Field notes
Best Things to Do in Kashmir: Top Experiences & Attractions
Kashmir is a union territory in northern India, with the Srinagar valley sitting at an elevation of 1,585 metres. The region covers alpine meadows, glacial lakes, Mughal-era gardens, and high-altitude ski slopes. If you are planning a trip and want to know the best things to do in Kashmir, this guide covers every major activity with duration, cost, and seasonal context so you can plan without guesswork.
What are the top things to do in Kashmir for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors to Kashmir should plan across five activity categories: lake experiences on Dal Lake, hill station visits to Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Mughal garden tours in Srinagar, high-altitude trekking, and cultural stops in the Old City. Each category suits different budgets and fitness levels.
The core draw for most travellers is Dal Lake and the surrounding Srinagar valley, which anchors the trip logistically. Most Kashmir itineraries run 5–7 nights, splitting time between Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Sonamarg works as a day trip from Srinagar. Cultural visits — Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Jama Masjid — fit into Srinagar days without extra travel. Trekking routes branch out from Pahalgam and Sonamarg, with difficulty ranging from easy meadow walks to multi-day high-altitude routes. The activity mix you choose depends largely on the season you travel.
What can you do on and around Dal Lake in Srinagar?
Dal Lake in Srinagar covers 18 sq km and offers Shikara rides, houseboat stays, a floating vegetable market, and island parks. Shikara rides run 1–2 hours from Ghat No. 1. Houseboat stays cost INR 2,500–12,000 per night depending on category and season.
Dal Lake is a glacial lake in Srinagar, measuring 18 sq km in area. The lake functions as both a transport corridor and a living neighbourhood, with floating gardens and market boats operating daily.
How much does a Shikara ride on Dal Lake cost?
A standard Shikara ride departs from Ghat No. 1 in Srinagar. The typical duration is 1–2 hours. Government-fixed rates start at INR 300–400 per hour for a shared boat. Private decorated Shikaras for couples or families cost INR 700–1,200 per hour. Always confirm the rate before boarding.
Is a houseboat stay on Dal Lake suitable for families?
Houseboat accommodation on Dal Lake is traditional cedar-wood floating lodging. Budget houseboats cost INR 2,500–4,000 per night. Deluxe and five-star category houseboats run INR 8,000–12,000 per night. Families with children can stay comfortably on mid-range or deluxe houseboats, which have attached bathrooms and dining rooms. Access to the houseboat is by Shikara from the main ghat.
The floating vegetable market on Dal Lake operates between 6am and 8am. Vendors row produce directly to buyers on the water. This is worth scheduling on your first Srinagar morning. Nehru Park, a small island on the lake, is reachable by Shikara and suits a short afternoon visit.
| Activity | Duration | Approx. Cost (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shikara ride | 1–2 hours | 300–1,200 | All travellers |
| Houseboat stay | 1–3 nights | 2,500–12,000 per night | Couples, families |
| Floating vegetable market visit | 1 hour | No entry fee | Early risers, photographers |
| Nehru Park island visit | 1–2 hours | 50–100 (Shikara fare) | Families, leisure travellers |
Related: For a detailed breakdown of houseboat categories and booking tips, see our Andaman tour packages page for reference on how we structure accommodation guides across destinations.
What activities does Gulmarg offer across different seasons?
Gulmarg is a hill station in Baramulla district at 2,650 metres elevation. It offers skiing from December to February, Gondola cable car rides year-round, trekking from May to September, meadow walks, and golf. The Gondola reaches 3,980 metres in phase 2, making it one of Asia's highest ropeways.
Gulmarg is a hill station in Baramulla district, sitting at 2,650 metres above sea level. The town is 56 km from Srinagar by road, a drive of roughly 1.5–2 hours.
How do you reach Gulmarg from Srinagar?
The route from Srinagar to Gulmarg runs via Tangmarg on NH-701. The distance is 56 km. Shared taxis from Srinagar's TRC ground cost INR 200–300 per seat. Private cabs cost INR 1,200–1,800 one way. The road is motorable from April to November. In winter, snow chains may be required beyond Tangmarg.
Which season is best for the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg Gondola cable car operates in two phases. Phase 1 runs from Gulmarg base to Kongdoori at 2,650 metres. Phase 2 continues from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak at 3,980 metres. Phase 1 tickets cost approximately INR 900 per adult. Phase 2 costs an additional INR 600. The Gondola runs year-round, but phase 2 closes during heavy snowfall or high winds. Summer (May–September) gives clear views and trekking access at the top. Winter (December–February) is for skiers and snowboarders.
The Gulmarg Gondola phase 2 reaches 3,980 metres, placing it among the highest operational cable cars in Asia. The ropeway was developed by J&K Cable Car Corporation and covers a vertical rise of approximately 1,400 metres across both phases. — J&K Tourism Development Corporation
| Activity | Best Season | Duration | Approx. Cost (INR) | Fitness Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gondola cable car (phase 1+2) | Year-round (weather permitting) | 2–3 hours | 1,500 per adult | Low |
| Skiing and snowboarding | December–February | Half or full day | 1,500–4,000 (equipment + slope) | Beginner to advanced |
| High-altitude trekking | May–September | 4–8 hours per day | 500–2,000 (guide fee) | Moderate to high |
| Meadow walk around Gulmarg | April–October | 1–3 hours | No fee | Low |
| Golf at Gulmarg Golf Course | May–October | 3–5 hours | 1,000–2,500 (green fee) | Low |
Gulmarg Golf Course at 2,650 metres is one of the highest golf courses in Asia and operates from May to October. The 18-hole course is maintained by the J&K Golf Development Authority.
Related: See our Andaman Adventure packages page to understand how we structure activity-based itineraries — a similar approach applies to Gulmarg winter trips.
What should you do in Pahalgam and the surrounding valleys?
Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district at 2,130 metres elevation. Key activities include visiting Betaab Valley (15 km away), trekking to Aru Valley (11 km), pony rides to Baisaran meadow (5 km), and Lidder River activities including trout fishing and white-water rafting at grade 2–3.
Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district, sitting at 2,130 metres above sea level. The town is 96 km from Srinagar, roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive. Pahalgam also serves as the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which runs from June to August each year.
How far is Betaab Valley from Pahalgam town?
Betaab Valley is a glacial valley located 15 km from Pahalgam town. The valley is named after the 1983 Bollywood film Betaab, which was shot here. Entry costs INR 30–50 per person. Local jeep taxis from Pahalgam charge INR 800–1,200 for the round trip. The valley is accessible from April to November.
Aru Valley sits 11 km from Pahalgam and is the main trekking base for routes toward Kolahoi Glacier. Baisaran meadow, 5 km from Pahalgam, is reachable by pony ride in 45–60 minutes. Lidder River runs through Pahalgam and supports trout fishing (permit required from J&K Fisheries Department) and white-water rafting at grade 2–3 difficulty.
Related: Getting Around Goa: Complete Transport Guide
Which historical and cultural sites are worth visiting in Srinagar?
Srinagar's main historical sites include three Mughal gardens built by Emperor Jahangir in 1619, the Shankaracharya Temple at 1,100 metres elevation, Jama Masjid built in 1394, and the Old City bazaars at Lal Chowk and Maharaj Gunj for Pashmina and dry fruits.
The Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are terraced gardens commissioned by Emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century. Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi are the three main gardens, all located on the eastern shore of Dal Lake.
What is the entry fee for Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh?
Nishat Bagh entry costs INR 24 for Indian adults and INR 100 for foreign nationals. Shalimar Bagh charges the same rate. Chashme Shahi has a nominal fee of INR 10–24. All three gardens open at 9am and close at 7pm in summer. Morning visits before 10am are less crowded.
Shankaracharya Temple sits on Shankaracharya Hill at 1,100 metres above Srinagar. The climb involves 243 steps from the road-end parking. The temple offers a direct view over Dal Lake and the Srinagar valley and is one of the oldest Hindu shrines in the region. Jama Masjid in the Old City was built in 1394 and is among the largest mosques in Kashmir. Lal Chowk and Maharaj Gunj are the main bazaars for Pashmina shawls, saffron, and Kashmiri dry fruits.
What is the best time to visit Kashmir for outdoor activities?
Kashmir has four distinct travel seasons. Spring (March–May) suits garden visits and tulip viewing at 10–20°C. Summer (June–August) is best for trekking and Sonamarg. Autumn (September–November) brings chinar foliage at 8–18°C. Winter (December–February) is for skiing at Gulmarg with heavy snowfall.
Spring is the peak season for the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, which blooms from late March to mid-April. April to June and September to October are the two windows when temperatures stay between 10–25°C, making these months suitable for most outdoor activities. Summer months see higher rainfall in the valley but remain the best window for Sonamarg and high-altitude treks. Autumn brings dry weather and the colour change of chinar trees across Srinagar. Winter travel suits skiers and travellers comfortable with sub-zero temperatures at Gulmarg.
Related: Best Time to Visit Goa: Month-by-Month Season Guide
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Tripstor's Kashmir itineraries cover Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg with fixed departure dates and customised private options. Our consultants handle houseboat bookings, Gondola tickets, and valley transfers. Call us to build an itinerary that matches your travel dates and group size.
For package booking assistance, call us at +91 98253 43323