Things To Do In Kashmir
Overview
Jammu & Kashmir which is situated in the Pir Panjal ranges of the Indian Himalayas, is ideal for providing visitors with a wide range of recreational opportunities. There are several activities at every tourist location in Jammu & Kashmir that allow visitors to create lifelong memories of their trip. Travelers can enjoy a wealth of leisure activities, such as historical sightseeing and thrilling pursuits like boating, photography, touring hill stations, museums, and gorgeous garden exploration. Skiing, mountaineering, river rafting, paragliding, trekking, and mountain biking are a few of the best adventure activities
It is a place to be lived, not only visited. You will be thrilled by the abundance of “things to do” in Jammu and Kashmir no matter where you go. Due to its diverse topography, it is the ideal location for a variety of tourists, from thrill seekers to those looking to unwind amid the breathtaking scenery. There are a lot of fascinating things to do in Kashmir but these are a few listed below you really should do:
Popular Kashmir Tours
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01. Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
Shikara boats which are only found in Jammu and Kashmir are made up of different sizes made for public use. Typically, a shikara may hold around six people, with the driver always seated at the bottom. Like Venetian gondolas in the US, shikaras are regarded as the cultural embodiment of Kashmir. A Shikhara is a traditional light rowing boat, like a gondola, that is primarily seen on the Dal Lake popular among other lakes. It is regarded as a cultural emblem with the houseboats.
However, the shikhara is used by the residents for transportation, fishing, and seaweed harvesting in addition to pleasure and tourism. It is a visual joy to watch these exquisitely painted boats drift calmly across the lake, therefore you shouldn’t pass up this opportunity when visiting Jammu and Kashmir.
02. Skiing In Gulmarg
Gulmarg has become a popular ski resort for people worldwide despite once being a summer retreat for the British a century ago. Gulmarg provides year-round powder snow and the ideal slope conditions for those who love to ski. Additionally, Gulmarg is ranked as the fifth-best ski resort in Asia, and it provides a broad range of ski slopes for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers.
Gulmarg has the top alpine backcountry cross-country slopes in the nation as well as one of the highest ski lifts in the globe. The greatest way to learn about skiing and snowboarding in the Gulmarg Himalayas is to enroll in the Basic Skiing Course.
03. Visit Offbeat Destinations
This list of unusual locations in Kashmir is based on information such as low or nonexistent internet presence, comparatively low social media activity, and fewer visits from tourists. You will come across names of places you may never have heard of, even though some of them may sound somewhat familiar. These places will undoubtedly provide you with the desired solitude and will keep you off the tourist trail.
These undiscovered locations in Kashmir are like undiscovered gems as they’re removed from the typical tourist chaos. Places like Daksum, Lolab valley, Yusmarg, Doodhpatri, Bangus valley are untouched by humans with more natural beauty. These locations in Kashmir give genuine and peaceful experience and offer the ideal balance of adventure, culture, and tranquility.
04. Stay in a Houseboat
Houseboats or floating cottages offer a unique lodging experience which is one of the best things to do in Kashmir. Found on the waters of Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake which is said to be perfect for single travelers, honeymooners, and families who can purchase houseboat tour packages to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Travelers can also enjoy shopping on houseboats, where several merchants ply their trade selling everything from barbecued food to Kashmiri handicrafts. The houseboats exhibit the excellent art and high workmanship of Kashmiri artisans through their ornate woodwork which has been constructed with great care. Many cozy chambers on Kashmir’s houseboats boast luxurious décor that are influenced by Turkish and Victorian architectural designs.
Most wood carvings depict Chinar trees and other essential features of Kashmiri culture. The interiors are made cozier by the hand-carved cedar paneled walls, wood paneled interiors, and classically fashioned ceilings. Traditional Kashmiri carpets wrap the flooring thickly, keeping your feet toasty in the winter.
05. Visit Mughal Gardens
These gardens represent the Mughal empire and are renowned for their magnificent architecture, verdant surroundings, and breathtaking Himalayan views, hence preserved as a monument. The Mughal kings of India were very much fascinated with gardens which are now world famous.The Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashma Shahi, Achabal Bagh, Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh are the most well-known Mughal gardens.
Originally designed for the pleasure of the Mughal rulers, the three Mughal gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat, and Shalimar feature tiered lawns, bubbling fountains, vibrant flower beds, and expansive vistas of the enormous Dal Lake. The best time to visit is during the spring season when the garden is filled with full bloom of flowers.
06. Gondola Ride in Gulmarg
The Gulmarg Gondola is known for being the longest and tallest cable car ride in Asia. This attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. The gondola ride is divided into two stages. The first section transports tourists from the town to the midway point of the mountain, Kungdoori station. The second phase brings the trek from Kungdoori to the vicinity of Apharwat Peak. The two-stage ropeway can accommodate about 600 passengers per hour and reaches a height of around 14000 feet above the ground.
This Gulmarg must-do activity is ideal for romantic couples, families on vacation, and adventurers looking to summit the mountain for the best wintertime skiing. Unmatched and unforgettable are the breathtaking views of the valley and mountains that one may see when riding the cable car.
07. Go On Treks
The feeling of trekking in Kashmir around the snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and serene lakes offer hikers a breathtaking backdrop which give this place its unique beauty. As you take every step of the way you will come along the warm hospitality of locals to know their customs and traditions as well. Famous trek routes like Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and Kolahoi Glacier Trek are among the most beautiful in the world which start in this region.
With the beautiful view of Himalayan mountains, the sound of flow of rivers, thick woods, high altitude lakes add a charm to the trek. You may also come across some uncommon species of flora and fauna.
08. Enjoy Camping
For those who enjoy the great outdoors and adventure camping is a popular pastime and one of the best things to do in Kashmir. Popular camping spots include the Lidderwat-Kolahoi Glacier walk, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Aru Valley. These places provide calm and pleasant environments that let visitors get in touch with nature.
In Kashmir, going camping offers more than just setting up a tent and sleeping outside beneath the stars but also it’s a chance to get a taste of the way of life and culture of the area. Locals manage a lot of camping areas, offering meals, tents, and other necessities. Known for their warmth, these residents frequently share their traditional traditions and tales with the campers.
09. White Water Rafting in Lidder River
The river known as “Lidder ” (which means “turmeric”) rises from the Mt. Kolahoi glacier, Sheshnag lake, and other locations. It runs from the northwest to the southeast with great pleasure past Pahalgam and into the river Jhelum, one of the five Punjab rivers that eventually joins the Indus. The 2.5 km lidder joy ride, 5 km lidder long ride, and 8 km lidder extra-long ride sections of the Lidder River, which flows from Pahalgam.
These sections are located at Varganpal Bridge, Varganpal Bridge, and Langanbal Bridge, 12 km, 12 km, and 3 km from Pahalgam and 72 km, 72 km, and 88 km from Srinagar, respectively. This gives an adrenaline rush as the flow of water is more rapid here in comparison to the Indus River.
10. Snowboarding in Gulmarg
The thrilling experience of snowboarding in Gulmarg involves riding down the snow-covered slopes while standing on a snowboard. All year long, Gulmarg provides the best powder snow and slope conditions, but more crowds are seen in the winter season. For skilled snowboarders, Gulmarg offers steep alpine slopes, pillow lines and for intermediate and advanced riders, there are gentle open powder bowls.
The bowls provide breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat and the Valley of Kashmir. Even on days with severe weather, tree snowboarding is fantastic in the forests of Tanmarg, Monkey Hill, and Baba Reshi.
11. Shop at Lal Chowk
Located in the heart of Srinagar, Kashmir, Lal Chowk is a busy marketplace that represents the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area and is recognizable by its clock tower which represents the political and social struggles in Kashmir. The traditional Pashmina shawls and carpets elaborate its designs of Kashmiri handicrafts, and its rich perfume of spices, the market is a sensory feast.
From fine jewelry and antique artifacts to fresh food and local cuisines, street sellers and shops have it all. Lal Chowk is a must-visit location for anybody visiting Kashmir, whether their goals are to experience the local way of life, purchase handmade trinkets, or just take in the lively environment.
12. Try Kashmiri Cuisine
Kashmiri cuisine, as it is called, is a special fusion of flavors that has developed over hundreds of years. Kashmiri cuisine is primarily influenced by the dietary preferences of the Muslim population and pandits. Rice has long been the main dish in the area, and it’s frequently served with a wide range of seasonings and toppings like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, and Kashmiri chilies.
The delectable delicacy known as Kashmiri Wazwan embodies the culinary culture of the area, emphasizing the skill of preparing meat-based meals though vegetarian selections are also highly valued. Other popular dishes also include Modur Pulao, Rogan Josh, Yakni, dum aloo whose taste is different and unique.
13. Go on Srinagar Heritage Walk
The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Rinagar, is renowned for its stunning scenery, friendly people, and extensive cultural legacy and this city is well-known for its historical landmarks and architectural wonders in addition to its tranquil lakes and breathtaking scenery. A heritage walk is one of the greatest ways to discover Srinagar’s rich past, as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the city’s past and catch a peek of its beautiful past. And that’s exactly what the Srinagar walks are meant to accomplish.
Walking tours in Srinagar provide a unique perspective on the city and its people. The historical accounts state that the city of Srinagar was established approximately three miles southeast of the current location, close to Panderethan, in 250 B.C.
14. Wildlife Safari in Dachigam National Park
See rare animal species at Dachigam National Park, such as the Himalayan brown bear, leopard, and Kashmiri stag, or Hangul, and over 145 birds. The major attractions are Musk Deer, Leopards, Himalayan Gray Langurs in the park, which stretches to an area of 140 sq. km.
This requires special permits to visit and remains closed from January to April. The name literally translates to “ten villages,” maybe in remembrance of the ten villages that had to be moved to make room for the park.
15. Pony Ride in Pahalgam
You may see this beautiful area from a different angle when you ride a pony through it. You can cross rocky paths and arrive at quiet areas that are unreachable otherwise. You’ll travel through green pastures, charming tiny hamlets, and dark pine forests as you softly sway to the beat of the pony.
Famous places like Baisaran, dubbed “Mini Switzerland” for its gently sloping green hills and far-off snow-capped summits, and the tranquil Aru Valley are frequently visited throughout the trip. Pony rides are available in several well-known and well-liked places, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, and Yusmarg.
16. Paragliding in Sanasar
Paragliding is the most popular activity to do in kashmir and is growing rapidly. Observing the valley from above is an amazing sight. This tranquil hill resort offers the perfect backdrop for paragliding, encircled by verdant meadows, deep forests, and expansive vistas of the Himalayas. The terrain’s high height and the wind’s favorable conditions make for ideal takeoff locations for an amazing trip.
Enjoy Hot Air Ballooning
You may take in the breath-taking views of the beautiful lakes, wide valleys, and rolling hills below as you glide through the clear alpine air. The peaceful surroundings of Sanasar is far from the bustle of the city that add to the whole experience and help you establish a closer bond with nature.
17. Enjoy Hot Air Ballooning
In Srinagar, the cycle can be initiated from the Zabarwan Hills. Typically lasting ten minutes, the Zabarwan Hot Air Balloon Ride in Kashmir lifts you over twenty-five feet above the ground, providing you with the best views of Dal Lake and the surrounding Mughal Gardens. In Kashmir, a group of four to eight persons can take a hot air balloon ride simultaneously.
The best places to do the activities in Kashmir for a hot air balloon ride aside from the Zabarwan hills, include Suru and Zanskar where you can enjoy the cool breeze above. The early morning flights frequently align with the sunrise, which intensifies the magic of the event by painting the sky in pink and orange hues.
18. Play Golf at Gulmarg Golf Course
This golf course is nestled amid a meadow, home to vibrant lupins and at least sixteen different kinds of wildflowers. The 18-hole course is 6858 meters long and is a challenging challenge for players when played from championship tees. Alternatively, players can play from ordinary tees and enjoy the unique experience of playing at the world’s highest green golf course.
There are also the amenities-filled Club facilities available. With their undulations and shapes blending in with the surrounding areas, the greens have been created to blend in with the natural terrain. The greens’ grass is crookedly bent. imported from the US. It’s among the best places in the world to play golf in the summer.
19. Click Memorable Photos
Kashmir provides a wide range of unforgettable photo options that perfectly defines its amazing beauty and depth of cultural diversity. Gulmarg’s verdant meadows, which are covered with snow in the winter, offer a lovely scene for those who enjoy skiing and outdoor activities. Picture-perfect scenes are created by the tranquil Dal Lake in Srinagar, which is filled with traditional houseboats and shikaras and reflects the breathtaking Zabarwan Range.
The Mughal Gardens provide a window into the region’s regal history with their finely tended landscapes and tumbling fountains. The bright markets of Srinagar, filled to overflowing with delicious spices and colorful handicrafts, represent the way of life of the locals.
20. Experience Mountain Biking
Experience the stunning scenery of Kashmir by mountain biking and embarking on an exhilarating adventure. Riding a bike over the Kashmir Valley’s slopes, which are filled with dense pine and deodar trees, is an incredibly thrilling experience. The stunning terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, which is peppered with water streams, paddy fields, meadows, village markets, and forests, is another factor that adds to the thrill of mountain biking there.
In addition to being an exhilarating experience, mountain riding in Kashmir enables you to explore the area’s varied topography and natural beauties dynamically.
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