Kashmir Sightseeing

Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India, and it pulls visitors in every season. If you like the pristine beauty of snow, then winter is the best time to visit. Spring is perfect for nature enthusiasts and young couples, while summer is ideal for families with kids or elderly people when the weather is warmer.

A holiday in the midst of a valley is enough to create memories on its own. Kashmir has a variety of terrains ranging from lakes, snow-capped mountains, coniferous kissed hills to glacier fed rivers. On one hand, Kashmir is covered with wild untouched terrain and on the other, there are fields of saffron and orchards of apples awaiting their full bloom.

Kashmir has an intriguing cuisine that keep the taste buds wanting for more called Wazwan. Wazwan is a multi-course Kashmiri meal, usually prepared at weddings and other festive occasions. It comprises 36 dishes — from rista, rogan josh to kababs, primarily made of lamb. The main course ends with what is known as gushtaba, a meatball dish.

What to see in Kashmir

Kashmir is the crown jewel of tourism and one of the most beautiful places to visit in India,often regarded as “Heaven on Earth”, the place is blessed with spectacular landmarks created by Mother Nature.

Some famous places in Kashmir are:

Dal Lake

Covering an area of around 18 square kilometres, Dal Lake is one of the most visited tourist sites in Kashmir. It is a massive lake known for offering some of the best scenic visuals in the city. Various houseboats, gardens, parks, hotels, etc., are located on the bounds of the lake. Tourists mainly visit Dal Lake in Srinagar for its Houseboat stay and Shikara ride experiences.

Sonmarg

Sonmarg is a famous hill station and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir. It is situated in the district of Ganderbal, roughly 80 kilometres from Srinagar. With an elevation of 2,730 metres, Sonmarg is a prominent location for camping and trekking activities. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, beautiful meadows, gushing streams and majestic lakes, which offer phenomenal scenic views to tourists.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located at an elevation of 2,650 metres. The entire region is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green forests and massive flower-filled meadows, giving it a unique and charming look. Gulmarg’s Gondola Cable Car Ride is one of the best Kashmir tourist attractions. Other notable attractions in Gulmarg are Apharwat Peak, winter sports activities, Maharani Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine, St. Mary’s Church, etc.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam, also known as the “Valley of Shepherds”, located in the Anantnag District of Kashmir, is a nature lovers retreat, which makes us believe that paradise is not always far. Sitting on the banks of the foaming and gurgling Lidder River, this famous tourist place in Kashmir mesmerizes visitors with its lush meadows, verdant forests, sky-kissing mountains, apple orchards, and very peaceful environment.

Activities in Kashmir

When it comes to fun activities, Kashmir has a massive range of experiences to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Kashmir:

Bird watching

There are multiple distinct bird species residing across several locations in Kashmir. These places tend to be ideal spots for bird-watching activities that you can enjoy solo or with family. The best places to visit in Kashmir for bird watching in Kashmir are Dal Lake, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Hokerser, etc.

Horse riding

One of the most fun things to do in Kashmir is to go horse riding. The unruly terrain, vast green meadows and beautiful scenic beauty of the region make it a magnificent location for this activity. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are the two best places to visit in Kashmir for horse riding.

Gondola cable car ride

During your holidays, make sure to go on the renowned Gondola cable car ride in Gulmarg. It is a signature experience offered in Kashmir that you can enjoy with your family. While on the cable car ride, you can get breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains and the underlying rocky terrain from above.

Shikara Rides

Going on a Shikara ride is another signature activity you can try during your Kashmir trip. It is a relaxing experience amidst the picturesque beauty of the lake on a traditional wooden boat. The Dal Lake in Srinagar is the best place for Shikara rides in Kashmir.

Skiing

The snow-covered mountains and steep slopes in Kashmir make it a prominent location for winter sports and adventure activities. If you are visiting during the winter, consider trying out skiing. Gulmarg is one of the best places in Kashmir for skiing activities.

Golfing

Kashmir is an ideal location in India to go for golfing activities. The majestic scenic beauty of the region makes the experience of playing golf a truly remarkable one. Pahalgam and Gulmarg are two of the best places to visit in Kashmir for golfing activities.

Rafting

Individuals who are looking for a fast-paced adventure activity that will get their adrenaline rushing can consider river rafting in Kashmir. The Lidder River near Pahalgam and the Sindh River near Sonmarg are the two most popular places in Kashmir for river rafting.

Mountain cycling

The hilly terrain and meandering routes in Kashmir make it a great spot for mountain cycling. It is a challenging but fun activity that enables tourists to explore regional beauty at their own pace. Some of the best cycling routes in Kashmir are the Srinagar-Sonmarg route, the Gulmarg-Pahalgam route and the Sonmarg-Manasbal Lake route.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Kashmir is one of the most thrilling adventure activities to try in Kashmir. It offers a brand-new vantage point to check out the surrounding valleys, snow-covered mountains, serene lakes and dense forests while gliding through the air. The best places to visit in Kashmir for paragliding adventures are Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sanasar.

Angling

There are various streams and lakes in the region that allow tourists to take part in fishing and angling activities. Some of the most famous places for angling in Kashmir are Lidder, Ferozepur Nallah and Gangabal Lake.

City walks

Exploring Srinagar city on foot is one of the best things to do in Kashmir. It is a great way to explore the local landmarks and learn about urban life in the region. It is a calm and slow-paced activity suitable for individuals of all ages.

Shopping in Kashmir

From high-quality saffron and green apples to beautiful shawls and designer clothing, there are a lot of things to buy in Kashmir.