20 Best Things To Do In Kashmir To Experience The Valley At It’s Best

Kashmir, often referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” is a tangle of best things to do that, like the rhythmic beating of a drum, resonate in the heart. Consider a peaceful shikara ride on the mirrored surface of Dal Lake while taking in the surrounding alpine beauty. Imagine yourself exploring the maze-like Mughal Gardens, where nature’s symphony plays at every turn.

Curious? Intrigued? Wait until we delve deeper into Kashmir’s bounty of best things to do. Join us on a virtual journey through the blog as we unravel the charismatic enigma of this Eden-like realm, luring you into a captivating love affair with every whispered secret of this northern marvel.

20 Best Things To Do In Kashmir

1. Skiing In Gulmarg

As the snow-laden gusts of wind whip across your face and you make your descent, a delightful sensation of freedom and exhilaration takes hold. It’s as if time has slowed down, and you are locked in a breathtaking waltz with the pristine snow under a celestial canopy. 

The thrill of conquering the slopes is surpassed only by the ethereal beauty that surrounds you – a beauty that firmly secures Gulmarg’s position among the most enchanting places to visit in Kashmir.

The panoramic view of snow-dusted pines and majestic peaks is nothing short of magical as you begin your ascent in Asia’s highest and longest cable car, the Gulmarg Gondola. 

Skiing in Gulmarg is more than just another thing to do in Kashmir; it’s a celestial experience that will make your soul pirouette with pure joy. A story of bravery, thrills, and awe-inspiring beauty that will be woven into the fabric of your being for the rest of your life.

2. Take A Shikara Ride In Dal Lake

Enter a world where the gentle symphony of lapping waters provides an enchanting background score. Time seems to stand still as you board the lavishly decorated Shikara. The ride encapsulates the essence of things to do in Kashmir, with the wicker-made roofs casting latticed shadows on your face.

Dal Lake’s waters, gleaming like sapphires in the sun, transport you across a mirage of floating gardens and vibrant houseboats. As you float along, lost in a world within a world, the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the background bear witness to your journey.

A Shikara ride is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a living poem, an unsolved mystery, and a lingering kiss from nature. As you disembark, you’ll take a piece of Dal Lake’s soul with you, a whispering echo that will draw you back to the mystic charms of Kashmir time and time again.

3. Stay In A Houseboat

Outside your window, the sun’s reflection shimmers on the surface of Dal Lake, creating an ever-changing landscape of liquid gold. All around you is a symphony of nature, a spectacle of sights, sounds, and scents – an unparalleled sensory experience.

The houseboat journey engulfs you in a dreamy embrace, with each moment singing a different ballad. The setting sun bathes the landscape in a mesmerizing palette of warm hues as dusk falls, beautifully mirrored by the calm waters. 

The warmth of Kashmiri hospitality, reflected in the kahwa served with heat, and the rich flavors of local cuisine round out your enchanting day.

4. Gondola Ride In Gulmarg

As you step into the gondola, a cocoon swaying gently at the mercy of the mountain winds, your heart may skip a beat. As the doors close and the gondola frees itself from its earthly bonds, an incredible canvas of nature’s artistry unfolds before your eyes. The ascent begins a ballet of motion on celestial strings that lifts you higher and higher above the legendary Gulmarg.

5. Relish The Local Cuisine

Consider a chilly morning with the sun gently breaking through the snow-covered peaks, its warm rays breathing life into the sleepy town. One of the must-dos in Srinagar is to savour a steaming cup of Kahwa, an exotic blend of green tea, spices, and almonds, as its symphony of flavours slowly unfolds, warming your soul.

The star of Kashmiri cuisine, Rogan Josh, a delicacy prepared with tender meat and an array of fragrant spices, welcomes you into a realm of exquisite delight, while the sweet, creamy comfort of Phirni makes for a sublime finale to this gastronomical journey. Unraveling the magic of the local cuisine is indeed one of the most rewarding things to do in Kashmir.

6. Visit the Vaishno Devi Temple

Consider ascending an illuminated pathway as dusk falls, the twinkling lights guiding your way like a constellation. The scent of incense and the fervour of devotion become your companions as you make your way to the sacred cave. The hymns echoing through the darkness become the rhythm of your journey, creating an experience beyond the physical realm.

Among the other things to do in Kashmir, visiting this holy shrine offers a contrasting harmony of tranquility and spiritual vitality. It’s not merely a temple visit, but a heartwarming encounter with the divine; a journey of transformation, where every step taken whispers a tale of devotion and self discovery.

7. Boating In Mansar Lake

Each ripple you make tells a story about the mighty Himalayas that shelter this aquatic haven. Birds serenade you on your journey, drawing your gaze skyward, where the divine azure mirrors the lake beneath, creating a mesmerising tapestry of peace.

The boat cuts through the shimmering expanse, setting the stage for an enchanting dance between man and nature. This timeless ballet, set to the music of lapping waters and rustling leaves, is a performance that etches itself onto the canvas of your memory. Come, embrace the serenity of Mansar Lake, where boating is more than a pastime—it’s a poetic dialogue with nature’s finest muse.

8. Seek Divine Blessings At Raghunath Temple

Imagine a peaceful journey to the heart of Jammu, walking the hallowed corridors that echo ancient stories of faith. Consider your senses awakening to the harmonious chime of temple bells, the vibrations of which reverberate deep within your soul. Seek solace in Lord Rama’s divine embrace, basking in the serene tranquillity that surrounds this sacred sanctum.

The Raghunath Temple, with its splendid spiritual allure, punctuates the list of the best things to do in Kashmir. It’s a stirring odyssey that binds the threads of faith, devotion, and a quest for

9. Ride In The Ropeway At Patnitop

Every moment in the Ropeway offers an orchestration of scenes that shift like a magical kaleidoscope. The panoramic canvas unfurls the majestic Chenab River carving its way through the valley, the seemingly infinite spread of pine forests, and the snowclad Himalayan peaks that guard the horizon. In the middle of this spectacle, you dangle in an ethereal space, bridging the gap between earth and sky.

10. Explore the Old Srinagar Streets

You’ll find the soul of the city carved in the delicate lacework of wooden window frames and majestic houseboats as you stroll through the narrow, labyrinthine alleys. The sublime Jamia Masjid, with its wooden pillars and serene courtyard, exudes spiritual calm. As you go deeper, you’ll come across vibrant bazaars, a sensory explosion of vibrant hues, enticing spice fragrances, and the constant hum of lively chatter.

Here’s a notable thing to do in Srinagar: unwind with a cup of local, aromatic Kahwa as you observe the daily life unfurl in front of you, an experience as enchanting as the melody of the Santoor.

11. Take A Pony Ride In Pahalgam

Imagine riding a gentle pony, its hooves softly imprinting on the lush verdant trails, while the crisp mountain air whispers stories of ancient Himalayan folklore. Pahalgam unfolds like a grand theatre, with the melodious Lidder River playing the symphony and towering pine trees standing as silent spectators, applauding your journey with a rustle.

Every bend in the path will introduce to something new. The rhythmic trot of the pony and the soothing tranquility of the journey is interspersed with the occasional chirping of a bird, an echo from the heavens, a nod from nature itself.

This quaint pony ride is not just an exploration of Pahalgam’s landscape; it’s a whimsical waltz with nature, where each moment is as deliciously slow and sweet as honey dripping off a wooden ladle. 

12. Visit The Kheer Bhawani Temple

The temple echoes with hymns and prayers that blend with the cool breeze to create a tranquil melody that serenades the surroundings. Visitors are gently surrendered to the divine atmosphere, allowing their hearts to be cradled by a serenity that envelops them like a warm shawl on a crisp Kashmiri morning.

13. River Rafting

River rafting, widely regarded as one of the most thrilling things to do in Kashmir, draws adrenaline junkies from all over the world to the frothy waters of the Lidder and Zanskar rivers. You’ll feel a mix of fear, excitement, and awe as your raft ebbs and flows with the raging river, mirroring the river’s untamed rhythm.

Embrace the pulsating heartbeat of the mountains as you navigate turbulent rapids, framed by the picturesque canvas of alpine beauty. And then, when the water stills and the thrill subsides, soak in the serene magnificence around you, the calm symphony of Kashmir washing over you.

No catalog of things to do in Kashmir can ever be complete without a mention of river rafting. Whether you’re a seasoned rafter or a novice adventurer, the river’s music will draw you in, promising a dance that’s as raw and unfiltered as nature’s untouched beauty.

14. Trekking

In the heart of this divine land, trekking transforms into an ethereal ballet between man and mountain. An enchanting dance where valleys hum melodies of tranquility, majestic peaks bow in silent salutation and the wind whispers tales of the ancient earth. 

From traversing the panoramic charm of the Great Lakes trek, to being swept off your feet by the untouched wilderness of the Tarsar Marsar trek, each path is a poem crafted in the language of raw beauty.

Amidst the rhododendron forests, high-altitude lakes shimmering under the sun like precious gemstones, snow-laden peaks casting their mighty shadows, and quaint hamlets painting the canvas of green meadows, trekking in Kashmir weaves a tapestry of ceaseless wonders. 

It’s an orchestra of experiences waiting to be savoured, a call to the inner explorer to wander in the theatre of natural spectacle.

15. Explore Nishat Bagh

The scene is set with a melody of murmuring fountains and colourful flower beds that draws you in like a siren’s song. A stroll through Nishat Bagh’s twelve terraces is like a dance with nature, with each terrace representing a zodiac sign and whispering tales of ancient wisdom. 

A voyage to Nishat Bagh is also a journey through history, where tales of royal past and Mughal architecture merge with the rustling leaves, creating a symphony that harmonizes with the rhythm of your heart. This delightful encounter undoubtedly crowns the list of the best things to do in Kashmir.

16. Explore Amar Mahal Palace

Stepping through the magnificent red sandstone edifice transports you to another time, where each intricate carving whispers tales of yesteryear. This former residence of Dogra rulers is a treasure trove of rich Indian art and history that now serves as a museum.

Walking through the palace, you are in hushed awe, tracing the fine lines of Pahari miniature paintings that adorn its walls, each telling a story in colour and craftsmanship. With its time-honored collection of over 25,000 books and rare art pieces, the library appeals to both avid readers and art enthusiasts, making it one of the best things to do in Kashmir.

As you make your way to the terrace, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery, creating a living masterpiece that words can’t describe. Exploring Amar Mahal Palace is one of the best things to do in Kashmir for those looking for an enriching dive into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

17. Take A Stroll At Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden:

There’s a particular magic at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden that paints the air with a fragrance of freshness, gently nudging you to surrender to the chromatic charm it swathes itself in.

Imagine for a moment, strolling leisurely through swathes of vibrant petals, a technicolor sea spread across the garden’s canvas. The crisp mountain air flutters the rainbow-hued tulips as they dance in rhythm with the gentle breeze. 

From blood-red to sunshine yellow, from pristine white to passionate purple, the palette is as diverse as the eye can see. The sight of these mesmeric blooms, sprawled across the undulating garden, nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Zabarwan Hills, feels like a dream conceived in a poet’s heart and nurtured by nature’s delicate touch.

18. Visit Shalimar Bagh

With every step, you’ll be tracing the path of ancient Mughal emperors, their whispers of the past carried by the playful fountains. 

As twilight drapes its silken colors across the sky, the Bagh becomes a tableau of serenity, a living canvas where light and shadow waltz, promising an unforgettable sojourn in this poet’s paradise.

19. Visit Peer Kho Shrine In Peer Kho Cave

The cave’s echoing silence paints a celestial portrait, wrapped in the soothing whispers of the nearby Tawi River. As you descend into the earth’s womb, you are greeted by the cool, damp air that carries tales of devotion from millennia past. The shrine is thought to be Lord Shiva’s abode, and the atmosphere reflects an ethereal serenity that tugs at your soul.

The main highlight? The naturally formed Shivalinga in the cave, a symbol of divine energy and potential. Illuminated by the dim, flickering light of traditional diyas, it holds the power to transmute your spiritual experience into a transcendental journey, making it one of the most unique things to do in Kashmir.

Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a curious explorer, visiting Peer Kho Shrine is akin to flipping through the vibrant pages of Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry. As you exit the cave’s mouth, you carry with you a piece of this extraordinary legacy, imprinted forever in your heart.

20. Shopping In Raghunath Bazaar

Picture yourself amidst a riot of colours, as the bazaar unfolds like a beautifully chaotic kaleidoscope. Its narrow lanes breathe tales of old and new, converging in a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents. The air buzzes with the rhythm of negotiations, the rustle of fine fabrics, and the clinking of beautifully crafted silverware.

This market is a treasure trove of intricately woven Kashmiri Pashminas and rich, aromatic spices that beckon from quaint storefronts. Allow the glimmer of finely crafted jewellery to catch your eye or allow the inviting aroma of local delicacies being prepared to entice your senses.

As we pull the curtain on this magical journey through Kashmir, remember, every winding trail and every glistening lake whispers a tale of wonder and awe. The best things to do in Kashmir are more than just experiences – they are an intimate dance with nature, a heartfelt symphony of culture and history, and an echo of the serene Himalayan spirit. 

So, whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, or cultural immersion, let the promise of Kashmir’s breathtaking beauty call out to your wanderlust. Embark on this odyssey of discovery, and let every moment etch a timeless tale in the canvas of your heart.