What to Do, What Not to Do in Kashmir

Sightseeing is one thing you cannot afford to miss when you are here in Kashmir. If you had a fill of breathtaking views, valley dotted with a number of lakes, gardens and sunset points then  visit the local market places, temples and orchards. Next in the list should be Srinagar, home to the famous Dal and Nagin lakes and the Jhelum River. Other places of interest are the valleys in Kashmir that includes Sindh, Lolab, Lidder and Gurez. 

Live in a houseboat – The floating wooden vessels in the Dal and the Nagin Lake, houseboats are popular accommodation especially among the honeymoon couples and international visitors. These houseboats are equipped with modern facilities and offer several rejuvenation therapies to let you experience a relaxing holiday. You can enjoy the scenic beauty surrounding the Dal Lake by opting for houseboat packages with indianholiday.com.

Dal Lake – The Shikara boat cruise at Dal Lake gives you a glimpse of the Zabarwan Hills. The experience is truly unforgettable. 

Excursion to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg – A hill resort around 53 km from the capital city of Srinagar, Gulmarg is a beautiful place to visit from Kashmir valley. Pahalgam is popular as the Valley of Shepherds. It is one of the pleasant places where a temperature never exceeds 25 degree Celsius. Hajan is a popular picnic spot. Sonmarg is situated at an elevation of 2730 meters and is a valley through which the River Sindh passes.

Sleigh riding –Sleigh riding is a fun activity to indulge in especially from December to March when the valleys and mountains are snow covered. Gulmarg and Sonmarg are two places where sleigh riding is a growing industry.

Horse riding – Baisaran is a meadow in Pahalgam that is surrounded by pine trees. You can go on pony and horse rides here. The Thajiwas glacier in Sonmarg can be reached on ponies.

Shopping – You can have a large collection of pashmina shawls from the local markets and government emporiums in Kashmir. These shawls are made out of cashmere wool that comes from the pashmina goat bred in the high altitudes. The shawls are available in a variety of colors, design and fabric. Few fine ones get truly expensive. Kashmiri woolen wear, jackets, caps, textile cloth and handicraft items are popular buys for tourists.

Angling – Dal Lake is a prominent fishing zone. A local guide can help you spot the fishing zones but you need to acquire permission. The streams flowing in between the valleys are excellent fishing spots. You can also fish in the Sindh River, River Lidder and Bhringi.

Go skiing – Gulmarg is the most popular and beautiful ski resort in the country where a British officer set up the first ski club. The Gondola Cable Car Lift takes you up 4000 meters and you can enjoy skiing downhill for around 5 km. December- April is a skiing season in Kashmir. Beginners are advised to take the help of the skiing guides.

Trekking – The diverse terrain of Kashmir facilitates mountaineering and trekking activities. October to May is the ideal trekking time. You can be part of this Himalayan adventure by hiring trekking equipments and getting a route map. The mountaineering peaks include Kola hoi, Tattakutti and Harmukh.  

Vaishnodevi Temple – Lakhs of pilgrims trek up to the shrine of Vaishnodevi every year. It is one of the prominent Hindu temples in the country. The journey is round 14 km from Katra.

What not to do in Kashmir 

Indian Holiday provides tips for travelers in Kashmir. Kashmir in some part has social and political disturbances, get local information before venturing out after sunset be a conscious traveler with political and social knowledge of Kashmir

• Kashmir in some part has social and political disturbances, get local information before venturing out after sunset
• Be a conscious traveler with political and social knowledge of Kashmir
• Report of any unattended packages at the nearest police patrolling center
• Foreign travelers should safeguard their passports and visas
• Get your hotel bookings done in advance during the peak season of October to April
• Get permission for fishing
• Do not opt for mountaineering or rock climbing unless you are trained in it
• Skiing is fun for experts. Beginners can take help and guidance from the local trainers
• Avoid mingling with strangers
• Avoid traveling to Kashmir valley if you come to know  of landslides
• Do not litter this paradise with garbage