Things to do in Kashmir

When you Travel to Kashmir valley by land or Air you will see it is surrounded by Himalayan range mountains from all sides. It is a world famous place for many good things. For each and everyone Kashmir  has things to offer be it in cuisines , souvenirs , adventure  or leisure.  There are many and  abundant things Kashmir has to offer.

There is a bunch of things that you can do while you are in Kashmir , To make it easier we have divided the things in sections.

Activities in My Kashmir

Because kashmir has Winter and Summer season so the activities, places, cuisines all change in taste and color. All these changes set Kashmir apart and make it  magnificent. There are both Summer activities in Kashmir  and Winter activities in Kashmir to entertain all of the guests. Summer activities start from May onwards till November. And then winter engulfs from November till April. 

Summer activities to do in Kashmir

  1. Sightseeing’s Srinagar : Mughal gardens, Tulip garden, Botanical garden , Cheshama-Shahi, Pari-Mahal, Raj Bhavan, S.P.S. Museum , old-city , Floating Garden Dal Lake , Lotus Garden Dal Lake.
  2. Visiting famous tourist destinations : Gulmarg , Sonmarg , Pahlagam , Doodhpathri , Yousmarg.
  3. Off Beat destinations : Aharbal, Chattpal , Bangus Valley , Khag Valley , Gurez Valley.
  4. Trekking & Camping:  Great Lakes trekk, Tarsar Marsar lake trekk, Ganngbal Lake , Trekk. 
  5. Adventure activities : Rafting , Para Gliding , Pony rides , Horse rides , ATV rides, Jungle Safari , Gondola Cable Car, Glamping, Hot Air Baloon , Aero Baloon.
  6. Water Sporting activities : Shikara ride , Water Skating , Jet Skiing , Motor Boating , Water Cruising , Swimming , Angling , Fishing .
  7. Sporting activities : Golfing .
  8. Wildlife activities :  Dachigam National Park , Pahalgam Zoo , Bird Watching at Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake.
  9. Shopping : Souvenirs , handicraft materials , Shawls, Pashmina, Dry Fruits .

In Kashmir after the onset of winter activities like trekking and off beat places are stopped because snow cuts of the small narrow passes at high altitudes. Much of water sporting activities in Kashmir are also stopped in winter as temperature goes  sub-zero sometimes to negative 10 degrees Celsius freezing the whole water body like Dal Lake. But with winter comes the snow and brings joy for snow lovers and opens door for snow activities in Kashmir. 

Winter activities for Kashmir

  1. Sightseeing’s Srinagar : Mughal gardens, Cheshama-Shahi, Pari-Mahal, Raj Bhavan. SPS Museum, Old City
  2. Visiting major tourist destinations : Gulmarg , Sonmarg , Pahlagam , Doodhpathri , Yousmarg.
  3. Water Sporting activities : Shikara ride ,  Motor Boating ,Angling 
  4. Adventure activities : Pony rides , Horse rides , ATV rides, Gondola Cable Car,
  5. Snow sports : Chained Jeep safari , Ice-Skating , Snow boarding , Ice-Hockey , Skiing , Sledges
  6. Wildlife activities :  Dachigam National Park , Pahalgam Zoo .
  7. Shopping : Souvenirs , handicraft materials , Shawls, Pashmina, Dry Fruits 

Things to eat while in Kashmir

In the Culture of Kashmir , Wazwan is the crown which is available throughout the year but there are  special cuisines for Winter and Summer. In Summer the delicacies of Kashmir keep you cold and in Winter it gives you heat to keep warm.

Summer dishes and delicacies of Kashmir

  1. Matka Kulfi
  2. Nadur  (Lotus Stem) and Fish
  3. Monjji Haak

Winter dishes and delicacies of Kashmir

  1. Harrisa
  2. Razma Daal and Turnip
  3. Karela Meat 

Spiritual places to be while in Kashmir

Kashmir is the abode of saints be it from any religion. Some of the famous places are spiritual and historical in nature dating back from 1100 BC. Its hard to mention all of them together but some of the famous are compiled below. 

Temples

  1. Amarnath-Ji
  2. Shankar Acharya Mandir
  3. Zeesta Devi Mandir
  4. Ganpatyar Mandir
  5. Durga Nag Mandir

Shrines

  1. Khankah-e Moula
  2. Dastgeer sahab
  3. Meer Shamas Deen 
  4. Baba reshi
  5. Ashhmuqaam

Gurdwara

  1. Chatti Patshahi
  2. Surduwara Sigh Saba
  3.  Kalginder Sahib
  4. Guru Nanak Dev ji
  5. Jora Garr

Church

  1. Holy Family Catholic Church
  2. St.Luke’s church
  3. Saint Marry’s garrison Church
  4. Holy Family Pastoral Church
  5. St. Josephs Catholic church.