Things to do in

Kashmir

Experience tranquil riverside trout fishing on the scenic Lidder River in Pahalgam, followed by a freshly prepared trout meal cooked riverside in traditional Kashmiri style. This activity blends easy-to-moderate angling, stunning alpine scenery, and a culinary treat—perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers.

Ride the famous Gulmarg Gondola — one of the highest cable cars in the world — from Gulmarg base up to Kongdoori and onward to Apharwat Peak. The two-stage gondola offers dramatic panoramas of the Kashmir valley, access to snowfields and ski slopes in winter, and high-altitude meadows and trekking routes in summer. It's a must-do for first-time visitors to Gulmarg who want quick access to the slopes, photography viewpoints, and adventure activities like skiing, snowmobiling and short alpine walks.

Skiing and snowboarding on Mount Apharwat in Gulmarg is one of South Asia’s premier winter-sports experiences. The resort offers everything from gentle beginner slopes near the resort to world-class off-piste powder and heli-skiing opportunities. The Gulmarg Gondola (one of the highest cable cars in the world) gives fast access to high-altitude runs with panoramic views of snow-clad peaks. Expect deep powder, strong winds at times, and variable conditions that reward good planning and local guidance.

A combined winter-activity experience in Gulmarg, Kashmir — gentle-to-moderate snowshoe treks across snow-blanketed meadows and forests, paired with recreational ice skating on safe frozen rinks and natural flats. Ideal for beginners and intermediate outdoor enthusiasts who want scenic winter landscapes, panoramic Himalayan views (including Apharwat Peak), and classic Kashmiri hospitality.

Tee off at Gulmarg Golf Course offers a unique summer golf experience on one of the highest and most scenic 18‑hole natural meadow courses in the world. Set amid the Pir Panjal range in Gulmarg, Kashmir, the course combines gentle fairways, dramatic mountain vistas and a historic colonial atmosphere — ideal for golfers looking to play in cool summer air with panoramic Himalayan views.

Yusmarg (locally Yousmarg) is a high-altitude meadow in Budgam district of Kashmir, known for wide grassy plains, pine forests, the Doodh Ganga stream and views of the Pir Panjal range. This activity combines gentle meadow walks through flower-strewn fields and conifer patches with optional pony rides to take in scenic spots such as nearby Nilnag, forested slopes and remote shepherd hamlets.

Doodhpathri (literally: 'Valley of Milk') is a scenic mountain meadow in Budgam district, Kashmir. The activity combines a relaxed meadow walk across rolling green pastures and a picnic by the clear shingle/pebble-strewn stream that runs through the valley. It's ideal for nature lovers, families, photographers and anyone looking to escape city life for a day.

Aharbal Waterfall is a scenic waterfall on the Veshaw (Veshaw) River in Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir. Often referred to as the 'Niagara of Kashmir' for its powerful cascade and dramatic gorge, Aharbal is a popular short-excursion destination for nature lovers, photographers and picnic-goers. The site combines accessible viewpoints, short trekking options and peaceful riverbanks.

Sonamarg (literally “Meadow of Gold") is a high‑altitude hamlet in Ganderbal district, Kashmir, famous for sweeping alpine meadows, glacier‑fed rivers and several panoramic valley viewpoints. The Sonamarg meadows (including areas around Thajiwas Glacier, Nichnai and Baltal approaches) offer easy to moderate walks, vibrant wildflower carpets in summer, and dramatic views of surrounding peaks such as Harmukh and Kolahoi. Ideal for day trips, short treks, pony rides and photography.

Thajiwas Glacier is a popular, easily accessible glacier near Sonamarg in Kashmir. The approach can be done on foot (short trek) or by hiring a pony — both offer stunning views of alpine meadows, snowfields and the Sindh River. The route is suitable for most fitness levels but weather and seasonal snow can change conditions quickly. Ideal for day-trippers from Srinagar or overnight visitors to Sonamarg.

White-water rafting on the Lidder River is a scenic, beginner-to-intermediate level rafting experience based in Pahalgam (Lidder Valley), Kashmir. The river’s clear glacial waters, framed by pine-clad slopes and snow-capped peaks, create an exciting yet accessible run with a mix of gentle stretches and Class II–III rapids. Ideal for adventurers who want both adrenaline and spectacular Himalayan scenery.

Betaab Valley is a picturesque meadow and river valley located near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, India. Famous for its emerald meadows, clear Lidder River, and heritages as a popular Bollywood filming location, Betaab offers easy-access scenic walks, photography spots, picnic areas, and short pony rides. It's ideal for visitors seeking relaxed nature sightseeing within a short drive from Pahalgam town.

Aru Valley is a high-altitude meadow and hamlet near Pahalgam offering gentle valley walks, day treks to alpine meadows, and scenic picnic spots along the Lidder river. The activity covers short family-friendly hikes, longer treks (Aru–Lidderwat, Tarsar-Marsar approach), and curated meadow picnics with panoramic views of pine forests, snow-capped peaks, and grazing pastures.

Chandanwari snow play is a seasonal winter activity on the slopes near Chandanwari meadow, just outside Pahalgam in Kashmir. Visitors enjoy sledging, snowball fights, building snowmen, short snow walks and photography against the backdrop of pine-clad slopes and the Lidder valley. It is a family-friendly, short-duration snow experience accessible by road from Pahalgam.

Seasonal Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred ice Shiva Lingam in the Amarnath Cave. The yatra follows one of two main routes — the longer, scenic Pahalgam (Chandanwari) route or the shorter, steeper Baltal route (Ganderbal). It is a high‑altitude trek through alpine meadows, river valleys and can reach heavy crowds during the official window. Pilgrims undertake it for religious devotion, and the experience combines spiritual significance with demanding mountain trekking.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a high-altitude alpine trek through some of the most spectacular lakes, meadows and passes of the Kashmir Himalaya. This 7–8 day route starts at Sonamarg and finishes at Naranag, covering pristine lakes such as Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar and the Satsar group, with panoramic views of the Zanskar and Pir Panjal ranges. The trek combines moderate-to-strenuous hiking, river crossings and high mountain passes, and is ideal for fit trekkers who want a mix of landscapes, photography opportunities and remote camping under the stars.

Tarsar–Marsar Lakes Trek is a classic high‑altitude alpine trek in the Kashmir Himalaya starting from Aru Valley near Pahalgam. The route visits two spectacular alpine twin lakes — Tarsar and Marsar — crossing lush meadows, streams, moraines and panoramic ridgelines. The trek offers dramatic reflections, wildflower carpets in summer and encounters with local shepherds and nomadic camps.

Historic 8th-century temple complex set at the head of the Sindh Valley, Naranag is a compact archaeological site and working mountain village in Ganderbal, Kashmir. The site features ruined stone temples attributed to the Karkota period (linked to rulers such as Lalitaditya), dramatic Himalayan backdrops, and easy access to high‑altitude treks and alpine lakes. This activity combines heritage sightseeing, short village walks, riverside picnic spots, and optional short hikes for panoramic views.

Wular Lake is one of South Asia's largest freshwater lakes and a prime wetland for waterfowl and migratory birds. This activity combines a serene shikara (boat) ride across reed-fringed waters with guided birdwatching focusing on resident and winter migrant species. Expect wide open lake vistas, marsh islands, reed beds, and panoramic views of the surrounding Pir Panjal and Himalayan foothills.

Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal (near Srinagar), Kashmir, is famous for its clear, still waters dotted with large lotus blooms and surrounding lakeside gardens. The site offers serene boat (shikara) rides through patches of lotus, excellent birdwatching (resident and migratory species), calm nature walks, and superb sunrise/sunset photography. The experience combines gentle sightseeing with opportunities to learn about wetland ecology and local horticulture.