Quick Answer
The top things to do in Kashmir are a shikara ride on Dal Lake, staying on a houseboat, riding the Gulmarg Gondola, skiing in Gulmarg (winter), trekking to alpine lakes and valleys near Pahalgam and Sonamarg, white-water rafting on the Lidder, visiting the tulip garden and Mughal gardens in Srinagar, and eating a traditional Wazwan. Most experiences run spring to autumn, with skiing in winter. ViaKashmir arranges and books all of them.
Kashmir is not a place you tick off a monument list. What people remember is the doing: the paddle-splash of a shikara at first light, the lurch of the gondola as it clears the treeline, the cold of a glacier river against your ankles, the first bite of rogan josh at a Wazwan. This guide runs through the experiences that define a Kashmir trip, on the water, in the mountains, in the snow, and at the table.
Each links to how you can book it with a local Srinagar team, at fixed and transparent rates.
On the water
Shikara ride on Dal Lake
The signature Kashmir experience. Glide across Dal Lake in a carved wooden shikara, past floating gardens, lotus beds, and the floating market. Best at sunrise or golden hour, and available for an hour up to a full day.
Stay on a houseboat
Sleep on the water in a heritage houseboat with carved walnut interiors on Dal or Nagin lake. A night or two on a houseboat is an experience in itself, not just a place to stay.
In the mountains
Gulmarg Gondola
Ride one of the highest cable cars in the world in two phases up to Apharwat peak at nearly 4,000 metres, for Himalayan panoramas in any season.
Trekking
Kashmir has some of India's finest treks, from short walks to Baisaran and Aru near Pahalgam to the multi-day Kashmir Great Lakes trek out of Sonamarg. Camping under the stars in high meadows is unforgettable.
Rafting and paragliding
White-water rafting on the Lidder near Pahalgam (grades II-III) and the Sind near Sonamarg, plus paragliding over meadows for an aerial view of the valley.
In the snow
Skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg
From January to March, Gulmarg is one of Asia's top powder destinations, with lift-served and backcountry terrain, ski schools for beginners, and gear rental. Even non-skiers enjoy the snow and the gondola.
Gardens, culture and food
- Tulip Garden, Srinagar: Asia's largest tulip garden, in bloom for a few weeks from late March into April.
- Mughal gardens: Nishat and Shalimar, terraced 17th-century gardens above Dal Lake.
- Old city and crafts: Jamia Masjid, the shrines, and bazaars selling pashmina, papier-mache, walnut wood, and carpets.
- Kashmiri Wazwan: The multi-course ceremonial feast, a cultural experience as much as a meal.
- Saffron fields of Pampore: In bloom each autumn, the source of Kashmir's prized saffron.
Book your Kashmir experiences
Every experience here can be arranged as part of your trip through a local Srinagar team, at fixed and transparent rates, from a single shikara ride to a full multi-day adventure itinerary. Use the links below to book individual activities, or get a custom quote for a complete package.
Build your Kashmir experience
Pick the experiences you want and we will weave them into one seamless, locally-run trip.
Further reading from Kashmir Pulse
- Khardung La and Magnetic Hill: A Day Trip Guide from Leh
Two of Ladakh's most-visited stops sit on the same road out of Leh - one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and a stretch of road...
- Dachigam National Park Day Trip from Srinagar: Hangul, Brown Bear, and the 6am Window
Dachigam National Park is 22km from Dal Gate -- a 141 km2 reserve that holds the last viable population of the Kashmir stag (Hangul). Day...
- Sonamarg Day Trip from Srinagar: The Drive, the Timing, and What to Actually Do
A Sonamarg day trip from Srinagar is fully doable in a single day -- the drive is 87km on the Srinagar-Leh highway, taking 2 to 2.5 hours...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Kashmir?
The top experiences are a shikara ride on Dal Lake, a houseboat stay, the Gulmarg Gondola, skiing in Gulmarg (winter), trekking to alpine lakes near Pahalgam and Sonamarg, rafting on the Lidder, the tulip and Mughal gardens in Srinagar, and a traditional Wazwan feast.
What adventure activities are available in Kashmir?
Kashmir offers skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg, trekking (including the Kashmir Great Lakes trek), white-water rafting on the Lidder and Sind rivers, paragliding over the meadows, camping in high pastures, and mountain biking. Most run spring to autumn, with skiing in winter.
What can you do in Kashmir with family?
Family-friendly activities include shikara rides and houseboat stays on Dal Lake, the Gulmarg Gondola, pony rides in the meadows of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, the tulip and Mughal gardens, and gentle valley drives to Betaab Valley and Sonamarg. The pace suits children and older travellers.
Is a Wazwan worth trying in Kashmir?
Yes. A Wazwan is the traditional multi-course Kashmiri feast and a cultural experience in itself, featuring dishes like rogan josh, rista, and gushtaba. A full ceremonial Wazwan is usually a private affair, but visitors can sample many of its dishes at restaurants, and tastings can be arranged.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked July 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.