Kashmiri handicraft is distinctive and renowned and the handicrafts developed when SRinagar was an entrepot on the ancient trans. Himalyan trade route. The famed Pashmina and Shahtush shawls are the rarest, warmest and consequently the most expensive. Shopaholics can go on a rampage, picking up exquisite pieces of handicrafts. Head for the Kashmir Government Art Emporium (Residency Road, Tel: 72371, 71962), a reliable place to shop in with a wide variety of handicrafts and carpets. The biggest plus is that prices are fixed and you don?t need to haggle endlessly. You can pick up papier-m??roducts, lacquered and painted in floral designs, wood carvings and screens, luxurious carpets in traditional oriental designs. Silks, woollen shawls embroidered in traditional paisley and crewel work are a must buys. Kashmiri Carpets, which are hand knotted are available in pure wool and mixed with cooton or silk. The patterns tend to the traditional, the Persian and Bukhara styples being common, though gifurative designs such as The tree of Life are becoming increasingly popular. Pampore, 16 kms from Srinagar is the centre of Kashmir?s saffron industry. Safforn, a species of crocus grows in abundance here. Over 4,500 blooms make one ounce (28 grams) of the spice, so the price of this delicate flavoring and cooking is high.