From Pashminas To Papier-Mâché: Best Places To Shop In Srinagar

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has Mughal gardens, ancient mosques, splendid natural beauty, the iconic Dal Lake, a rich cultural heritage and sumptuous Kashmiri food. You will leave with packed suitcases full of pashmina shawls, Kashmiri spices, ethnic Dogra jewellery and beautifully-made walnut wood products once your tour comes to an end.

If you're wondering where to buy these fabulous products, here are the best shopping destinations in Srinagar.

Lal Chowk

Lal Chowk is a busy marketplace where traditional wooden houses and branded stores sit side-by-side. The market sells everything from daily use objects to pashmina handlooms, hand-carved jewellery boxes and walnut wood products, silver jewellery, copperware, spices, Kashmiri sweets like phirin and shufta, and woollen garments. This is a must-visit place in Srinagar and the hours will go by without you noticing.

Polo View

Srinagar’s tree-lined Polo View got a facelift in 2023 which has since given the popular market a gleaming new look. It has transformed into what local officials call the “first pedestrian-oriented shopping street” in the city. This uptown market is perfect for picking up souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You can purchase papier-mâché objects, traditional jewellery boxes, pashmina handlooms, trinkets, walnut wood carvings, dry fruits, embroidered clothing, artwork and Kashmiri spices here.

Residency Road

The Residency Road Market is right next to the Lal Chowk Market and one of the best places to visit in Srinagar. It is a shopper’s paradise and is particularly well-regarded for its selection of dry fruits and Kashmiri sweets. However, discerning tourists can also purchase high-quality Kashmiri handicrafts and ethnic Dogra jewellery, too.

Kashmir Government Arts Emporium

With several branches dotted across Srinagar (Lal Chowk, Residency Road and Boulevard Road), the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium is a government-owned enterprise which ensures that artisans and creators receive fair compensation for their handcrafted products. Support the local industry by purchasing plush woollen clothes, hand-woven carpets and rugs, walnut wood furniture and carvings, papier-mâché products, copperware, and pashmina shawls from their locations.

Floating Market On Dal Lake

Dal Lake has a floating market where vendors sell fresh vegetables and fruits, flowers, spices, jewellery, hot kahwa, bags, traditional dresses, shawls, local cuisine like kebabs and sheermal, and more. The market starts early in the morning around 5AM so it’s best to check it out at that time. Book a shikhara and put your bargaining skills to the test. Take photographs of the bustling and beautiful scene.

Zaina Kadal Road

This place is a must-visit in Srinagar due to its vast range of copper utensils. The small shops and stalls display a plethora of goods and products that you cannot say no to. Purchase samovars, tashts, jugs, bowls, saffron, shawls, traditional jewellery and Kashmiri willow cricket bats. The prices are fair but bargaining is a must.

Getting There

Land at the city’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) or disembark at Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) and cover the 247km distance to Srinagar by bus or taxi.