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Beyond its beautiful valleys and lush green meadows, Pahalgam is equally popular for its shopping destinations and local markets. There are local markets which sell handicrafts and the occasional markets at the Lidder River selling fresh produce, fruits, vegetables and a whole variety of spices too. Indulging in shopping in Pahalgam and around, gives visitors a glimpse into Kashmir’s beautiful culture, traditions, and craftsmanship. On the next trip to Pahalgam, having an idea about the best shopping spots will enrich the travel experience.
10 Places For Shopping In Pahalgam
Most of the bustling marketplaces around Pahalgam are overflowing with handcrafted wonders to government-run emporiums showcasing Kashmiri artistry.
1. Main Market Pahalgam
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Regarding the highlight of the central shopping centre around Pahalgam, the Main Market area is at the top of the list. It is a bustling hub where visitors can find many items ranging from daily essentials to exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts. Due to the variety of items available, the market is usually crowded with locals and tourists. Beyond the shawls and scarves, one of the most attractive items of this market is the Kashmiri carpets which feature the staple designs and motifs on them. Tourists enjoy shopping for the delicately embroidered ‘pherans’ (long tunics), a quintessential Kashmiri garment.
Address: Chandanwari Road, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Must Buy: Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, pherans, woollen shawls
Suggested Read: Camping In Pahalgam
2. Lidder View Park Market
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As the name suggests, Lidder View Park Market, one of the famous shopping places in Pahalgam, is located by the Lidder River that flows alongside Pahalgam. It offers a unique shopping experience wherein visitors get to explore the riverside and the long line of shops that are located there. One gets to shop directly from the locals, which is a great addition because it lets visitors financially support the locals. Even if the visitors don’t intend to buy something, they stop by to admire the vibrant shawls, rugs, and woollen garments displayed outside the shops by vendors. Also, the park has a very serene environment, making it suitable for visitors to enjoy a leisurely walk around.
Address: Along the Lidder River, 2 km from the Main Market, Pahalgam
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must Buy: Shawls, rugs, woollen garments, wooden souvenirs
3. Pahalgam Mini Market
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A less extensive version of the Main Market in Pahalgam, the mini market is located in a narrow lane around 500 metres from the main market. Like most of the other shops and markets in close vicinity, even this one specialises in selling Pashmina shawls and carpets. However, the highlight of this market is the shops selling jewellery and handicrafts that visitors can purchase at a pretty affordable price. So, if one wants to buy several pieces of jewellery to take back home as a souvenir, this is one of the best spots in Pahalgam to shop from.
Address: 500 m from Main Market Pahalgam
Timings: 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Must Buy: Jewellery, Artefacts
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Pahalgam
4. Aru Road Markets
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The main town of Aru Valley is quite a bustling marketplace that one can visit. These shops and markets fall on the way to Aru Valley which is one of the popular places for street shopping in Pahalgam. So, visitors can halt there, explore the markets, and even shop for local handicrafts and woollens from the shops. There are a variety of shops along these lanes and in the evening, one can also indulge in multiple street food options, which add to the beauty of the experience. Once done buying different items from the local shops, one can stop at one of the local street food joints to enjoy a bite or two of the local delicacies and the Kashmiri Kahwa which is perfect during the cold weather.
Address: Along the road to Aru Valley
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must Buy: Handicrafts, Woollens
5. Pahalgam Handicraft Emporium
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For a curated selection of Kashmiri handicrafts, look no further than the Pahalgam Handicraft Emporium, a government-run initiative. Since it’s a government-run store, the prices are fixed and one can’t bargain with the staff in the shop. The highlight of this store lies in its well-displayed pashmina shawls, carpets, and woollen garments. However, beyond attire and clothing, the handicrafts here are pretty stunning to look at and showcase the skills of local people. The emporium ensures authenticity and fair prices, making it a great choice for those seeking genuine Kashmiri products. Also, the good thing about this place is that there are multiple options, catering to the diverse budget of the people.
Address: Near Bus Stand, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Must Buy: Authentic pashmina shawls, carpets, woollen garments
Suggested Read: Shopping In Kashmir
6. New Kashmir Arts Emporium
Photo: Vee V / Unsplash / Image For Representation
Another government-run store in Pahalgam where visitors can shop is the New Kashmir Arts Emporium, one of the best shopping places in Pahalgam. It is a heaven for art enthusiasts, especially individuals who enjoy exploring the intricacies of Kashmiri handicrafts. Visitors can explore the wide range of intricate paper-mâché work, beautifully carved wooden boxes, and stunning woollen shawls that are all on display on the shelves. There is an entirely separate section inside the emporium where one can witness a selection of traditional Kashmiri jewellery, which adds to the shopping experience.
Address: Chandanwari Road, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126 (within the Main Market)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must Buy: Papier-mâché work, wooden boxes, woollen shawls, Kashmiri jewellery
7. Local Bakeries & Dry Fruit Shops
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This one, in particular, is a must-visit when visiting Pahalgam. There are several bakeries throughout the town that one can explore. Given that spices and dry fruits are a Kashmiri staple, one gets to choose from some of the absolute best options around Pahalgam. What’s amazing about the local bakeries is that they are run by the locals and they are extremely humble and warm people to be around. Tourists can even shop for dry fruits to gift to friends and relatives.
Address: Within Pahalgam
Timings: 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Must Buy: Bakery items, Dry fruits
Suggested Read: Shopping In Srinagar
8. Betab Valley Market
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If interested in buying souvenirs and small knick knacks around Betaab Valley, there is a market located in the main town area. It is a popular stop among the tourists. It offers a variety of Kashmiri handicrafts, including embroidered shawls, rugs, and paper-mâché products. Beyond that, one can also find shops that sell dry fruits and saffron, which are staples in the Pahalgam shopping experience. Also, the scenic backdrop of Betaab Valley adds to the charm of this shopping destination near Pahalgam and one might end up spending a little more time.
Address: Betab Valley, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir 192126
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must Buy: Embroidered shawls, saffron, dry fruits
9. Local Art Galleries
Photo: Aadrit28 / Wikimedia Commons
For art enthusiasts who want to support the local artists around Pahalgam, consider exploring the many local art galleries that exist around Pahalgam. Most of these galleries house paintings that are created by local artists with a lot of diligence. If lucky, one might get to meet the artists and check out their art at the same time. There are canvas paintings, sculptures, and other mediums of paintings available at these galleries that visitors can purchase from. There are areas around these galleries where some of the artists even perform live paintings.
Address: Around Golf Course, Pahalgam
Timings: 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Must Buy: Paintings, Sculptures
Suggested Read: Shopping In Jammu
10. Antique Stores
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Although fairly limited, Pahalgam also sports a variety of antique stores that visitors can purchase items from. These stores are great for people who genuinely enjoy vintage items and retro things with a story. Visitors get to buy items that tell stories of Kashmir’s rich history and culture and some of them are passed down by the generations of the royal families as well. Beyond that, one gets to scroll past the available options and buy unique collectables that are not available elsewhere.
Address: Old town of Pahalgam
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must Buy: Vintage and antique items
Pahalgam’s vibrant markets offer a variety of unique experiences to indulge in the local Kashmiri culture and traditions. Shopping in Pahalgam is a lot less hectic since the crowds are usually thin and not overwhelming. One can explore the narrow lanes and purchase eye-catching items. To immerse in retail therapy in Pahalgam, ensure to discuss and book the vacation with TripXL at amazing prices and deals in the market.
Cover Photo: Kdkartick02 / wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
