7 Adventure Activities in Kashmir Perfect for Thrill Seekers

Kashmir has long been an ideal destination for a fun trip among thrill seekers. Whether you are a beginner or someone who has been an adventure buff for a long time, there are ample opportunities here. From recreational activities like trekking and paragliding to winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and sledging, you can always find a favourite location among travellers.

Come here for your summer vacations or plan a trip in winter, you will never be disappointed with the immense number of things to do accessible in Kashmir. Though a year-round destination, you can come here in months according to your preferred activity and liking. The vast meadows and snow-capped mountains in the background make the experience even better!

Include these adventure activities in Kashmir in your itinerary for a fun and memorable trip, or you can even choose some well-designed Kashmir tour packages that include these types of activities.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is one of the most adventurous and arguably one of the most beautiful treks of not only Kashmir but also of India. Trekkers are blessed with scenic views of more than six lakes such as Vishansar, Kishansar, Gangabal, Nundkol, Satsar, Gadsar, and many small lakes. The route also crosses three adventurous mountain passes in this trek.

Starting from the beautiful valley of Sonmarg, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is undertaken by many thrill-seekers every year. Summer is the best time for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek with clear routes and pleasant weather.

Skiing in Gulmarg 

To see the entire valley turn into a winter wonderland, visit Kashmir from November to February. The best adventure in Kashmir in winter is Skiing in Gulmarg. The heavy snow which starts in December and sticks well to the ground makes the best ski slopes. Other sports such as snowboarding and sledging are also fun adventurous activities worth exploring.

Apart from Gulmarg, you can also ski in Yusmarg, and Apharwat Peak in Kashmir.

Paragliding 

Paragliding was not popular in Kashmir until a few years back but now thrill-seekers can experience it in many locations here. Some of the most popular ones are Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Srinagar etc. Imagine jumping from thousands of feet high and soaring in the sky on your way back to land! This is one sport sure to give your entire body a high dose of adrenaline!

The best time to experience paragliding in Kashmir is from April to September when the sky is clear with fog nowhere to be found.

Mountain Biking 

Mountain Biking is every biker’s delight, promising an adrenaline rush thanks to the uneven, challenging routes that require a hundred per cent of your focus to be in the moment.

You navigate through lush meadows, along the shores of lakes and rivers against the backdrop of towering mountains. You also get a chance to explore the dense forests here with Chinar and Fir trees on your bike.

Some of the most chosen routes include Gulmarg to Pahalgam, Srinagar to Sonmarg, Pahalgam to Srinagar etc. The scenery throughout this small journey is unparalleled. 

Do it from May to September when there is no snow on the roads and they are easily motorable. 

Hot Air Ballooning

Another adventure that was not found in Kashmir earlier was hot air ballooning. However, over the years, it has taken the tourism industry by storm!

This excursion is available in many regions of Kashmir. One of the popular ones is Srinagar, particularly in Zabarwan Park. It is situated on the bank of the serene Dal Lake. The lake is also a hotspot for other activities like Shikara Ride.

Summer lasting from May till September is the best time to go hot air ballooning in Kashmir. The golden hours of sunset and sunrise are the best times of the day to take the ride up in the air. 

White Water Rafting

One of the most famous water-based adventures to do in Kashmir is white water rafting. With a range of difficulty grades available at different locations, both beginners and experienced rafters can experience the thrills of it.

Beginners should visit the Lidder River as the gradient is gentle. For a more adventurous time, visit the Aru River and Sindh River as their high flowing water is enough to make your heart pound.

White water rafting must always be done with a skilled instructor present to guide you and protect you in case of an accident. Plan it from May till September when the temperatures are warm and comfortable.

Gondola Ride 

The one adventure that is completely unmissable on your Kashmir trip is the Gondola Ride.

At 3980 metres above sea level, the gondola at Gulmarg is the world’s highest cable car ride. It takes you to some of the ethereal places of the valley like Kongdoori in the first phase and Apharwat Peak in the second phase. These final destinations are famous for offering winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and sledging.

It would take about half an hour to forty-five minutes to complete this ride one way. Sunrise and sunset are some magical times for enjoying the ride to the best.

Going on an adventurous trip to Kashmir? Don’t forget to keep these activities in mind!

This is a paid guest post by Ritesh Mishra. Transparency first, always!