10 Best Things To Do in Kashmir - You Must Try This

If you thought that going on Shikara rides and skiing in Gulmarg are the things to do in Kashmir, then think again!! We have brought you some other things to do in Kashmir which are just as exciting as the above. So the next time you plan a luxury Kashmir Tour Package you can include the activities mentioned below.

Here are the top 10 Things To Do in Kashmir

We have listed the 10 best things to do in Kashmir with location, duration, and holiday activities you can enjoy with your family while in Kashmir.

1. Shikara ride in Dal Lake

There is nothing more romantic thing to do in Kashmir than going on a shikara boat ride in Dal Lake. The views of the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance will only add to the romance of this shikara ride. The views of the Mughal gardens will elevate your experience. But there is more to do, while you are cruising on the calm waters of the Dal Lake. There are floating markets where you can do some shopping. And you could say ‘hello’ to the houseboats that you come across in your boat ride.

• Location: Dal Lake
• Duration: 1-2 hours

2. Gondola ride in Gulmarg

Perhaps there is nothing that beats the charm and thrill of a gondola cable car ride in Kashmir. This is what tourists look forward to when they book a Luxury Kashmir Tour Package. The Gulmarg Gondola ride is one of the highest ropeway rides in Asia. The views of the towering mountains on the horizon are such, that it will bring more excitement to the cable car ride. The Gulmarg Gondola ride is in two phases. One phase is from Gulmarg to Kungdoor and the other phase starts from Kungdoor to Apharwat Peak.

• Location: Gulmarg
• Duration: Depends on weather

3. Houseboat stay

If there is one experience you must have in Kashmir, it is none other than a houseboat stay in Srinagar. This houseboat is one of the amazing places to experience the rich Kashmiri culture. You will have a lavish meal that contains signature Kashmiri dishes. The architecture of this houseboat is spectacular. Wooden architecture is everywhere and the furniture has beautiful carvings and decorations. There are modern facilities and amenities in the houseboat like TV, air-conditioning, wardrobe, Wi-Fi, etc.

• Location: Dal Lake
• Duration: 1 day

4. Pony ride in Thajiwas Glacier

Pony ride is a great way to view the beauty of Thajiwas Glacier. This glacier is one of the most famous places in Kashmir. Visitors can view the waterfalls near the glacier during summer. This pony ride will also give you a chance to interact with the local people. If there is fresh snow on the ground you can even play with the snow. You can also go for pony rides at other places in Kashmir like Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Yusmarg, and Pahalgam.

• Location: Thajiwas Glacier
• Duration: 1 hour

5. River rafting

Kashmir is also the best place for river rafting. You will find such beautiful rivers like Lidder River, where you can go for river rafting. Some stretches in the Lidder and Sindh rivers are perfect for river rafting. The rapids here are of Grade I to Grade III. If you are a little bit more adventurous, then you can go for Grade IV rapids also. Pahalgam and Sonmarg are also a good place for river rafting in Kashmir.

• Location: Sonmarg, Pahalgam
• Duration: 20 to 40 minutes

6. Snowboarding

If you are visiting Kashmir during winter then snowboarding will give you great thrills. This snow-based activity is best done on the snow-covered slopes of Apharwat Peak in Kashmir. Gulmarg has some of the best slopes which are covered with snow during the winter months. Similarly, skiing enthusiasts love skiing on the snow-covered slopes in Gulmarg.

• Location: Gulmarg
• Duration: 1-2 hours

7. Paragliding

It is not surprising that you can do paragliding in Kashmir. Paragliding is one of the things to do in Kashmir. The beautiful terrain and valleys are the best places for paragliding in Kashmir. Fortunately, there are some places in Kashmir where you can do paragliding. Paragliding will offer a bird’s eye view of the surrounding region and Himalayan landscapes.

• Location: Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, Astanmarg, Sonmarg
• Duration: 15 min to 30 min

8. Trekking

Kashmir is a perfect place for trekking on the high mountains. Some of the best treks in India are here in Kashmir. Trekking trails will lead you to unexplored places in Kashmir. You can come across grazing sheep or spot a vulture up in the sky. There is no better way than trekking to view the natural beauty of Kashmir from close range.

• Location: Markha Valley, Zanskar Valley, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yusmarg
• Duration: 2-5 days

9. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Another exciting thing you did not know that you can do in Kashmir is hot air balloon rides. This hot air balloon rides take place in Srinagar and is an experience you must have. The hot air balloon goes up in the air to a height of 200 feet. The hot air balloon basket can accommodate up to 4 people. Also the hot air balloon ride gives you a view of Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens, and neighboring mountains in Srinagar.

• Location: Zabarwan Park, Srinagar
• Duration: 15-20 minutes

10. Amarnath Yatra

If you want to go on a spiritual journey in Kashmir, then you can go for Amarnath Yatra. This is one of the famous pilgrimages in India. Amarnath Trek is a pilgrimage or yatra to the holy cave of Amarnath. This Amarnath Cave is believed to be the cave where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to Parvati. Amarnath Yatra takes place from June to August. Tourists can take two routes to reach Amarnath Cave. One route is through Pahalgam, and the other route is from Baltal.

• Location: Amarnath Cave
• Duration: June to August

Also must read:

• Amarnath Yatra Tips: Do’s and Don’ts during Yatra 2025
• A Guide to Amarnath Yatra Routes

Conclusion

The above were some of the things to do in Kashmir. You can take a Luxury Kashmir Tour Package and do these activities. If the weather is good then you can do all the above activities and some more. It proves that Kashmir is best for adventurous activities also. You can also do the relaxing type of things like houseboat stays, shopping, boating, and gondola rides. But it is the activities like trekking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, and hot air ballooning that will bring you excitement on your trip to Kashmir.

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