Kashmir is undoubtedly the most beautiful place to visit in India. If you want to experience heaven on Earth then Kashmir is the place to be. You should plan your visit to Kashmir according to the season that will make your holiday unique. There are many things to do in Kashmir, such as sightseeing, adventure activities, spiritual activities and much more.
The spring season begins in March and lasts until early May and the summer season is observed from May to August. At these times of the year the weather is high and you can spend your days exploring while the cool breeze soothes your body. The best time to visit Kashmir is between March and August and to make your trip memorable you should visit these months.
Kashmir is famous for its dried fruit, Pashmina shawls, silverware, traditional jewelry, and carpets. Mountain biking, Dal lake, Gondola ride, Snow capped mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, world class golf courses in Kashmir valley, bird watching in Kashmir valley, Shikara Ride, Adventure seekers come Jammu and Kashmir for adventure activities like Shikara Ride and Jeep Safari and Horse Riding and Rolling hills and Lidder river and Nubra valley and Pony ride, Mughal gardens, Dense forests, Snow covered mountains of Gulmarg valley and many more things.
Many of you should have an existing idea about the tourist attractions in Kashmir. You have to think; this place is about nature and snow and there would not be much you can do here. Then you are very wrong, my friend.
With its beautiful lakes, snow-capped mountains, sailing Shikaras, colorful tuft tulips and beautiful houseboats, places you can visit at the Kashmir gate are a real heaven on Earth. However, this is not all about the tourist attractions in Kashmir India; adorned with a host of luxury hotels and resorts, which contributes to its popular tourist attraction.
Besides all the resorts and hotels, there is a whole list of activities you can do at the places you can visit in Kashmir India to make your trip and enjoyable experience. From Shikara rides, river rafting, mountain biking and jeep safari to fishing, bird watching, horseback riding and motorcycles; places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir offer many exciting things to do.
Top Things to Do in Kashmir
Located on the Himalayan plateau, Kashmir offers a fascinating, immersive experience to enjoy. Location and terrain make some of the landmarks unique to this destination, so go ahead and enjoy all of this. And, look!
1. Shikara Ride – Dal lake
Relax and enjoy the beauty of distant mountains as your boatman takes you across the lake. Away from the hustle and bustle of dirty city life, riding a shikara is at the top of the list of the best things you can do in Kashmir. No smoke or traffic noise, no angry mob, nothing. Just the soft sound of a paddle paddler breaking water and the touch of cold water as you run your hand over the lake.
You can try Shikara Ride in Dal Lake in Srinagar and Manasbal Lake near Sonamarg
Timings are from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the week
2. Houseboat Accommodation
And it’s not just a shikhara ride on Dal Lake, this is one of the best things you can do in Srinagar. Spending the night on a boat parked on the Dal Lake jetty is also among the top things to do in Kashmir. It could be honeymooners, families, or independent travelers; staying overnight in one of the Srinagar boats is something you will not miss.
In-house boats have Wifi and airport terminals available. You can also find food supplies provided by them. Jumping in Jammu and Kashmir is the best place you can find yourself when you are here with your family, group of friends, or with your partner.
3. ‘Gondola’ Cable Car Ride – Gondola ride
Riding a Gondola cable car is one of the most fun and exciting things you can do in Kashmir for people of all ages. Tourists prefer to travel by cable car to enjoy the view of the snowcapped mountains. Riding the Gondola is one of the best things you can do in Kashmir in May because during this month, summer is coming to an end and the view is really beautiful.
The ride happens in three stages.
- Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori
- Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak
- Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder
Timings are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Ride) and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (Ticket Sales) every day of the week
4. Gulmarg Golf Club
This is one of the things you can do in Jammu and Kashmir. The Gulmarg Golf Club is regarded as one of the world’s largest 18-hole golf courses. Playing golf in this ‘Meadow of Flowers’ is actually, one of the most fun activities you can do in Jammu and Kashmir. This place has a natural golf course so enjoy this game on the nature pool.
Timings vary from 08:30 am to 10:00 pm
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5. Kashmiri Cuisine
As with any other place in the world, trying local food is one of the most important things you can do in Kashmir. We have all heard of Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) and the Lamb Rogan Josh. But food has many luxurious dishes. These include Nadroo Yakhni (a Kashmiri curry based on yogurt with lotus stems), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer fried in tomato sauce and spiced with fennel powder), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in hot red broth), as well as Gushtaba (minced lamb cooked in powdered yoghurt flavored with spices).
Best Food: Alchi Kitchen, Stream Restaurant, The Habit – Cafe & Grill
6. Attractions
Whether it is a family trip, a honeymoon, or a trip with friends, no one wants to miss out on the great things of Kashmir. The various destinations you can visit in Kashmir, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg are the most popular. Going to explore these cities is one of the most popular activities in Kashmir.
Places to Visit Pahalgam: Anantnag Sulfer Springs are some of the attractions of Pahalgam, Deer Park & Zoo, Lidder River & Amusement Park, Sheshnag Lake, Mamleshwar Temple, Betaab Valley, Aru Village, Matrand Sun Temple and Saffron fields.
Places to Visit in Sonamarg: Manasbal Lake, Khir-Bhawani temple, Narang temple are the main tourist attractions in Sonamarg, Thajiwas Glacier, Ganderbal.
Places to Visit Srinagar: Floating Post Office, Dal Lake, Nehru Park, Shankaracharya Hill Temple, Shalimar Bagh, Jama Masjid, Zain-ul-Abidin Mother’s Tomb, Nishat Bagh, Hari Parbat Fort lock Srinagar attractions, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal.
Places to Visit Gulmarg: Strawberry Valley, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, Ziarat Zi Reshi and Apharwat peak.
7. Go Shopping
Shopping is one of the common activities in Kashmir. And no, I do not mean antiquities and other monuments. Visitors here can buy beautiful Kashmiri handlooms and Pashmina shawls, antique brass items such as samovars, Namda handmade carpets, local clothing called Ferins, and expensive Doda Sapphire. Then there are flowers, fruits, and vegetables for sale at shikara in Dal Lake. In addition to what you buy, how you buy will be the reason for your happiness here.
8. Pony Ride Excursions
The pony is a common means of transportation in the Kashmir valleys. Taking a short pony trip to the beautiful valleys is another exciting thing you can do in Kashmir. Pony riding in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, and Gulmarg is very popular. Pony rides are more common in areas where transportation is limited. Riding a pony is a great way to enjoy the real life of Jammu and Kashmir.
9. Old Srinagar Heritage Walk
They say, go further to find out more. And the same is true of Srinagar. Traveling is one of the best things you can do in Srinagar. With more than four hundred-year-old buildings and non-paradise gardens, the city has buildings that are influenced by 3 different styles and 3 different religions. Traveling to the old city is one of the most peaceful things to do in Kashmir. Visit the amazing buildings that include the Jamia Masjid with 370 pillars made of Maple tree. Walk the streets of old Srinagar with its old markets for spices, dried fruits and vegetables.
10. Wildlife Tour
The snowcapped mountains and dense jungles of Jammu and Kashmir offer some of the most amazing and unusual species of plants and animals. Extremely protected between the boundaries of more than 7 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jammu and Kashmir, you can explore these wildlife by visiting any of these places including Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Salim Ali National Park, Kazinag National Park and Kishtwar National Park.
Cold leopard, musk deer, brown bear, Marmot, red fox, black Himalayan bear, golden eagle, Monal pheasants, and griffon vultures are some of the rare animals found in the area. You can also visit birds in one of the 24 wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir where more than 500 species of birds find their home. The Gharana and Surinsar counties in Ladakh are ideal places for migratory birds. You will get to see the Black-necked crane, the European whistle-blowing vulture, the falcon and the bar-headed geese.
11. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
Your visit to Kashmir is not complete without a visit to this beautiful tulip field. Named the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, it is one of the largest tulip gardens in Asia. Besides tulip there are many other types of garden – hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus. March to May is the best season to visit garden. Every year in April, a tulip festival is celebrated where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the garden in full bloom.
Options for an Adventurous experience in Kashmir
Kashmir is full of experiences and much to see and see. And if you want to do something different from the usual tourist tours, here are some of the bad things you can do and the activities you can do in this heavenly world:
12. River Rafting
White river rafting is one of the fastest adrenaline rush routes to Kashmir. The rapids here are simple or moderate, which means rafting in Kashmir is not very difficult. You can also go rafting near Sonmarg. However, white water rafting on the Lidder River in Pahalgam is very popular. Co-operation is an important factor in river rafting and you should also follow the safety instructions given by the instructors.
Details:
• Short Lidder River Rafting: 3 km (Pahalgam) from Yarganpal to Yaneed Bridge Levels II & III
• Medium Sindh River Rafting: 8 km (Sonamarg) from Mamar to Satrun Margund Levels II, III, & IV
• Long Sindh River Rafting: 28 km (Sonamarg) from Mamar to Wayul Bridge Levels II, III, & IV
13. Paragliding
For all those adrenaline junkies, there is also the option to go for paragliding. The beautiful valley below is a view you can see. Paragliding one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir through which you can see unique view of the green valleys. Paragliding options are available in Gulmarg, Harwan (Srinagar), Sanasar, Sonamarg and Baderwah.
14. Walking
Hiking is the one of the best things you can do here. Although located in the province of Jammu and Kashmir, walking in Ladakh is very popular. There is a short walk and hike for tourists through the valleys of Kashmir. There are many high alpine lakes in Kashmir, such as Lake Vishansar, Tarsar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Alpather Lake, and Satsar Lake.
Since these beautiful lakes can only be reached after hiking, hiking is one of the best things you can do in Kashmir for nature lovers and adventure seekers. No matter how long the journey, the last look from above will be amazing. Make sure you wear comfortable and comfortable shoes on the go. Carry enough water to drink, and wear sunscreen.
15. Skiing and Snowboarding
Kashmir is a cold, snowy mountains and icy mountains – cold rivers, and to enjoy the best, you must visit Kashmir in winter. This is one of the best things you can do in Kashmir in the winter. With the onset of winter, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg are completely blanketed. And this opens up the possibility of winter sports. Snowboarding and skiing are the best things you can do in Kashmir during the winter, especially if you have an adrenaline rush to get enough. Skiing in Gulmarg is the one of the best things to do in Kashmir.
16. Mountain Biking
Have you ever considered exploring green valleys, snowcapped mountains, flowing rivers, and mysterious lakes by bicycle? If this has been your entertainment idea then there is no better place than Jammu and Kashmir.
Location, location, and geographical location make this place a perfect place to enjoy mountain biking. If you like a smooth ride, then the Kashmir Valley is ideal, but if you like to travel by road, the best Ladakh area is the best. A challenging ride during your bike ride can increase your level of excitement as well.
Popular bicycle lanes include Srinagar to Sonamarg, Sonamarg to Mananasbal lake, Srinagar to Gulmarg, Gulmarg to Pahalgam, and Pahalgam to Srinagar. And if you want to meet the mighty Himalayas, take the Srinagar – Leh highway that crosses ten mountains.
17. Hot Air Ballooning
Jammu and Kashmir have many options for adventure activities. The magnitude of the landscape here and the beauty of the magnificent views make it an ideal venue for Aero games. Like paragliding, a hot air balloon is also gaining popularity.
A spectacular view of the green hills and flowers, the deep valleys, the snowcapped mountains, the white streams with milk and the signature houses, from above will surely require you to extend your stay in this Heavenly Earth. To enjoy a hot air balloon ride, valleys of Suru and Zanskar are popular places in Jammu. The ride takes a height of 3,000 feet and takes about 2 hours. The winter months are the best time to hear this work.
18. Golf
Golf at Pahalgam is one of the top activities to do in the city. The city has a 9-hole golf course, also known as the ‘Plateau’ and is known for many reasons including the beauty of the area, the elevation and the range of facilities. Visitors who come to play this game pay every hour. The areas around Pahalgam Golf have great photo opportunities. Do not miss the opportunity to click on this famous place.
19. Camel Safari
Among other activities, camel Safaris is one of the most attractive places in Ladakh. The area is famous for its double hump bactarian camels. The camel safari starts in the nubra valley from Hundar Village to Diskit and ends in the Panamic valley. Riding on the back of a camel is a lifelong endeavor for a visitor to Ladakh. July to September is the best season for this exciting camel safari.
20. Camping
The three districts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have many hiking trails that make it ideal for camping work in Kashmir. Camping in Kashmir allows visitors to experience the ambiance of a beautiful landscape. Pahalgam is the last place you can go to camp in the cold. Some areas include the most remote valleys of Chatpal, Daksum, and Karnah.
Spiritual Things to Do in Kashmir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjPcwrxv5Mk
If you thought Jammu and Kashmir were all about amazing natural beauty, here is your surprise. If this is in heaven on Earth, then there must also be a place for the Almighty to dwell. Some of the famous temples, some of the famous places of worship and monasteries in Jammu and Kashmir that you must visit:
21. Amarnath Cave And Vaishnodevi Temple
In Jammu and Kashmir going for a trip to Amarnath Yatra & Vaishno Devi Temple is the most religious thing. Amarnath Yatra is dedicated to the worship of the ice stalagmite Shivalinga. It is said that Lord Shiva explained the secret of eternal life to the goddess Parvati. Pilgrimage was carried out in mid-July-August. This 45 day Shravan Mela is dedicated to Shri Amarnath Ji.
Vaishno Devi Yatra is a trip to Mata Vaishno Devi. Mount Trikuta, where the temple is located, has one base but three distinct peaks. The same structure is visible inside the cave. The three heads are said to belong to Mata Kali, Mata Laxmi, and Mata Saraswati – Hindu goddesses. This yatra, too, occurs in the months of July and August.
22. Ladakh Buddhist monasteries
Of the many places you can visit in Leh Ladakh, Buddhist monks are a rare gem of Jammu Kashmir. Exploring these Gompas is one of the most religious things you can do in Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the most famous monks (gompas) of Ladakh are:
• Hemis Monastery: Built by Stagchen Raschegn in the mid-17th century, the palace is renowned for its elaborate dance during the Hemis festival.
• Thiksey Monastery: Home to more than 500 monasteries, the palace houses many Buddhist artifacts such as murals, statues, tanks, and swords.
• Likir Monastery: Believed to be the earliest monastery to build Tibetan monasteries, founded by Lama Dhwang in the mid-14th century. The monastery has many Tibetan art galleries.
23. Kheer Bhawani Temple
Kheer Bhawani Temple is one of the most famous temples in the Srinagar region. It is a temple dedicated to the goddess Kheer Bhavani built on a sacred fountain. There is a small marble temple in the middle of this spring. Volunteers donate kheer milk for eight full days of the full moon in May. It is said that the goddess changed the color of spring.
Mostly Asked Queries about things to do in Kashmir
What activities and things to do in Kashmir?
There are many activities and long list, you can do in Kashmir some of which are like play golf at world class Golf courses, Shikara ride at dal lake, Gondola ride offers bird’s eye view, Mountain bike and skiing, snow capped mountains, bird watching, serene lakes, jeep safari, enjoy winter sports in winter season, horse riding, rolling hills, local garments called Ferins, boat ride, local cuisine.
Enjoy beautiful landscapes, Himalayan ranges, high altitude alpine lakes, natural beauty of dream destination, famous dishes, perfect destination, snow covered mountains, adventure lovers loves Kashmir trip, highest operating cable car, historical landmarks, rugged mountains, real lifestyle, rich history, snow covered peaks of Gulmarg valley, Airport transfer facilities, famous markets, Sacred spring, Adventure sports, major attractions are migratory birds, Pristine lakes, Lidder river, Kashmiri cuisine, Mughal gardens, dense forests and many more things to do in Kashmir valley.
What can and should not do in Kashmir?
The following are the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling to Kashmir.
- Carry warm clothes, no matter what month you are traveling.
- Book hotels that provide room heating.
- Manage basic medicines.
- Avoid carrying large sums of money.
- Hire only licensed tour guides.
- Make sure you dress appropriately when visiting shrines.
How can I get to Kashmir?
Flying to Kashmir, you can take Srinagar airport. It is well connected in major cities of India. Kashmir is also well connected to the public and private bus network. If you choose to come by train, you can disembark at Jammu Tawi Railway Station.
Which month is best for Kashmir?
March to October is the best season to travel Kashmir. You can find three of the four basic periods of witnessing in this area – spring, summer, and autumn.
How do I get to Kashmir by train?
Located about 330km, Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Kashmir. You can rent private taxis or buses from outside the station to visit the beautiful Kashmir.
Are visitors safe in Kashmir?
Yes, Kashmir is safe for tourists and one of the most visited destinations in India.
What is the most popular food in Kashmir?
Dum Aloo is the most famous cuisine in Kashmir.
If you are keen to know more about Kashmir valley, please visit Icy Tales!
Last Updated on by ritukhare