Top Things to Do in Kashmir

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There are many Things to Do in Kashmir if you are enjoying the kashmir holidays. 

Situated mostly in the Himalayan mountain ranges, Kashmir offers a myriad of experiences to do while indulging in the thrilling activities listed below. Location and terrain are some unique features of this destination, so go and enjoy: 

1. Shikara Ride 

Relax and take in the beauty of the distant mountains as your boatman whisks you through the Lake . Away from the hustle and bustle of polluted city life, a ride on a shikara tops the list of the best things to do in Kashmir. No smoke or vehicle noise, no angry, high-pitched crowds, nothing.Just the gentle sound of the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water and the touch of cold water as you slide your hand over the surface of the lake. 

Where to find : Dal Lake in Srinagar and Manasbal Lake near Sonamarg 

Hours: 6am-5pm; every day of the week 

Charge per person: INR 150 – INR 250 

2. Houseboat stay 

And it’s not just shikara tours on Dal Lake, it’s one of the best things unusual things to do in Srinagar. Spending a night on the houseboat  moored at the jetty of Dal Lake is also among the best things to do in Kashmir.

Be it honeymooners, families or solo travellers, a night in one of the houseboats in Srinagar is something you simply cannot miss. the houseboats have Wi-Fi and airport transfer services.You can also avail the meal services provided by them.

Houseboat accommodation in Jammu and Kashmir is the best experience whether you are here with your family, a group of friends or with your partner. 

3. Gondola Ride

Cable Car ride is one of the exciting and fun things to do in Kashmir for people of all ages. Tourists prefer to travel by cable car to enjoy the best views of the snow-capped mountains. Gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Kashmir in May as summers end during this month and the view is truly amazing.

The race takes place in three phases: 

• Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori 
• Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak 
• Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder [chairlift] 

Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm ( Race)9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Cost per person: INR 600 (Phase I) INR 800 (Phase II) INR 300 (Chairlift) 

 4.Kashmir Cuisine 

As in any other destination in the world, trying the local cuisine is one of the most important things to do in Kashmir. We have all heard of Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) and Rogan Josh lamb mutton.But the kitchen has many other sumptuous dishes.

These include Nadroo Yakhni (Kashmir curry made from yogurt with lotus stems), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer simmered in tomato sauce and flavored with spices and fennel seed powder), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in a spicy red sauce) and Gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in a savory yogurt and spice sauce). 

5. River Rafting 

White River Rafting is one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir. The rapids here are easy to moderate, which implies that rafting in Kashmir is not very difficult.

You can also go rafting near Sonamag.However, white water rafting in the Lidder River at Pahalgam is more famous. Teamwork coordination is an important feature of rafting and you must also follow the safety instructions given by the instructors. 

Details: 

• Short Lidder River Rafting: 3 km (Pahalgam) from Yarganpal to Yaneed Bridge Levels II and III 
• Medium Sindh River Rafting: 8 km (Sonamarg) from Mamar to Satrun MargundClasses II, III and IV 
• Rafting along the Sindh River: 28 km (Sonamarg) from Mamar to Wayul Bridge Classes II, III and IV

6. Paragliding 

For all adrenaline junkies there is also an option to go paragliding. The majestic and beautiful valley below is a sight to behold. The unique view of the green valleys makes paragliding one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir.

Paragliding options are available in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar and Harwan (Srinagar).Of these, paragliding in Harwan is most easily accessible as it is located along the Great Mughal Gardens tourist route. 

7. Skiing and Snowboarding 

Kashmir is a cold region, with snow-capped mountains and freezing rivers, and to experience it to the fullest, you must visit Kashmir during the winter season. This is one of the prime activity to do in Kashmir in winter.

With the onset of winters, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg are completely covered in snow. And this opens up an opportunity for winter sports.Snowboarding and skiing are the best things to do in Kashmir during winters, especially if you have an adrenaline rush to fill. 

8. Hot Air Balloon 

Jammu and Kashmir offers countless options when it comes to adventurous activities and is not limited to land and water. The immensity of the reliefs here and the beauty of the panoramic views also make it an ideal destination for aeronautical sports. Like paragliding, hot air ballooning is also growing in popularity. 

The mesmerizing view of lush, flower-filled hills, deep valleys, snow-capped mountain ranges, milky-white streams, and those quaintly styled pitched-roof houses from above will truly inspire you to linger in your stay in this earthly paradise.

Suru and Zanskar valleys are the most popular places in Jammu to enjoy hot air balloon rides.The trip reaches a height of about 3,000 feet and takes about 2 hours.