Shopping in Gurez Valley | Best Shops, Tips, What To Buy?

There are many beautiful places to visit in Kashmir and many Delhi to Kashmir trains offer scenic views and adventurous experiences to travelers. 

Gurez Valley is a spectacular haven for nature lovers and shopaholics seeking traditional and authentic handicrafts. Gurez Valley is among the popular places for shopping in Kashmir and you will know why.

Let’s dive into the best markets and places to shop in Gurez Valley:

1. Dawar Market:

Situated in the central city of Gurez, Dawar Market stands as the premier destination for genuine handmade local goods. 

Dawar Market gives shopping in Gurez Valley a new avatar with exquisite shawls, rugs, and intricately crafted fabrics. 

2. Handicraft Emporiums:

Gurez Valley is famous for its fine handcrafted items, displaying immaculate craftsmen. 

Shopping in Gurez Valley stores and government-run handicraft emporiums offer finely detailed Pashmina shawls, intricately hand-knotted rugs, and exquisitely carved wooden items. 

These special items showcase the deep artistic heritage of Kashmir and serve as ideal souvenirs or presents.

Suggested Read: 20 Epic Things to do in Kashmir

3. Local Artisan Workshops:

Tourists who come to shop in Gurez Valley often end up fascinated by numerous local artisans working on beautiful handcrafted items like Pashmina shawls, carpets, rugs, and wooden items.

Here they get an opportunity to look at the arts and crafts closely. Local Artisan Workshops are the best places for shopping in Gurez Valley, as you get to buy authentic products from the local artisans.

4. Weekly Markets:

If you’re visiting Gurez Valley on a weekly market day, then you’ll have a different shopping in Gurez Valley experience. 

These weekly markets are a great way to discover local vendors and authentic artisans. 

From local spices, dry fruits, handmade goods, and embroidered fabrics to walnut wood items, you can find it all in these weekly market shops, sprawled across the streets. These weekly markets are best for street shopping In Gurez Valley.

5. Festivals and Fairs:

Many local festivals and fairs keep happening in the Gurez Valley from time to time. These festivals are a great way to buy Kashmiri products that might not be available in the market otherwise.

Suggested Read: Amazing festivals in Jammu and Kashmir 

6. Local Produce Shops:

if you’re looking for places for shopping in Gurez Valley where you can get pure local produce like Saffron, dry fruits, fruits, fresh vegetables, and organic honey, then these local shops are the best option. 

7. Izmarg:

This tiny hamlet in Gurez Valley is renowned for its traditional crafts, such as knitted clothes and scarves. 

Visiting Izmarg provides a chance to back local craftsmen and bring back some fine, handmade products. Izmarg is best for clothes shopping in Gurez Valley.

8. Tulail Valley:

While slightly more secluded, Tulail Valley is equally fulfilling, celebrated for its age-old woven baskets and artisanal crafts.

The local craftsmen produce one-of-a-kind creations that mirror the valley’s cultural legacy. 

Popular things to buy from Gurez Valley:

• Handicrafts and Handmade Items: Pashmina shawls, Shahtoosh shawls, Hand-embroidered suits, Carpets, and Paper mache items.

• Wooden Items: Walnut wood items like trays, showpieces, lamps, and boxes.

• Spices: Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Saffron.

• Dry-Fruits and Honey: Almonds, Walnuts, Apricots, Blueberries, and Organic Honey.
• Traditional Kashmiri Jewellery: Traditional handcrafted silver jewellery and gemstone studded accessories.

What’s the best time to shopping in Gurez Valley?

Some tips for shopping in Gurez Valley:

1. Do good research about the markets and shops before shopping in Gurez Valley, so that you can explore more areas in less time.
2. Don’t be afraid to bargain, you can get some great deals here, as there is no middleman involved. 
3. Don’t be fooled by vendors selling duplicate Pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls, these items are costly and must be bought from authentic artisans.
4. Compare prices of products like saffron and honey, before shopping in Gurez Valley.
5. Do check out the traditional Kashmiri accessories and outfits like Phiran and Scarves. 
6. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
7. Stay hydrated and try local delicacies.