Kashmir is one of those places where even the drive between destinations is an experience. But if you’re planning your first trip (or your fifth), here are the ten things that should be on every Kashmir itinerary — ranked by how reliably they deliver on the promise. These aren’t curated for Instagram. These are the things that make people book a return trip.
The Top 10 Things to Do in Kashmir
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake — Srinagar
The flat-bottomed shikara boat is the quintessential Kashmir experience. A morning ride takes you through the floating vegetable market — farmers paddle stacked cabbages and lotus roots before sunrise. An evening ride catches the Himalayas reflecting pink on the water. Don’t take the first price offered at the ghat — ₹700–800 for an hour is fair in 2026.
Gulmarg Gondola — Asia’s Highest Cable Car
The Gulmarg Gondola lifts you from 2,650m to 4,267m in two stages. Phase 1 (Kongdori) gives you sweeping views of the Kashmir Valley. Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak) is snow-covered even in June — you’ll be walking on a glacier at 4,267m with Pakistan’s peaks visible on clear days. Book tickets online at least 2 days in advance.
Stay on a Dal Lake Houseboat
Houseboats on Dal Lake are a Kashmir institution dating to the British Raj — foreigners weren’t allowed to own land, so they lived on boats. Today’s houseboats range from basic Category D (thin mattresses, shared bathroom) to deluxe Category A (carved walnut interiors, ensuite bathrooms, butler service). Waking up to mist rising off the lake is worth at least one night.
Trek to Baisaran Meadow — Pahalgam
Baisaran (2,440m) is 5 km from Pahalgam town but cars can’t reach it — you go by pony through pine forest. The meadow at the top is ringed by dense fir trees with Himalayan peaks behind. It earned the name “Mini Switzerland” long before social media, and it delivers. Best in May–June when wildflowers are out, and October when the trees turn gold.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek — Sonamarg
Sonamarg’s Thajiwas Glacier sits at 3,000m, above the “Meadow of Gold” valley. The 3 km walk from the base takes 45–60 minutes at altitude; the pony is worth it if you’re not acclimatised. The glacier is a blue-white wall of ice with streams of meltwater carving channels through the moraine. If you walk, wear hiking shoes — the path is muddy and uneven.
Mughal Gardens at Sunrise — Srinagar
The three Mughal gardens — Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi — were built by Mughal emperors as summer retreats. Nishat Bagh (1633 AD) has 12 terraces climbing up the Zabarwan hills, each with a different view of the lake. April–May: chinar trees are freshly green. October: they turn amber and red. Early morning entry means you’ll often have entire terraces to yourself.
Skiing in Gulmarg — Asia’s Best Ski Slopes
Gulmarg gets 4–5 metres of snowfall per winter season and sits at 2,650m with runs going to 4,000m. For experienced skiers it’s a serious backcountry destination. For beginners, the Ski Federation of India runs a ski school here with certified instructors. Equipment rental is available at the base. Gondola operates during ski season — you’re riding a cable car to Asia’s most accessible Himalayan ski runs.
Wazwan Dinner — Traditional 36-Course Feast
Wazwan is Kashmir’s ceremonial feast — traditionally 36 courses, served on a large shared tray (traami). The star dishes are Rogan Josh (lamb in Kashmiri red gravy), Gushtaba (minced mutton dumplings in yoghurt sauce), and Yakhni (lamb in fennel and curd). You won’t finish everything. You’re not supposed to. The ritual is as much the point as the food. Ask your hotel to arrange a Wazwan dinner — it’s better at a local home than a restaurant.
River Rafting on the Lidder — Pahalgam
The Lidder River runs through Pahalgam at Grade 1–3 rapids depending on snowmelt levels. May–June gives the strongest flow and the most exciting rapids. July–August mellows slightly. The most popular stretch is 8–12 km from Aru Valley to Pahalgam town — about 90 minutes of rafting through pine gorges and meadow. No experience needed. Life jackets, helmets, and guides are mandatory.
Old Srinagar Walking Tour — Bazaars & Shrines
Most tours skip Old Srinagar for the scenic highlights. That’s a mistake. The old city has 600-year-old wooden mosques (Shah-e-Hamdan Khanqah, built 1395 AD), a 17th-century Friday mosque (Jamia Masjid) with 378 wooden pillars, a working spice market (Maharaj Gunj) that hasn’t changed in a century, and narrow lanes of papier-mâché and carpet workshops. Hire a local guide for 3–4 hours — they’ll take you to workshops and chai shops that no signboard will lead you to.
Bonus: Activities You Might Not Have Heard Of
Beyond the top 10: paragliding over Gulmarg meadow (₹1,500–2,500), hot air balloon at sunrise over Dal Lake (₹4,000–5,000, seasonal), saffron farm visit in Pampore (free or ₹200 with tasting, October only during bloom), Floating Post Office on Dal Lake (world’s only floating post office — send a stamped postcard for ₹25), and the Tulip Garden (April–May, world’s largest tulip garden by beds, over 1.5 million flowers).
How to Fit These Into Your Trip
A 5-day trip can cover items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 comfortably. A 7-day trip adds 5, 7 or 9, and 10. For 10 days, you can do all ten plus the bonus activities. The key is not to overload a single day — Gulmarg to Pahalgam in one day sounds efficient but leaves you exhausted and missing both properly. Our advice: slow down. Kashmir rewards travellers who linger.