Things to Do in Kashmir: Experiences Worth Planning Around

The experiences most worth planning around in Kashmir are a night on a Dal Lake houseboat, a shikara ride at sunrise, the Mughal gardens of Srinagar, the Gulmarg gondola and the valleys of Pahalgam and Sonamarg. With a week, base yourself in Srinagar and Pahalgam or Gulmarg, and add one experience a day.

Kashmir is about landscapes, lakes and hospitality, best enjoyed without rushing. This guide groups 16 experiences by place and type and explains who each one suits, so you can build a balanced trip. Pair it with our 7-day Kashmir itinerary and Kashmir cost guide.

At a glance

Srinagar

1. A houseboat night. Carved wooden houseboats on Dal or Nigeen Lake, with Kashmiri meals on board.

2. A sunrise shikara ride. Glide to the floating vegetable market and past lotus gardens at dawn.

3. The Mughal gardens. Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi, terraced gardens facing the lake.

4. The old city. Jamia Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula and the lanes of downtown Srinagar with a guide.

5. The tulip garden. Asia's largest tulip garden, open for a few weeks in spring.

Gulmarg

6. The Gulmarg gondola. Two phases up towards Apharwat; snow for much of the year at the top.

7. Skiing and snow play. Lessons and slopes for beginners and experienced skiers in winter.

8. Meadow walks. Flower-filled meadows and pine forests in summer.

Pahalgam

9. Betaab and Aru valleys. Green valleys reached by local union cabs.

10. The Lidder river. Riverside walks and, in season, rafting.

11. Pony rides. Fixed-rate rides to viewpoints; agree the route first.

Sonamarg and beyond

12. Sonamarg and Thajiwas Glacier. Meadows and a glacier walk or pony ride.

13. Doodhpathri. Quiet meadows and streams about two hours from Srinagar.

14. Yusmarg. Forests and meadows away from the crowds.

15. Saffron fields of Pampore. Purple crocus fields in autumn, on the way to Pahalgam.

16. Gurez and Ladakh. For longer trips, remote valleys or the road to Leh in summer.

Choosing a houseboat

Houseboats range from simple to deluxe, graded by the tourism department. Nigeen Lake is quieter than Dal Lake. Meals are usually included, and the owners can arrange shikara rides and shopping visits. Check whether the boat is reached by shikara or a walkway if travelling with parents.

Food experiences

A wazwan feast, with dishes such as rogan josh and gushtaba, is the signature of Kashmiri hospitality. Vegetarians can enjoy dum aloo, haak, nadru (lotus stem) and rajma. Kahwa, a saffron-and-almond green tea, and bakery breads are daily pleasures. Our Kashmir's Culinary Trails and Traditions explores the food.

Crafts and shopping

Pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché, walnut-wood carving and saffron are Kashmir's crafts. Buy from government emporiums or trusted shops, and ask for certification for pashmina and carpets.

In winter

From December to February, Gulmarg is snow-covered for skiing and snow play, and Srinagar has a quiet beauty. Pack warm clothing and check road and flight conditions.

In spring

March to May brings the tulip garden, almond blossoms at Badamwari and fresh green meadows. It is one of the busiest seasons.

In summer

June to August is ideal for meadows, treks and the Sonamarg road to Ladakh. It is also the busiest time for Indian families.

In autumn

October and November bring golden chinar leaves, saffron harvests and clear skies, with fewer visitors.

Treks and walks

Kashmir has treks for every level, from short walks in Pahalgam and Gulmarg to the Great Lakes trek. Use registered guides and check permits and conditions.

What you can safely skip

You do not need to visit every valley. Two bases and a day trip to Sonamarg are enough for a week.

Getting between experiences

A car and driver links the valleys, with local union cabs at some points. Srinagar to Gulmarg is about two hours and to Pahalgam about two and a half to three.

Free and low-cost experiences

Lakeside walks along the Boulevard, the Mughal gardens and the old city cost little.

Best views

Dal Lake at sunrise, Gulmarg from the gondola and the Lidder valley in Pahalgam are classic photographs. Ask before photographing people.

Etiquette

Dress modestly, especially at shrines, and ask before photographing people. Remove shoes where indicated.

Phones and payments

Prepaid SIMs from outside the region generally do not work; carry a postpaid connection. Carry cash for ponies and local cabs.

A day in Sonamarg

Sonamarg, the meadow of gold, lies about two and a half to three hours from Srinagar along the Sindh river. Ponies or local vehicles take visitors towards the Thajiwas Glacier. In summer, it is the gateway to the Zoji La and Ladakh.

More of Srinagar

Beyond the lake, Srinagar rewards an unhurried day. The Hazratbal shrine on the lake's northern shore, the Pari Mahal terraces with views over Dal Lake, the Shankaracharya Temple on its hill and the Botanical Garden each add something. The Boulevard is pleasant for an evening walk, and the floating market at dawn is a sight few other places offer. Allow two nights in Srinagar at the start or end of the trip.

More of Pahalgam

Pahalgam sits where two rivers meet, surrounded by pine forest. Besides Aru and Betaab valleys, Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra route in summer, and riverside walks and fishing for trout (with permits) are popular. Stay at least two nights to enjoy the valley at a slower pace, and ask locally which points are open.

More of Gulmarg

Gulmarg's gondola is the main draw, but the meadow itself is worth time: the old church of St Mary's, short walks to Khilanmarg in summer and the views of Nanga Parbat on clear days. In winter, the snow attracts skiers and families alike; equipment and instructors can be hired locally.

How to choose

With a week, combine Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, as in our Enchanting Kashmir Sojourn.

For families and parents

Children enjoy shikaras and ponies; parents may prefer the first gondola phase and fewer hotel changes.

For couples

Couples often favour a deluxe houseboat, Pahalgam's riverside and autumn colours.

Practical tips

Check advisories, carry ID and allow buffer time for weather. Read our Kashmir planning guide for more.

A BagPackerMe planner can choose and plan these experiences privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the one thing not to miss in Kashmir?

For most first-time visitors, a night on a Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake houseboat and an early-morning shikara ride to the floating vegetable market.

Which Kashmir experiences suit families?

Children usually enjoy shikara rides, pony rides in Pahalgam, the first phase of the Gulmarg gondola and snow in winter. Parents may prefer the gentler valleys and shorter drives.

When are the tulips in bloom?

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar usually opens for a few weeks from late March to April, depending on the season. Check the dates each year.

Is it safe to visit Kashmir?

Kashmir receives many visitors, but conditions can change. Check official advisories before travelling, follow local guidance and use reliable local drivers and guides.