The Himalaya is not one farm. Each region has its own crop, climate and farming policy. This guide summarises published reports on three well-known places beyond Uttarakhand, so a traveller or buyer can see how our hill region fits into the larger range. Himalayan Region does not operate tours in these regions. Our programmes are in Uttarakhand.
Kashmir: saffron at Pampore
Reports describe Pampore in South Kashmir as the hub of Kashmir's saffron cultivation, called the "Saffron Bowl of Kashmir". The Tribune reported that Kashmir Valley saffron received its Geographical Indication certificate, reported on 25 July 2020. Drishti IAS reported the harvest running from mid-October to November. Saffron there is grown at about 1,600 metres, which an official called a differentiator. The same Tribune report describes a Rs 411 crore project under the National Mission on Saffron to rejuvenate 3,715 hectares, with about 2,500 hectares done at the time.
The weather matters. Drishti IAS reported that Srinagar recorded a 79 percent rainfall deficit from 1 October to 14 November 2024, and that production declined. A farm visit timed for the harvest can be affected by the same dryness.
Ladakh: apricots
ETV Bharat reported that Ladakh's first Geographical Indication tag went to the Raktsey Karpo apricot in December 2022. It reported orchards covering about 2,612 hectares and producing about 15,868 tonnes a year, with Kargil supplying about two-thirds and Leh about one-third. Most apricots are harvested from mid-July to mid-September. The report lists Raktsey Karpo and Halman as premium varieties and says exports have been small so far, about 58 tonnes in total, with most produce sold within India.
Himachal Pradesh: a natural-farming programme
A September 2022 report in Sentinel Assam said about 1.71 lakh (171,000) farmers in Himachal Pradesh were growing chemical-free crops under the state's Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, with official data placing the area at about 9,421 hectares. That report is dated, so check for current figures before quoting them.
What it means for a Himalayan traveller
- Pick a season, then a place. Saffron is an autumn story, apricots a summer one. See the harvest calendar.
- Treat policy labels carefully. A state programme is not a certificate for any one farm.
- Check local operators yourself. We can give background, not a recommendation for operators outside Uttarakhand.
- Compare farming styles. Uttarakhand has Barahnaja mixed cropping (see our guide). Sikkim has a state-wide organic policy (see Sikkim).
Where we fit
We source and host in Kumaon and Garhwal. If you are a buyer interested in what comes from those hills, see the catalogue. If you are a traveller, start with the planning guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kashmir saffron grown?
Reports name Pampore in South Kashmir as the hub.
When is saffron harvested?
Mid-October to November, according to a 2024 report.
What is Ladakh's GI-tagged apricot?
The Raktsey Karpo variety, whose GI tag was reported in December 2022.
Does Himalayan Region run tours in Kashmir, Ladakh or Himachal?
No. Our programmes are in Uttarakhand.
Last updated: 18 October 2026.
Sources: Tribune India, "Kashmir saffron gets GI certification"; Drishti IAS, "Saffron Production Declines in Kashmir Valley", 19 November 2024; ETV Bharat, "Ladakh apricots begin new journey to international markets", 2025; Sentinel Assam, "1.71 lakh farmers grow chemical-free crops in Himachal", 12 September 2022. Figures are as reported.