Things To Do In Kashmir – Top Activities And Places

Here is the list of Top Best Things to do in Kashmir & travel Activities while you visit the Kashmir called "Paradise on Earth," a land of unmatched beauty and calmness. Filled with pure snow-clad mountains, charming houseboats on serene lakes, dense green gardens with vibrant flowers, and striking green meadows, cultural temples and shrines, the things to do in Kashmir are fascinating.

We will guide you through the top travel activities you can explore on the Kashmir Trip. This guide covers the top best things to do, including must-try local experiences, Best Places to visit Kashmir, offbeat activities, and seasonal winter & Summer adventures that will make your journey truly magical.

About Things to do in Kashmir

Kashmir Tourism is an elegant masterpiece where you can do every travel Activities  that will soothe your mind and take you to the depths of the beauty of this wonderland.

There are many of the best travel activities in Kashmir that you can enjoy during your holiday, such as a Gondola ride in Gulmarg, a Shikara ride in Dal Lake, visiting the Mughal gardens, and houseboat stays in Dal Lake. River rafting, shopping in local markets of the valley, trekking in the mountains, golfing in Gulmarg, pony rides, and winter sports like skiing in Gulmarg and many more.

The Kashmir tour Package is a complete beauty with adventure, and everyone wants to enjoy the beauty of this place to the fullest. So, during your trip you should not miss a travel Activities  that will make your tour unforgettable. If you are planning to visit Kashmir, here are some of the things to do in Kashmir which you could go for during your Kashmir trip.

List of Things to Do in Kashmir

Kashmir is a place that is truly for everyone. Whether you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, or you are looking for an adventure travel Activities  & Things To Do In Kashmir, has something to offer for everyone.

If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, there are plenty of options for you. You can take a leisurely stroll through one of the many gardens, take a cable car ride up to the top of a mountain, or even just sit by one of the many lakes and take in the natural beauty has to offer.

Also Check: Jammu Kashmir Tour Packages[

1- Take a Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Shikara Boat Ride in Dal Lake Shikara Ride is one of the most recommended travel Activities in Kashmir and is undoubtedly one of the best activities in the country. Shikra rides are famous in Nigeen Lake and the calm waters of Dal Lake, but most tourists enjoy the Shikara ride there.

Shikara is a wooden boat with two extreme ends. The boat rower sits at the end of the ship while the customer sits at the middle end. The shikara is beautified with vibrant red, green, orange, and yellow colours. It has a roof that is canopy-shaped for protection against sunrays and rain. There is carpet also where customers can relax and enjoy the mesmerizing tides of Dal Lake.

You should never miss a shikara ride on your tour to Kashmir. Shikara ride allows you to explore the beautiful destinations around Dal Lake and in the lake.

You can visit floating markets, Chaar Chinari, and Hazratbal shrines through a shikara ride in Dal Lake, giving you a memorable experience on your holiday in Kashmir.

Places To Do Shikara Ride

Let's think about the Shikara Ride in Jammu & Kashmir. One Top Destination, Srinagar City, is popular for its beauty and local culture. Where you can Explore This things to do, you can do the Famous Dal Lake & Nigeen Lake in Srinagar City, which also offers thrilling experiences like water skiing.

Best Time To Do: Morning: 6 Am & Evning : 5 Pam to 8 PM

Boat Ride Cost: Minimum 600 Rs Per Hour to 1200 Rs

2- Night Stay in a Houseboat

Houseboat Stay Apart from luxury resorts and hotels in the  Valley, you can also book a houseboat for a stay, making your Kashmir tour a truly fascinating experience.

Houseboats are well crafted with traditional Kashmiri architecture. Houseboats are characterized by dining rooms, bedrooms with attached washrooms, changing rooms, and a balcony that provides a picturesque look of Dal Lake.

From traditional to luxurious to eco-friendly houseboats, you can stay in any one based on your preferences and budget. These houseboats are well equipped with basic amenities like wifi connections, ac rooms, laundry facilities, etc.

If you want to experience Kashmir hospitality, then inced this into your things to do, stay-in houseboat is the best choice for enjoying its local culture and scenic views of Dal Lake.

Places to Do Houseboat Stay in Kashmir

If we talk about the top things to do in Kashmir, a night Stay at a Houseboat is a unique experience you can explore. Srinagar is the best destination for a houseboat stay; you can stay at Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. Explore the beauty of Srinagar city with the breathing king view of the Zabarwan Mountains

Best Time To Stay:March Till August

Houseboat Saty Price: 3,300 Rs to 10,500 Rs

3- Gondola Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg

Gulmarg gondola ride the gondola ride in Gulmarg is one of the most popular travel activities in Gulmarg, Kashmir. Let's talk about the top things to do in Kashmir. The Gulmarg gondola is the highest cable car ride in the world, at an elevation of 3980 metres above sea level, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

You can book a gondola from Gulmarg Resort, which will take you to Apharwat Peak, the endpoint of the gondola ride.

A Gondola ride in Gulmarg takes you to the mesmerizing aerial views of the meadows and snow-clad mountains of Gulmarg. If you are a photogenic person, then a gondola ride is the perfect activity that will allow you to capture some of the best shots of Gulmarg, such as lavender fields, blankets of snowy hills, dense green forests, and much more.

Places To Do Gondola Ride

Explore the most adventurous thnigs to do, the Gondola Ride. You can explore these travel activities in Gulmarg, Jammu, and Kashmir. Yes, if we talk about the top places to do Gondola Rides, Gulmarg is the 2nd famous Hill station in India to do This activity

Best Time To Do: Any Time in the Year

Gondola Ride Cost: 800 to 1200 Rs Per Phase

4 - Explore Pony Ride in Kashmir

Pony ride in Kashmir:- pony ride is another famous travel Activities  & Things to Do in Kashmir, unique to the scenic locations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg. Pony rides or horse rides in Kashmir offer a memorable experience of visiting Kashmir valley by taking you to offbeat and magical locations.

During your trip  you can enjoy a pony ride at Pahalgam, a well-known tourist attraction famous for its scenic beauty and pine forests. Horse riding in Pahalgam will take you to some of this meadow's most beautiful places, such as Aru Valley, Chandanwari, and Baisran Valley.

Pahalgam is a vast meadow; exploring it by foot would be exhausting. Still, these pony rides will help you to visit different locations without walking on foot.

Gulmarg pony rides are a well-known tourist activity that will take you to offbeat locations such as Maharani Temple and St. Mary's church.

Pony rides in Sonamarg are mostly well known for their visit to Thajwas Glacier. You can book a pony in Sonamarg and enjoy the unique and snow-clad views of the Thajwas glacier. Pony rides are accompanied by local pony drivers or pony walls who guide you with routes and safety rules to ensure a safe and delightful pony ride.

Places to Do Horse Riding in Kashmir

When we talk about the Top Places in Kashmir to do horse riding, there are two main places: Sonmarg and Pahalgam. In Sonmarg, you can visit Thajiwas Snow Galcer By Pony. While in Pahalgam, visit the most beautiful places Like Aru Valley, Baiseran Valley & Betaab Valley

Where to Do: Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg

Pony Ride Cost: 1000 Rs to 15,00 Rs Per Person

5- Explore the Mughal gardens of Kashmir

Explore Mughal Gardens in Kashmir The Srinagar tour is incomplete without exploring the magnificent Mughal gardens of Kashmir, including Chashme Shahi Garden. Mughal emperors built these gardens with terraced lawns, enchanting fountains, and colourful blossoms. The most visited Mughal gardens of Kashmir are in the Srinagar district on the banks of Dal Lake.

Some popular Mughal gardens in Srinagar are Nishat bagh, Shalimar bagh, Chashma shahi, and Pari mahal.

You can visit these gardens while your houseboat stays in Dal Lake, as all these gardens are located near Dal Lake.

These gardens are a good example of Mughal architecture, attracting thousands of tourists annually. You can generally travel to these gardens in the spring and summer seasons to enjoy calm and pleasant weather.

Best Time to Visit: March to August

Garden Fees: 40 Rs Per Person

6- Shopping in Kashmir

Shopping in Kashmir this is a delightful travel activity that is a combination of Kashmiri handicrafts, graceful textiles, and unique souvenirs. If you are a travel lover and a shopaholic, Kashmir is the perfect place for you, as it provides you with the best places to explore and shop.

Kashmir is a hub of traditional things that are only for the region.  During your ride in Shikara, you can visit the floating markets of Dal Lake, where you can shop for local handicrafts. You can also visit Lal Chowk and Polo View Market, Srinagar, where you can shop for traditional Kashmiri carpets, pashmina shawls, and papier mache products.

You can also opt for other local places in Kashmir, where you will find traditional Kashmiri things, dry fruits, saffron, and Kashmiri bats.

Best Places to Do Shopping in Kashmir

Kashmir is popular not only for the places to visit but also for exploring the local culture. If we talk about the things to do in Kashmir and Leh Ladakh, you can explore shopping to find the best times to buy. There are many places to go shopping like Srinagar, Lalchowk, Poloview, Pahalgam Market, and Dal gate are some popular places to do.

7- Rafting in Kashmir

Rafting in Kashmir: The most adventurous thing to do is river rafting, which is widely regarded as one of Kashmir's most thrilling travel activities. It offers an exciting adventure among the magnificent landscapes. Kashmir Rafting is popular in upper reaches like Pahalgam, Sona Marg, and Ladakh.

Whether you are a professional rafter or an adventure lover seeking an adrenaline rush, rafting in Kashmir is suitable for all. Lidder River in Pahalgam is well known for its rafting activity. It offers excellent opportunities for rafters from Pahalgam to Bumzo. Rafting in Pahalgam is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Sonamarg is another meadow that provides a thrilling rafting experience to adventure freaks. River rafting in Sonamarg occurs at the Sindh River, originating from the Thajwas glacier.

Zanskar river rafting, or Chadar trek, is a challenging yet enthralling rafting experience that every professional rafter must try at least once in a lifetime. It involves rafting over a frozen river during winter, attracting thousands of adventure enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Places to Rafting in Kashmir

Explore the most adventurous travel activity, river rafting in Kashmir; there are some popular places where you can do this. Pahalgam Lidder River is the best to do Raffting. in Sonmarg, also in Zanaskara Valley, is famous for rafting

The best time to Do: is May Till August

Where to Do: Pahalgam & Sonmarg

8 – Golfing in Gulmarg

Gulmarg Golf Course  is situated at an elevation of around 8500 feet, making it one of the highest golf courses in the world.the most luxury things to do in Kashmir

Golfing in Gulmarg offers an unforgettable experience amidst lush greens, stunning surroundings of pine and chinar trees, and snow-clad mountains.

If you are a golf lover, you should try your hands on these amazing things to do in kashmir amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Playing golf at such a high altitude of 8500 feet (2650m) provides golfers a unique and thrilling experience, making it one of the most liked golf courses among the golfers.

Gulmarg Golf Course remains open from May to September when the weather is mild and pleasant. The golf course opens at 10.00 am till 4.00 pm.

9- Trekking in Kashmir

Trekking in Kashmir is about exploring picturesque landscapes and connecting with nature, local culture, and a spirit of adventure.

unlock the most adventurous things to do in Kashmir. Kashmir treks bless you with opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, amazing high-altitude lakes, pristine wilderness, and panoramic sunset views.

The most thrilling and glorious Kashmir treks are the lake treks. You can enjoy this travel activity in various lakes of Kashmir, such as the Tarsar Marsar trek, Kolahoi glacier trek,  and Gangbal trek.

The best season for trekking in Kashmir is from June to September when the weather is calm and trekking routes are accessible. Based on your experience,

Top Places to do trekking in Kashmir

It's the most adventurous travel Activities that you can do in Jammu and Kashmir. there are some popular places Like Pahalgam and Sonmarg where you can start the Trekking to 7 Lake trek and Kholi Galcier with Friends

Where to do: Pahalgam & Sonmarg

Best Time: May Till August

10- Cherish Kashmiri cuisine

Kashmiri cuisine:The things to do in Kashmir are not always about adventures but also about exploring some local things to do & travel Activities. The most interesting travel activity that you can enjoy during your Kashmir trip is tasting the local cuisine of Kashmir. Yes, are the things to do in Kashmiareis are noonly travel Activities Kashmir cuisine reflects the rich cultural heritage and is best in flavour and aro, ma making it hard to resist for any tourist.

Wazwan, a multi-course meal, is the best Kashmiri cuisine no one wants to miss. It consists of 36 dishes, mostly nonvegetarian, and very few are vegetarian.

Wazwan offers you various delectable dishes like Rogan Josh, Tabak Maaz, Gushtaba, etc.  Kashmiri wazwan is an out-of-world experience mainly cooked during weddings and other festivities.

You can also try some other Kashmir delicacies unique to the region.  Nadru yakhni( lotus stem with Yoghurt curry), Kashmiri noon chai( pink tea), Kahwa(green herbal tea), Kashmiri saag (Haakh), and Muji gaad(radish with fish) are some other delicacies of Kashmir which are worth tasting.

11 - Explore Tulip Garden in Srinagar

Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Indira Gandhi Garden, is located in the Zabarwan Range's foothills. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar offers a bird’s eye view of Asia's most extensive tulip garden dedicated to Lord Shiva. On your Kashmir trip from March to April, you visit and showcase a mesmerizing array of over 1.5 million tulip bulbs in vibrant hues.

The garden is open every springtime, attracting thousands of travellers worldwide.

Overlooking the famous Dal Lake offers breathtaking views of nature's beauty. The Tulip Festival in Kashmir Valley, held in March or April, celebrates the gardens

Best time to Visit: March and April

Ticket Cost: 70 Rs.

Explore The Top Places in Kashmir

1- Explore Famous Dal Lake

Include the Dal Lake in your Things to Do in Kashmir list. the  Valley has India's most beautiful natural scenery and has been called 'Paradise on earth'. Among its fascinating beauty, Dal Lake is called the 'jewel in the crown of Kashmir' or ‘jewel of Srinagar'. Additionally, consider visiting Dachigam National Park to explore exotic wildlife and further enhance your experience in this picturesque region.

Dal Lake is a major tourist attraction located in Srinagar city. It is an urban lake and the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir after Water Lake.

The lake is shallow, with a depth of around 6m, and currently has an area of around 16 sq kilometres. Swimming, boating, and skiing in a frozen lake in winter are some of the water sports activities you can enjoy in Dal Lake.

One of the most fascinating ways to explore Dal Lake is by taking a

2- Visit the Famous Nishat Bagh

Situated at the eastern end of Dal Lake, Nishat Garden is the second largest of the famous Mughal gardens next to Shalimar Garden in the  valley. The Zabarwan mountain range forms a backdrop to the garden. Nishat is a famous tourist attraction of Srinagar city, attracting thousands of tourists yearly.

Nishat Garden, or Garden of Joy, was built and designed by Asif Khan, elder brother of Mughal queen Noor Jahan, in 1633 A.D.It is a terraced Mughal garden with lavish mountains. It covers an area of about 46 acres and is decorated with vibrant flowers.

3- Unlock the Beautiful Aru Valley in Pahalgam

Aru Valley is a beautiful tourist destination in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, about 12 km from Pahalgam and 11 km upstream from Lidder River, known for its pristine beauty. Explore the lots of things to do in Kashmir & travel activities. It is a picturesque valley surrounded by dense vegetation, situated at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by lush greenery and snow-covered hills.

The valley serves as a base camp for various treks, such as the Kolahoi glacier and Sonamarg trek. Tourists can also enjoy skiing, horse riding, bird watching, and camping in Aru Valley.

4- Visit The Top Hill Station Khilanmarg

Include this in your things to do in the Kashmir list. The beautiful valley of Khilanamarg is located just 4 km from Gulmarg. Majestic sights of mighty Himalayan peaks surround this miniature valley in Gulmarg. Khilanamarg is well known for its alluring natural beauty, making it a famous spot for tourists who love skiing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

5- Spend Time in Thajiwas in Sonmarg

One of the major attractions in Sonamarg is the Thajiwas glacier. You should include this in the things to do in Kashmir's list. It is situated just 3 km from Sonamarg, with an altitude of 3000 metres above sea level. Thajiwas glacier is covered with snow year-round and is a perfect destination for trekking and camping. Referred to as the 'hidden jewel of Kashmir', Thajiwas glacier is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sonamarg.

Best Time to Explore Activities in Kashmir

Kashmir is a yearly tourist destination but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. The things to do in kashmir depend on when you visit the here is the guide travel Activities

🌸 Spring (March to Early May)

Top Activities: Visit the Tulip Garden, stroll through Mughal gardens, and enjoy Shikara rides in full bloom.

Why Go: The valley is covered in fresh blossoms, perfect for nature lovers and honeymooners.

🌿 Summer (May to August)

Top travel Activities: Trekking, camping, Pony rides in Pahalgam, and sightseeing in Gulmarg and Sonmarg.

Why Go: Pleasant weather and clear skies make it ideal for family trips and outdoor exploration.

🍁 Autumn (September to November)

Top travel Activities: Photography, heritage walks, apple picking, and cultural experiences.

Why Go: The Chinar trees turn golden, making Kashmir look like a painting—great for offbeat travel.

❄️ Winter (December to February)

Top travel Activities : Skiing in Gulmarg, snowboarding, snowfall sightseeing, and winter photography.

Why Go: Perfect for snow lovers and honeymooners seeking a white wonde

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