Welcome to Sonamarg – A Paradise for Nature and Local Treasures
Sonamarg is not just about snow and mountains. It’s also a lovely place to explore small local markets. You won’t find big malls here, but you will find something better — handmade goods, local art, warm people, and unique shopping experiences.
In this blog, we’ll show you all the popular markets in Sonamarg, what to buy, what to try, and how to enjoy shopping in this peaceful part of Kashmir.
Why Shop in Sonamarg?
Most people visit Sonamarg for the natural beauty. But if you take a little walk through the village area, you’ll find:
Small shops run by local families
Handmade woolen items
Special Kashmiri food products
Traditional jewellery
And stories behind everything you buy
Shopping here is slow, peaceful, and personal — just like Sonamarg itself.
1. Main Sonamarg Market – Where Your Shopping Begins
This is the main market area, near most hotels and the taxi stand.
🛍️ What You’ll Find:
Pashmina shawls
Woolen gloves, socks, and sweaters
Handmade bags
Dry fruits (especially almonds and walnuts)
Saffron and Kashmiri spices
Wooden keychains and home items
🛒 Why Visit:
Everything in one place
Friendly shopkeepers
Great for souvenir shopping
👉 Tip: Always ask if the product is handmade. Most shopkeepers will happily show how it’s made.
2. Roadside Stalls Near Thajiwas Glacier Trek Start Point
Before you go for the Thajiwas Glacier trek, you’ll find small stalls and vendors lined up.
🛍️ What You’ll Find:
Colourful woolen caps and ponchos
Warm Kashmiri stoles
Wooden walking sticks (decorated!)
Freshly roasted corn and local snacks
🛒 Why Visit:
Affordable items
Beautiful local designs
Good place to buy something warm before your trek
👉 Tip: Bargaining is okay here, but be polite. These stalls are often run by local women and small families.
3. Local Dry Fruit & Saffron Shops
In Sonamarg, you’ll see small stores selling dried fruits, pure saffron, and Kashmiri honey.
🛍️ What You’ll Find:
Walnuts from local farms
Saffron from Pampore (a nearby village)
Organic honey in glass bottles
Dried apricots and berries
🛒 Why Visit:
Best quality, pure products
Can taste before you buy
Great to take home as gifts
👉 Tip: Real saffron is expensive. If it’s too cheap, it’s likely fake. Trust local shopkeepers but ask for testing methods (they’ll usually show you with warm water).
4. Handicraft Shops in Nearby Ganderbal Area
If you’re staying longer or heading towards Srinagar, stop by the Ganderbal area, around 1–1.5 hours from Sonamarg.
🛍️ What You’ll Find:
Beautiful paper-mâché items (boxes, vases, lamps)
Carpets and rugs (you can even see how they are woven)
Copper utensils and decorative items
Traditional wooden carvings
🛒 Why Visit:
More variety than the small Sonamarg stalls
Watch artisans work
Support real Kashmiri craft
👉 Tip: These crafts take time and skill. Always appreciate the effort behind each item — it makes your purchase feel special.
5. Jewellery Stalls – Simple, Local, Beautiful
You’ll find many roadside shops selling simple Kashmiri jewellery, especially during the tourist season.
🛍️ What You’ll Find:
Traditional earrings (Dejhoor style)
Beaded necklaces
Silver anklets
Handmade bangles and rings
🛒 Why Visit:
Affordable
Unique designs
Great souvenirs
👉 Tip: Carry some cash as most small vendors may not take online payments or cards.
What to Buy in Sonamarg (Top Picks)
Here’s a quick list of things you must consider taking back from Sonamarg:
| Item | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|
| Pashmina Shawl | Soft, handmade, perfect for winters |
| Walnut Wood Carving | Local art, long-lasting, decorative |
| Saffron | High quality, great for tea and cooking |
| Kashmiri Honey | Pure and organic, good for health |
| Paper Mâché Art | Light, colourful, traditional gift |
| Dry Fruits | Local produce, great taste and value |
| Woolen Wear | Handmade, warm, full of culture |
Tips for Shopping in Sonamarg
Here are some useful tips so your shopping experience is smooth and happy:
💬 Talk to Locals
Ask how things are made or where they’re from. Locals love sharing stories.
🪙 Carry Cash
Most small shops don’t have card machines. A few notes will help you buy without stress.
🛍️ Don’t Rush
Shopping in Sonamarg is not like city shopping. Walk slowly, enjoy, and take your time.
🤝 Bargain Politely
You can ask for a small discount, but don’t push too much. Many shopkeepers rely on tourist season for their year-round income.
🏷️ Ask About Packing
If you’re buying fragile or food items, ask them to pack it safely for travel.
Add a Shopping Break to Your Itinerary
Most people plan treks or sightseeing in Sonamarg, but don’t forget to set aside one day just for local shopping.
You can plan it like this:
Morning – Visit the main market, have Kahwa at a local tea shop
Afternoon – Buy dry fruits and handicrafts, talk to vendors
Evening – Watch the sunset with your shopping bags and happy heart
This makes your Sonamarg trip more memorable and complete.
Experience Over Price
Shopping in Sonamarg is more than buying things. It’s about meeting the people who make them, learning the culture, and supporting small businesses. That woolen cap or painted box becomes more than just an item – it becomes a story you carry home.
So next time you’re in Sonamarg, don’t just look at the views. Step into the markets. Feel the colours. Listen to the people. And take a little piece of Kashmir with you.
Planning to Stay in Pahalgam Too?
If your trip includes Pahalgam, consider staying at Cottages by Mehtab — a peaceful place with easy access to local crafts, food, and views. Great for couples, families, and small groups.