9 Best Things to Buy in Kashmir on Your Next Trip
Kashmir, most famously referred to as “Paradise on Earth”, no doubt offers exceptional places to visit. It is an ideal place for vacation as it offers a plethora of sites that are almost close to paradise. In Kashmir, one can find a lot of things worth buying to keep as a memento or use as gifts and souvenirs. A lot of visitors and tourists come here looking for a tourist destination but shopping in Kashmir is almost never part of the plan. However, no trip would be complete without souvenir shopping. With a lot of valuable specialties that Kashmir has to offer, listed below are some of the most loved things to buy in Kashmir. Pashmina Shawls Kashmiri Carpets Kashmiri Saffron Dried Fruits and Nuts Walnut Wood-Carved Objects Traditional Kashmiri Jewelry Kashmiri Apples Kashmiri Chilies Willow baskets Things to Buy in Kashmir With every trip or visit, the most common mistake a tourist makes is not thinking enough about what to buy and going on a shopping spree with things that instantly catch their eye. Kashmir in general has a lot to offer but there are specific things that you get here which serve as exciting keepsakes to remember the experience. 1. Pashmina Shawls Image by Alexander Grey Known all over the world for its superior quality and appeal, the Kashmiri Pashmina is rightfully the most loved shawl product. These shawls are traditionally handcrafted and hand woven on traditional looms whose wools are made of Changthangi goats. Earlier, they were even adorned by kings and queens which is why they are considered a status symbol. These shawls are always what catch the eye whenever you walk around the markets of Kashmir and it is almost impossible to walk away without purchasing at least one of these. The Shawls are available in a variety of styles and in vibrant colors. Pashmina cashmere shawls are widely known for their warmth and soft texture, their durability for which it is said to even pass down from one generation to another. Given its superlative quality, the shawls may come off as a little expensive but in due time, you will definitely come to understand the superior competency that makes them so desirable and loved. 2. Kashmiri Carpets Image by Kadir Celep Kashmiri Carpets, renowned throughout the world for being one of the best quality oriental carpets, are truly a work of art. Kashmiri carpets are famous for being handcrafted. The carpets are hand-knotted which gives them their durable quality. The design and patterns on the carpets made here are considered to be very intricate and detailed. Chemical dyes are used in the process of its coloring. The most expensive carpets are made with pure wool or silk and it is not mixed with other materials which renders the carpet its unique quality. But the affordable quality which isn’t as expensive is made of a blend of wool, silk, and rayon which are also equally exquisite and decorative. 3. Kashmiri Saffron Image by Syed F. Hashemi Considered to be one of the most expensive spices in the world, Saffron is indeed valuable since it is a labor-induced spice. . Saffron is obtained from the stigma of the flowering crocus. Kashmiri Saffron is said to be one of the world’s finest saffron. Called the ‘golden crop’, Kashmiri Saffron gives a beautiful golden color and aromatic flavor to food. The Morga Cream is the finest Indian Saffron found in Kashmir. It is dark red in color and is great in both taste and quality. The natives of Kashmir use this spice in all the cuisines that are considered good and pure. The quality of the Kashmiri Saffron in terms of its color, aroma, and pungency is what makes it so desirable and makes it a valuable thing to buy in Kashmir. 4. Dried Fruits and Nuts Photo by Dmitry Volochek The dried fruits and nuts of Kashmir are renowned for being extremely palatable and are very popular among locals and tourists alike. Dry fruits are used extensively on many occasions and in many cuisines. The variety of Kashmiri dried fruits and nuts like walnuts, apricots, almonds, cashews, figs, and blackberries are among the favorites. One may find that the shopping markets in Kashmir are flooded with authentic and high-quality dried fruits to choose from in order to take home. 5. Walnut Wood-Carved Objects Image by Tubarelli The objects carved from the wood Walnut are among the most impressive items to buy in Kashmir. The crafts of carved walnut woodwork are significantly detailed and intricate. The designs and patterns on these wood-carved objects are so close to the culture of Kashmir and hence prove very popular among many tourists. Highly skilled craftsmen of Kashmir renders their creativity and craftsmanship as they carve wood into items like furniture, table, trays, photo frames, pen stands, toys, and key holders. These objects serve as great tools to gift as souvenirs or as home décor. 6. Traditional Kashmiri Jewelry Image by PDPics The pieces of jewelry adorned by the beautiful women of Kashmir are handcrafted to display the alluring and lavish traditional aspect. Pieces of jewelry like earrings, bangles, anklets, necklaces, and many other accessories line the markets of Kashmir. They are famous for their designs which are crafted with precision and offer a palatial look when worn. It is usually a favorite among tourists who buy it to wear and also gift it to family and friends. 7. Kashmiri Apple Image by Javier Balseiro One of the finest quality apples in the world, the Kashmir Apple, is loved across the globe for its smell, flavor, and texture. The factors like soil, climate, and environmental conditions of Kashmir contribute greatly to the favorable growth of apples. The Apple Orchards in Kashmir are well cared for and maintained and the amount of hard
