Top 20 Things to do in Kashmir
Kashmir is not only a place to travel to, it is also a place to experience. Its beauty and charm will stay with you forever. But to experience the best of this paradise on earth, you need to do things. You need to try all of the best things to do in Kashmir. That’s the only way you can see what these beautiful valleys have in store for you. This list provides you with all the information you need to know about these activities and also provides you with enough fodder for planning your holiday in Kashmir.
Here are some best things to do in Kashmir
Whether you want to go on an adventure, visit a beautiful garden, kayak in a lake, or visit a temple in Kashmir, here are some of the best things to do in Kashmir.
1. Shikara Ride
Shikara rides are one of the most popular tourist activities in the Kashmir Valley and undoubtedly rank as one of the top places of Srinagar. Shikaras are light rowing boats located on the surface of Dal Lake. They are used to travel back and forth from houseboats or for long-distance tours. During a Shikara ride in Srinagar in Kashmir, you will be able to hear the birds chirping and snow-capped peaks in the background. You will also be able to shop from the floating shops and purchase eatables during your Shikara ride.
Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: INR 150 to 500
2. Gondola Rides at Gulmarg
Gulmarg is located at a height of 2650 meters above sea level at the foot of Mount Apharwat. The gondola (cable car) almost reaches the peak of Apharwat, which is 3980 meters above sea level.
The cable car accesses 1330 vertical meters of large snow-covered hills. With the installation of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car Lift from Gulmarg to Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg has become the world’s second-highest lift-served ski resort. The whole aerial distance travelled by the Gulmarg Gondola is 5 kilometres, and when observed from the cable car, it is a sight not soon forgotten.
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: INR 700 Gulmarg to Kungdoor (First Phase), INR 900 Kungdoor to Aparwath (Second Phase), INR 300 (Chair Lift)
3. Explore beautiful Gardens
The gardens in Kashmir are like stepping into a world of flowers and greenery. Well-maintained gardens provide a peaceful retreat for the visitors. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers are a riot of colours. Some of the famous gardens in Kashmir, such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and many more, feature Mughal architecture & design. These gardens add a touch of history and beauty to the natural surroundings. You can stroll along the beautifully manicured paths, inhale the fresh air, and feel the serenity of these gardens. Whether you are a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful retreat, the gardens in Kashmir are a delightful experience that brings you in touch with the region’s rich natural heritage.
Cost: INR 24 Per Person(Approx)
Timing: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm
4. Stay in a Houseboat
This is one of the greatest quirky things to do in Srinagar, and it is not only the shikhara rides on Dal Lake. Among the greatest things to do in Kashmir is spend a night on a houseboat resting at the Dal Lake jetty. Whether you’re a honeymooner, a family, or a lone traveller, a night on one of Srinagar’s houseboats is an experience you won’t soon forget. Wifi and airport transfers are provided on the houseboats. You can also use the food services that they give. If you are visiting Jammu and Kashmir with your family, a group of friends, or your spouse, the houseboat stay facility is ideal.
Best Lakes to stay – Dal Lake, Nagin Lake
5. Golfing
In Kashmir, there are four world-class golf courses, each with breathtaking scenery. Gulmarg and Srinagar are the most popular golfing venues in Kashmir. The enchanting settings of emerald grass bordered by Pine and Chinar trees are breathtaking. Another appealing reason to play golf on these courses is that they are seldom overcrowded. You may unwind and go at your own speed.
6. Pony Ride
Beautiful scenery attracts all tourists, but your feet may not be able to carry you through the towering heights and vast distances; in this case, ponies will transport you to these magnificent destinations.
Horses (ponies) can be seen in popular vacation spots in Kashmir, particularly in highland areas where certain roads are not motorable. Tourists rent horses to go pony trekking in the valley’s mountains. You may rent the monsters for a reasonable fee. Always bring food and drink with you on your rides.
7. River Rafting
One of the most thrilling and daring activities in Kashmir is white river rafting. This area has easy to moderate rapids, suggesting that rafting in Kashmir is not too challenging. Additionally, you may go rafting close to Sonamarg. But more well-known is the white water rafting in Pahalgam’s Lidder River. River rafting requires a lot of teamwork and coordination, and you have to heed the instructors’ safety recommendations.
Best Rivers for Rafting – Lidder River Pahalgam
Best Time: April- Sep
8. Paragliding
There is also the option of going paragliding for all those adrenaline enthusiasts. The vast and lovely valley underneath is breathtaking. The breathtaking view over the beautiful valleys makes paragliding one of the most exhilarating activities in Kashmir. Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, and Harwan (Srinagar) all have paragliding opportunities. Paragliding in Harwan is the most easily accessible of all since it is on the itinerary of the tour of the Grand Mughal Gardens.
9. Camping
If you wish to enjoy the pure mountain air with spectacular views! There will be no batter from Kashmir! Campers may appreciate the valley’s paradisaical splendour. Go camping, wandering along rivers, on top of mountains, or wherever your heart desires. Enjoy the natural enjoyment that is available here.
Days spent away from the turmoil of cities, breathing in clean mountain air and sleeping beneath unpolluted skies that open up to stunning vistas of the Milky Way are simply memorable.
10. Trekking
Trekking has become one of the top things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the abundance of mountains that cover the terrain. Though hiking in Jammu and Kashmir is more popular, trekking in Ladakh is more well-known. In the Kashmir valleys, travellers may go on short treks and excursions. Vishansar Lake, Tarsar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Alpather Lake, and Satsar Lake are only a few of Kashmir’s high alpine lakes.
11. Skiing
Kashmir is a chilly location, with snow-capped mountains and freezing-cold river streams, and the ideal time to come is during the winter season. This is one of the greatest winter activities in Kashmir. Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg are completely covered with snow now that winter has arrived. This provides a chance for winter sports. Snowboarding and skiing are the ideal winter activities in Kashmir, especially if you’re looking for an adrenaline boost. If you’re searching for something to do in Gulamarg, you should go skiing.
12. Kashmiri Cuisine
Trying the local food is one of the most significant things to do in Kashmir, as it is in any other place throughout the world. Everyone has heard of Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) and Lamb Mutton Rogan Josh. However, there are many more delectable dishes in the cuisine. Nadroo Yakhni (yoghurt-based Kashmiri curry with lotus stems), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer simmered in tomato sauce and seasoned with spices and fennel seeds powder), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in spicy red gravy), and Gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in flavorful yoghurt gravy and spices) are among them.
13. Shopping
Shopping is one of the most popular pastimes in Kashmir. And I don’t simply mean antiques and other trinkets. Tourists may buy excellent Kashmiri handlooms and Pashmina shawls, ancient copperware such as samovars, Namda hand-woven carpets, Ferins (native clothes), and pricey Doda Sapphire. Then there are the flowers, fruits, and vegetables offered on Dal Lake’s shikaras. More than what you purchase, it is how you buy that will delight you here.
14. Wildlife Tour
The snow-capped mountains and deep forests of Jammu and Kashmir are home to some of the most amazing and unusual flora and animals. You can explore these wildlife species by visiting any of the seven wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jammu and Kashmir, including Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Dachigam National Park, Kazinag National Park, and Salim Ali National Park.
15. Visit the beautiful Tulip Garden
A Kashmir trip would be incomplete without a stop at this beautiful tulip garden. It is Asia’s biggest tulip garden, known as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden. Aside from tulips, additional garden plants include hyacinths, daffodils, and ranunculus. From March to May is the optimum time to visit this garden. Every year in April, a tulip festival is held when visitors may experience the breathtaking vistas of the garden in full bloom.
16. Mountain Biking
Have you ever considered riding your bike through the verdant valleys, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and still-clear lakes? If this is your idea of fun, there is no better place to visit in Kashmir. This site is great for mountain biking because of its location, scenery, and terrain. If you prefer calmer drives, the Kashmir Valleys are ideal, but for an off-roading adventure, Ladakh’s harsh terrain is ideal. The difficult journeys on your bike adventure will also boost the level of excitement. Cycling routes from Srinagar to Sonamarg, Sonamarg to Manasbal Lake, Srinagar to Gulmarg, Gulmarg to Pahalgam, and Pahalgam to Srinagar are popular.
17. Chadar Lake Trek
The Chadar trek is regarded as one of India’s most difficult treks. And if you have the courage, do not hesitate to go on this adventure. It may be difficult for you, but the beauty and beast of nature that it has to give might make you fall in love with it. The trail crosses the frozen Zanskar River in the winter. The entire walk requires you to pass through the most difficult and sensitive sections, all of which are coated in a layer of ice. The trek will take you to an elevation of 11,123 feet and will put your body to the test in temperatures ranging from -15 to -30 degrees.
18. Spiritual Retreats
Welcome to Jammu & Kashmir’s spiritual retreats, where serenity and panoramic beauty meet. Surrounded by the Himalayas and surrounded by the hustle & bustle of daily life, J&K’s retreats offer serenity and serenity in the form of ancient temples & shrines. Whether it’s the divine presence of Vaishno devi or the serene atmosphere of Shankaracharya temple, each retreat in J&K is a place of introspection & rejuvenation. From the tranquil waters of Dal Lake to the majestic snow-capped peaks, J&K is the perfect destination for spiritual retreats.
19. Photography
Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places in the world to be a photographer. The snow-capped mountains, the grand shikaras, the glittering Dal Lake, the apple orchards and gardens, the ancient forts, the temples and mosques speak loud and clear to nature and culture photography lovers from all over the world. J&K is one of the best places in the Union to be a photographer because of its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and history. The best part about the J&K photography tour is that you get to experience the best of the Union territory and capture every moment with your camera.
20. Jeep Safari
If you are looking for an adventure adventure in Jammu and Kashmir, Jeep Safari is the best way to go. This adventure activity provides adventure seekers with a better way of exploring the majestic Himalayan region with its majestic peaks, unique wildlife, thick forests and green pastures. Whereas trekking is only for the physically fit, Jeep Safari allows everyone to have their fair share of adventure adventures, which makes it a great activity for family vacations and honeymooners.
Conclusion
To sum it up, visiting Kashmir is like entering a magical land with lots of amazing things to see and do. You can enjoy the peaceful Dal Lake and the big, beautiful mountains. There are fun activities like riding on a special boat called a shikara or going on a hike in pretty places. You can also try yummy local food. The people there are really nice and make you feel welcome. Going to Kashmir is not just a trip, it’s a chance to experience something really special.
People also ask about Things to Do in Kashmir
1. What are the top tourist attractions in Kashmir?
Kashmir is home to stunning scenery. Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Shankaracharya Temple, and the Mughal Gardens are among the must-see locations.
2. What activities can one enjoy in Gulmarg?
In addition to skiing in the winter, Gulmarg is also a popular destination for cable car rides, Trekking, and golf in the summer.
3. How can one experience the beauty of Dal Lake?
Visitors may ride shikaras, stay on houseboats, visit the floating market, and enjoy the brilliant Mughal gardens that surround the lake.
4. Are there any religious sites to visit in Kashmir?
Yes, the Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, and Jama Masjid in Srinagar are important spiritual sites worth seeing.
5. What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
Summer months (May to September) are good for nice weather, while winter months (December to February) are ideal for snow lovers.
6. Can tourists engage in adventure sports in Kashmir?
Trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and skiing (in winter) are all popular sports among those who love adventure.
7. What can I buy from Kashmir?
Kashmir has a wide range of dried fruits and spices. The most popular ones include almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, figs, walnuts, and kiwi. So if you love dry fruits then it is one of the best things to buy in Kashmir. You may get the greatest quality dried fruits for your loved ones at local retailers.
8. How many days are sufficient for the Kashmir trip?
A 7-day journey to Kashmir is sufficient to completely experience the region. And to discover the numerous surprises and attractions of this beautiful place. You may spend a day seeing prominent locations including Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
9. Which is off-season in Kashmir?
In Kashmir, the monsoon season is considered off-season. It lasts from July to September, with temperatures ranging from 130°C to 170°C.
10. What precautions should tourists take when visiting Kashmir?
Tourists should keep informed about the local circumstances, heed any caution, observe local customs, and be careful of weather conditions, particularly in winter. Before arranging a vacation, it’s a good idea to check for any travel limitations.