means that authentic Pashmina easily passes through a small ring.
An authentic Pashmina shawl immediately feels warm as soon as you touch it.
Kashmiri carpets are considered symbols of royal and luxurious living. And that is for good reason, as they are unparalleled in quality and craftsmanship (they take months and sometimes years to be completed).
In Kashmir, you will find carpets made of silk and wool. While the former boasts a royal sheen, fine finish, and intricate designs, the latter is known for durability and softness.
First of all, authentic Kashmiri carpets are handmade and not machine-made.
Fine knots at the back of these carpets are a sign of their authenticity.
Best places to shop for Kashmiri carpets include Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, markets near Badamwari, and government-run craft bazaars.
Kashmiri saffron from Pampore is considered to be among the world’s finest varieties. So, remember to stop in the markets to take home some of the purest saffron from your Kashmir trip.
The soil and climate of Pampore are ideal for growing saffron.
Pampore saffron is loved for its vibrant coloring, unique flavour, and intense aroma.
Naturally, the best place to buy saffron on your Kashmir trip is from Pampore itself. However, you can also get it in the local markets in Srinagar.
Sipping on a warm cup of kahwa (Kashmiri Tea) surrounded by snow-clad mountains is one of the best experiences you can have on a trip to the valley. This Kashmiri delicacy contains green tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, almonds, and dry fruits.
Kashmir kahwa isn’t just famous for its exquisite taste; it also keeps the body warm and enhances digestion.
But that’s not it, Kashmiri Kahwa also has the following health benefits:
Enhances skin health
Boosts immunity
Reduces stress
Strengthens metabolism
Kashmir also produces some of the finest varieties of dry fruits. It is mostly because of its cold climate, fertile soil, and the natural irrigation that the region receives.
Walnuts, almonds, dried apricots, and figs are some of the popular varieties of dry fruits that visitors take home from Kashmir.
When in Kashmir, you will find a wide variety of papier-mache products. These include trays, jewellery boxes, wall hangings, flower vases, and more. This craft form was introduced way back in the 15th century and has been carried down through generations.
You can visit craft villages in Kashmir, like Zadibal, or buy papier-mache products from the handicraft markets in Srinagar. Moreover, you can also shop at government emporiums for the same.
If you want to take in the charm of the local markets, try exploring some of Srinagar’s weekly flea markets, like the Sunday market near Lal Chowk. This market is filled to the brim with handicrafts, antiques, spices, pashmina, and more. The best thing about this market? Well, it is the fact that you can get it all at bargain prices!
Additionally, you can also explore the Friday market near the Hazratbal shrine for ethnic and traditional wear and decor items. The market boasts a rich collection of authentically Kashmiri products!
Do you love to play that odd cricket match on Sunday? Then don’t forget to shop for some of the finest cricket bats in Kashmir.
When there, you will find the famous Kashmir willow bats to take your sixes the extra mile and your fours a little closer to perfection. Moreover, Kashmir willow bats are ideal for the playing conditions in India.
You can find Kashmir willow bats at the sports shops in Srinagar and Anantnag. You can also contact local bat manufacturers and buy from them directly.
Kashmir is considered India’s fruit paradise, and it also becomes evident in the quality of apples and cherries one can get here. As far as apples go, visitors head to Sopore (also known as the ‘Apple town of Kashmir’), which is a major hub.
If you’re visiting Kashmir during summer, the cherries available in the market are perfect (juicy and deep red). Apples, on the other hand, arrive in autumn. For the latter, remember to take home the famous ambri, maharaji, and some American varieties that are also available.
Also Read : Apple Season in Kashmir
Although India itself is the land of spices, there’s something even more special about Kashmiri spices, including Kashmiri Lal Mirchi. It is valued for its vibrant red colour and the appetizing hue it adds to dishes without making them exceedingly spicy.
Although its flavour is fruity, it brings about a smoky aroma in your food, as very few spices in India can!
To buy Kashmiri Lal Mirchi, you can head to some established stores in Srinagar and take home the aroma of Kashmiri delicacies.
It’s always fun to find some lesser-known stuff and hidden gems, right? All curious tourists like yourself root for the offbeat!
So, here’s a quick list for some underrated and underhyped stuff you can take from your trip to Kashmir!
Decor items made from walnut wood
Handmade jewellery pieces (predominantly silver pieces that feature intricate design)
Felted woolen rugs known as Namda rugs (these are great pieces for your winter decor collection).
Talking of decor, you can also shop for hand-embroidered drapes, bedspreads, and cushion covers in Kashmir.
When in Kashmir, there’s a lot to get awed by, right? And as a result, shopping might not be a top priority for many. But hey! The place is a shopper's haven if one knows what to buy and from where! With our list and suggestions, we hope we have helped you in sorting out your shopping plans.
So, don’t forget to sip on a warm cup of kahwa, take home some authentic Pampor saffron, and the elegant Pashmina. And while you’re here shopping, you’ll be helping the centuries-old forms of craft and craftspeople in continuing to do their work with all their heart and passion, as they always do!
See you in Kashmir, then! PS: Don’t forget to note it all down and bring your shopping list. (OR you can always save this blog and refer to it whenever you wish to, of course!).
