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
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.
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