Best things to do in Kashmir | Experiences you shouldn’t miss

Kashmir has a way of making you slow down. It could be the still waters of Dal Lake, the sound of a Shikara gently moving across the water, or the sight of snow-covered mountains appearing around a bend. More than just a beautiful destination, Kashmir is a place where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

From peaceful lake rides and colourful Mughal gardens in Srinagar to the meadows of Gulmarg and the valleys around Pahalgam, there are countless Things to do in Kashmir for every kind of traveller. A Kashmir Honeymoon trip can be filled with quiet moments by the lake, scenic drives and cosy evenings, while families and friends can explore the region at their own pace.

Whether you are planning a Kashmir Honeymoon Package or simply looking for a refreshing mountain escape, Jammu Kashmir offers a beautiful mix of nature, culture and adventure. From exploring local markets to experiencing a traditional houseboat stay, the Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir go far beyond sightseeing.

And that is what makes Kashmir special—you don’t just visit the valley; you experience it.

Things to do in Srinagar

Srinagar is often the first place that comes to mind when you think of Kashmir, and for good reason. With the calm waters of Dal Lake, historic Mughal gardens, traditional houseboats and lively local markets, the city offers a beautiful introduction to the valley. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or planning a Kashmir Honeymoon trip, Srinagar gives you plenty of opportunities to experience the quieter, more cultural side of Jammu Kashmir.

If you are wondering about the best Things to do in Kashmir, spending time in Srinagar should be at the top of your list. The city is not just a base for exploring other destinations; it has its own character, history and experiences that deserve time.

1. Enjoy a Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

A Shikara Ride on Dal Lake is one of the experiences that should not be missed during a visit to Srinagar. Sitting in a traditional wooden Shikara while it gently moves across the lake gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

As you glide across the water, you can see beautifully decorated houseboats, floating gardens and small floating shops. The surrounding mountains add to the peaceful atmosphere, making the ride particularly memorable in the early morning or around sunset.

For couples travelling on a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, a quiet Shikara ride can be one of those simple moments that stay with you long after the trip. It is also a relaxed experience for families and friends who want to enjoy the scenery without rushing from one attraction to another.

2. Explore Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens

The Mughal Gardens are another highlight of Srinagar and an essential part of your list of Things to do in Kashmir. The itinerary covers three famous gardens—Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi.

Nishat Bagh is known for its terraced layout and beautiful views towards Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains. The combination of landscaped greenery, fountains and mountain scenery makes it a lovely place for a leisurely walk.

Shalimar Bagh offers a different atmosphere, with its historic Mughal architecture, terraces and fountains. Walking through the garden gives you a glimpse into Srinagar’s royal and cultural past.

Then there is Chashme Shahi, a smaller garden famous for its natural spring and carefully maintained landscape. Together, these gardens offer a peaceful break from the city’s busier areas.

For travellers looking for Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, visiting these gardens is an easy way to combine nature, history and architecture in a single Srinagar sightseeing experience.

3. Visit Shankaracharya Temple or Jamia Mosque

Depending on the day’s schedule, access and local conditions, visit Shankaracharya Temple OR Jamia Mosque.

Located on a hill overlooking Srinagar, Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its elevated location and panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake. The climb and viewpoint make the visit especially rewarding for travellers interested in history and landscapes.

Alternatively, you can visit Jamia Mosque, an important historic mosque in the heart of Srinagar. Its traditional Kashmiri architecture, wooden pillars and spacious courtyard give it a distinctive character.

Both options add a cultural and historical dimension to your Kashmir Honeymoon trip and help you see a side of Srinagar beyond its landscapes.

4. Wander Through Srinagar’s Local Markets

No Kashmir Honeymoon Package feels complete without spending some time exploring Srinagar’s local markets. Shopping here is less about simply buying souvenirs and more about discovering the region’s traditional craftsmanship.

Depending on what you are looking for, you can browse Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri handicrafts, saffron, dry fruits, carpets, woollens and wooden products. Take your time, look around different shops and enjoy the atmosphere instead of treating the market as just another sightseeing stop.

For anyone making a list of Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, exploring local markets is a simple way to connect with the everyday culture of the region.

5. Stay on a Traditional Srinagar Houseboat

A houseboat stay is one of the experiences that makes Srinagar different from many other mountain destinations. After spending the day exploring the city, checking into a traditional houseboat gives you the chance to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

The beautifully decorated interiors, Kashmiri-style furnishings and peaceful setting make a houseboat stay particularly appealing for couples. For those travelling on a Kashmir Honeymoon trip, it can add a memorable touch to the journey without requiring another sightseeing excursion.

For travellers planning a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, combining a Shikara ride, Mughal gardens and a houseboat stay creates a relaxed Srinagar experience. And if you are simply searching for Things to do in Kashmir, these experiences show why Srinagar deserves more than a rushed one-day visit.

Ultimately, Jammu Kashmir is not only about dramatic mountains and snow. Its charm is also found in quiet lake rides, old gardens, traditional architecture, local markets and evenings spent on a houseboat. Among all the Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, taking your time to experience Srinagar is one of the easiest ways to understand the character of the valley.

Things to do in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is where Kashmir’s landscape begins to feel almost unreal. Surrounded by pine-covered slopes, wide mountain views and, during winter, blankets of snow, this beautiful destination offers a mix of scenic experiences and adventure. Whether you are visiting for the first time or planning a romantic Kashmir Honeymoon trip, Gulmarg deserves a place on your itinerary.

Among the many things to do in Kashmir, a day in Gulmarg can easily become one of the highlights of your journey. From stopping at a dramatic waterfall to riding the famous Gondola and reaching the higher mountain landscapes around Apharwat Peak, there is plenty to experience without making the day feel rushed. For travellers exploring Jammu Kashmir, Gulmarg also offers a wonderful contrast to the lakes and gardens of Srinagar.

1. Stop at Drung Waterfall

Begin your Gulmarg excursion with a visit to Drung Waterfall, a scenic natural attraction surrounded by mountains. The waterfall looks particularly striking in winter, when parts of the flowing water can freeze and create impressive ice formations.

During the warmer months, the surrounding greenery and flowing water give the place a completely different character. It is a lovely stop for photographs and a chance to enjoy the natural side of Jammu Kashmir before continuing towards Gulmarg.

If you are putting together a list of Things to do in Kashmir, Drung Waterfall is worth including for its seasonal beauty. It can also be a refreshing addition to a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, especially for couples who enjoy scenic drives and quieter natural spots.

2. Ride the Gulmarg Gondola – Phase 1

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most popular experiences in Gulmarg and an important highlight of a Kashmir Honeymoon trip. The first phase takes you from Gulmarg up to Kongdoori, offering beautiful views of the surrounding meadows and pine forests as you climb.

The changing landscape is part of the experience. In summer, you can see green slopes and mountain scenery, while winter transforms the area into a snowy landscape.

For anyone looking for things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, the Gondola ride offers an easy way to experience the higher reaches of Gulmarg without a long uphill journey. Phase 1 is also a good option for travellers who want mountain views without necessarily going to the highest point.

3. Explore Kongdoori

Kongdoori is the destination reached at the end of Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1. Sitting high above Gulmarg, it offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and slopes.

The area looks particularly magical in winter when snow covers the landscape. During the warmer months, the open mountain scenery provides a completely different experience.

For couples on a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, spending some time around Kongdoori can be a simple yet memorable part of the day. It is also among the Things to do in Kashmir that allows you to enjoy Gulmarg’s landscape without needing to pack too many activities into your schedule.

4. Take the Gulmarg Gondola – Phase 2

If weather and operating conditions permit, continue your journey with Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2. This section takes you considerably higher, towards the Apharwat Peak area.

The ride provides increasingly dramatic views as the Gondola climbs above the lower slopes. During winter, the snow-covered mountains create a spectacular setting, while clear-weather days offer extensive Himalayan views.

Phase 2 is an especially memorable addition to a Kashmir Honeymoon trip, but it is important to remember that Gondola operations can depend on weather, maintenance and local operating conditions. Tickets and queues are also managed by the local operator.

For travellers planning a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, this is one of the experiences that can make a Gulmarg day feel genuinely special.

5. Reach Apharwat Peak

At the higher end of the Gondola journey lies Apharwat Peak, one of the most striking mountain areas around Gulmarg. Reaching this high-altitude landscape gives you a sense of how dramatically the scenery changes as you move above the meadows.

Snow is a major attraction here during winter, while clear days provide beautiful mountain views. The experience can be very different depending on the season and weather.

If your list of Things to do in Kashmir includes experiencing snow and high mountain landscapes, Apharwat Peak is an obvious highlight. It also adds an adventurous element to Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for travellers visiting during the colder months.

Things to do in Pahalgam

If Srinagar introduces you to the charm of Kashmir and Gulmarg brings you closer to its mountains, Pahalgam lets you experience the valley at a slower, more peaceful pace. Surrounded by pine forests, green meadows, mountain streams and beautiful valleys, Pahalgam is one of the most scenic destinations in Jammu Kashmir.

For travellers planning a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, Pahalgam offers the kind of landscapes that make you want to stop, look around and simply enjoy the moment. From the quiet beauty of Aru Valley to the cinematic landscapes of Betaab Valley and the mountain scenery of Chandanwari, there are plenty of Things to do in Kashmir around this beautiful destination.

1. Explore Pahalgam

The town of Pahalgam itself is a beautiful place to begin your sightseeing. Located amid mountains and lush greenery, it has a relaxed atmosphere that feels very different from the busier parts of Kashmir.

The journey towards Pahalgam is equally scenic, with countryside views, fields, villages, orchards and mountain landscapes along the way. For anyone looking for Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, simply taking time to enjoy the drive and scenery around Pahalgam can be an experience in itself.

A Kashmir Honeymoon trip can also benefit from spending a little time here rather than treating Pahalgam only as a stop between other attractions. The peaceful surroundings make it particularly suitable for couples, families and travellers looking for a slower day in the valley.

2. Visit Aru Valley

Aru Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit around Pahalgam. Surrounded by pine forests, green meadows and towering mountain peaks, the valley has a peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to forget about the rush of everyday life.

You can spend time walking around, taking photographs or simply sitting back and enjoying the scenery. During different seasons, the landscape changes considerably, giving the valley a different character throughout the year.

For couples travelling on a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, Aru Valley offers plenty of quiet moments amid nature. It is also one of the Things to do in Kashmir that doesn’t require an elaborate activity—the landscape itself is the main attraction.

If you are exploring Jammu Kashmir with family or friends, Aru Valley can also be a relaxed addition to your itinerary, particularly for travellers who enjoy forests, mountains and open landscapes.

3. Spend Time at Betaab Valley

Another important stop around Pahalgam is Betaab Valley, known for its green meadows, streams and dramatic mountain surroundings. The valley became particularly popular after appearing in Bollywood films, giving it the name by which it is known today.

The scenery here is ideal for photography, leisurely walks and simply enjoying the outdoors. Unlike attractions that require a packed schedule, Betaab Valley allows you to slow down and appreciate the natural setting.

For a Kashmir Honeymoon trip, the combination of mountains, greenery and open spaces makes Betaab Valley a memorable stop. It is also an easy addition to a list of Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir, especially for first-time visitors who want to experience some of Pahalgam’s most recognisable landscapes.

4. Visit Chandanwari

Chandanwari is another significant attraction around Pahalgam and is known as one of the starting points of the Amarnath Yatra. Located amid high mountain scenery, the area offers a very different landscape from the greener lower valleys.

Depending on the season and weather, you may encounter snow around Chandanwari, particularly during the colder months. The journey towards this area is also part of the experience, with changing mountain scenery along the route.

If you are putting together Things to do in Kashmir, Chandanwari is worth including because it gives you a glimpse of the higher-altitude landscape around Pahalgam. For travellers on a Kashmir Honeymoon Package, it can add another scenic dimension to the otherwise relaxed Pahalgam experience.

Access to Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari can depend on local taxi regulations, road conditions and weather, so the exact sightseeing arrangements may vary.

5. Pass Through the Anantnag Region

The journey from Srinagar towards Pahalgam takes you through the Anantnag region, adding another scenic element to the day. Rather than being a separate sightseeing stop in this itinerary, Anantnag is primarily an area you pass through on the way to Pahalgam.

The region is known for its green surroundings, orchards, fields, villages and natural springs. Looking out of the window during the drive gives you a chance to see a quieter, more rural side of Jammu Kashmir.

For travellers who enjoy road journeys, this part of the route can be just as enjoyable as the destination itself. It is one of the less formal things to do in Jammu and Kashmir—simply taking in the changing scenery as you travel through South Kashmir.

More to Explore in Kashmir

Beyond Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Kashmir has plenty more to discover. You can explore Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Gurez Valley and Aharbal, or venture further into the region for quieter landscapes and local experiences.

Planning a Kashmir Honeymoon Package? Explore more Things to do in Kashmir and discover the many sides of Jammu Kashmir beyond the usual itinerary. Start planning your Kashmir Honeymoon trip today!