Top 10 Things to Do in Kashmir

Well renowned for its supreme charm, Kashmir is one of the most admired tourist destinations in India. The historic cities, wetlands, pristine lakes amidst quaint hills, beautiful countryside, rich cuisine and spectacular valleys offered by the place attract a large number of tourists throughout the year. Besides, the city allows access to a large number of activities that make a trip to Kashmir all the more fun. Even though the list of things to do in Kashmir is vast, below mentioned are the top ten activities that tourists can take pleasure in.

Enjoy Gondola Ride at Gulmarg

Gondola cable car is one among the most significant attractions and adventures to experience in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The secure cable ride has two segments for voyage, covering 2.5 km in each section. The first part of the ride initiates from a height of 8000 feet and takes you to an elevation of 10500 feet at Kongdori. Tourists visiting Gulmarg choose to travel in cable car to capture scenic views of snow capped mountains and varied picturesque landscapes. In addition to this thrilling ride, tourists can explore the striking place of Kongdori either by going for horse riding or opting for a walk. The second segment of Gondola ride begins from Kongdori and climbs to the Peak of Apharwat Mountain at an altitude of 13500 feet.

Take Leh-Jammu-Srinagar Road Trip

The highway of Leh offers a feeling of salvation in the outline of road links between Ladakh, Srinagar, Leh and to the rest of India perpetually. Highway from Srinagar to Leh is marked as National Highway 1D and is one of the largest and safest means of accessing the city of Leh through road. Travelling across NH-1D is referred to as one of the most electrifying opportunities for travellers and adventure enthusiasts. One can not only explore exotic mesmerizing views on this route, but can also experience the feeling of being nearby to the Line of Control. So, whether you are an avid traveller or not this road trip is sure to bring you thrilling experience.

Reside in a Homestay in Ladakh

The paradise on earth, Ladakh is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and holiday makers. The entire sight of this tranquil place takes you to a wonderland that is surrounded by natural charm and pleasure all around. Apart from proffering breathtaking adventures and trekking trips all around the year, Ladakh is popular for its unique culture and places it offers for stay. Home stays in Ladakh provide you a matchless opportunity to reside with and share the culture of local residents in isolated villages. These home stays cater extremely hygienic and fresh ambience with the provision of all modern amenities for vacationers. If you want to capture the true essence of the place, ensure to stay in home stays.

Savor Shikara Ride in Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a world-renowned tourist place of Kashmir for its everlasting beauty and serene views. Shikara Ride, one of the most admired and soothing pleasures of Dal Lake gives an amazing and extraordinary felling that one must experience at least once in a lifetime. Amidst pristine water, the ride takes you through the scenic views of quaint town, allowing you to admire the abundant beauty and attractions of Srinagar. Besides, tourists can also opt for overnight stay in house boats in Dal Lake that give whole floating residential experience. A visit to Kashmir would be incomplete without Shikara Ride, so make sure to include it in your things to do list when you visit Kashmir.

Explore the Electrifying Magnetic Hill

Magnetic hill is placed close to Leh-Kargil-Srinagar National Highway. Elevated at a height of nearly 11000 above the sea level, the Magnetic Hill is at a distance of 50 Km from Leh. This spectacular hill has become a well-liked spot for tourists and local residents, offering breathtaking views of tranquil valleys and picturesque landscapes to its visitors. The hill is wrongly portrayed as containing magnetic properties that are strong enough to attract cars uphill. This is probably because a number of people see objects that appear to roll up a hill. However, it is actually an optical effect caused due to the layout of hills. One can surely not miss to see this unusual sight in Leh, Kashmir.

Take Pleasure in Exhilarating Snow Skiing

One of the most adventurous things to do in Kashmir is snow skiing. The spectacular state is blessed with snow capped peaks and hills of Himalayan Mountain Range. Destinations like Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg region, Pahalgam, Gulmarg are some of the ideal places for enjoying this activity. Snow skiing here takes you to through exciting bends of mountain ranges, allowing you to capture the scenic views and splendid beauty of the surrounds. The ambience offered by the state makes it a paradise for skiers. Kashmir Government maintains several accommodations for skiers at Sanasar, Kud and Patnitop in Gulmarg. So, if you are an adventure seeker, you must ensure to get the taste of this thrilling activity.

Pay Visit to Thiksey Gompa, the Largest Monastery in Ladakh

Positioned at a hilltop, Thiksey monastery is at a distance of 20 km from the exotic city of Leh and is recognized as one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Ladakh. It homes statues of Lord Buddha in addition to thangkas, swords and wall paintings. The Gompa proudly incorporates a 49 feet tall statue of Maitreya, covering two stories of the building. The statue is believed to be the largest statue in Ladakh. Besides this, various other monasteries with religious significance find their existence in Leh-Ladakh. Tourists can pay visit to such Gompas and get insight into the Buddhist culture.

Go for Fishing and Angling

Offering a wide range of pristine lakes, rivers and streams, the beautiful state of Kashmir is undeniably a heaven for fishing and angling. People can usually be seen engaged in this exciting activity here. Fishing at Dal Lake is the most preferred and well-liked activity. However, Lidder River in Pahalgam is considered to be a perfect spot for taking pleasure in angling. The gushing water bodies of the land are rich in brown and rainbow trout. But you would have to seek permission from the Kashmir Government before continuing for this interesting activity. One must not afford to miss the experience of fishing amidst serene ambience and breathtaking beauty.

Get Yourself Engaged in Unique Bird Watching Activity

Those who believe sightseeing activity in Kashmir is limited to man-made wonders need to think again as the state consists of various natural habitats that are paradise for bird watchers. The land has approximately 24 wetlands where bird watchers can enjoy bird watching activity. Home to nearly 500 classes of birds, the state allows bird watching activity throughout the year. Surinsar and Gharana wetlands and the eastern division of Ladakh region make the perfect spots to view migratory and local birds. Bar headed geese, European blue whistling vulture, black necked crane, falcon are some of the prominent birds that can be seen here.

Opt for camping

To enjoy the natural charm and allure of Kashmir at its zenith, camping is a must- do thing for you. The state offers unlimited sites for camping where an individual can come near to nature. Panging Lake, Yusmarg, Pahalgam, Nubra Valley, Aru Valley, Sonamarg, Gulmarg are a few spectacular places to savor camp sighting during summers due to their pleasant climatic conditions. For those who want to make this leisure activity an adventurous venture can go for camping in winters here. Tourists can also choose to go to treks at higher altitudes since they are more conductive to the electrifying activity of camp sighting.

Take a sojourn and plan a trip to Kashmir to enjoy some of these exciting activities that are sure to add thrill and adventure to your tour.