Top Activities Tourist Love to Do in Kashmir

Kashmir Valley is a heaven on earth in every sense. It is truly a magical place where lush green forests meet gushing streams and snow-capped peaks. There is so much to do for everyone in Kashmir. Include Shikara Ride, Trekking, Paragliding, Hiking, Camping, etc. In your Kashmir tour packages.

Skiing

Gulmarg is the ultimate spot for skiing. It is considered to be the best in the Himalayan region. The Ski resorts here are cable car enabled and were constructed in 1927 by the British rulers. The best season for skiing is from the mid-week of December to April. Skiing on the mighty peaks of the Himalayas takes tourists one step closer to the mighty mountain range. The cable car facility here is the tallest in the world. Skiing enthusiasts can book rooms at the J&K TDC’s Huts available at Kud, Sanasar, and Patnitop in advance.

Paragliding

Jammu, Sanasar, and Batote are considered to be hubs for paragliding activities in Kashmir. For a nominal charge, the paragliding companies provide all kinds of equipment and support for paragliding in Kashmir. The months between May-June and September-October are the best for paragliding. Though there are many kinds of aero sports activities, Paragliding is the most common. The view from the beautiful skies above is simply scintillating.

Shikara Boat Ride

This is an experience that tourists will get only in Kashmir. All the lakes of Srinagar have long boats known as Shikaras. These rides last for 2 hours and provide some spectacular views of the interiors of the lake. While riding on the Shikaras, tourists can also shop at the floating markets. Tourists are introduced to some rare and beautiful species of birds while taking a ride on the boards. Through Shikara boat rides, tourists can reach various tourist attractions like Shalimar Gardens, Nishat Garden, Hazratbal Mosque, etc. as these are located in close vicinity to Srinagar.

Bird Watching

A total of around 554 species of birds are found in the sanctuaries and mountains of Kashmir. Since there are lots of water and streams here, many migratory birds come here during particular seasons. Tourists are requested to remain calm and enjoy the birds without causing them any disturbance. Areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are great places to spot wild ducks. The wetlands of Hokersar & Anchar are home to various birds that come in from as far as Ireland.

Mountain Biking

Certain sectors in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Manasbal Lake offer excellent opportunities for mountain cycling. One must be physically fit for taking this activity as it requires a lot of physical stamina. Tourists who undertake mountain biking activities can get a wonderful view of the beautiful lakes and mountain passes spread all over Kashmir. The prerequisite for this is a rigid and sturdy cycle that would suit difficult mountain conditions. Other biking accessories and details of the same can be enquired at the Tourism Department office.

Golfing

Srinagar and Gulmarg have some brilliant golf courses where one can play for long hours due to the pleasant climate conditions. The Gulmarg Golf Course is the tallest green golf course in the world at a height of 2650m. During the months between December and April, the golf course cannot be used due to extreme snowfall. Experts for helping in golf games can be acquired from the J&K tourism department.

Rafting

River Rafting is an activity that is enjoyed by many tourists in Kashmir. Whitewater river rafting in the Lidder River is one of the must-try activities here. As boats gush through the fast and turbulent waters, the thrill that is generated from it is beyond description. It is quite a complex adventure sport and the period between April and September is the ideal time for the same.

Trekking

Being a place surrounded by peaks, there is no dearth of trekking trails in Kashmir at all. Sind and Lidder Valleys are the best places to trek in Kashmir. With the mighty Himalayan mountain range at the backdrop, the Pir Panjal peak at a height of about 5000m above sea level is one of the most preferred trekking trails in Kashmir. The trekkers are treated to exquisite varieties of flora and fauna on the landscapes as they keep climbing higher.

Nature & Wildlife

The Himalayas are home to many species of mammals. According to a recent study, it was revealed that at least 33% of the global mammals are natives of the Himalayas. As tourists ride through the Shikara boat rides introduce the tourists to a host of kingfishers on top of the trees. The highlight of this is that kingfishers are rarely seen in other parts of the world, whereas in Kashmir they are found in plenty. The Anchar Lake is another important breeding place for migratory birds that come here from far-off countries. One can spot many herons here. One of the rare species of red deer known as the Kashmir stag or the Hangul is found commonly here. The Dachigam National Park is a must-visit place for nature and wildlife lovers.

Mountaineering

There are quite a few peaks in Kashmir for mountain climbing enthusiasts. The entire state has four important hubs of Mountaineering - Ladakh, Kashmir, Kishtwar, and Zanskar. Sickle Moon Peak, Tiger Peak, Brammah I Peak, Crooked Finger, Arjuna Peak, Katori Peak, and Flat Top Peak are some of the common peaks in Kashmir.

City Walks

Tourists can walk through the city of Kashmir to understand its rich cultural heritage. These walks introduce tourists to ancient churches, Mosques, Forts, Palaces, Gurudwaras, Temples, markets, and the like.

Angling

Kashmir is the ideal place for angling as there are a lot of rivers and streams here. Trout fishing is also economical in this part of the country when compared to other places. The State-Controlled Fisheries Department has been working hard to control damage due to illegal fishing activities. The months between April and October are considered to be ideal for fishing.

Horse Riding

For getting the local flavors of Kashmir on a sightseeing trip, tourists must make use of the horse rides. Most of the hotels in Kashmir have horses readily available for the benefit of tourists. As the horse rides through the farmlands and the slopes of Kashmir, it gives the tourists, an unforgettable experience. While trekking, horses can be used for carrying luggage. Gulmarg and Pahalgam are places where horses can be found in plenty.