Things to do in Kashmir

Kashmir is such a fascinating destination that it leaves its mark on one’s soul forever. It is a destination to be lived, not just explored. The charm of this destination increases manifold when you try out various things to do in Kashmir. Famed as the ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir is a land of unsurpassed natural beauty offering its travelers a wide array of enthralling activities. Travel to any part of Kashmir, and you will be amazed to see the plethora of ‘things to do’ in this wonderland.

Its varied geography makes it a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers, from adventure enthusiasts to those who want to relax in the sheer natural beauty. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, plunge into adventure activities, explore the historic marvels, treat your taste buds with lip-smacking local cuisine, and shop till you drop on your Kashmir tour.

There are many interesting things to do in Kashmir, here are some that you must try out:

1.Shikara Ride on Dal Lake, Srinagar

(Beautiful view of the colorful Shikara boats floating on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.)

Step into the world of splendid beauty and serenity through a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. It’s a mesmerizing lake offering majestic views of snow-capped mountains, picture-perfect sunset views, floating gardens, the melodious sound of birds chirping, and much more. Sailing through its water on a beautifully decked-up Shikara (boat) is an amazing experience. Shikara ride also takes you to the traditional & beautiful houseboats. You can even shop for some jewelry or other handicrafts from the floating market. This ride will surely leave you with memories for a lifetime. Another lake where you can enjoy a Shikara ride is Nagin Lake.

Cost for Shikara Ride: INR 150 to 500 per person (approx.)

Operational Hours: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm (throughout the week)

Ride duration: It lasts for 30 to 45 minutes

2.Stay in a Houseboat

(Architecture of the Houseboats located in Srinagar, India. Home stays in famous Houseboats in Dal Lake, Kashmir, India. Romantic destination for married couples.)

Kashmiri houseboats reflect its rich cultural heritage and are the best accommodation option for travellers. Beautifully made with walnut or other woods, carved intricately, and decorated amazingly, these houseboats are a fascinating piece of architecture on the arresting lakes. It is a wonderful way of experiencing Kashmir. From small to huge, from simple to luxurious, they are available in different shapes and sizes. How about relishing sunset views against the backdrop of majestic mountains on the houseboat terrace while sipping Kashmiri tea (Kahwa)? Some houseboats even have floating gardens, areas for leisurely walks, and lavish amenities. The experience of a stay in a houseboat is unparalleled.

boat house in dal lake — (View of Dal lake and boat house before sunset in the heart of Srinagar during winter , Srinagar , Kashmir , India)

Best lakes for a houseboat stay: Dal Lake and Nagin Lake in Srinagar

Best time to stay: Throughout the year

Cost for a houseboat stay: INR 2000 to 15,000 per night (approx.)

3.Gondola Cable Car Ride

(Rope ways Gandola Cable car in Ski Area of Jammu and Kashmir called ‘Paradise on Earth. World’s highest cable cars and a popular tourist attraction. Stunning photograph.)

If you want to experience mind-blowing natural beauty with sheer adventure, then go for a Gondola Ride in Gulmarg. It is a big hit with travellers who come here from across the globe. The views of the majestic snow-capped mountains, while you travel through the cable car to greater heights are a sight to behold.

Gulmarg during winter season — (Gandola cable car in Gulmarg Kashmir India during the winter season.)

The Gondola ride takes place in three phases:

Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori

Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak

Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder (Chairlift)

Best time to visit: March to May and September to December

Operational: Open seven days a week

Timings: 10:30 am to 5 pm

Ticket sale: 9 am to 3 pm

Cost per person: INR 700 (phase I), INR 900 (phase II and INR 300 (chairlift)

Things to Remember: Wear good woolens and shoes, and carry gloves as it is extremely cold in winter.

4.Explore Mughal Gardens

The celebrated Mughal Gardens of Kashmir leave the visitors under their spell of natural beauty. These verdant gardens encompass gorgeous greenery, gurgling fountains, pools, lovely flowers and well-laid paths. Their architectural beauty dates back to the era of the Mughals. The architecture is influenced by the Persian style especially the Charbagh structure, signifying the harmonious co-existence of humans with Nature’s elements. Some of them offer stunning views of hills as the backdrop. While you take a leisurely walk or relax here for some time, you will feel rejuvenated to the core. Some of the famous Mughal gardens of Kashmir are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, Chasma Sahi Garden, etc.

Mughal gardens in kashmir — (Chashme Shahi is one of the Mughal gardens built in 1632 AD, overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar)

Best Time to Visit: From October to June

Timings: Open from 9 am to 7 pm

Cost per person: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children

5.Gulmarg Golf Club

golf court kashmir — (A view of the golf court from the top of Pari Mahal.)

If you are a golf enthusiast, the Golf Course in Gulmarg is truly a paradise for you. It is a world-class 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1911 and is famed to be the world’s highest green golf course located at an altitude of 2,650 m. Its lush greenery, stunning surroundings of pine and chinar trees, snow-capped mountains and golfing opportunities make it a big hit with golf lovers who come here from across the globe. No wonder, it is known as one of the best summer golfing destinations in the world. Try your hand at golfing amidst sheer natural beauty!

Entry & its cost: Even non-members can visit the club. The entry price is INR 800

Best time to visit: May to November

Timings: Open from 8:30 am to 10 pm

Cost: Prices are applicable per hour with a trainer

Things to remember:

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes when you visit the club
The non-members should call up the place before visiting
The Golf Club remains closed from December to April

6.Pony Ride to Thajiwas Glacier

(Tourist riding horse in Sonamarg Valley during winter, Snow covered Himalayan Mountains with pine trees and river, Sonmarg, Kashmir, India)

Marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of Sonmarg on your pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier located at an altitude of 3,000 m. The leisurely ride will take you through picturesque locations that seem to just pop out of a fairy tale book. The Thajiwas Glacier is a popular tourist destination of Sonmarg which can be best reached on a pony.

Best time to visit Thajiwas Glacier on a pony ride: April to October

Cost: It varies from INR 500 to INR 1000.

Things to remember:

While visiting in summer carry sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle.
Listen to your guide’s instructions and follow the safety rules.
Treat ponies respectfully and do not overload them
It takes around an hour to reach the glacier through pony ride
Make sure you get back from the glacier before it’s dark

7.A stroll at the Tulip Garden

(Tulip Garden in the valley of Kashmir, India)

Treating your senses to a wonderful world of a wide variety of colorful tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is an amazing thing to do in Kashmir. The fresh air, lofty mountain peaks, vibrancy, and fragrance add more charm to it. The garden boasts 68 varieties of tulips apart from other flowers and has entered the World Book of Records (London) as Asia’s largest such park. Taking a leisurely walk in this garden with 15 lakh tulips is a lifetime experience in itself. The garden is located between the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills and sprawls across 30 hectares.

Time to visit: It opens from March to April as that is the time for the tulips to blossom.

Opening hours: Opens from 8 am to 7 pm

Entry Fee: INR 60 per adult and INR 25 per child

Average lifespan of tulip: 3 to 4 weeks

8.Shopping in Kashmir

Sonamarg Market — (Main bazar street in Sonamarg,This is the local market and famous place for tourist to visit in Sonamarg India.)

Kashmir is a paradise for shopping and offers rare things which are unique to this land. The handicrafts of Kashmir are beautiful and there is a lot of variety to suit every pocket. Their exquisite craftsmanship makes them a big hit with travellers who buy souvenirs to take back home as memories. The Kashmiri carpets made of both wool and silk are truly an investment that is for generation after generation. The colourful paper mache objects are so catchy! The pashmina shawls are one-of-a-kind handicrafts and are exceptionally soft and warm which makes them world famous.

Do buy kagzi Kashmiri walnuts which you can crack with your hands, a specialty of these walnuts. Saffron is another must-buy product of this land. Other famous shopping items in Kashmir are walnut wood furniture, jewellery box, pheren (traditional Kashmiri dress), embroidered silk saris and shawls, dry fruits, kawah (traditional tea) embroidered handbags, etc. Go shopping in Kashmir and take back home some of the most amazing handicrafts that you will cherish for years.

Best places for shopping: Polo View Road, Zaina Kadal Road, Lal Chowk, Residency Road, Kashmir Government Art Emporium in Srinagar.

9.Relish Kashmiri Cuisine

When in Kashmir, you must try out its local cuisine which beautifully reflects its rich cultural heritage. Kashmiri Wazwan is a royal Kashmiri feast consisting of 36 dishes, the preparation of which is considered an art. Most of its dishes are non-vegetarian (meat-based) and few of them are vegetarian. This Kashmiri cuisine is simply an out-of-the-world experience!

Other dishes which you must try out are lamb mutton rogan josh, Nadroo Yakhni (yogurt based Kashmiri curry with lotus stems), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in spicy red gravy), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer simmered in tomato sauce and flavoured with spices and fennel seeds powder), Gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in flavourful yogurt gravy and spices), zaffran pulao, and many more. A variety of breads (roti) complement these dishes very well along with rice. Don’t forget to enjoy Kahwa, the Kashmiri tea which is not only tasty but healthy.

10.Skiing in Gulmarg

Gulmarg skiing destination — (Winter season, Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular tourist and skiing destination, Kashmir, India)

Skiing in Gulmarg is not just enthralling but a unique experience. It is a world-famous skiing destination that attracts adventure lovers from far and wide. If you are a skiing lover, then this is the heaven for you. Skiing amidst an environment adorned with powder-white mountains, snow-dusted cedar and pine trees, and ethereal beauty is an experience that will remain etched in your mind forever. The snow quality of Gulmarg is considered among the best in the world and is at par with Switzerland.

You will find a variety of skiing packages for all tastes and budgets. The seasonal snowfall at this destination is almost double that of the Alps in Europe. It is safe to enjoy skiing at Gulmarg under the guidance of the trainer. You can enjoy skiing in Gulmarg at different phases, the altitudes of which change from 2,600 m to 3,400 m. Skiing gear, warm jackets & ski boots are available on rent at the rental shops in Gulmarg.

Best time for skiing in Gulmarg: January to February

Cost: On average, a skiing package in Gulmarg including all essentials will cost you around INR 7000.

Things to remember: Carry cash for your transactions as you will not find ATMs easily.

11.Camping in Kashmir

How about camping under the star-studded-clear sky, amidst refreshing gorgeous green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains, punctuated with gushing rivers, lakes, streams, and an abundance of scenic beauty? Yes, this is what camping in Kashmir offers to adventure seekers. Just imagine waking up to the chirping of birds and a mesmerizing sunrise, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Although there are several destinations in Kashmir that offer great camping facilities, but nothing can beat the charm of camping in Pahalgam and Sonmarg. There are several natural riverside spots where you can enjoy luxurious camping while relishing sheer natural beauty.

Best time for camping: March to October as the weather remains pleasant during this period.

Camping cost: Ranges from INR 2000 to INR 13000 depending on the place and amenities.

Best places for camping: Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Aru Valley, and Yusmarg.

12.Trekking in Kashmir

Every trekking tour in Kashmir is an amazing story in itself offering unparalleled beauty and adventure. The ever-changing landscapes and oodles of adventure leave one awe-struck. The trekking trails award you with majestic sights of snow-clad mountains and glaciers, valleys singing melodies of tranquillity, stunning high-altitude lakes, panoramic sunset views, untouched wilderness, and sheer raw natural beauty. The most spectacular are the lake treks. Depending on your capability and choice, you can go for short or long treks. You will surely fall in love with trekking in Kashmir!

Famous treks in Kashmir: The Great Lakes trek, Tarsar Marsar trek, Naranag Mahlish trek, Naranag Gangabal trek, Kolahoi Glacier trek, etc.

Best time for trekking: July to October

Things to remember: Carry enough water to drink, wear comfortable clothes and good shoes.

13.River Rafting in Kashmir

river rafting kashmir — (Lidder river stream from the Himalayas mountain passing Laripora village Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination Kashmir,India)

Kashmir is home to several mesmerizing rivers offering great opportunities for river rafting. And river rafting in Kashmir is not only about adventure but much more than that. River rafting, a must-try-out adventure activity in Kashmir, attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the globe to the waters of the Zanskar and Lidder rivers. Enjoy river rafting while enjoying the sights of snow-capped mountains, gorgeous greenery, and refreshing landscapes. White water rafting on the Lidder River in Pahalgam is the most famous and river rafting at Zanskar River is more challenging. Sonmarg is another popular destination for river rafting in Kashmir. Depending on your experience and interest you can choose from different river rafting options such as:

Short Lidder River Rafting (Pahalgam): For beginners, it is the best option as the stretch is of 3 km with grade II to grade III rapids.

Medium Sindh River Rafting (Sonmarg): If you are too adventurous and a little experienced, then you can go for this option. It stretches for 8 km and passes through grade II, III, and IV rapids.

Long Sindh River Rafting (Sonmarg): The experts and well-experienced can go for this option as it stretches for 28 km with grades II, III, and IV.

Best time for river rafting in Kashmir: August to September

Cost: The average cost of river rafting ranges from 1500 to 3600

Things to remember: Strictly follow the instructions given by the instructor to avoid any unfortunate incident.

14.Hot Air Ballooning in Kashmir

Hot air balloon activity in Kashmir — (This photo depicts the peace and heavenly beauty that prevails in the valley of Kashmir which has been engulfed by the terrorism.)

Hot air ballooning in Kashmir is a thrilling and unique adventure experience. What can be a more interesting way to capture the captivating beauty of the lofty mountains, arresting lakes, quaint valleys, and verdant landscapes than hot air ballooning? And the perfect place to experience it is Srinagar. On a hot air balloon, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the famous Dal Lake, and treat your senses to the beauty of the vast clear sky and gorgeous valley, completely away from the noise of a city. Slowly and gently the balloon ride takes you around in the sky and it lasts for 10 minutes and goes up to 28 to 38 feet. Each hot air balloon can accommodate 4 persons at a time.

Best time for hot air ballooning in Srinagar: April to October

Cost: On an average INR 1000

Timings: 8 am to 11 am (less crowded)

Things to remember: