As one of the most beautiful places in the world, it is no wonder that Kashmir has been dubbed “Paradise on Earth”. It is an area of breathtaking scenery, exhilarating activities, and fascinating culture. For couples wanting to experience something romantic, there is Dal Lake; yet thrill-seekers can also find adventure in Gulmarg, while those who need relaxation can experience peace at Pahalgam. This guide highlights 10 things to do in Kashmir that will make it an unforgettable travel destination for every kind of traveller.
This detailed guide on 10 things to do in Kashmir covers sightseeing, adventure, culture, food, and unique local experiences for every type of traveller
While visiting Kashmir, one of the “must-do” activities is the iconic Shikara ride on the infamous Dal Lake located in Srinagar. A traditional wooden boat (Shikara), more than just a mode of transportation, has become something that connects the essence of Kashmir. You will enjoy the smooth, glassy-like surface of the water. Next to you will be the beautiful, snow-capped Zabarwan mountains, which many photographers and nature enthusiasts find stunning.
The journey in a Shikara provides far more than a sightseeing opportunity. Early morning rides from 6 am to 8 am will allow you to see the fantastic floating vegetable market, which is where the many local farmers and vendors sell their products from their small boats. Experiencing the floating vegetable market can be a unique opportunity to witness the very fabric of the traditional Kashmiri way of life, which has been practised for centuries, and is still alive and well.
If you plan to visit for the romantic view of the sunset, the best way to experience this is to negotiate a price in advance, depending on your budget, and arrive 30 minutes before sunset. This way, you will get the best available view of the lake at sunset.
Plan and negotiate your rate from 400-800 rupees for each hour of your memorable experience in a Shikara.
When you stay on a houseboat in Kashmir, your trip goes beyond typical travel and becomes an immersion into the culture of Kashmir. Houseboats on the lakes of Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake have been built to mimic a Victorian-era style, and while they provide a floating accommodation with a Victorian flair, they also show true hospitality from the people of Kashmir. Each houseboat has beautiful wood carvings, comfortable bedrooms with stunning lake views, and modern conveniences (e.g., Wi-Fi). You will wake each morning to breathtaking sunrises over the Himalayas.
Your hosts will provide you with traditional meals made with love, and you will enjoy drifting gently to sleep because you are lulled by the gentle rocking motion of the boat. Most houseboats have common areas; separate baths with hot-water facilities, and dining areas where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Wazwan Feast (a multi-course meal), which showcases Kashmir’s food culture.
Houseboat prices start as low as 2,000 rupees per night for budget-friendly options to 10,000+ rupees per night for lavish five-star accommodations. Honeymooners searching for a romantic place to stay often choose houseboats, as do travellers looking for an authentic cultural experience.
One of the most incredible cable car systems in all of Asia can be found in the breathtaking Gulmarg Gondola, providing visitors with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful green meadows alike. The Gulmarg Gondola has two phases for riding. Phase one will take people up to the Kongdori Station, located at an altitude of 2,990 meters, where families can enjoy an average altitude experience. The second phase will take visitors up to an altitude of 3,980 meters at the Apharwat Peak. During the winter months, the second phase is highly sought after since it provides access to the best ski slopes in Kashmir. Visitors will see amazing views of Nanga Parbat and the surrounding Himalayan Mountains throughout the entire cable car ride, making it an unforgettable experience!
Gulmarg Gondola operates every day from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. Pricing for the cable car ride is based on the phase and season, ranging from 700 Rupees to 1,800 Rupees. Smart travellers can save themselves a great deal of time by purchasing their tickets online ahead of time. The busiest travel months for winter sports enthusiasts are December through March, and for those who wish to explore the meadows and valleys of Kashmir, the busiest months are April through June.
Kashmir provides various treks based on your level of fitness. You may choose from leisurely hikes through meadows or very demanding treks to high-altitude destinations. Trekking along the scenic trail will allow you to see the untouched beauty of the mountains, the pristine Alpine Lakes, and the extraordinary traditional way of life for people in remote mountain communities.
If you’re a novice, many options exist, including the Thajiwas Glacier Trek (4 km from Sonamarg). This trek is designed for families, as it is a simple walk through the accessible terrain. Alternatively, you can trek through the Betaab Valley to Baisaran Valley for breathtaking views without requiring any technical skills at all. Another beginner trek is Doodhpathri Meadows, which lies within one of the less-travelled valleys in Kashmir and boasts milky-white streams.
For intermediate-level trekkers, the renowned Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (7-8 days) offers you the opportunity to hike through and see some truly stunning high-alpine lakes. Two others worthy of consideration are the Tarsar Marsar Trek (twin lakes surrounded by breathtaking mountain views) and Gangbal Lake Trek (a sacred lake located at the foot of Mount Haramukh).
For advanced trekkers, consider taking one of the more demanding treks. Options for more arduous treks include the Kolahoi Glacier Trek, the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, and the Vishansar and Krishansar Lake Circuit. Make sure you’re prepared before starting on any of these adventures. Make sure you have your trekking boots, warm clothing, plenty of water, a first-aid kit, and any camping equipment needed.
From thrilling adventures to peaceful nature escapes, these 10 things to do in Kashmir showcase why the region is one of India’s top travel destinations.
Gulmarg, from December to March, has become a top winter sports location for skiers from around the world. Visitors come from around the world to ski in this area because Gulmarg produces consistent powder snow, which provides an excellent base for all levels of skiing. Beginning skiers have a safe environment in which to learn and practice their skills, while more advanced skiers can ski on challenging terrain.
Beginners can receive instruction and guidance as they progress from their first few turns to more advanced downhill skiing. Terrain is abundant for those who prefer to snowboard, and there are plenty of advanced terrain parks and half pipes available for all levels of snowboarding. Experienced skiers can enjoy heli-skiing adventures and explore untouched powder in hidden areas. Snow trekking through unspoiled areas and snowshoeing through deep snow trails are two other activities available during the winter season.
Equipment rental costs can be between Rs 500 and Rs 2000 per day, and lessons with an instructor generally will range from Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 per lesson. The skiing season is typically from December until early April, with January and February producing the best skiing conditions. Safety is always of utmost importance; therefore, skiers should hire an instructor who has been certified and use proper safety equipment to have the best experience.
Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens represent an architectural masterpiece that exemplifies the opulence of landscaping during the Mughal period. These pyramid-shaped gardens are built on tiers, have waterfall-style fountains, and geometric flower beds with an elaborate network of water channels that provides a glimpse into the ingenuity of landscape architects of centuries ago.
The Shalimar Bagh is a multi-tiered garden established by Jahangir in the 1600s as a place for him to entertain his beloved wife Nur Jahan. The three tiers of the garden have many large water channels, and during the summer months, it has nightly shows with sound and light.
The Nishat Bagh is the largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir and features twelve tiers of terraced gardens. It offers a breathtaking backdrop to Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains that provide a perfect opportunity for photographs.
The Chashme Shahi is the smallest but one of the most elegant Mughal Gardens with natural spouts of spring water. This garden is located on a terrace and offers amazing views of the valley.
Two other notable gardens in Srinagar are the Tulip Garden, which is Asia’s largest tulip garden and blooms from March to April; the Pari Mahal, which consists of seven terraced levels; and the Harwan, which provides a quiet, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Spring is the ideal time to visit Srinagar to enjoy a dazzling array of flowers blooming from March to May, and the autumn foliage is at its best from September.
Horse riding in the beautiful valley of Pahalgam in Kashmir is truly amazing. Pahalgam, often called ‘Shepherd’s Valley’, offers horse riding experiences like no other, riding through green meadows, lush pine forests, and beside the clear, bright waters of the Lidder River. All ages can enjoy the best scenic spots in Kashmir through guided horseback riding sessions that allow you to experience the beauty comfortably!
Some of the more popular horseback riding routes in Pahalgam include:
Professional horseback riding guides are available to provide safe and enjoyable riding experiences for everyone. You will have amazing photos to capture the beauty of the meadows and valleys while riding in Pahalgam and creating memories with your family and friends. The Tour of Horseback Riding options include one-hour rides as well as full-day rides, allowing you to explore the remote areas of Pahalgam. All Pony Union regulated rates to you, on average, 150 – 300 rupees per kilometre, ensuring a fair price. Horseback riding is available from April until the end of October when conditions are best!
Those who crave adventure will find their new favourite activity when they try out white water rafting on the Lidder River in Pahalgam, India. Rafting is a thrilling activity that involves navigating rapids ranging from ‘Grade I’ to ‘Grade III’ while also enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding Scenic Pine Tree Forests and Majestic Mountains.
The safety of all race participants and guides is a priority for every expedition. All expeditions have professional rafting guides that give detailed safety instructions before setting sail, making the experience fun for both novice and veteran rafters.
If you are an experienced Rafter looking for some scenic views while having an exhilarating Rafter, then you will enjoy the rafting experience. There are short rafting trails (8 km) which have Grade I-II Rapids, lasting approx 1-2 hours, and long rafting trails (15 km) which have Grade II-III Rapids, lasting approx 2-3 hours.
The ideal time to River Raft is during the ‘Spring’ months after the snow melts, creating higher river levels with swift winds for exhilarating rapids. Each raft trip costs 800 – 1,500 rupees per participant, and folks under the age of 12 can’t participate in rafting. All participants get complete protective gear, including life jackets, helmets, paddles and educated instructors.
Shopping in Kashmir is a unique experience that allows you to discover a wide variety of handmade crafts from centuries of artistic development and master artisanship. Many of the products of Kashmir are famous all over the world, making them great souvenirs or investments for collectors.
Kashmir’s most well-known export is authentic Pashmina shawls made from the wool of (Kashmir goat, and hand-woven. An authentic Pashmina can be identified by passing through the ring test; if it fits through an ordinary ring, it is real. Prices for these shawls can range from 5,000 to 50,000 rupees, depending on the quality of wool used and the workmanship.
Kashmiri carpets are made using the technique of hand-knotting the silk and wool fibres and feature intricate Persian designs that will last for generations.
Paper Mache items are brightly coloured decorative boxes, vases, and trays created using traditional hand-painted techniques. Kashmiri saffron is world-renowned as the finest in the world and is sold at a price of approximately Rs 200 to Rs 400 per gram. Other popular items purchased are walnut wood carvings, copper/silver jewellery, traditional pherans (woollen cloaks), and premium dried fruits, including almonds.
Shopping locations of choice include Lal Chowk, which is the main shopping centre of Srinagar; Polo View Market, which has high-end products; the unique floating markets on Dal Lake; and Kashmir Loom, which sells authentic shawls and textiles. Bargaining is expected and commonplace, as a general practice of experienced shoppers will be to start their negotiations at 50% to 60% of what the vendor has initially quoted for the item.
Kashmiri food is a unique cooking style using aromatic spices, rich flavours, along with geographic features that provide different styles of methods of cooking throughout the region. Kashmiri food experience includes anything from street foods to elaborate meals containing multi-course options.
The Wazwan is traditionally known as Kashmir’s banquet. This banquet consists of 15 – 36 servings that highlight true Kashmiri hospitality by serving many authentic dishes. Some of the most popular Kashmiri dishes served during the Wazwan are Rogan Josh (a lamb curry with aromatic spices), Gushtaba (a meatball made with minced mutton served in yoghurt sauce), and Tabak Maaz (fried pieces of lamb rib). Another popular Kashmiri dish is Yakhni (a curry made with mutton and a creamy yoghurt base), Modur Pulav (saffron-flavoured rice with dry fruit), and Dum Aloo (baby potatoes spiced and cooked in a gravy).
Traditional beverages of Kashmir include Kahwa (a green tea made with saffron, cardamom and almonds) and Noon Chai (pink tea made with baking soda and salt). Recommended restaurants for an authentic experience of Kashmiri food are Ahmad’s Restaurant (established in 1918), Mughal Darbar (the restaurant that serves traditional Wazwan), Shamyana Restaurant (the restaurant offering a riverside dining experience in Pahalgam), and Stream Restaurant (a restaurant located in Gulmarg offering views of the mountains).
Q: How long should a trip to explore the beauty of Kashmir be?
A majority of visitors believe that 5-7 days are enough to visit the major tourist destinations in Kashmir, such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. A trekking experience through the backwoods and hill country of Kashmir typically takes at least 10-12 days. This gives you an opportunity to visit remote areas and see a wider variety of Kashmir’s natural beauty and culture.
Q: What should I take with me to Kashmir for my visit?
Essential packing for a trip to Kashmir includes warm clothing, as temperatures drop considerably at night, regardless of the season you travel. A good pair of comfortable trekking shoes can be used for many types of activities in Kashmir, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright mountain sun. If you take prescription medication, be sure to pack enough; additionally, pack a small power bank to charge your devices, and a camera to take photos of the beautiful scenery. Personal care items, such as shampoo, soap, and clothing detergent, should also be packed. If you plan to visit Kashmir in the winter months, be sure to pack heavy woollen clothing (jumper or sweater), gloves and heavy snow boots. You should also have valid ID and travel documents on hand when you arrive.
Q: What is the average budget for a vacation in Kashmir?
Depending on travel style, you can budget to spend between 15,000 – 25,000 rupees per person for 5 days when travelling on a budget. That budget includes accommodation, food and basic activities. If you are looking for a mid-range experience, expect to budget between 30,000 – 50,000 rupees per person; whereas the budget for a luxury trip can range between 60,000 – 1,00,000 rupees or more per person, depending on what you choose to do and where you stay.
Q: Is it safe to visit Kashmir as a tourist in 2025?
Yes, it is expected that India will still be a safe destination for tourist visits in 2025. Security and infrastructure improvements in Kashmir have resulted in record numbers of tourists visiting the region. However, travellers should always be vigilant, listen to and follow local authorities and travel advisories, and be prepared to leave if necessary due to changing circumstances.
There will soon be even more great places to visit and many exciting things to do in and around Kashmir, which will expand the range of activities available for all types of tourists visiting this beautiful area. This postcard picture equals “Paradise!” Kashmir has everything that every tourist could wish for – from the leisurely Shikara rides through Dal Lake to the breathtaking skiing on the slopes of Gulmarg, to spiritual journeys walking through the Mughal Gardens, to the thrilling adventures of the Himalayan trails. This curated list of 10 things to do in Kashmir helps travellers plan the perfect holiday filled with adventure, culture, and scenic beauty.
The stunning scenery and natural beauty of the Kashmir area, combined with its rich cultural history, the friendly hospitality of its people, as well as the improved infrastructure of the region, make Kashmir a year-round destination from 2025 and beyond. Plan romantic honeymoon trips, fun-filled vacation trips for families, or adventurous trips to see the wonders of nature in Kashmir – these are the 10 most essential things to do to experience the best of what Kashmir has to offer.
Using our understanding of your travel needs, preferences, and budget, at WellWorthHolidays, we create a variety of customised Kashmir Tour Packages. Our vast regional travel experience and superior knowledge of the area allow us to ensure that every aspect of your Kashmir holiday is planned and executed in accordance with your specifications to create lifelong memories. We handle every detail of your Kashmir holiday with professionalism, from reserving the best quality accommodation to providing seamless travel and transportation, from organising thrilling adventure excursions to creating authentic cultural experiences.
