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While exploring the land of the mighty Himalayas, we also look for the best things to do in Kashmir. It is human nature to pounce on the exciting things happening in the locale. Due to its geographical region, this place offers a plethora of adventure activities. Every destination in Kashmir has a bucket full of things to do where you can make the holidays memorable.

Explore the beauty of Kashmir with our tailor made Kashmir Tour Packages

The tourist activities in Kashmir never stop. You can also go for trekking, hiking, or skiing with plenty of sightseeing opportunities. The beautiful monasteries, temples, and shrines built in various places will not only make things exciting but will also provide insight into the different cultures of this place. In this blog, we have listed the best things to do in Kashmir, so that you don’t miss out on any of them.

1. Riding a Shikara

(Beautiful view of the colorful Shikara boats floating on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.)

Some of the tourist activities in Kashmir may invite you to lay back, relax, and enjoy its charm. A shikara ride is one of them. As the boatman takes you through the pristine water of Dal Lake and Nagin Lake, the view of the snow-clad Pir Panjal Mountains will astonish you with its beauty.

(Dal Lake, City of water at Kashmir. Lifestyle of people transportation around Dal Lake city in the morning.)

The pleasure of this ride keeps the visitors talking for ages because it takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just the pleasant sounds of a boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water. Moreover, while exploring the things to do in Kashmir, you will also spot the floating market known as ‘Raad’ where vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Staying in a Houseboat

(Architecture of the Houseboats located in Srinagar, India. Home stays in famous Houseboats in Dal Lake, Kashmir, India. Romantic destination for married couples.)

When you are in Srinagar, more specifically, Dal Lake, houseboat stays are something you cannot miss. These houseboats are designed beautifully in Kashmiri aesthetics and are one of the most exquisite things to do in Kashmir than staying in a hotel. They provide a similar luxury to that of a hotel with spectacular views of the Pir Panjal Mountains from the balcony.

boat house in dal lake — (View of Dal lake and boat house before sunset in the heart of Srinagar during winter , Srinagar , Kashmir , India)

Some of them even have rooftop access and floating gardens where you can enjoy leisure activities. Furthermore, these houseboats also have meal services available. So, while you are enjoying the best tourist activity in Kashmir with your partner, friends, or family, you do not have to worry when you are hungry.

3. A Gulmarg Gondola ride

(Rope ways Gandola Cable car in Ski Area of Jammu and Kashmir called ‘Paradise on Earth. World’s highest cable cars and a popular tourist attraction. Stunning photograph.)

You might have heard that riding a Gulmarg Gondola is one of the best things to do in Kashmir, and you are right. This ride will take you at an elevation of 3980 m from sea level to the peak of Mount Apharwat. The entire journey by cable car is a thrilling one. You will be anticipated by the grand views of the entire valley as well as the rivers. Upon reaching the mountaintop, you will have access to a plethora of Kashmir things to do. It is a 5 km ride from Gulmarg to Apharwat peak, and the thrill of this journey will surely bring you back.

Gulmarg during winter season — (Gandola cable car in Gulmarg Kashmir India during the winter season.)

Suggested Read: How to Reach Kashmir

4. Exploring the Mughal Gardens

Kashmir is blessed with the utmost picturesque beauty on Earth; whether it is natural or human-built. And one of the best things to do in Kashmir is to explore the verdant beauty of the Mughal Gardens. Laid out in several places of the capital city, these gardens served as summer camps for Mughal emperor Jahangir and his wife, Nur Jehan.

Mughal gardens in kashmir — (Chashme Shahi is one of the Mughal gardens built in 1632 AD, overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar)

These gardens are beautifully decorated with flowers, trees, and fountains. Moreover, the amazing Persian architecture portrayed on the walls is captivating to the visitors. Among other tourist activities in Kashmir, here, you can lay back, walk around the beautifully laid out path, or click some Instagram worthy pictures.

5. Camping among the Mountains

camping in kashmir — (wide field long exposure photo of Kashmir Great Lake Night time astrophotography, cloud and star with camping tents)

Looking at the paradisiacal views of the mountains, verdant meadows, and tall pine and deodar trees, you would definitely want to go camping. It is one of the best tourist things to do in Kashmir, where the sky is the roof and is anticipated by majestic mountains.

You can spend a day or two camping among the mountains and enjoy the fresh mountainous breezes. As the night falls, the sky looks mesmerizing with the twinkling of stars. Staring at the sky and watching the inspiring view of the Milky Way is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Kashmir.

6. Golfing

golf court kashmir — (A view of the golf court from the top of Pari Mahal.)

Playing golf in the land of the Himalayas is one of the fun-filled Kashmir things to do. There are several excellent golf courses in the valley, which are surrounded by mesmerizing pine and chinar trees. Moreover, the backdrops of alpine mountains add their charm and create a pleasant and perfect atmosphere for golfers. Since these courses are not crowded with tourists, you can relax and enjoy doing what you love.

7. Go for a thrilling River Rafting

river rafting kashmir — (Lidder river stream from the Himalayas mountain passing Laripora village Pahalgam is a popular tourist destination Kashmir,India)

White river rafting is one of the favourite adrenaline things to do in Kashmir. You cannot forget the thrilling experience of the turbulent water as it crashes against the narrow gorges and rocky outcrops. In Kashmir, there are easy or moderate levels of river rafting, making it accessible for all.

Rafting in Lidder River, Indus River, Jhelum River, and Sindh River is very popular among visitors, and people can be seen enjoying one of the best things to do in Kashmir. However, it is a team sport, and you must follow the safety instructions given by the instructor.

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kashmir

8. Trekking amidst the Deadly Routes of the Grand Himalayas

trekking in kashmir — (Alpine lakes of Kashmir Valley, India.)

With magnificent mountains enclosing its landscape, trekking has become one of the best things to do in Kashmir. The valley is equipped with several short and long treks that will take you through some of the unbeaten and deadly mountainous routes.

Not only do the views of its valley look enticing upon reaching the destination, but there are also countless rivers that wait for your arrival. Trekking among the mountains and enjoying the breathtaking views of landscapes, mountains, and water streams are one of the favourite things to do in Kashmir for adventurers and nature lovers. Just make sure you wear a pair of tight grippy shoes and carry enough water to drink.

9. Skiing and Snowboarding

Gulmarg skiing destination — (Winter season, Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular tourist and skiing destination, Kashmir, India)

During winter, Kashmir becomes a haven for snow-lovers, with mountains and valleys carpeted with pristine snow. Among other adrenaline activities, skiing and snowboarding are one of the best Kashmir things to do. Places like Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Gulmarg offer the best snowboarding activities in the state that would satiate your adrenaline rush.

10. Tour of Kashmiri Wildlife

wildlife in kashmir — (Snow leopard with long tail in the daRK rock mountain, Hemis National Park, Kashmir, India. Wildlife scene from Asia. Beautiful big cat, Panthera uncia, in the habitat. Wildlife scene from nature.)

Among the snow-capped mountains and dense forests, Kashmir treasures some of the rarest species of flora and fauna. These are protected within the boundaries of the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Dachigam National Park, etc.

This is a popular tourist activity in Kashmir, which will take you deep into its wildlife. You can spot snow leopard, musk deer, red fox, brown bear, and many more. There is also plenty of bird watching opportunities in the region, and witnessing 500 different species of birds will surely going to make your tour a lot more fun.