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Jammu and Kashmir offers numerous activities in one holiday. A morning can start on Dal Lake, followed by a drive towards pine-covered hills, a visit to an old shrine or an afternoon wandering through Srinagar’s historic lanes. Then there are snow-covered slopes, mountain trails, Mughal gardens and local markets to explore. The things to do in Jammu and Kashmir go well beyond ticking off famous sights. Food, handicrafts and long-standing traditions add their own flavour to the trip. Come for the scenery, but there are several things here to keep you looking beyond the obvious.
The list of things to do in Jammu Kashmir stretches from lake rides and mountain excursions to temple visits and beautifully maintained gardens. Each activity brings a different side of the region into view, so the holiday does not feel limited to sightseeing alone.
A shikara ride is one of the simplest ways to see Srinagar from the water. Drift past houseboats, floating gardens and small market boats, with the surrounding mountains forming a striking backdrop.
The Gulmarg Gondola takes you upwards into the mountains, opening up wide views across the surrounding peaks and slopes. In winter, it also provides access to popular snow-covered areas for skiing and other activities.
Pahalgam has several trails running through forests, meadows and mountain terrain. Depending on your route, you may come across streams, grazing areas and broad valley views. Choose a trail according to your fitness and trekking experience.
The Vaishno Devi Shrine lies in the Trikuta Hills near Katra and is reached through a mountain pilgrimage route. The trek can take several hours, and thus, comfortable footwear, water and enough time are useful for the journey.
Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens are known for terraced lawns, fountains and carefully laid-out flower beds. Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi each have their own character and offer a pleasant way to spend a few hours outdoors.
Jammu has its own mix of temples, historic sites and hill-country scenery. If you are looking for things to do in Jammu, these stops bring together the city’s religious importance and its older architectural character without taking you too far from the main routes.
The Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the region’s major pilgrimage sites, set in the Trikuta Hills near Katra. Vaishno Devi tour packages can help travellers plan their visit while allowing sufficient time for the substantial uphill walk to the shrine.
Bahu Fort stands on a hill overlooking the Tawi River and offers views across Jammu. Its historic setting makes it worthwhile, particularly if you want to see a different side of the city.
Located in the heart of Jammu, Raghunath Temple is known for its ornate interiors and collection of shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities. Its central location also makes it easy to include during a day of exploring the city.
From snowy slopes to rushing rivers and mountain trails, adventure activities in Jammu and Kashmir cover different levels of excitement. The region has plenty for travellers who would rather spend a day outdoors than simply move between sightseeing spots.
Gulmarg is a major skiing destination during winter, with slopes suited to different skill levels. Fresh snowfall covers the meadows and surrounding mountains, which bring about excellent conditions for adventure sports in Jammu and Kashmir like skiing and other snow-based activities.
Paragliding in Jammu gives you an aerial view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The activity is available at selected locations and is best enjoyed under suitable weather conditions, with trained operators handling the flight.
While looking for Kashmir adventure sports, the Lidder River provides opportunities for river rafting around Pahalgam. The rapids vary in intensity, and hence, you must choose a stretch appropriate to your experience and follow the instructions given by local rafting operators.
Sonamarg has several trekking routes surrounded by alpine meadows, streams and high mountain peaks. Trails range from shorter walks to more demanding outings, with Thajiwas Glacier being one of the better-known trekking areas nearby.
Jammu and Kashmir’s history is visible in its old neighbourhoods, temples, crafts and everyday traditions. These activities in Jammu and Kashmir offer a closer look at the region beyond its mountain scenery and popular tourist attractions.
Srinagar’s Old City has narrow lanes, historic buildings and traditional markets that reveal a different side of the capital. On a trip to Srinagar, take a stroll around the old quarters and look at the region’s distinctive woodwork and architecture.
Jammu has several old temples with strong religious and architectural significance. Raghunath Temple is one of the prominent ones, specifically known for its collection of shrines and ornate interiors.
Kashmiri handicrafts are closely associated to the region’s artistic traditions. Look for handwoven carpets, papier-mâché pieces, embroidered textiles and carved walnut wood products in local markets. Speaking with artisans or shopkeepers can also offer insight into how these crafts are made.
Some of the region’s most recognisable sights bring together lakes, mountain scenery, gardens and valleys. While searching for Jammu and Kashmir things to do, you can see a mix of natural and well-known landmarks.
Dal Lake is often associated with Srinagar, known for its shikaras, houseboats and floating markets. Early mornings offer lovely views across the water towards the surrounding hills.
The Gulmarg Gondola climbs towards the higher mountain slopes, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. It is also a popular route for reaching skiing areas during winter.
Betaab Valley awaits you amid green meadows, streams and forested slopes near Pahalgam. It is a popular spot for photographs, short walks and enjoying the mountain scenery.
Thajiwas Glacier is one of Sonamarg’s best-known attractions, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and alpine scenery. A Sonamarg trip offers the opportunity to explore the glacier on foot or through locally available options, depending on conditions.
Built during the Mughal period, Shalimar Bagh features terraces, fountains and landscaped gardens overlooking Dal Lake. Its breathtaking beauty and mountain backdrop make it one of Srinagar’s notable heritage attractions.
Trying local food comes in the category of Jammu and Kashmir things to do when exploring the region. In Srinagar, look for Kashmiri dishes such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Wazwan preparations. Kahwa is another local favourite, often served warm with saffron and nuts. Jammu has its own specialities too, giving food lovers plenty to explore other than the usual restaurant menu.
Shopping brings you closer to the region’s craft traditions. Among the Kashmir activities in your list, visiting Srinagar’s markets for Pashmina, Kashmiri carpets, papier-mâché work and walnut wood products stands out. Jammu has its own collection of handicrafts, dry fruits and traditional goods, making local markets useful stops for souvenirs and gifts.
Evenings in Jammu and Kashmir can be spent quite simply, with a meal, a market visit or a stroll around the busier parts of town. For travellers considering things to do in Jammu Kashmir, Srinagar offers lakeside views, cafés and evening shopping, whereas Jammu has lively markets and food spots that stay active after sunset.
Jammu and Kashmir has plenty of outings that work well for families, from gentle sightseeing around Srinagar to mountain excursions in Gulmarg. These things to do in Jammu and Kashmir can be enjoyed without making every day overly demanding.
A houseboat stay gives families a chance to wake up on Dal Lake, surrounded by water, mountains and passing shikaras. It is a distinctive part of a Srinagar holiday.
Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashme Shahi offer landscaped gardens, fountains and open spaces for an easy family outing. Their setting also makes them pleasant places for photographs.
The Gondola ride takes families up Gulmarg’s mountain slopes, where broad views open across the surrounding peaks. Check weather and operating conditions before heading out.
Jammu and Kashmir has plenty for couples beyond the usual sightseeing circuit. The Jammu Kashmir things to do can include time on the lake, a stay on a traditional houseboat and scenic outings around the valley.
A sunset shikara ride on Dal Lake brings warm evening light across the water, with houseboats and mountain silhouettes adding to the setting.
Spend the night on a traditional Srinagar houseboat and wake up to views of Dal Lake. It makes a memorable change from a conventional hotel stay.
Walk through Betaab Valley’s green meadows with the Lidder River and forested hills around you. It is an easy way to enjoy Pahalgam’s scenery together.
Take a shikara ride on Dal Lake, visit Gulmarg and Pahalgam, explore Mughal gardens, or make time for Vaishno Devi. The region has a lot to offer beyond sightseeing too.
A houseboat stay, a visit to the Mughal gardens, and a Gondola ride in Gulmarg are good family options. They offer sightseeing without requiring strenuous activities.
Skiing in Gulmarg, river rafting in Pahalgam and trekking around Sonamarg are among the popular choices. Paragliding is another option in selected areas of Jammu.
Gulmarg is popular for skiing, Pahalgam for rafting and Sonamarg for trekking. The suitable activity for adventure in Jammu and Kashmir will depend on the season and local conditions.
Visit Vaishno Devi, explore Bahu Fort and see Raghunath Temple. These places offer a mix of pilgrimage, history and local heritage.
Try an evening meal featuring Kashmiri cuisine, browse local markets or enjoy the atmosphere around Srinagar. A houseboat stay also offers a different evening setting.
Couples can take a sunset shikara ride, stay on a houseboat in Srinagar or walk through Betaab Valley in Pahalgam. These make easy additions to a romantic holiday.
One of the popular things to do in Kashmir in December is to visit Gulmarg. The snowy mountains embrace you while the snowfall is quite enchanting and simply mesmerising. Kashmir sightseeing would be incomplete without a ride on the famed Gondola. Gulmarg is also the destination for adventure sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Among Kashmir’s sightseeing places, Pahalgam is also very popular. Located at the confluence of Lidder River and Sheshnag Lake, this place is a dream come true for those who are on a holiday to just relax without indulging in any touristy activities. The fresh breeze, the gently burbling streams and the verdant meadows let you return to nature and enjoy a simple, uncomplicated life for a while.
The wide expanse of this lake is dotted with colourful shikaras that glide gently across the surface of the lake. Shikara boatmen will take you on the gently bobbing boats, where you can cosy up under a warm blanket and watch the world go by slowly. Located in Srinagar, visiting the Dal Lake this is one of the most common things to do in Kashmir in May as the weather is gorgeous and the sights in the distance are simply beautiful.
The Mughal emperor Jahangir compared Kashmir to paradise on earth. A slice of this paradise resides in the lush Mughal Gardens where you will get to enjoy the beauty of a multitude of blooming flowers. Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, ChashmaShahi, PariMahal (The Fairies’ Abode), Harwan Garden are some of the Mughal Gardens where people come to enjoy Kashmir sightseeing and nature at its very best.
Kashmir is also the site of some of the holiest shrines which sees a huge number of people come here to pay their respects and show their devotion and this is indeed one of the many things to do in Kashmir.
This beautiful shrine can be found on the banks of the Dal Lake. It is renowned all over the world because of the Moi-e-Muqadas, the sacred hair of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The shrine is always thronging with locals and tourists alike, who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. The gardens surrounding the shrine are mesmerising.
These houseboats are majorly made from using local cedar-wood, measuring 24–38 meters (79–125 ft) in length and 3–6 meters (9.8–20 ft) in width. They are further graded with amazing amenities according to the comfort level. Each of these houseboats has furnished and comfortable rooms, terrace, veranda and so on. Moored at the edges of Nageen Lakes and Dal Lakes, some of the houseboats were built in the early 1900s.
Many tourists are attracted towards the charm and beauty of the luxury houseboat in Srinagar. These houseboats offer a unique experience to the tourists that have cedar panelled and lavish bedrooms. You can say it is the best houseboat in Srinagar.
Just as any hotel room, the houseboats too vary in the degree of luxury and comfort according to the grading by the Department of Tourism. A luxury houseboat has everything a tourist is hoping for, from good carpets, fine furnishings to modern bathroom fittings.
We are here to make this tour a happening for you with our Kashmir tour packages that lets you take a ride on the best houseboat in Kashmir.
Kashmir is slowly gaining the reputation as a popular destination for adventure sports. Thanks to its location and its geography, it offers adventure enthusiasts plenty of options to satiate their adrenaline rush. Its mountainous terrain offers many options. People can opt for relatively simple activities like trekking and mountain climbing. But the more exciting adventure sports can be found in places like Gulmarg.
With so many rivers flowing through the state, it’s no wonder that river rafting has become a popular adventure sport in Kashmir. The three rivers where river rafting can be done are the Lidder River in Pahalgam, Sindh in Sonmarg and Zanaskar in Kargil. Be sure to choose the level that you are comfortable with as some of the rivers can get quite rough and turbulent
Water skiing in Kashmir can be done on some of the lakes such as Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. This recently launched adventure activity has seen many takers. People seem to love the idea of gliding on water at high speeds while being tied behind a speeding boat.
The shrine of Vaishno Devi is housed in another cave in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is located near Katra district in Jammu and is one of the most holy shrines of Hinduism. It sits on the Trikuta Mountain at an altitude of 5300 feet.
No one has ever really thought of golfing as an adventure sport, but when you play golf in Kashmir, you’ll know why. There’s something exhilarating about playing the 18-hole golf course in Gulmarg which is reputed to be the world’s highest golf course.
The journey to the Amarnath Cave is called Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of devotees plan their journey every year in May and June. The Amarnath Cave is 145km away from Srinagar and is famous for the Ice Shiv lingam that is found there, formed by a natural stalagmite. People from all parts of India attempt this arduous journey.
The white slopes of Gulmarg are perfect for skiing even if you’re not very familiar with the sport. There are beginner slopes in addition to the more advanced ones for veterans. You will have the most amazing time as you strap on your ski boots and fly down the snowy slopes.
