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Gulmarg Gondola cabins above a pine forest

Things to Do in Kashmir

Experiences for every season

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Quick answer: The ten best things to do in Kashmir are a Shikara ride and a houseboat night on Dal Lake, the Gulmarg Gondola, the Mughal gardens, the spring Tulip Garden, rafting in Pahalgam or Sonamarg, skiing in Gulmarg in winter, a trek or camp, a pony ride to the meadows, and a Wazwan meal.
Gondola rideSkiingRiver raftingTrekkingCampingHorse ridingGolfingHot-air ballooning

Ride a Shikara on Dal Lake

A one-hour Shikara ride at sunset is the classic Srinagar experience: past floating gardens, Char Chinar island and the lake's handicraft boats. Most of our packages include one. Go early in the morning instead if you want to see the floating vegetable market.

Floating vegetable market on Dal Lake at sunrise

Spend a night on a houseboat

Carved walnut-wood interiors, Kahwa on the deck and the lake right outside your window. One night is enough for most people, and it works best on your first or last night. Read more in our Srinagar guide.

Carved wooden houseboat reflected in calm water on Dal Lake

Ride the Gulmarg Gondola

One of the highest cable cars in the world. Phase 1 climbs to Kongdoori; Phase 2 continues to Apharwat, where there's snow for much of the year. Book tickets on the J&K Cable Car Corporation site; Phase 2 closes in strong wind.

Gondola above snowy ski slopes in Gulmarg

Walk the Mughal gardens

Shalimar, Nishat and Chashme Shahi are terraced 17th-century gardens with fountains and chinar trees. Visit in the late afternoon, then watch sunset from Pari Mahal above the lake.

Chinar trees in autumn colours along a Mughal garden water channel

See the Tulip Garden in spring

For a few weeks from late March to April, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar fills with tulips of many varieties. Dates depend on the weather each year, so check before you book.

Rows of tulips in bloom

Go river rafting

The Lidder in Pahalgam and the Sindh at Sonamarg have easy-to-moderate stretches, usually run from late spring to early autumn. Operators provide life jackets and helmets; ask about the grade before you get in.

River meadow below snowy peaks at Sonamarg

Try skiing or a sledge ride in Gulmarg

From December to March, Gulmarg has beginner slopes with instructors for hire and long runs from Apharwat for experienced skiers. Non-skiers can take a sledge ride or simply enjoy the snow. See our Kashmir winter tour package.

Camp or trek in the mountains

Pahalgam is the base for treks to Aru and beyond; Sonamarg is the start of the Kashmir Great Lakes route. Even a short day hike in the meadows is worth it in summer.

Ride a pony to the meadows

Baisaran near Pahalgam and Thajiwas Glacier at Sonamarg are popular by pony. Agree the route and price before you set off, and check whether the union taxi is needed first.

Eat your way through Kashmiri food

Try a Wazwan meal (Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, Yakhni), Kahwa tea, Noon Chai with local bread in the morning, and Harissa in winter. Ask your driver where locals eat; they always know.

What to do in each season

  • Spring (March–May): Tulip Garden, almond blossom, Shikara rides, Mughal gardens
  • Summer (June–August): Gondola, treks, rafting, Sonamarg and Gurez
  • Autumn (September–November): chinar colours, apple and saffron harvests, local crafts
  • Winter (December–February): skiing, snow play, frozen waterfalls, winter photography

For details, see our best time to visit Kashmir guide.

Official information: J&K Department of Tourism

More Things to Do in Kashmir

Gondola rides, Shikaras, houseboats, skiing, rafting, food, shopping, treks and honeymoon ideas.

Plan Your Kashmir Trip