Adventure Sports in Kashmir

1. Skiing: Kashmir is incomplete without skiing. Skiing is the most popular sport of all the adventure activities in Kashmir, especially in winter. The blizzard clad mountains and thick sheets of snow on the green meadows make skiing a fun-filled activity. The best time to take part in skiing is from December to mid-April. Gulmarg is the perfect place to undertake skiing however you can also ski at Sonmarg, Patnitop and Pahalgam. Experts will train the partakers and provide the ski kit that includes skis, sticks, boots, gloves and goggles. Cost for skiing starts at INR 5,600 per person.

2. Wildlife Safari: Kashmir is known for scenically beautiful wildlife sanctuaries which are the home to several rare and endangered Himalayan wildlife. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, do not miss engaging in wildlife safaris in Kashmir. You can spot Hangul, Himalayan Black Bear, wild cats, snow leopards, musk deer and Himalayan marmot. Birdwatchers can witness colourful birds like crimson tragopan, blood pheasant, monal pheasant, golden eagle and bearded vulture. You can go on a wildlife safari at Dachigam National Park, Gulmarg Biosphere
Reserve and Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary.

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3. Paragliding: Paragliding is a nerve-wrecking sport of all adventure sports in Kashmir that lures adventure buffs to come to Kashmir. One gets to witness the beauty of the valleys from a higher altitude while flying in the air. It is one of the breathtaking experiences that will make your trip to Kashmir memorable. Camps have been set up to train the newbies and provide them with the necessary equipment. Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar are the ideal places to experience paragliding. The cost of a paraglide ride is INR 2700 per person for fifteen minutes in air.

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4. Mountain Biking: If you are someone who loves the rush of adrenaline, opt for mountain biking before indulging in other adventure activities in Kashmir. Mountain biking lets you ride bicycles on rough terrains of the hills through high altitude passes. Cycling through narrow rugged roads beside the green meadows and blue lakes is a good opportunity to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are the preferred places to go mountain biking. To go on mountain biking, you will need to rent a geared bicycle, helmet, safety gears, bike repair kit, first aid kit and water bottles.

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5. River Rafting: One of the adventure activities in Kashmir that lure adventurers to visit Kashmir is river rafting. This thrilling sport on the waves of the water gives a sense of excitement that will be cherished forever. The Kashmir Valley is crossed through many rivers like Lidder, Sindh, Indus and Jehlum on which river rafting is greatly enjoyed. Among the top river rafting spots, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are the most sought after where rafting on Grade I to III rapids is possible. There are few stretches on Lidder and Sindh with Grade IV rapids. This sport costs INR 1800 to INR 3500 depending on the duration and difficulty level.

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1. Golfing: If you are looking forward to spending some time outdoors in Kashmir, playing some sport rather than sightseeing, golf is the perfect choice. Kashmir was once ruled by regal kings who built some world-class golf courses. Playing golf in the verdant valleys of Kashmir is an absolute delight not just for the enjoyment it provides but also the eye-candy view of the gorgeous landscape. The best places to play golf in Kashmir are at Jammu, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. 

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2. Shikara Ride: Taking a shikara ride on the serene lakes of Kashmir is one of the relaxing yet thrilling adventure sports in Kashmir. Shikara is a small traditional boat made of deodar wood and embellished further to be appealing to tourists. Shikara rides are used by the locals for transportation, fishing and harvesting aquatic flora. It can also be availed for sightseeing at Shalimar Garden, Nehru Park and Hazratbal Mosque and shopping in the floating markets. The best place to go on a shikara ride is Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. An hour ride costs INR 550 while a ride for two hours costs INR 800 and that of three hours is INR 1050.

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3. Gondola ride: Gondola ride is a thrilling outdoor activity in Gulmarg that offers a panoramic sight of the Himalayas. The stunning view of the snow clad mountain peaks, lush green valleys and pristine turquoise lakes from the aerial gondolas or cable cars is worth the experience. Travelling in hanging gondolas thousands of feet above the ground with mighty mountains beneath is a mix of excitement and fear. The entry fee is INR 400 for first phase and INR 600 for second phase.

4. Trekking: When in Kashmir, you cannot miss trekking. It is one of the best adventure activities in Kashmir for those who set on a self-exploration of the glory of Kashmir. Embarking on a trekking journey will let you walk through rough terrains of the mountains, high passes and green valleys which are a test for your grit and stamina. But the gorgeous backdrop and magnetic charm of Kashmir make the trek worthwhile.

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1. Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a world-class ski resort in India with thick sheets of snow everywhere. There are two spots at Gulmarg where you can ski. You can either opt for the less challenging ski on the 450 metre slope of Kongdori or test your mettle with the tough 800 metre ski ridge at Apharwat Peak.

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2. Pahalgam: Winters at Pahalgam make sure it is the best skiing spot with the mountain slopes covered in snow. Aru Valley, situated close to Pahalgam, is the key spot for skiing. The enchanting view of the landscape makes skiing an ecstasy at Pahalgam

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3. Patnitop: Patnitop is a favourite ski spot among novice skiers as there are modest and gentle slopes which make skiing easier. Madha Top, around 5 kilometres from Patnitop, is another famous ski resort with all levels of skiing.

1. Sonamarg: Sonamarg is a famous high altitude trekking destination in Kashmir for short as well as long treks. The trekking trails here go through several mountains and deep valleys to explore the alpine lakes here. Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangabal are some of the beautiful lakes on the route.

2. Yousmarg: Yousmarg is a lesser known trekking destination in Kashmir with few advanced trekking trails. It has both beginner level short treks and long treks for experts. Doodhganga trek, Nilnag Lake trek, trek to Doodhpathri valley and trek to Sang-e-Safed are some of the popular trekking routes from Yousmarg.

3. Gulmarg: Gulmarg is well known for short day treks in the northern PirPanjal Range. There are three trekking trails at Gulmarg - Apharwat, Khilanmarg and Alapther. You can witness the Nanga Parbat Mountain while trekking at Gulmarg. You can also visit the Ferozepur Nallah and the small hamlets near this stream.

4. Pahalgam: Trekking from Pahalgam starts at Aru Valley and takes you through the Lidder River and other picturesque places on the way to reach Tarsar Lake. The trekking trail lets you explore the wide plains, lush meadows, deep valleys and quiet streams on the way.

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1. Srinagar: Ashtang Marg is the popular paragliding destination at Srinagar. Flying above the lofty hills of Pari Mahal and getting a bird’s eye view of the Mughal Gardens below is a memorable experience.

2. Gulmarg: Gulmarg is a great place to enjoy paragliding. At 2700 metres above the ground, paragliding at Gulmarg will give a beautiful glimpse of the entire town. One can witness the dense forests, pristine lakes, lush green valleys and snow-clad mountains from the sky.

3. Sonamarg: While paragliding at Sonamarg, one can witness the mesmerizing view of the seven lakes from up in the air. The view of Krishansar Lake and Vishansar Lake from the top is a visual treat.

4. Pahalgam: A paragliding tour at Pahalgam hypnotizes you with the beauty of the town. The abundant vegetation and the waters of Lidder River gushing like a milk stream is a treat to watch from the sky.

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1. Pahalgam: Pahalgam offers a challenging and thrilling river rafting experience at Lidder River. There are three courses of rafting at Lidder River – 2.5 km joy ride, 5 km long ride and 8 km extra long ride. Each of these courses has grade II, III and IV rapids respectively.

2. Sonamarg: Sindh River in Sonamarg puts forth an adventurous river rafting experience with a plethora of challenges. The rocky terrain, gushing water and rapid turns at Sindh make rafting a joyful experience.

3. Kargil: River rafting at Zanskar in Kargil is a suitable spot for both novice and experienced rafters. The river trip flows through valleys, deep gorges and the harsh terrain of Ladakh. The rafter flows through Kargil and Remal to Nimo where the river joins with Indus.

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Winter is the best time to enjoy adventure activities in Kashmir. During the winter months of November to February, many parts of Kashmir receive heavy snowfall. Snow-covered mountain slopes and valleys make it the best time for adventure sports in Kashmir like skiing and snowboarding and other outdoor activities.

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Kashmir is all about fabulous landscape, gorgeous snow clad mountains, flourishing meadows, crystal clear lakes and thrilling adventure sports. What makes Kashmir so special is that it has some of the world-class adventure sports like skiing, trekking, paragliding, gondola ride and mountain biking.

Yes, adventure sports in Kashmir are safe for people of all age groups. There are adventure clubs in Kashmir that offer guided sports activities like trekking, paragliding and skiing. Experts and trainers at these clubs educate novice people about the do’s and dont’s of the adventure activities.