Top Thrilling Adventure Activities in Kashmir
Known as the “Paradise on Earth”, Kashmir is known for its creeping glaciers, dazzling meadows, icy mountains, silver lakes that turn golden at the turn of dawn, and its crystal blue water. In the summer, tourists and locals alike are privy to the stunning Chinar trees, whilst the winter turns into mesmerizing Winterland, with white landscape and soft snowflakes falling on the stunning vistas is a sight to swoon over. All of these elements combined make for a great time to enjoy the several adventure activities in Kashmir, open to all skill levels and gradients of experience. This means that regardless of whether or not you have one day or five to fill with action-packed adventure, you’re bound to find something that is to your liking. Whether that be a spot of horse riding, cable car ride, trekking, or river rafting in Kashmir, you will find an activity to be a part of. Top Adventure Activities in Kashmir Kashmir is not just about the sights. If you are one of those travelers who’s always on the lookout for outdoor activities that give an adrenaline rush, here is a quick list of adventure activities in Kashmir that can fulfill your wishes. River Rafting Fishing Trekking Camping Mountain Biking Bird Watching Golfing Skiing Paragliding Hot air balloon 01. River Rafting Image Source: Loren Dosti via Unsplash Serving as a hotspot for rafting in Northern India, Kashmir is a popular destination during the monsoon. The rivers in Kashmir offer more than a pleasurable sight, including all the adventure ingredients to attract a large crowd of adventure enthusiasts looking for an activity-oriented vacation in Kashmir. River rafting in Kashmir has become one of the most loved water sports in Kashmir. It swiftly moves over the lush green valley, which makes the goose bump travel challenging and screeching. River rafting in Kashmir mostly flaps against white water rafting ranging from Grade I to III but one can also try Grade IV rafting in some spots. Where: Lider River, Sindh River When: July to September 02. Fishing/Angling Image Source: Chris Abney via Unsplash Rightly referred to as the angler’s paradise as well, Kashmir holds a network of glacier-covered streams and rivers and high-altitude lakes that are home to an abundant population of trout. Trout fishing at either Pahalgam or Sonmarg can prove a serene experience where you relax, sit patiently while peacefully listening to nature’s sound, and resonate with the chirping sound of birds. There are many pristine lakes and rivers where you can see people engaged in this interesting activity. Where: Dal Lake, Lidder River, Sindh River, Gangabal Lale. When: May to October 03. Trekking Image Source: Toomas Tartes via Unsplash Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Kashmir is a great spot where you can fully embrace the nomad lifestyle for a few days as you trek and hike across the lakes and mountains. Trekking in Kashmir is a great and thrilling way to witness the breathtaking grandeur of this, including its meadows, rivers, valleys, and snow-capped mountains. With the flow and rocky areas on the edges of the beautiful meadows, Kashmir is the best option. Trekking in Kashmir is an exciting activity with its challenging and adventurous twists and turns. Where: Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Patnitop When: July to September 04. Camping Image Source: Jack Sloop via Unsplash For the one seeking a change in their trip, and who wants to stay away from the four walls equipped with modern luxuries, camping in Kashmir is just a perfect activity as it provides an unparalleled experience. Kashmir is packed with plenty of meadows and valleys that offer you a great way for campers to set up their camps overlooking some of the picturesque landscapes. Camping besides the stunning lakes in Kashmir is also an exciting prospect to look forward to. There are numerous adventurers who camp while trekking the Kashmir Valleys. Most camps also include various activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and sports like volleyball. Also, many camps organize bonfires which you can be a part of and feel at peace. Where: Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yusmarg When: April to October 05. Mountain Biking Image Source: John Gough via Unsplash An ideal blend of the right aptitude, passion and energy is all it takes to enjoy a mountain biking expedition in the Himalayas that is sure to offer you the thrill of adventure. The crooked road piercing through the meadows that slowly turns into a challenging, tricky, and rocky path and bumps into a cleft is a perfect activity for a mountain biking tour in Kashmir. You have to hire a mountain bike with the proper gear to do cycling on the rugged and crazy terrains of the Himalayas. Also, make sure that you are physically strong to indulge in mountain biking. It may get risky otherwise since the twists and turns and the rocky slopes may prove fatal. Where: Gulmarg to Pahalgam, Srinagar to Gulmarg, Pahalgam to Srinagar, Srinagar to Sonamarg When: April to July 06. Bird Watching Image Source: Yogendra Singh via Unsplash Bird watching in Kashmir is an exceptional experience, as apart from several common species of birds, Kashmir is also home to some rare species like the Piedfisher bird, Bar Headed Geese, Ibis bill, Falcon, Black Necked Crane, Yellow-billed Magpie, and European blue whistling Vulture. You can spot species like the coots, cormorants, egrets, mallards, pintails, and terns. These birds are as important to the ecosystem as the endemic birds of Kashmir do and hence contribute to the exotic flora and fauna population of Jammu & Kashmir. Where: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg. When: September and October 07. Golfing Photo by Erik Solhiem Another outdoor activity that is unique and most popular amongst golfing enthusiasts, the Kashmir valleys are perfect spots for enjoying elegant sports like golf. In addition to the ambiance, the pleasant weather makes
