Kashmir produces some of the finest handicrafts in India, and Srinagar is the best place to buy them. The main categories worth seeking out:
Pashmina shawls — genuine Pashmina is 100% cashmere from the Changthangi goat, extremely soft and lightweight. Much of what is sold as "Pashmina" is actually a blend or synthetic. Government emporiums are a safer bet for quality; prices for genuine handwoven Pashmina start high and go higher.
Carpets — Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets (wool on cotton or pure silk) are among the finest in Asia. The knot count determines quality; silk carpets are the most prized and expensive. Major carpet shops line Boulevard Road and Residency Road.
Papier-mâché — lacquered boxes, trays, vases, and ornaments hand-painted with floral and geometric designs. Good quality pieces are individually painted; machine-printed versions are cheap and obvious once you know what to look for.
Walnut woodcarvings — bowls, trays, and decorative pieces carved from local walnut. The craft workshops are in the old city.
Crewel embroidery — floral patterns worked in wool on fabric, used for curtains, cushion covers, and bedspreads.
The main shopping areas are Lal Chowk, Polo View, and Boulevard Road. The government Handicrafts Emporium on Residency Road is a useful benchmark for quality and price. Persistent sales pressure is standard — take your time and be willing to walk away.