Things to do in Kashmir – A Poetry of Nature

Kashmiris not just a land of beauty, it is a land of heaven.  Over years and centuries rolled on; Kashmir has always been an inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is paradise; a nature lover’s wonderland and a travelers dream come true. The nature over there gives more peace of mind and the positive energy in oneself, it makes you feel fresh. As truly a by famous Persian poet Amir Khusro said - “Gar firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hamin asto, hamin ast.” “If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here.”

Penning down only few things to do in Kashmir was very difficult for me as every second you spend here is a memory. But since everyone insists on small articles, here are few,

1. A Shikara ride in Dal Lake

Isn’t this the first thing that comes to mind when you even think of Kashmir. Yes it is the most memorable thing to do when you are here. Take a tour in the dal lake, take a longer tour, ask the shikara pilot to sail you to the important points in Srinagar. No smoke or sound of the vehicles, no high-pitched angry crowd, nothing. Just the soft sound of the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water and the touch of the cold water as you trail your hand on the surface of the lake. Avoid seeing Srinagar by car. A shikara ride is what you will remember all your life.

2. Relish Delicious Kashmiri food - Wazwan

We all have heard about the Kashmiri Kahwa (tea) and Mutton Rogan Josh. But the cuisine has many more sumptuous dishes. These include Nadroo Yakhni (yogurt based Kashmiri curry with lotus stems), Paneer Chaman (fried paneer simmered in tomato sauce and flavored with spices & fennel seeds powder), Dum Aloo, Matschgand (minced meatballs cooked in spicy red gravy), and Gushtaba (minced mutton cooked in flavorful yogurt gravy and spices).

3. Visit the many tourist attractions in Kashmir

It is endless, bee it a family tour, honeymoon, or an outing with friends, no one would want to miss the beautiful attractions of Kashmir. Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg are the most popular ones. Heading to explore these cities is one of the most popular things to do in Kashmir. To be true, in Kashmir wherever you see is a sight to behold. You do not need a specific tourist point. Among the best - Dal Lake, Nehru Park, Floating Post Office, Shankaracharya Hill Temple, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin’s mother, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Hari Parbat Fort are the key attractions of Srinagar and such are many attractions in Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam too.

4. Spend night in a houseboat

Gul Gulshan Gulfam – an old Tv show but still so fresh in our hearts. Spending a night at the houseboat docked at the Dal Lake jetty is also among the top things to do in Kashmir. Be it honeymooners, families, or solo travelers; a night stay at one of the houseboats in Srinagar is something that you simply can not miss. Book it from any good website to get a good deal. Enjoy the luxury of house boat and sip hot kahawa overlooking the serene lake.

5. Go for a ‘Gondola’ cable car ride

Not everyone can trek a mountain peak. But not a single one wants to miss going on a peak either. And why not, when we have amazing gondolas here. Tourists prefer to travel via cable car to enjoy the best views of the snowcapped mountains. It takes you the most beautiful place with no efforts. Do take these rides in three phases.

·       Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori

·       Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak

·       Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder [Chair Lift]

6. Lidder River Rafting

You can go rafting near Sonamarg as well. However, the white water rafting in the Lidder river in Pahalgam is more famous. The rapids here are easy or moderate, which implies that rafting in Kashmir is not very difficult. 

7. Paraglide over the majestic valleys of Kashmir

The majestic beautiful valley beneath is a sight to behold. The unique view of the green valleys makes paragliding one of the most thrilling things to do in Kashmir. Paragliding options are available in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, and Harwan (Srinagar). Of these, paragliding in Harwan is most easily accessible as it lies on the route of the tour of the Grand Mughal Gardens. Don’t miss tis when in Kashmir.

8. Kashmiri Shopping

Other than antiques and other souvenirs. Tourists here can shop for exquisite Kashmiri handlooms and Pashmina shawls, antique copperware like samovars, Namda hand-woven carpets, local garments called Ferins, and expensive Doda Sapphire. You can also shop while taking a Shikara ride, Just reach there, market will come to you while sailing.

9. Ride a Pony

A short pony ride in the beautiful valleys is another interesting thing to do in Kashmir. Pony rides in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg are very popular. If you do not wish to take pony everywhere and prefer trekking hills, take a pony ride at any one location just to experience the joy.

10.  Morning walk in Old Srinagar

Listen to the stories of majestic Kashmir from the old structures. With some structures over 4 centuries old and 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. We suggest morning walks daily for good memories when in Srinagar.

11. Admire some amazing Buddhist monasteries

Didn’t you know that some of the finest monasteries are in Kashmir too?. The Buddhist monasteries are the rarest gems of Jammu Kashmir tourism. An exploration of these Gompas is one of the most religious things to do in Jammu and Kashmir.

12. Trek the hills

There are short treks and hikes that tourists can take in the valleys of Kashmir. There are many high altitude alpine lakes in Kashmir, such as Vishansar Lake, Tarsar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Alpather Lake, and Satsar Lake. Since these beautiful lakes can only be accessed after scaling the hills, trekking has become one of the best things to do in Kashmir for the nature lovers and adventure seekers. Show your energy guys, trek here.

13. Jump high on the snow with skiing and snowboarding

Summers in Kashmir are beautiful and so are winters, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg are entirely covered in snow. And this open ups an opportunity for the winter sports. Snowboarding and skiing are the best things to do in Kashmir during winters, Adventure seekers can also take a beginner level ski course at Pahalgam

14. Sip the Kahmiri Kahawa wherever possible

Though local will guide you to the best place where you can get Kashmiri kahawas. But we suggest you to sip it wherever possible. They are nice everywhere. Buy a Kashmiri Kahawa every 3 hours and sip it while cherishing the beauty of heaven. It is good for your health and lovely for your taste buds too.  

Some places are traveled, some are explored, and some are lived. But Kashmir must be felt.