Kashmir Calling: 12 Experiences That Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

Close your eyes for a minute and imagine sailing on the calm waters of Dal Lake while sitting inside a Shikara boat. Sounds amazing right? Well, make that dream a reality on your next trip to Kashmir by going on a Shikara ride. Shikaras are wooden boats that resemble the Venetian gondolas. They are a cultural symbol of Kashmir and are used for fishing and transportation. Some Shikaras also serve as floating homes. Going on a Shikara boat ride is a great way to admire the serene beauty of Kashmir and also to get a glimpse into the life of local Kashmiris. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views of Dal Lake. 

Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a houseboat? Yes, you read that right! Staying in a houseboat on Dal Lake is one of the best offerings by Kashmir, and we would highly recommend it. These houseboats are equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, food, and even airport transfer facilities. It is ideal for honeymooners and people traveling with families but also for solo travelers. So, enjoy a night of peaceful sleep, as the gentle waves rock the boats like a floating dream. 

Beautiful gardens with breathtaking views? Yes, please! Step into the world of Kashmir’s historical opulence with its beautifully curated Mughal Gardens. There are six Mughal Gardens in Kashmir, each with their own elegant charm. The gardens are heavily influenced by the Persian style of architecture and were built during the reign of the Mughals in India. Stunning fountains, colorful flowers, and carefully lined trees make for a visual treat. A leisurely walk through the gardens is sure to make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. If you are looking for a peaceful evening walk or a calm afternoon stroll, visiting the Mughal Gardens would be the perfect activity for you. 

A visit to Gulmarg is incomplete without going on a gondola cable car ride. It’s also a great way to get rid of your fear of heights as you will be distracted by the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains all around you. Speaking of snow, winter is indeed the best time to visit Gulmarg and enjoy the gondola ride in all its glory, but the rides are available throughout the year. The gondola ride in Gulmarg is Asia’s largest and highest cable car ride. The ride happens in two different phases, both of which are equally amazing. You can go on the gondola cable car ride between 10 AM and 5 PM. A little tip; book your tickets online to skip the hassle of waiting in lines and ensure your preferred slots are available.

Zip, zap, zoom across the snowy mountains of Gulmarg! With the world’s highest ski lift, Gulmarg Ski Resort offers the best-in-class experience when it comes to winter adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding. Gulmarg has some of the best slope conditions and powder snow all year round, providing the perfect canvas for skiing and snowboarding. If you have never participated in these activities before, no need to worry as there are trained instructors present to help out tourists. So whether you are a beginner or a pro, skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg will be an enjoyable adventure, regardless of your expertise level. Don’t forget to layer up in warm and cozy clothing! 

We often associate Kashmir with snow-clad mountains and picturesque valleys. But Kashmir has so much more to offer and an epic river rafting adventure is definitely one of them. The Lidder River in Pahalgam and the Indus River in Sonmarg offer rafters a great experience. Rafting in Lidder River, even though slightly challenging, can be opted for by beginners due to its relatively gentle water gradient. The Indus River on the other hand is a bit of a challenge due to its harsh terrain and rapid turns. So pick and choose the right one based on your experience level. Put on your protective gear and raft through the gushing rivers of Kashmir. 

As children, we often looked at birds and wondered how cool it would be if we could fly too. Well, we may not possess the power of flight, but we can still soar through the beautiful skies of Kashmir, thanks to paragliding. Kashmir has abundant natural beauty and paragliding is an amazing way to immerse yourself in it. Paragliding is an adventure sport where you fly across the sky with the help of a paraglider. To witness the beautiful valleys and breathtaking mountain ranges from that height makes for an unforgettable experience. If ariel adventures are your go-to, definitely check out paragliding. Kashmir offers paragliding in several places including Aru Valley, Srinagar, and Gulmarg. 

It’s time to go on a trekking adventure! Kashmir offers a wide range of trekking trails that will leave you spellbound with their beauty. From lakes to valleys and glaciers to passes, Kashmir is indeed a paradise for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts alike. Kashmir does have some of the best trekking options with the most spectacular views to watch out for which include the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Tulian Lake Trek, and Gurez Valley Trek. On your next trip to Kashmir, don’t forget to pack your trekking essentials and prepare to be mesmerized. 

After all the trekking, it’s time for some much-needed rest, and what better than camping under the stars? There are spots for camping on the trekking trails of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and other famous treks of Kashmir. There are some great spots available for camping in Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam. The best part of camping in Kashmir is the breathtaking views. Each campsite is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and has its own unique charm. Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunrise amidst the mountains and lakes, while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. Just thinking about it makes my soul happy, and if you share the feeling, a camping adventure in Kashmir is the way to go. 

If you are in Kashmir during the summer months, you might want to check out the golf clubs and golf courses. They are located in beautiful places with amazing views. If you wish to spend a leisurely afternoon in Kashmir, golfing is a nice option. The Gulmarg Golf Course is the highest green golf course in India. Gulmarg is also known as the “Golfing Mecca of India”. If you enjoy playing golf, Kashmir’s pleasant weather will ensure that you can extend your playing time and make an afternoon out of it. Lush green trees, majestic mountains, and beautifully curated golf courses make for a great golfing experience in Kashmir. 

If paragliding is a little overwhelming for you, you can consider going on a hot air balloon ride in Kashmir. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the region as you float through the skies in colorful balloons. We would highly recommend catching a ride before sunrise as you can watch the sun peaking from the horizon, enveloping you with warmth and sunshine. Some places offer Hot air balloon celebrations too, which include a cake and basket decoration. So if you have a birthday or anniversary coming up and are planning to celebrate it in Kashmir, taking them on a hot air balloon ride would make for a wholesome experience. 

Apart from stunning natural landscapes and adventure activities, Kashmir is also home to some of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. The Amarnath Yatra is a particularly famous one, drawing lakhs of devotees every year. It takes place during the summer and typically spans for about 45 days. Another significant site is the Vaishno Devi Temple, which attracts millions of tourists annually. Other famous religious sites in Kashmir include the Hazratbal Shrine and Jamia Masjid. Visiting these iconic places could be the start of your spiritual journey or a part of your ongoing one. Just make sure to wear comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing while hiking through the rugged terrains. 

So that was a list of all the fun things you can do in Kashmir. There is a wide range of things you can choose from according to your preference, but whatever you pick, you are going to enjoy your trip to the fullest. So book your trip to Kashmir today for an epic adventure. Bon voyage!

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