Do you count yourself amongst the ones who always depend on local guides to get information about the place they visit? If not, then you surely must be one of those tourists who always do a research before leaving for a holiday. So if you are on a research mode currently and planning to visit Kashmir this summer, here is some information that can help you fianlise shopping destinations for your trip in Kashmir:
Shopping in Srinagar:
Srinagar is the first place you reach after landing in Kashmir. Known as the summer capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar mesmerizes with its lush green Mughal Gardens, serene Dal Lake, charming houseboats and captivating scenic beauty. Due to its high popularity among tourists, Srinagar offers numerous shopping destinations that offer unique masterpieces of Kashmiri art. In Srinagar, Lal Chowk is the best place to explore if you are looking for artefacts made of walnut wood. Find a huge variety of wooden items here that display an intricate work of excellence. For antique silver jewellery and dry fruits, especially for the walnuts, Residency Road is the place to check out. Aromatic spices like cumin seeds, cardamom and saffron are also available in abundance here. And for but obvious Pashmina handlooms and world-famous Kashmiri carpets, you will have to reach Badshah Chowk, a place that offers an exclusive collection of designer carpets, embroided Salwar Suits and other wollen items of Kashmir. You can also shop while enjoying a relaxing shikara ride in Dal Lake through floating vegetable market, a one-of-a-kind market in Srinagar. For obvious reasons, we would not suggest you to buy vegetables from this market but taking a nice bouquet of fresh flowers and gifting that to your loved one could surely be a good idea. What say?
Shopping in Pahalgam:
Known as the ‘shephard’s paradise’, Pahalgam is a place best suitable to shop for exclusive wollens of Kashmir. Get a huge variety of traditional Kashmiri outfits here that are best in quality. Although there are not very lavish markets in Pahalgam but the main market of Pahalgam is enough to entice you with its great collection of Kashmiri woollens, rugs, carpets, artefacts, handicrafts and cozy Pashmina shawls. Also, ethnic woollen products such as ‘Namdas’ and ‘Gabbas’ are something that will catch your attention here. Do not forget to buy yourself a stylish poncho called ‘pheran’ from this market of Pahalgam.
Shopping in Gulmarg:
Probably not a shopper’s paradise, Gulmarg has very limited options available for shopping. The main market, situated at the center of the town, is the only place where you could find an exclusive range of stunning silverware, ethnic carved furniture, unique handicrafts and of course Kashmiri woollens. Well, you will have to explore a little more to find a best place to shop when in Gulmarg.
Shopping in Ladakh:
Ladakh is indeed a heaven on earth. Just like its magical picturesque charisma, Ladakh delights the shoppers with its exclusive Ladakhi items. For all those who love to collect relics of Buddha, Ladakh is the best place to visit. The place offers a wide array of Buddhist products such as tangkhas, copper somavars and prayer wheels. Also get an exquisite range of copper, brass and silver articles at the Village of Chilling which is situated at a distance of
from Nima I Ladakh. The society of metal workers in the village produces beautiful masterpieces in the form of hookkah-bases, bowls, pots, silver stupas and ladles etc. Main Bazar Road, Changspa, Choglamsar are some of most popular shopping spots in Ladakh. However, if you are in Leh, Moti Market and Tibetan Market are two places not to be missed for sure.
By now, you must have got an idea what to shop and where to shop in Kashmir. So book your tickets now and get ready for a unique shopping experience at the valley of love and romance.
Till next update, Happy Shopping!!
About Author: Jasmeet is a reknowned travel blogger. She likes to visit various destination in India. Currently working as a part time blogger for eKashmirTourism.com – A Online Travel Agency for Kashmir Travel.