Top Adventure Activities to do in Jammu & Kashmir
There are quite several places in the world with breathtaking natural beauty, and Jammu Kashmir is one of them. The beauty and allure of Kashmir are such that it will leave you with lasting memories. Some tourist considers Kashmir to be a heaven on earth, but there is more to do than just feed your eyes with its beauty and there are more than a dozen things that you can do while visiting.
There are so many fun and amazing things to do in Kashmir that you will need more than one lifetime to do them all. But, regardless of how long you are staying in Kashmir, you will have one of the best experiences of your life.
This article features the top adventure activities to do in Kashmir including detailed information to help you plan your holiday.
Top Adventure Things to do in Kashmir
Kashmir is full of things to do and see, and that is why it is a favorite holiday destination. If you are looking to take a break from regular tours and rides, and things that are off the beaten path, then you should check out our list of adventure things to do.
1. Rafting
If you have ever wondered what river rafting feels like, then Kashmir offers you the opportunity to experience it firsthand. The Lidder River offers the perfect spot for your rafting adventure. Rafting on the White River promises to give you that adrenaline rush that you seek in Kashmir. The river rapids are quite moderate, so you do not need to be a pro rafter to explore it and enjoy the adventure. There are other rivers where you can go rafting, but the white water in the Lidder River located in Pahalgam is the most popular river for adventure seekers. There are safety instructions that you must adhere to, also, teamwork plays an important role in having a successful run.
Rafting Details
- Short Lidder River Rafting: 3 km (Pahalgam) | Yarganpal to Yaneed Bridge | Grades II & III
- Medium Sindh River Rafting: 8 km (Sonamarg) | Mamar to Satrun Margund | Grades II, III, & IV
- Long Sindh River Rafting: 28 km (Sonamarg) | Mamar to Wayul Bridge | Grades II, III, & IV
Suggested Tour : 4 Days - Srinagar Tour
2. Paragliding
Another popular adventure thing to do in Kashmir is paragliding. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then this something that you will love to try. The beautiful valley beneath you as you glide is truly a sight to behold. The view of the green valleys is unique in every way that you can think of, which is one of the reasons why paragliding is a thrilling adventure. There options available to adventure seekers in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sansar, Bhaderwah, and Harwan. The most easily accessible paragliding spot is Harwan as it is located on the route of the Grand Mughla Gardens tour.
Tip: Also try hot air ballooning and paragliding at Sanasar.
3. Trekking
With beautiful mountain ranges covering the landscape of Kashmir, it comes as no surprise that trekking is one of the most popular adventure activities to do in Kashmir. However, trekking in Ladakh is more famous because of its majestic beauty. You can engage in short treks and hikes that will equally expose you to the beauty of the valleys of Kashmir. You will discover that Kashmir has many high altitude alpine lakes, such as Tarsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Satsar Lake, Alpather Lake, and Gadsar Lake.
Tourists can only see the lakes after scaling several meters of hills, which is one of the main attractions of trekking and hiking. This is an adventure seeker's heaven. No matter how long you hike the hills of Kashmir, the most rewarding moment of the expedition getting to the peak and soaking in the view from the top.
Tip : Wear comfortable footwear design for hiking and trekking, layer-up with sunscreen, and carry enough water to drink.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding
Since Kashmir is a cold region with mountains with snow-caps and cold river streams, one can expect to find many spots where you can ski and snowboard. The best time to enjoy the best Kashmir has to offer in terms of skiing and snowboarding is in the winter season. So, if you are visiting Kashmir in winter, this is one of the best adventure things that you can do. Areas including Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg are entirely covered in snow at the onset of the winter season. This provides the perfect opportunity for winter sports. You will find many teams of adrenaline junkies looking to take on the snowy slopes.
Additional information
- Skiing Organizers: Powerhounds (Gulmarg) | Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (Pahalgam)
- Take a beginner level ski course at Pahalgam
Cost per Person : INR 5,600 onwards*
Dates : 30th January to 2nd February and 5th February to 8th February
*Package inclusive of an instructor, skiing dress, food, equipment, and stay
Suggested Tour : 5 Days - Kashmir Tour
5. Mountain Biking
If you have ever imagined what it might feel like exploring the valleys, rivers, and snow-capped mountains on a bike, there may not be a better location to experience this thrilling fun than Kashmir and Jammu. The location has the perfect scenery and terrain that is ideal for a thrilling mountain biking adventure. If you prefer to have less rocky rides, then the Kashmir valleys are a perfect spot, but if an off-road experience is what you are looking for, then Ladakh offers the ideal rugged terrain.
The best part about mountain biking in Kashmir is that you will also get to engage in some trekking during your cycling expedition, adding more thrill to the experience. There are several cycling routes including Srinagar to Sonamarg, Sonamarg to Manasbal lake, Srinagar to Gulmarg, Gulmarg to Pahalgam and Pahalgam to Srinagar.
Tip : if you want to take it a step further to the Himalayas, take the Srinagar – Leh highway that passes through the mountains.
6. Hot Air Ballooning
There are several options when it comes to adventure activities in Kashmir, and these are not limited to land and water. There is always more to do, including enjoying a view of the entire vastness of land and scenery of the region from the clouds in a hot air balloon. This adventure activity is gaining popularity and demand like paragliding.
The best part about hot air ballooning is the view of the lush-green landscape – floral hills, snow-covered maintains, deep valleys, white rushing streams, and the slope-roofed houses from the top. You will want to come back to try it again or even extend your stay. Suru and Zanskar are two of the most popular spots for hot air ballooning. The hot air balloons will take you as high as 3,000 feet above the ground and lasts for up to 2 hours. This activity is open all-year-round but is best around the winter months.
7. Golfing At Pahalgam
One of the top activities to do in Kashmir is golfing at Pahalgam. The localities call the city 9 hole golf course 'plateau' and is known for various reasons like an array of facilities, scenic beauty and high altitude. To play the games at Pahalgam you will be charged on an hourly basis. The Pahalgam golf course is surrounded by places with stunning and scenic photo opportunities. Whether you are a pro golfer or a beginner, this is a great spot to get clicked to while on holiday in Kashmir.
8. Camel Safari in Ladakh
Among the dozen activities that you can do in Kashmir, camel safaris in Ladakh is a top choice for many tourists visiting the region. Ladakh is famous for its teeming population of double hump Bactrian camels. The Ladakh Safari commences from Hundar Village in Nubra valley to Diskit and ends at Panamic village. This could be an experience of a lifetime for many tourists, as riding on the back of a double hump Bactrian camel is not something that you get to do in many places across the globe. If you are visiting Ladakh during your stay in Kashmir, add camel safari to your list of adventure activities to do. July to December is the best time to do the camel safari.
Ride Details
Fee: INR 500 for an hour (it takes about two hours for the ride to complete)
9. Camping
Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh feature numerous spots for trekking and hiking, which is one of the major reasons why there is a lot of camping activities going on around these areas. Camping in Kashmir allows tourists to soak in the ambience of the region. Pahalgam makes the perfect destination for campers. Other areas including the remote valleys of Daksum, Karnah, and Chatpal are interesting places to go camping.
