Kashmiri Handicrafts | Timeless Treasures from the Valley | Traveler’s Guide

Kashmiri handicrafts have a magic that photographs cannot do justice to. You need to hold them in your hands to understand their beauty.

When you go to the craft villages near Srinagar, you will never stop being amazed watching these families work – some using the same tools their great-grandparents used! How they transform raw wool into those unbelievably soft pashmina shawls is unbelievable.

Among all the places to see in Kashmir, the old bazaars should be on your list. Haggling for a box made of walnut wood or a papermâché bowl became one of the highlights of our journey.

Our Kashmir tour packages will bring you to the most popular sites. You have to go to the small workshops. That's where you'll find the true treasures. And really, one of the best things to do in Kashmir is just to sit with a craftsman, have some kahwa tea, and observe them work. You'll take home stories, not souvenirs.

History of Handmade Kashmiri art and craft

The history of a few centuries indicates that Kashmir handicrafts products developed after diverse cultures affected the state due to its location on significant trade routes. The cultural influences converged into new arts, which identify Kashmir's art legacy. Mughal periods contributed vitally by propagating handicrafts as Central Asian artisans combined with Persia introduced new crafts and aesthetic details. Various outside cultural elements blended with local traditions over several centuries to create what we know as the contemporary Kashmir arts and crafts tradition.

Importance in Kashmiri Culture