How the world’s most expensive spice is drawing tourists to Kashmir

Kashmir has long been associated with its pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush meadows. However, the region harbours another lesser-known gem—the world’s most expensive spice: saffron. Known as “Kashmiri Kesar,” saffron is grown in the fertile valleys of Kashmir, particularly in the region of Pampore, often referred to as the "Saffron Capital of India."

Saffron, derived from the flower Crocus sativus, is famed for its golden-red threads, which are painstakingly harvested by hand. This labour-intensive process, combined with the delicate growing conditions, makes saffron the most expensive spice in the world. Each flower yields only three delicate stigmas.



Fun fact: It takes nearly 75,000 flowers to produce just one pound of saffron!


Kashmiri saffron is considered to be among the best quality in the world due to its high concentration of crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin, which give it its deep colour, intense aroma, and flavour. In 2020, Kashmiri saffron received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, further solidifying its reputation as a unique and premium spice.


Every year in late October to early November, the saffron fields of Pampore burst into a sea of purple blooms. This period marks the start of the saffron harvest, a time when the local community comes together to pick the delicate flowers.

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In recent years, the saffron harvest has evolved into a unique tourist attraction. Visitors from around the world are drawn to Kashmir during the harvest season to witness and even participate in this age-old process.

Saffron harvest as a tourist attraction

The saffron harvest has become a focal point for agritourism in Kashmir, offering visitors not just a scenic delight but an intimate look into the lives of the farmers who cultivate this precious spice. Many local operators now offer saffron tours, where tourists can participate in picking saffron flowers, witness the drying process, and sample saffron-infused tea or traditional Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh or Kahwa.

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Beyond just the fields, many saffron farms have started offering farm stays where tourists can live with the local families and experience their way of life. This form of sustainable tourism not only helps preserve the traditions and the heritage of saffron farming but also raises awareness about the significance of protecting Kashmir's agricultural biodiversity.