Dal Lake /Nigeen Lake in Srinagar and Manasbal Lake near Ganderbal
Timings: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Cost per person per hour: INR 250 – INR 500
Step into the world of splendid beauty and serenity through a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. It’s a mesmerizing lake offering majestic views of snow-capped mountains, picture-perfect sunset views, floating gardens, the melodious sound of birds chirping, and much more. Sailing through its water on a beautifully decked-up Shikara (boat) is an amazing experience. Shikara ride also takes you to the traditional & beautiful houseboats. You can even shop for some jewelry or other handicrafts from the floating market. This ride will surely leave you with memories for a lifetime. Another lake where you can enjoy a Shikara ride is Nagin Lake. *Ride duration: It lasts for 30 to 45 minutes*
Srinagar
Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: INR 100 – INR 200
They say, walk more to know more. And the same is true with Srinagar. With some structures over 4 centuries old gardens that are no less than a paradise, the city has an architecture that is influenced by 3 different styles and 3 different religions. Walking through the old town is one of the peaceful things to do in Kashmir. Visit the marvellous structures including Jamia Masjid featuring 370 pillars made of the Maple tree. Take a walk through the lanes of the old Srinagar that has old markets of spices, dry fruits and threads.
Gulmarg
Timings: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: 1820
If you want to experience mind-blowing natural beauty with sheer adventure, then go for a Gondola Ride in Gulmarg. It is a big hit with travellers who come here from across the globe. The views of the majestic snow-capped mountains, while you travel through the cable car to greater heights are a sight to behold. The Gondola ride takes place in two phases: Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak You can Directly Book the Ride by visiting Gondola Ride Booking
Sonmarg
Timings: 09:00 am - 03:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: 500-1000
Marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of Sonmarg on your pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier located at an altitude of 3,000 m. The leisurely ride will take you through picturesque locations that seem to just pop out of a fairy tale book. The Thajiwas Glacier is a popular tourist destination of Sonmarg which can be best reached on a pony.
Srinagar
Timings: 08:00 am - 07:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: 100 - 150
Treating your senses to a wonderful world of a wide variety of colorful tulips at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar is an amazing thing to do in Kashmir. The fresh air, lofty mountain peaks, vibrancy, and fragrance add more charm to it. The garden boasts 68 varieties of tulips apart from other flowers and has entered the World Book of Records (London) as Asia’s largest such park. Taking a leisurely walk in this garden with 15 lakh tulips is a lifetime experience in itself. The garden is located between the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills and sprawls across 30 hectares. *Time to visit: It opens from March to April as that is the time for the tulips to blossom.*
Kashmir
Timings: Any Time
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When in Kashmir, you must try out its local cuisine which beautifully reflects its rich cultural heritage. Kashmiri Wazwan is a royal Kashmiri feast consisting of 36 dishes, the preparation of which is considered an art. Most of its dishes are non-vegetarian (meat-based) and few of them are vegetarian. This Kashmiri cuisine is simply an out-of-the-world experience! Other dishes which you must try out are lamb mutton rogan josh, Nadroo Yakhni (yogurt based Kashmiri curry with lotus stems), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in spicy red gravy), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer simmered in tomato sauce and flavoured with spices and fennel seeds powder), Gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in flavourful yogurt gravy and spices), zaffran pulao, and many more. A variety of breads (roti) complement these dishes very well along with rice. Don’t forget to enjoy Kahwa, the Kashmiri tea which is not only tasty but healthy.
Gulmarg
Timings: 10:00 am - 04:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: 7000-8000
Skiing in Gulmarg is not just enthralling but a unique experience. It is a world-famous skiing destination that attracts adventure lovers from far and wide. If you are a skiing lover, then this is the heaven for you. Skiing amidst an environment adorned with powder-white mountains, snow-dusted cedar and pine trees, and ethereal beauty is an experience that will remain etched in your mind forever. The snow quality of Gulmarg is considered among the best in the world and is at par with Switzerland. You will find a variety of skiing packages for all tastes and budgets. The seasonal snowfall at this destination is almost double that of the Alps in Europe. It is safe to enjoy skiing at Gulmarg under the guidance of the trainer. You can enjoy skiing in Gulmarg at different phases, the altitudes of which change from 2,600 m to 3,400 m. Skiing gear, warm jackets & ski boots are available on rent at the rental shops in Gulmarg. *Best time for skiing in Gulmarg: January to February*
Kashmir
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Every trekking tour in Kashmir is an amazing story in itself offering unparalleled beauty and adventure. The ever-changing landscapes and oodles of adventure leave one awe-struck. The trekking trails award you with majestic sights of snow-clad mountains and glaciers, valleys singing melodies of tranquillity, stunning high-altitude lakes, panoramic sunset views, untouched wilderness, and sheer raw natural beauty. The most spectacular are the lake treks. Depending on your capability and choice, you can go for short or long treks. You will surely fall in love with trekking in Kashmir! *Famous treks in Kashmir*: The Great Lakes trek, Tarsar Marsar trek, Naranag Mahlish trek, Naranag Gangabal trek, Kolahoi Glacier trek, etc. *Best time for trekking: July to October*
Kashmir
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Cost per person per hour: 2000-4000
Kashmir is home to several mesmerizing rivers offering great opportunities for river rafting. And river rafting in Kashmir is not only about adventure but much more than that. River rafting, a must-try-out adventure activity in Kashmir, attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the globe to the waters of the Zanskar and Lidder rivers. Enjoy river rafting while enjoying the sights of snow-capped mountains, gorgeous greenery, and refreshing landscapes. White water rafting on the Lidder River in Pahalgam is the most famous and river rafting at Zanskar River is more challenging. Sonmarg is another popular destination for river rafting in Kashmir. Depending on your experience and interest you can choose from different river rafting options such as: *Short Lidder River Rafting (Pahalgam): For beginners, it is the best option as the stretch is of 3 km with grade II to grade III rapids.* *Medium Sindh River Rafting (Sonmarg): If you are too adventurous and a little experienced, then you can go for this option. It stretches for 8 km and passes through grade II, III, and IV rapids.* *Long Sindh River Rafting (Sonmarg): The experts and well-experienced can go for this option as it stretches for 28 km with grades II, III, and IV.* *Best time for river rafting in Kashmir: August to September*
Srinagar
Timings: 08:00 am - 03:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: 1000-1500
Hot air ballooning in Kashmir is a thrilling and unique adventure experience. What can be a more interesting way to capture the captivating beauty of the lofty mountains, arresting lakes, quaint valleys, and verdant landscapes than hot air ballooning? And the perfect place to experience it is Srinagar. On a hot air balloon, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the famous Dal Lake, and treat your senses to the beauty of the vast clear sky and gorgeous valley, completely away from the noise of a city. Slowly and gently the balloon ride takes you around in the sky and it lasts for 10 minutes and goes up to 28 to 38 feet. Each hot air balloon can accommodate 4 persons at a time. *Best time for hot air ballooning in Srinagar: April to October*
Gulmarg
Timings: 08:30 am - 10:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: 800 INR - 1000 INR
If you are a golf enthusiast, the Golf Course in Gulmarg is truly a paradise for you. It is a world-class 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1911 and is famed to be the world’s highest green golf course located at an altitude of 2,650 m. Its lush greenery, stunning surroundings of pine and chinar trees, snow-capped mountains and golfing opportunities make it a big hit with golf lovers who come here from across the globe. No wonder, it is known as one of the best summer golfing destinations in the world. Try your hand at golfing amidst sheer natural beauty!
Lidder, Sindh Doodh Ganga, Kishen Ganga, Sukhnag, Krishansar and Vishansar Lakes, Gangabal Lake and More
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Kashmir is often dubbed the angler's paradise. The glacial and snow-fed streams offer great options for fishing in Kashmir. Water bodies of all sizes and types in the region are well-stocked with Rainbow trout and German brown trout fishes, thus, anglers from around the world throng Kashmir. Around 61 beats are open for fishing & angling in Kashmir during the season. Each beat is about 3 to 4 kms long and is connected with a motorable road, except Vishansar and Gangabal lakes, as one has to trek to reach these destinations. For offering the best fishing and angling holiday, Jammu & Kashmir has many rivers and lakes. There are also several alpine lakes that offer an incredible experience of trout fishing.
Kashmir
Timings: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm
Cost per person per hour: ------
Shri Pratap Singh Museum, or SPS, as it is commonly known, is a major museum in Kashmir Valley which you should visit. It houses a rich collection of items which gives you a fair idea about its rich past, history and glorious past. The rich collection of the museum includes manuscripts, numismatic items, miniature paintings, armoury, weapons, furniture, musical instruments, carpets, textiles, sculptures and other objects.
Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri
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Cost per person per hour: 3500 INR - 4000 INR
Paragliding is an exhilarating outdoor activity that allows individuals to soar through the skies using a canopy similar to a parachute secured to a harness, that the pilot and the other participant wear. Although it’s a relatively novel activity in Kashmir, it’s rapidly winning the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The stunning mountain vistas and picturesque valleys of Kashmir offer an optimal setting for a memorable paragliding adventure. Another factor that makes paragliding in Kashmir a popular sport is; that people don’t need prior experience to do paragliding in Kashmir, they will be guided by an experienced co-pilot throughout the journey. Moreover, Paragliding in Kashmir is a spell-binding experience as the participants get a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscapes, sweeping vistas of the bustling cities, and the stunning alpine lakes in Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
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About 674 species of birds have been observed in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, but the checklist keeps expanding and changing every few years. The latest estimates suggest that the count of the bird species of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh could be as high as 715, which includes 31 globally threatened species and many exotic birds that draw in thousands of curious birders to North India birding trips every year. Each region has its own specialties. Orange Bulfinch, Kashmir Nutcracker, Kashmir Nuthatch, Spectacled Finch, Pink-browed Rosefinch and Black-and-yellow Grosbeak are some of the local beauties to chase while on a Kashmir birding tour. Whereas on a Ladakh birding trip, the prize catches are: Black-necked Crane (state bird of Jammu and Kashmir), Long-billed Bush Warbler (rarely sighted and you would be lucky to clap your eyes on one), Bar-headed Goose, Brown-headed Gull, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Tibetan Snowfinch and Mongolian Finch. A birding trip of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is best approached in phases. You may start either from Ladakh’s capital Leh, or from Kashmir’s heart, Srinagar. Srinagar is a bustling city, but the area around the Dal Lake throws up sights of Indian Golden Oriole, Eurasian Starling, or a Grey-winged Blackbird, and a stroll into the nearby woods reveals hundreds of Streaked Laughingthrushes, a few Rusty-tailed Flycatchers, fewer Brown-capped Woodpeckers or a rare Kashmir Flycatcher. The smart thing to do on a Kashmir birdwatching tour is to explore the places farther afield, like Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Padder Valley, Dachigam National Park, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Hokera Wetland and Wular Lake. Both Sonmarg and Gulmarg are popular tourist destinations of Kashmir, but the crowd here rarely gets in the way of an intrepid birder. Sonmarg abounds with Spectacled Finches and is known to yield Pink-browed Rosefinch, Himalayan Greenfinches, Eurasian Goldfinches, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Asian-brown Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, and – the best of all – Kashmir Nutcracker and Kashmir Nuthatch. Gulmarg features many of the aforementioned stunners along with an impressive cast of Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Snow Cock, Griffon Vulture, Kashmir Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Siberian Stonechat and Rufous-naped Tit. Padder Valley is a safe bet to see Orange Bulfinch, Rufous Breasted Accentor, and Brown-fronted Woodpecker, while Hokera Wetland hosts as many as 68 varieties of migratory waterfowl species from Siberia, China, Europe and Central Asia. For an up-close encounter with the wildlife of the Himalayas, we recommend Dachigam National Park, just 22 km off Srinagar, and home to about 150 resident and migratory bird species, such as the bearded vulture Lammergeier, Crimson Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Koklas Pheasant, Golden Eagle, Himalayan Rubythroat and a variety of babblers, woodpeckers, redstarts and wagtails. For more wildlife, one can do worse than head to the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, 70 km to the south of Srinagar and a thriving habitat of around 130 species of birds, including the Western Tragopan, Spotted Forktail, White-capped Redstart, and the handsome Himalayan Woodpecker. And to quench any further thirst for more Jammu and Kashmir birding, you can watch an impressive range of water birds and terrestrial birds at Wular Lake, a Ramsar site and one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
