Kashmir is an adventure-rich destination, filled with stunning beauty that you won’t soon forget. But experiencing all it has to offer requires more than simply visiting. To experience Kashmir at its full potential and uncover all its wonders and adventures, all its best things should be experienced first-hand; here’s our comprehensive list of what there is to do and see in Kashmir; plus Kashmir tour packages available so you can plan the perfect journey. Discover the charm and beauty of Kashmir and enjoy vibrant markets, tranquil Dal Lake, breathtaking landscapes and peaceful Pahalgam and Gulmarg.
Trekking in Kashmir
For adventure enthusiasts who seek to discover themselves through trekking, Kashmir offers incredible mountaintop beauty that will enthral them. As mountain trekking became more and more popular among adventurers and tourists alike, so did adventure tourism – with enthusiasts venturing further north than Kashmir, becoming interested in visiting its Himalayan ranges and undertaking popular treks such as Kashmir Great Lakes Trek as one such popular path through Kashmir Valley.
Trekking in Kashmir offers trekkers an exclusive experience by connecting them directly to nature as well as human settlements in the mountains. Even beginners can find plenty of excitement in many routes throughout Kashmir.
Gulmarg Gondola
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the tallest cable cars in the world and connects Gulmarg to Apharwat Peak via a two-stage ropeway transporting 600 passengers per hour – jointly developed by J&K Government and French company Poma. Gulmarg’s Gondola Ride can transport 600 people per hour between Kungdoor Station at 3,100 metres above mean sea level to Gulmarg station at 2,650 metres in just two stages: Phase One involves journey between Kungdoor Station at 3,100 metres above mean sea level to Gulmarg station at 2,650 metres above mean sea level before moving onto Phase Two for climbing Kongdoori Mountain for climbing 3,980 metres pinnacle before moving further over 4,200-metre Mount Apharwat for hikers looking to explore.
Gulmarg Skiing
Adventure seekers looking for an exhilarating winter activity are invited to come experience Gulmarg skiing this year when its beautiful landscape of snow-clad mountains and evergreen forests make an inviting backdrop. Racing down snow-covered valleys feels exhilarating – Apharwat Peak provides the ideal location. There are government-run shops located here offering ski equipment rental while experienced instructors teach beginners. Gulmarg offers exhilarating backcountry trails featuring virgin peaks, pine trees, and alpine basins which offer numerous challenges! The optimal period for skiing here would be between January and February, when fresh snow cover can make travel a worthwhile experience!
Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Shikara ride is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your holiday in Jammu & Kashmir. In Kashmir Valley, Dal Lake provides the ideal setting to experience this activity, boasting beautiful surroundings with picturesque views such as those seen from Nehru Park as well as several hotels and restaurants around its edge.
Residents can utilise shikhara for fishing and seaweed harvesting by local residents, while Dal Lake’s Shikara rides offer visitors an unforgettable way to appreciate these magnificent vessels as they sail effortlessly across their surface.
Rafting at Pahalgam
Pahalgam’s nature is both spectacular and mesmerising. Nature lovers and adventurers will discover an assortment of tourist attractions and locations within this scenic town.
When river rafting in Pahalgam, is most often done along either Lidder or Indus rivers with three options depending on which river is chosen: 2.5km Lidder pleasure ride), 5km Long Ride) or 8 km White Water Rafting with rapids grades II through IV on Lidder river course or Zanskar river which follows an amazing route of gorges between Zanskar Mountains with Padum and Nimu that only experienced and skilled river rafters can do.
Gulmarg Pony Ride
Pony rides offer you an unforgettable way of experiencing local culture and small towns more effectively than via taxi. They allow access to places your legs cannot. Pony Ride Kashmir can provide an exciting adventure, offering stunning mountain vistas alongside narrow spaces and lush rainforests alike – don’t miss the chance of riding through them on one! Gulmarg, known for offering horseback riding rides for an average cost between Rs 500-2500 is an ideal location. Gulmarg also has multiple spots where riding can take place so don’t miss this fun opportunity when visiting Kashmir!
Paragliding in Sonamarg
Paragliding has recently emerged as an exciting adventure activity in Kashmir. Due to the excellent wind conditions and beautiful terrain of Sonamarg, paragliding makes an excellent aviation sport and makes for the best way to see Sonamarg!
Tourists looking for adventure can choose to glide over mountains, valleys, or lakes using aerial gliders provided by tour operators on any given day. To prevent mishaps and ensure tight strings you should wear appropriate gear with tight strings – this way you will enjoy stunning views of Sonamarg while touring its environs – adventure clubs were created specifically to cater to adventure sports fans!
Camping at Sonamarg
Camping at Sonamarg can be an unforgettable Himalayan experience! Sonamarg Hill Station lies within an idyllic valley filled with lush vegetation. Here, visitors can choose among various activities such as trekking to Thajiwas Lake or Zoji-la Pass hiking as part of the Amarnath pilgrimage and visiting Himalayan lakes and Sindh River; making Sonamarg an idyllic escape for both nature lovers and adventurers from across the globe! Sonamarg is truly a treasure for nature enthusiasts and adventurers of all types alike!
Camping near Sonamarg’s picturesque valley, hiking trails, or water sources is highly recommended. Campsites are readily available. When selecting your camp, location amenities and activities with care. Sonamarg Camping features indoor games as part of their package as well as campfire activities and sightseeing opportunities; photographers have plenty of opportunity to capture beautiful images while camping here!
Hot Air Ballooning in Srinagar
Services offers hot air balloon rides over Srinagar Lake. Hot air balloon rides offer the ideal adventure experience for adventurous individuals who enjoy trying something new and don’t fear heights. As its name implies, hot air balloons are aircraft designed specifically to lift hot air. Zabarwan Park in Srinagar offers hot air balloon rides which offer spectacular views over Dal Lake, Zabarwan Park, and Srinagar while carrying four people at once for 10-minute flights to a maximum height of 28-32 feet – but usually require at least an hour wait time before their ride comes to an end!
Mountain Biking in Kashmir
Mountain biking in Jammu and Kashmir is an enjoyable activity that provides thrills. The highlands in Kashmir Valley feature pine and deodar tree forests which makes cycling through them truly exciting, and taking part in such an activity provides breathtaking scenery: streams, fields, woods, market meadows. Riding mountains from Srinagar through Gulmarg Sonmarg Pahalgam to Wular Lake Manasbal Lake will offer unforgettable mountain-biking memories!
Planning a trip and exploring nature are among the top activities to do when visiting Kashmir, along with trying all of these thrilling adventure sports to overcome any fears through adventure and bring some part of Kashmir back home with you!