Jammu and Kashmir being the state with array of ethnic arts and crafts has a lot to offer for shopping. State has three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which are distinctively different from each other. All these three regions have an assortment of fascinating products for shopping may it be handicrafts, souvenirs or gifts to take back home. All over world Kashmir is famous for its shatoosh and pashmina shawls, pherans, Kashmiri cewelwork(embroidery), walnut wood work, hand woven carpets, Saffron, almonds and paper mache articles.
Famous Shopping Destinations in Jammu and Kashmir
All three regions of state Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh offer a unique shopping experience to tourists due to their distinctive features. Shopping is amongst the major activity for all tourists coming to valley and this experience remains etched in memory for quite long.
Srinagar – With varieties of fantastic products available from cheap to expensive to suite all budgets Srinagar becomes the best shopping destination in Jammu and Kashmir. It offers overwhelming varieties to tourists for shopping may it be pashmina shawls, shahtoosh shawls, Kashmere embroidered items, Carpets, paper machie items, Christmas tree decorations, carved walnut wood souvenirs, saffron, almonds or honey.
Lambert Lane and Boulevard are lined with souvenir shops selling above items. The Kashmir Arts Emporium that too sells all the items with fixed prices.
Badshah Chowk and Lal Chowk have many shops selling Walnut Wood Carved Articles, Paper Mache and Kashmiri Handicrafts.
Jammu - Hari Market, Vir Marg and Raghunath Bazaar are the most famous market places in Jammu from where on can shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, traditional dongra jewellery and dry fruits. The Kashmir Government Arts Emporium in Jammu offers a full range of Kashmiri souvenirs.
- Hari Market – Walnut Wood Furnitures, Shawls, Rajmah (Kidney Beans).
- Vir Marg – Dogra Jewelry, Kashmiri Handicrafts, Carpets and Walnuts
- Raghunath Bazaar – Dry Fruits and Boutiques
Leh and Ladakh - While in Leh and Ladakh tourists have plenty of shopping options as well. Look out for various junk jeweler and ornaments with the statue of Lord Buddha. Other famous handicrafts are Buddhist masks, prayer wheels and Thangka paintings. Locally made woolen items like socks, gloves, sweaters and caps are also quite famous among tourists who visit Ladakh. Tibetan tables, Buddhist cloth paintings and intricately designed turquoise jewelry can be found in some of the most famous stores in Ladakh.
Shops in Leh offer really coral and beautiful turquoise jewelery, copperware and silverware in Tibetan styles, religious artifacts like statues of figures from Buddhist mythology, prayer wheels,Tangkhas, woolen shawls and other items.
Tibetan Market and Moti Market, Leh : Woolen garments, Hand-woven rugs, Thankga Paintings and carpets.
Main Bazaar Road, Ladakh: Tibetan Silver Jewelery and Handicrafts.
