Top 15 Things to Do in Kashmir
There are numerous highlights in the Kashmir Valley that makes it a premier tourist destination. The stunning mountain scenery and lush greenery, combined with a unique culture, delicious cuisine and cool temperate climate makes this region, the best place for travelers to visit Kashmir. Some of the popular attractions in the valley include Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh and Shankaracharya Hill, Gulmarg, Pehalgam and Sonmarg. Adventure in Kashmir starts with a shikara ride on the iconic Dal Lake. The best time for a Kashmir tour begins with the onset of spring, when Asia’s largest tulip garden blooms for its visitors from all around the globe. One can lookup online and find many budget friendly Kashmir tour packages and pay an early visit.
Let us now explore all the exciting and adventurous things you can do, during your visit here in Kashmir valley;
1. Visit Kashmir Lakes – Kashmir is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful and majestic lakes in India. The three largest and most popular lakes in Kashmir are Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and Nagin Lake. Take a relaxing boat ride and explore the stunningly beautiful Dal and Nagin lakes in Srinagar. These amazing lakes are surrounded by elegant houseboats, temples, lush gardens, an innumerable array of lotus flowers, vibrant floating markets and a mesmerizing sunset. Dal Lake is one of the most popular leisure spots for locals as well as tourists who come from all over India to take a few moments away from their busy lives for a day or two amidst nature’s tranquility. the adjoining area offers one the places to stay in Kashmir.
2. Embrace Adventure Sports – Kashmir is a popular adventure destination with a wide range of activities to choose from. Some popular adventure sports in Kashmir include skiing, trekking, paragliding, camping, fishing, white water rafting, mountain biking and jeep safaris. If you are into adventure sports the best time to visit Kashmir is in winter. Skiing is one of the most popular adventures for winter visitors, who flock to the Himalayan slopes for some exhilarating runs on the snow. Trekking in Kashmir offers unbeatable views and an unforgettable experience of traversing through hills and trails ranges across Kashmir. Paragliding gives you an amazing bird’s eye view of the majestic beauty of Kashmir valley.
3. Visit Gulmarg Ski Resort – Home to one of Asia’s longest cable cars and some of India’s best ski runs, Gulmarg is a must-visit destination for skiing enthusiasts. Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of India’s premier hill resorts. One can have spectacular views of surrounding snow clad mountain peaks and some amazing ski slopes. Skiing season starts from first week of December till last week of March every year and hence Gulmarg Sky Resort offers a world class skiing experience for ski lovers and adventure seekers.
4. Shop in Kashmir – Kashmir valley is a paradise for shopaholics and offers a wide variety of goods. Shopping in Kashmir Valley is an enjoyable experience, with traditional handicrafts, shawls, carpets, ornaments and intricately designed items on sale at street bazaars and market places. Popular items include papier-mache boxes and bowls, exquisite Kashmiri jewelry such as necklaces and earrings made of gold and silver with precious stones, famous embroidery works like Namda & Crewal, traditional outfits like Pherans, Kashmiri carpets and rugs etc. One can even find beautiful dried fruits like cherries along with wicker baskets filled with apples, walnuts and saffron available in plenty.
5. Trekking –trekking in Kashmir can be an unforgettable experience. Kashmir is known for incredible mountain scenery and adventurous trekking routes. For those eager to explore the outdoors, the remote area of Zanskar has some of the best scenery in the region, with deep gorges and snow-capped peaks to explore. One of the Valley’s most popular trekking routes, Aru valley in Pehalgam has earned its name due to its wild flowers which bloom all summer long transforming it into an avalanche carpet blanketed with lush greenery and snow-capped mountains that makes for an unforgettable journey.
6. Take a Luxury Shikara Ride– Enjoy full luxury on your houseboat trips in Kashmir by indulging in unparalleled levels of comfort with complete meals prepared freshly each day along with plenty of entertainment options like board games, music systems, unlimited tea/coffee refills etc.
7. Explore Amarnath Cave Temple – Embark on an incredible pilgrimage journey that takes over 48 km from Pahalgam Town to the holy Amarnath Cave Temple considered to be one of Lord Shiva’s abodes. Amarnath Yatra is one of the most popular and revered Hindu pilgrimages in India and around the world. Located in Jammu and Kashmir, it is a journey for Hindu’s to seek blessings from Lord Shiva at his holy cave. Thousands of
devotees come to pay their tributes to their deity and witness his manifestation as a stalagmite shaped like an ice lingam.
8. Try Delicious Cuisine – Kashmiri cuisine is known for its rich flavor, complexity and aromatic spices. Traditional Kashmiri food is divided into two main categories: Wazwan—the royal feast and the Hakh, or everyday fare. Popular Wazwan dishes include Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Goshataba, Hareesa, Aab Gosht and Tabak Maaz. Everyday Haakh consists of light meals such as Gogji Ras, Gaad Mujh and Biryani. Vegetarian delicacies like Dum Olav––potatoes add traditional zest to Kashmir’s exquisite cuisine.
9. Explore Sonamarg Meadows– Get ready for an enthralling day out amidst thronging glaciers high up in Sonamarg meadows where grandiose snow peaks crown lush bedding valleys below. Unwind amidst vibrant alpine wildflowers & pristine streams as you make your way through some memorable experiences here. The area serves as a major tourist destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, camping and for pilgrims on their way to the Amarnath Cave Temple.
10. Visit Kheer Bhawani Temple – Revered as one of Hinduism’s holy shrines dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi. Kheer Bhawani, also known as Kali Jawal or Tulmul, is a temple located in Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most important Hindu shrines in India and an important place of pilgrimage for thousands of worshippers each year.
11. Experience Yousmarg Valley – Yousmarg Valley is an alpine meadow valley located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayan Mountains, known for its habitats of exotic flora and fauna species. This beautiful valley is surrounded by dense pine forests, snowcapped mountains, glaciers, alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes. The Pathiar and Bandipore streams flow through this lush green paradise that offers breathtaking views to its visitors. Tourists can also explore nearby places like Gulmarg Valley, Aharbal Falls and Mar Musa Cave while visiting Yousmarg.
12. Go Camping at Thajiwas Glacier – Have once-in-a lifetime experience camping amidst Thajiwas glacier front marvelous trail that rambles approximately 4 Km climb giving spectacular visuals majestic Zojila pass & snow peaked Himalayan ranges along route adds fun adventure. Camping in the Thajiwas glacier is a great way to explore and
experience the majestic beauty of nature. The Thajiwas glacier is located at the feet of the mighty Himalayas, making it one of the most beautiful camping sites in India. With an altitude of 3,000 m above sea level and snow-clad mountains all around you, camping here is nothing short of an ultimate adventure. 13. Explore Kashmiri Art – It is characterized by intricate patterns, brightly colored motifs, and complex geometrical shapes. Originated in the 17th century and still being practiced today by artisans from Kashmir. The traditional materials used for this type of art are paper, wood, and cloth. Additionally, Kashmiri handicrafts carry rich cultural history and are among some of the most popular items purchased here. These include paper mache figures such as box-shaped chess sets and decorated doors and windows, wooden puzzles, shawls with intricate embroidery work, crewel pillows and wall hangings with traditional motifs, carving on papier mache trays.
14. Kashmiri Traditional Music – Kashmir has a rich cultural history characterized by its unique musical heritage. Kashmiri music can be divided into two main styles: folk music and classical music. Both genres are highly regarded and valued across the subcontinent and beyond. Folk music is much older than classical music, it has been passed down orally within the family lines for generations through stories, songs, poetry, and dance. It incorporates elements of Sufi and Islamic influences while remaining distinctly Kashmiri in character. The traditional instrumental accompaniment to folk music includes Harmoniums (the main instrument), Rabab (a 3-stringed lute), Santoor (hammered dulcimer), Sitar (plucked instrument) and Dholak (an hourglass-shaped drum), and tabla. Other instruments commonly used include the nagara and flute.
15. Visit Wildlife Hotspots – The Jammu and Kashmir region has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that protect endangered species. Better known are the designated tiger reserves such as the Kishtwar National Park, Kargil National Park, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary and Hemis National Park – India’s largest protected area. Wildlife – Kashmir is home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Common wildlife found in Kashmir’s national parks include the hangul (or Kashmir stag), Asiatic Black bear, marbled cat, Himalayan fox, leopard, beech marten, hump-nosed viper (a venomous snake), musk deer, and blue sheep. By: Sameena Bashir Malik