While for the rest of the wanderers, Kashmir is a dewdrop in the ocean of otherwise monotony, for rest, this gorgeous piece of land is an opportunity to explore the adventure bug residing in them!
If you are looking forward to feeding your adventure bug, get ready for some of the amazing sports, thrilling treks, and exhilarating activities that will get you packing your stuff as soon as you complete reading this piece!
- Trekking – make your way through the wilderness:
While there is an array of adventure things to do in Kashmir, there is one activity that one certainly cannot miss here! Indulge in exciting trekking trails, trek through the snow-kissed mountain ranges, make your way through streaming waterfalls, ascend and descend through luxuriant valleys, and stay captivated by the stunning landscapes of this region.
Treks in Kashmir are well-known among trekkers from all over the globe. Some treks can be undertaken only in summer as compared to rest which provides a joyous experience only in winters. Thus, it might not be wrong to honor this place as the ‘Trek Capital of India’.
- Skiing – slide, tumble, balance on the thick blanket of snow:
Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Thanjiwas glaciers in Sonmarg Valley are well acclaimed for the idyllic conditions that make them ideal for skiing enthusiasts. Annually, several national, as well as international skiing competitions, are organized to arouse traveler’s interest in the provided adventure activities in Kashmir.
Whether you are an amateur or an expert, you will always find these places provoking the adventure bug in you! Also to add here, novice skiers, can learn basic tips and tricks of skiing in any of the skiing training camps within these regions.
- Mountain Biking – ride through the rugged terrains of Leh-Ladakh:
Adventure comes in different forms and ways! While some find trekking as the best way to pump up their adrenaline, others find the thrill in mountain biking in Kashmir! And for these adventure junkies, no other destinations can satiate their yearnings like Leh-Ladakh can!
Known for its rugged and challenging terrains, mountain biking in the Leh-Ladakh region is one of the best adventure things to do in Kashmir. The fascinating slopes, tricky trails, the enchanting beauty around, and the thrill quotient in these valleys make mountain biking an amazing and must-have experience in Kashmir.
- Paragliding – embark on your wings of adventure:
Sonamarg is undoubtedly one of the best adventure destinations that provide visitors with an array of thrilling experiences in Kashmir! This is the place to fulfill your dreams of gliding through the clear blue sky, enjoying the mesmeric beauty of the enchanting valleys, and giving wings to the childhood dream of flying like birds!
With an increase in Kashmir adventure tour packages in the recent years, the state has put extra efforts on glorifying these adventure sports by providing all the required amenities such as accommodation and meal facilities to allure people from all over the world for this enticing sport.
- Fishing – a taste of the real holiday life:
With an array of cascading streams, waterfalls, lakes, and streams, Kashmir has become one of the best places to sit and relax on the banks of gushing water bodies. Winter adventure in Kashmir might keep the cash registers ringing, but activities like angling and fishing keep the visitors elated throughout their trip here.
It might be surprising for a lot, but apart from Shikharas, Dal Lake also provides fishing opportunities to wandering tourists. The water bodies here are rich in trout; owing to this, the state tourism industry permits people to take and enjoy their catch. However, a government permit is still allowed before indulging in this adventure activity in Kashmir.
- Rafting – balance yourself over the raging waves:
Perennial river sources that originate from glaciers provide idyllic conditions for rafting. Visit the Ladakh region of the state, and hop onto your raft to challenge and cruise through the gruesome rapids of the Zanskar River!
Get your drenched while struggling to keep your raft balanced! Feel the splashes when the rapids break down against your face and pump up your adrenaline! Believe it or not, once you step into the freezing water of the Zanskar River, you will get infected with its thrill and allurement!
- Wildlife Spotting – the land where the wild cats roam freely:
Hemis National Park; one of the most stunning national parks in India, serves as the natural home to the charismatic Snow Leopards! It is in this wildlife-reserved area, that you can spot these full-of-life species and have a tryst with them.
Whether you are a nature lover, an avid shutterbug, or an adventure junky, a visit to the Hemis National Park is a must for you. During your visit to this park, you can also spot other exotic and endangered wildlife species like Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Marmot, Red Fox, Musk Deer, Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Lammergeyers, and MonalPheasants which are some of the native species of the region.
8. Ice Skating – slide your way through the snow blanket:
For snow lovers, no other destination can beat the charm and allurement of Kashmir! Known for some of the most enthralling and adventurous activities, this paradise on earth also offers livelier options to ice skating enthusiasts!
During your Kashmir visit, make it to tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Yusmarg. In addition to admiring and embracing their celestial beauty, you will also get ample of opportunities to glide over the fascinating layers of ice and satiate the adventure bug in you!
9. Horse Riding – witness the serene landscapes accompanying you:
There is no better way to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir than the locals do! To overcome and access the rugged terrains, the locals rely on horses and continue with their daily activities.
On your next visit to this magical state, do not miss the opportunity to traverse the stunning valleys and their hidden corners while riding on horseback. Enjoy the serenity that exists in these valleys, discover some of the remote villages, and add another achievement to your bucket list of adventure things to do in Kashmir.
10. Mountaineering – scale the heights and beat your fear:
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan Ranges, Jammu and Kashmir offers a series of fascinating mountain ranges that require ardent skills and technique to conquer! To name a few, there are challenging ranges like Harmukh, Tattakutti, Sunset, and Kolahoi in Kashmir Valley; White Needle, Z-1, Z-8, Bobang, Nun – Kun of Zanskar Range and Stok Kangri and several others.
Embark on a voyage to conquer these towering mountains, get soaked in the fun, thrill, and excitement of scaling them, and beat the fear out of you!
