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6 Best Souvenirs or Gifts to Buy From Kashmir

Kashmir has the pristine beauty of snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, verdant peaks, and unique culture. Surrounded by the Himalayas and Pir Panjal mountain range, Kashmir takes you to the heavenly abode through its beauty and charm.

While the enchanting beauty of Kashmir can soothe your heart, the culture of this region can make your journey to the dreamlands unforgettable. Irrespective of whether you are a traveler or a local, there are several indigenous products that you can give your loved ones as a gift. Here are five best things to take from Kashmir as a souvenir.

1. Shawls or Stoles

Shawls or stoles are among the popular handicrafts in Kashmir. The shawls are usually of silk, wool or a blend of the two. The art of shawl making passes from one generation to another. They are soft and warm and are beautiful to look at. It serves the locals in the freezing winter, and you can get them to your family and friends after visiting Kashmir. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to get from Kashmir as a souvenir. You can get shawls and stoles from the Polo View market in Lal chowk, Srinagar.

You can visit any of these shops to visit the realm of beautiful and comfortable shawls and stoles. You can spend hours in these shops while looking at their crafts, and you should never skip the chance. The handicraft industry also supports women workers in Kashmiri society.

2. Tilla Pheran

Tilla Work Pheran is one of Kashmir’s most unique and admirable handicrafts. It is a kind of embroidery that takes around a month to complete. In recent days, tilla work done on machines are readily available in the market and relatively costs much less than an originally hand-made one. But needless to say, handwoven ones are more elegant and beautiful.

The first tilla work was on a pheran, but now can also be seen on suits, sarees, and other women attires. Tilla embroidery is known to add a royal element to clothing. Silver or gold thread work on the lower neck, cuffs, and lower borders is a common example of tilla work.

Buy pherans from Kashmir online.

3. Walnut Tart From Moonlight Bakery

Moonlight Bakery is one of those simple shops in Srinagar that holds the treasure that we call Walnut Tart. It is located near the Kashmir University, Hazratbal, and attracts countless local and foreign customers. The indigenous shop has been serving the customers for a glorious span of 125 years. However, the bakery gained its popularity locally in the last 30 years.

You can find walnut tart, ginger biscuits, and every other bakery product in this shop. But the walnut tart won the heart of countless foreigners and locals. It is a mixture of walnut, dates, and honey. The legacy of this shop continues to serve only in Kashmir, and it is one of the best things to take from Kashmir as a souvenir for your loved one.

View Moonlight Bakery on Facebook

Contact number: 099069 19100

4. Basrakh

Basrakh is another famous sweet that is a must-have in the Kashmiri pre-wedding rituals, child’s birth, or any auspicious gathering. This recipe was passed down to the Kashmir’s local bakeries by the central Asians. You can find two different kinds of Barsakh, and ghee is the differentiating element.

Although it lost its popularity in the last few decades of the 20th century, it is still one of the best greeting gifts for any loved ones. Barsakh adds a sweet touch to any family gathering, and you can take them when you are visiting Srinagar as well. You will find it in most bakery shops in Kashmir, however, the best one is located at Fateh Kadal. The name of the shop is Jee Enn at FatehKadal.

5. Kesar

Saffron, also known as Kesar or zaffran, is a popular gifting item from Kashmir. The use of Kesar in Kashmiri cuisine is an old practice. Locals, as well as travelers, love the fragrance and flavor of Kashmiri Kesar. It adds a distinct taste and color to the delicacies.

You can get it in most of the shops without much hassle. However, the cost per gram Kesar depends on the quality of it. Be careful while buying saffron as many people claim to be the most authentic but aren’t in reality. My advice will be to get it from shops that fall on the route from Srinagar to Pahalgam, as they are near saffron farms. You can even buy it online.

6. Kashmir Inspired Products

Lastly, you can also buy Kashmir inspired products such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone covers, etc. Check out gyawun.com for such products. The delivery is available all over India at no additional cost.

Whether you want a sweet, a popular spice, or clothing, the vivid culture of Kashmir has many things to offer. The native industries bring out the best of Kashmir, and I am sure you will not regret spending on them.

-Meenakshi Majumder

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