Best Adventure Sports in Kashmir

One of the most delightful things to do in Gulmarg is golfing in the lush valleys. Amidst the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, golf enthusiasts can indulge in the elegance of the sport. The lush green surroundings provide an idyllic setting for golfers to relish the game on sunny mornings. 

Gulmarg's renowned golf course, perched at an impressive altitude of 3730 meters, is the world's highest golf destination. Set against a breathtaking backdrop of slopes and hills, the course offers a challenging and scenic experience. 

Beyond the stunning landscape, Kashmir's temperate climate makes it an ideal golfing destination. The snow-capped mountains that surround the valley create a picturesque ambience. 

Visitors can rent golf equipment from local professionals with prior approval from the tourism authorities. The luxurious amenities at the Gulmarg golf course ensure an unforgettable and exhilarating experience. The Gulmarg tour packages are perfect for anyone seeking an exceptional golfing adventure.

• Location: Gulmarg
• Price: From Rs 800
• Best Time: May to November

Skiing is one of the most popular adventure sports in Kashmir during the colder months. However, it's not limited to winters. You can experience this adventure year-round. The towering mountains and glistening snow create the perfect winter wonderland for skiing enthusiasts. 

Apart from stunning places to visit in Gulmarg, it is a prime destination for this sport. It offers ample opportunities to indulge in skiing to your heart's content. All the necessary equipment, such as skis, poles, boots, goggles, and gloves, are readily available at local shops. For beginners, professional training is available to get you started on your skiing journey. 

Other than Gulmarg, Pahalgam is another popular spot for skiing. Kashmir is among the best places to enjoy snowfall in February in India. Adventurous souls can embrace the winter sun and snow while enjoying various skiing activities like snowboarding and hockey skiing.

Skiing in Kashmir is an unforgettable adventure that takes you to another dimension. Feel the adrenaline pumping and the wind in your hair as you move down the snowy expanse. Beginners and experts alike can find slopes tailored to their skill level, making skiing in Kashmir an incredible experience for everyone. 

• Location: Gulmarg 
• Price: From Rs 5,600
• Best Time: December to February

If you are an adventure-lover, you must include trekking while booking Kashmir tour packages. Kashmir boasts thrilling trekking adventures that offer breathtaking encounters with the Himalayas' rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. 

Hikers embark on unforgettable treks amid snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. The Shankaracharya hill on the Zabarwan mountains presents perfect trekking trails. Towering glaciers and vibrant ecosystems enhance the trekking experience and make it one of the best places to visit in India with family. 

Mountaineering and trekking clubs provide training and guidance for those new to trekking. Additionally, tourists can hire knowledgeable guides to enrich their journey with insights and local lore.

You can choose to rent or purchase essential gear for your trekking journey. Trek through Kashmir's hidden wonders, experiencing its rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes, including lush forests and rolling hills. By exploring these lesser-known areas, your journey takes on a new meaning, offering a unique perspective on Kashmir's beauty.

• Location: Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek
• Price: From Rs 6,750
• Best Time: May to August

If you are booking Pahalgam tour packages, don't even think about skipping the fun of river rafting. Lidder in Pahalgam is one of the best places for river rafting in India. The Zanskar River, one of the most well-known bungee jumping places in India, is also great for river rafting. 

Embark on an exhilarating rafting adventure in Kashmir, a breathtakingly beautiful region surrounded by towering mountains and lush landscapes. Experience the thrill of navigating the roaring rapids while immersing yourself in the picturesque surroundings. 

Rafting in Kashmir is not only about the adrenaline rush but also about appreciating the stunning natural beauty. The challenging currents will test your skills as you conquer the waves, feeling the surge of adrenaline coursing through your veins. 

Rafting on Kashmir's mountain rivers offers a thrilling experience, navigating rapids ranging from beginner-friendly Grade 1 to intermediate Grade 3. While certain sections feature more challenging Grade 4 rapids, most are not too intense, making rafting a relatively easy adventure. Glide through the crystal-clear rivers, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and witness the allure of Kashmir from a unique perspective.

• Location: Pahalgam 
• Price: From Rs 7,750
• Best Time: April to September

Mountain bikers are always seeking challenging trails. All-terrain bicycles, or mountain bikes, are designed with sturdy frames to handle rough terrain. Riding on these trails requires ample endurance and a rugged mountain bike. These bikes are often made of lightweight aluminium, making them easy to manoeuvre. 

The Srinagar Leh highway offers an incredible adventure for mountain biking enthusiasts, featuring ten trails through the breathtaking Himalayas. Essential mountain biking gear includes a gear bike, helmet, shoes, gloves, insulated water bottles, a water bag, a first aid kit, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Additionally, a repair kit containing a biodegradable degreaser, spare tubes, and grease for bearings is recommended.

If you book Srinagar tour packages, embark on an unforgettable mountain biking adventure where breathtaking landscapes unfold. Traverse rugged paths amidst towering mountains and tranquil lakes. Feel the exhilaration as the crisp air rushes by while you conquer challenging trails. This thrilling activity seamlessly blends adventure with the stunning beauty of Kashmir's natural wonders.

Besides Srinagar, mountain biking enthusiasts can also check out Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. These are also highly romantic places to visit in Kashmir for honeymoon.

• Location: Srinagar
• Price: From Rs 4,500
• Best Time: April to November

Every list of things to do in Srinagar available online will mention a serene Shikara ride. Gliding on the gentle waters, you will experience a moment straight out of a dream. Dal Lake should be your top choice if you are looking for places to visit in Srinagar for a Shikara ride. 

Unlike the other adrenaline-pumping adventure sports in Kashmir, this one epitomises tranquillity. You can enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the lofty peaks with only the soft rowing sound of your boatman reaching your ears. 

Amidst Kashmir's serene and captivating atmosphere, the shikhara emerges as a celestial wonder. These exquisitely crafted wooden boats exude an enchanting vintage charm, providing an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the timeless beauty of the region. 

A shikara ride offers a soothing and rejuvenating experience, a captivating moment to savour the enduring allure of Kashmir. These boats can be embarked upon for picturesque tours of attractions such as Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, and Hazrat Bal Mosque. Experience romantic Shikara rides with they exclusive honeymoon packages in India. Enjoy serene lakes and breathtaking views, perfect for newlyweds.

Beyond their picturesque charm, these boats serve a practical purpose as floating markets. Myriad varieties of vibrant flowers and intricate handicrafts are displayed on these boats, creating a captivating spectacle of colour and artistry. 

The display of shikaras adorned with abundant blooms is a sight to behold. Additionally, Kashmir is one of the best places to visit in India for birdwatchers to float on the serene waters and observe the diverse birds that grace the skies.

• Location: Srinagar Dal Lake
• Price: Starts from Rs 790 per hour 
• Best Time: September

One of the underrated things to do in Kashmir is going on a wildlife safari. Beyond the different adventure sports in Kashmir, a jungle safari will combine thrill with the calmness of nature. The pristine forests in the state are perfect for witnessing nature at its best. 

Kashmir is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse flora and fauna. The wildlife of Kashmir has significantly contributed to the growth of tourism in the region. It is home to many unique and rare animal species native to the Himalayas, including the iconic snow leopard and the endangered Kashmir stag. 

Kashmir boasts several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including the Hemis National Park and the Dachigam National Park. The state of Jammu and Kashmir has five national parks, 38 protected reserves, and 14 wildlife sanctuaries. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or not, exploring the wildlife of Kashmir on a guided tour is an unforgettable experience that will add excitement and adventure to your vacation.

• Location: Dachigam National Park 
• Price: Rs 25 entry fee per person 
• Best Time: May to August 

If you are exploring Kashmir in September or October, you must try paragliding. The months of May and June are also good. During these periods, the weather is clear, and the winds are favourable, ensuring a safe and enjoyable flight. 

Paragliding offers an unmatched experience, blending the thrill of flight with the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayan landscape. This is one of the most popular adventure sports in Kashmir among people willing to glide over the picturesque valleys, emerald lakes, and snow-capped peaks.

Starting your paragliding adventure in Kashmir involves attending a briefing session where skilled instructors will walk you through the basics of the sport, covering safety precautions and flying techniques. After getting geared up, thrill-seekers will launch from elevated sites, using the wind to soar gracefully into the skies. As you ascend in your paraglider, the scenery below unfolds into a stunning panorama. 

Lush green meadows, tiered fields, and charming villages create a patchwork beneath you. In the distance, the majestic snow-covered peaks create a contrasting view against the azure sky. From this point, you can admire the tranquil Dal Lake with its picturesque houseboats and the expansive Mughal gardens of Srinagar. The feeling of effortlessly gliding through the air, with the crisp mountain breeze rushing by, is refreshing and peaceful. 

Thrill-seekers may even catch gentle thermal currents that lift them higher, prolonging the flight experience. The gradual descent allows ample time to soak in the awe-inspiring scenery before landing softly in the designated landing zone. The adventure associated with paragliding makes Kashmir one of the best places to visit in North India. 

• Location: Aru Valley, Pahalgam
• Price: Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000
• Best Time: May - June, September - October

One adventure begins at the end of another. This becomes true in the context of fly fishing in Kashmir, which is possible after trekking to the high-altitude Veshnusar and Gangbal lakes. It is one of the best adventure sports in Kashmir for anyone fond of angling. 

If you want to avoid trekking, you can consider fishing at some of the other beaches connected by motorable roads. Anglers have access to more than 61 beats across different seasons. Some of the popular snow-fed springs include Sindh, Erin, Ferozpur, Aharbal, Doodh Ganga, Daksum, and Noobug. The best spring-fed streams for trout fishing are Kokernag, Verinag, and Sukhnag.

All the streams include German Brown and Rainbow Trout. They were introduced to the streams during British rule. Fishing with a fly rod is permitted anywhere and anytime, provided anglers adhere to existing regulations. 

Fishing opportunities abound in lakes, rivers, and remote streams. Anglers may use selected artificial flies, including dry flies and nymphs. A daily limit of six fish per angler applies. Note that catch-and-release practices are not allowed in Kashmir.

To fish in Kashmir, you must obtain a daily permit from the Jammu & Kashmir Directorate of Fisheries. The fee for foreign anglers is Rs. 2000 per day, while local anglers pay Rs. 1000 per day. Both fees can be paid conveniently online.

• Location: Lidder River in Pahalgam and Sindh River in Sonamarg
• Price: Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 + equipment rental charges and guide's fees
• Best Time: April to September

Being one of the best snowfall places in India, ice skating in Kashmir is quite popular. In the mesmerizing land of Kashmir, ice skating transforms into an enchanting ballet. Graceful skaters glide over rinks nestled amidst the towering Himalayas, creating a harmonious fusion of athleticism and natural wonder. As they glide through the icy air, the crispness fills their lungs, and the stillness of the winter scene envelops them. 

It is one of the best adventure sports in Kashmir during the winter months when a white blanket of heavy snow engulfs everything. 

Novices and veterans alike find joy on the ice. Beginners savour the exhilarating feeling of their first strides, while skilled skaters showcase their artistry with spins, jumps, and intricate manoeuvres. 

The rink buzzes with life, hosting families searching for winter fun and skaters determined to refine their abilities. Amidst the snow-draped trees and the majestic Himalayas, the spectacle of graceful movement on the ice leaves spectators spellbound.

Kashmir stands out as one of the best hill stations in India that combines the joy of gliding on ice with the breathtaking beauty of the region's winter landscape. At the Gulmarg ice rink, tourists can rent skates and protective gear, so they don't need to bring their own. 

If you're a beginner, experienced instructors are on hand to teach you how to skate, helping you build confidence and refine your skills. The serene beauty of skating in Gulmarg will create cherished memories.

During winter, the Gulmarg ice skating rink transforms into a bustling hub of events. Skating enthusiasts gather for friendly competitions, showcasing their skills. Gracing the ice are impressive figure skating exhibitions. These spectacles amplify the rink's festive spirit, attracting spectators who relish the lively atmosphere and cheer for the performers.

• Location: Gulmarg
• Price: Rs 300 to Rs 600 per hour
• Best Time: December to February