Srinagar 2025: A Shopper’s Guide to the Valley’s Best Markets & Treasures
Wandering through Srinagar’s markets is a truly enjoyable experience. There’s the aroma of saffron drifting through the air and the drape of beautiful pashmina shawls beckoning from shops, each of which tells a story of the beautiful Kashmir valley. It’s a wonderful treat to wander around a Srinagar market, browsing or shopping to your heart’s content for special things to take back home.
If you’re planning on shopping in Srinagar on your next trip, here are all the places to shop from and the things to buy. From bustling bazaars in the heart of the city to floating markets on Dal Lake, Srinagar’s markets are full of colours, aromas, and treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re hunting for authentic Kashmiri pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, fragrant spices or intricate handicrafts, every market offers something unique.
BEST SRINAGAR MARKETS
Polo View Market This market is the heartbeat of the Srinagar market scene. It’s a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined promenade with shops selling everything from embroidered shawls to papier-mâché and pashmina treasures. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs. Timings: 9am-9pm Tip: Early morning (just after opening) or evening is the best time to visit Polo View Market to avoid crowds. As part of a Smart City project, this market in Srinagar has been revamped to be pedestrian-only and wire-free, with underground utilities. How to get there: Located in the heart of Srinagar, Polo View is just a short drive from Dal Lake (around 2 kms). You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from most hotels or villas. Since it’s a pedestrian-only street, vehicles aren’t allowed inside, so be prepared to walk around.
Lal Chowk Lal Chowk is a bustling and vibrant place for shopping in Srinagar. It sells handlooms, copperware, jewellery, spices and carpets. The square also has a clock tower that was built in 1980. Timings: 10am-8pm Tip: Midday is busy and lively. Late afternoon to early evening is the best time to visit Lal Chowk market as it is good for strolling and less intense bargaining. How to get there: Lal Chowk sits in the centre of Srinagar, about 3 kms from Dal Lake. It’s easily reachable by auto, taxi or even a pleasant walk if you’re staying nearby. The area can get congested during peak hours, so mornings and late afternoons are the best times to go.
Residency Road This Srinagar market is a shopper’s paradise. It has plenty of shops and roadside stalls ideal for shopping in Srinagar. The area is famous for selling Kashmiri carpets, traditional Kashmiri attire, shawls, jewellery, wooden artifacts and more. There are also several eateries here to grab a quick bite after all that shopping. Timings: 10am-8pm Tip: The best time to visit Residency Road Srinagar is mid-morning. Stall-shops open after 10am. Evening times are good for street food and ambience. How to get there: Running parallel to Lal Chowk, Residency Road is one of Srinagar’s most famous stretches. If you’re already at Lal Chowk, it’s just a few minutes’ walk away. Otherwise, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw. It’s centrally located, so most locals will point you in the right direction.
Badshah Chowk This Kashmir market is a buzzing destination for shoppers. It’s an excellent place to buy dry fruits, clothes, home decor and carpets. Timings: 9.30am-8pm Tip: Start early if you want to grab the best selection (e.g. carpets). Later in the afternoon, bargaining options may diminish. How to get there: Situated near Lal Chowk and Polo View, Badshah Chowk is about 2.5 kms from Dal Lake. You can take an auto or taxi directly here. The area is known for heavy traffic, so plan your visit either during mid-morning or late evening.
Floating Market on Dal Lake This is one of India’s only floating markets. You can drift along a shikara while browsing for saffron, spices, dry fruits and more. This is one of the most unique ways of going shopping in Srinagar. Timings: 9am-6pm Tip: Morning is the best time to visit Floating Market Dal Lake as the water is calm, with a better selection of goods on offer to shop from. How to get there: Unlike the city markets, this market is accessed only by shikara (traditional wooden boat). It usually operates early in the morning, from 5am to around 7am. You can arrange a shikara ride from your houseboat or the ghats at Dal Lake. The ride itself is as much a highlight as the shopping.
Zaina Kadal Market This Srinagar market boasts traditional crafts and is big on local charm. While here, you can shop for papier-mâché products, copperware and other artisanal finds. Timings: 10am-8pm Tip: Go in the early mornings if you’d like a quieter pace and watch all the stalls being set up. Late afternoon is also a good time to visit Zaina Kadal Market. How to get there: Zaina Kadal is in Srinagar’s old city, about 5–6 km from Dal Lake. Taxis and autos can take you there, though the lanes get narrow as you enter the old quarter, so expect a short walk. The charm lies in wandering these ancient streets, so wear comfortable shoes.
Kashmir Government Arts Emporium This is a government-run gallery of authenticity. It’s located in Srinagar’s Panama Chowk. Artisans here receive fair prices and you can get thoughtfully curated handicrafts for your home. Timings: 10am-8pm Tip: For handicrafts and other curated pieces, visit this place in Srinagar in the afternoons. You can then hold conversations with the artists. How to get there: This emporium is around 5 kms from Dal Lake, located near TRC (Tourist Reception Centre). It’s best reached by taxi, as autos may take longer to navigate this stretch. The benefit here is guaranteed authenticity and fixed prices, so you can shop stress-free.
Note: These timings are typical and may vary depending on season, local holidays or special events. It’s always good to check the latest updates and timings with locals before planning.
BEST TIME TO GO SHOPPING IN SRINAGAR
While Srinagar’s markets are open year-round, the experience (and what you find) changes with the seasons.
Spring (March–May): This is when Srinagar bursts into bloom. It’s also the best season to buy fresh almonds and apricots, as new harvests arrive. Shawls and lighter pashminas are popular buys during this pleasant-weather period.
Summer (June–August): Tourists flock to Srinagar in summer and while markets are busy, this is a great time to shop for saffron, spices and dry fruits to carry back. Prices are competitive since vendors cater to high demand.
Autumn (September–November): This is the harvest season for saffron in Pampore, just outside Srinagar. If you want the freshest, most authentic saffron, this is the time to buy. Walnut woodwork and papier-mâché items also make for wonderful gifts to buy in Srinagar as winter approaches.
Winter (December–February): Winters are cold, but this is the season for shopping cosy Kashmiri staples. Hand-knotted carpets, thick woollen pashminas, and kangris (traditional fire pots) dominate the markets. Discounts are also easier to negotiate as tourist numbers drop.
SHOPPING TIPS FOR SRINAGAR To make the most of your shopping in Srinagar, here are some practical tips and etiquette to keep in mind before you go:-
Bargain respectfully Many shops in markets like Lad-Chowk, Residency Road or Badshah Chowk expect bargaining. Start at a lower price and increase slowly. Keep it friendly—Kashmiris take pride in hospitality.
Check authenticity For items like pashmina, saffron, carpets or walnut woodwork, ask about origin and craftsmanship. For pashmina, check for true hand-spun soft under-coat vs machine-made imitation. For saffron, look for dark red threads with fine tips.
Pack carefully Delicate items like papier-mâché, shawls and woodwork need wrapping. Bring a cloth bag or use bubble wrap if possible. Especially if travelling back by air, consider customs restrictions.
Carry cash (and small notes) Not all small vendors take cards. Having local currency and small denominations helps. This also helps in negotiating.
Timing & crowds Early morning is best to get your hands on fresh stock. Avoid busy hours (late afternoons/evening) in peak season unless you want to soak in the atmosphere. For floating markets, go early to get better goods before the vendors pack up for the day.
Dress and behave modestly Respect local customs. In traditional markets, modest dressing is recommended. Always ask before photographing inside workshops or stalls (some artisans prefer privacy).
Quality over price Remember: Cheaper is not always better. Very low prices on pashmina or carpets often indicate lower quality or synthetic blends. Buying slightly more expensive pieces from reputable shops or arts emporiums might mean better durability.
Local help is valuable If possible, go with a local guide or someone who is familiar with the markets in Srinagar. They can help you find hidden shops, check for quality and make sure that you avoid overpaying.
BEST THINGS TO BUY IN KASHMIR
Pashmina Shawls Shopping in Srinagar is incomplete without running your hands over the legendary Kashmiri pashmina. Handspun from the fine undercoat of Himalayan goats, these shawls are prized worldwide for their lightness and warmth. Whether you choose a classic solid weave or an embroidered one, a pashmina from a Srinagar market is a true heirloom.
Spices & Kashmiri Tea Markets like Residency Road and Lal Chowk are filled with the aroma of saffron, cardamom and dried rose petals that often form the backbone of Kashmiri cuisine. Stop by a Srinagar market to pick up kahwa blends or noon chai—the valley’s famous pink salted tea. This tea tops the list of things to buy in Kashmir.
Copperware From intricately engraved samovars for brewing kahwa to elegant trays and bowls, Kashmiri copperware reflects the valley’s Mughal influences. Many families have passed down the craft for generations and the pieces you will find in Srinagar markets are both functional and collectible. A copper vessel from a Srinagar market acts as a statement piece in any home.
Carpets & Walnut Woodwork Hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets, often woven over months or even years, are rich in Persian-inspired motifs and craftsmanship. Alongside them sit furniture and décor carved from locally grown walnut wood—dense, durable and beautifully detailed.
Papier-Mâché & Handicrafts Brightly painted boxes, vases and ornaments in papier-mâché bring a splash of Kashmiri charm to your home. Often adorned with floral and chinar leaf motifs, each piece reflects the handwork of local artisans. These objects are also easy to pack, making for wonderful gifts.
Dry Fruits Kashmir’s soil yields some of the finest almonds, walnuts, figs, and apricots in India. You will see baskets of golden apricots and plump raisins stacked in the bazaars here. Stock up, because these healthy bites are also a way to keep a taste of your travels alive after you return home.
Saffron Known as ‘red gold’, Kashmiri saffron is among the most prized in the world. The markets of Srinagar are the best place to buy pure saffron threads directly from trusted sellers. You can use it in everything from tea to sweets and biryani.
BEST TIME TO BUY KASHMIRI STAPLES
Pashmina Shawls: These special shawls are available all year, but winter (October–February) is when you’ll find the newest weaves and embroidered collections released by artisans. This is also when the demand locally is high, so you’ll see the finest work on display.
Carpets & Walnut Woodwork: These are traditionally woven and crafted through the winter months when artisans stay indoors. By early spring (March–April), many new collections hit the Srinagar markets, making it a good time to shop in Srinagar.
Saffron: Harvest season is late October to early November. Buying saffron during this window ensures freshness and authenticity. If you’re shopping outside this period, always check for government-certified saffron at emporiums.
Dry Fruits: These are also harvested in autumn (September–October), so the months that follow—October to February—are the best time to buy in bulk for the freshest stock.
Spices & Kahwa Blends: These are available year-round, but winter demand often brings in special festival mixes, making December–January a good time to shop for gifting.
What markets are best for authentic Kashmiri pashmina shawls? Polo View, Residency Road and the Government Arts Emporium are good bets. Look for hand-spun, fine weave and full tag or proof.
How can I tell if saffron is genuine? Genuine Kashmiri saffron threads are dark maroon with slightly lighter tips, bitter-sweet smell and are not powdery. Some vendors mix lower-grade saffron, so ask for certificates or see the whole threads.
Can I shop by boat in Srinagar? Yes! The Floating Market on Dal Lake is a unique experience—vendors in shikaras paddle by selling spices, saffron, dry fruits and small handicrafts. This is best visited early in the morning.
What is the best season to shop in Srinagar? Spring/summer is ideal to shop for shawls and light textiles. Saffron is harvested around autumn and dry fruits are best bought just after the harvest season. Winter markets will have woollens and heavier crafts.
Is it safe to shop in Srinagar markets as a tourist? Generally, yes. Most markets are safe, especially during the daytime. Keep your belongings with you and avoid overly crowded alleys late at night. Buying from government-run emporiums ensures more authenticity and less risk of scams.
How much time should I allocate for shopping in Srinagar? If you want a relaxed experience: plan for 4-5 hours spread over 1-2 market areas. If you’re focused on pashmina, carpets etc., you could spend an entire day in markets like Polo View, Lal Chowk and Zaina Kadal.
Can I ship large handicrafts (e.g. carpets) back home? Yes, many shops offer packaging and shipping services. Be sure to check the shipping cost and customs duty. Carpets need proper folding/rolling and protective covering, so make sure that is done.
Do shops accept credit/debit cards? Larger shops and emporiums likely accept them, but small vendors and street stalls often accept only cash. So, it’s safe to carry cash in smaller denominations for bargaining and quick buys.
Shopping in Srinagar is more than a pastime—it’s a journey into Kashmir’s soul. Every shawl, every copper samovar, every fragrant thread of saffron carries a legacy that has been nurtured for centuries in the Kashmir valley. The markets are where shopping is an experience. It’s the living museums where artisans keep ancient traditions alive with every weave, carve and stroke of paint. And when you return after a day of bargaining and browsing the Srinagar markets, nothing feels better than relaxing in a well-appointed home. With Lohono Stays’ luxury villas and charming houseboats in Srinagar, you don’t just explore the markets—you get to live the Kashmiri way of life, with comfort and authenticity under one roof. So on your next trip, shop to your heart’s content, savour every discovery and come back to a space that feels just as special as the treasures you’ve collected on your Srinagar holiday.