Key takeaways
- Spend at least one night on a Dal Lake houseboat.
- Ride the Gulmarg Gondola early in the day.
- Visit Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari from Pahalgam.
- Try a wazwan meal and kahwa.
Kashmir is full of experiences you won't find anywhere else in India.
These are the 15 we recommend most often to our own guests, grouped by where you'll find them, with a few tips on how to enjoy each one.
What are the best things to do in Srinagar?
Get out on the water, then explore the gardens and old city.
- Take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake at sunset
- Spend a night on a traditional houseboat
- Visit the floating vegetable market at dawn
- Walk through the Mughal gardens: Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi
- Climb to the Shankaracharya Temple for city views
- Explore the old city's mosques and craft workshops
More in our Srinagar guide.
What are the best things to do in the mountains?
Ride, raft and walk.
- Ride the Gulmarg Gondola towards Mt. Apharwat
- Ski or sledge in Gulmarg in winter
- Take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg
- Raft on the Lidder River in Pahalgam
- Visit Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari valleys
- Picnic by the streams of Doodhpathri
What food and culture should you try?
Wazwan, kahwa and local crafts.
- Sit down to a traditional wazwan feast
- Sip kahwa, the saffron green tea
- Shop for pashmina, carpets and papier-mâché
Read our guide to must-try foods in Kashmir.
How do you fit these things to do in Kashmir into one trip?
Base yourself in Srinagar and plan one area per day.
Our Kashmir itinerary guide shows how. The J&K Department of Tourism also lists festivals and events worth timing your trip around.
Have a question about planning your trip? Message us on WhatsApp or contact our Kashmir team for a free itinerary.
