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Kashmir, beyond its amazing meadows and beautiful natural wonders, is also a great place for adventure enthusiasts. From trekking during the summer and spring months to skiing and snowboarding during the winter, Kashmir has a wide range of adventure activities that you can add to your itinerary the next time you are there. Even if you aren’t a seasoned adventure enthusiast, the adventure sports in Kashmir moulds itself to your needs and the kind of experiences that you’d be comfortable exploring on your next big vacation.
Top 10 Adventure Sports in Kashmir
From scaling snow-capped peaks to navigating gushing rivers, Kashmir promises every tourist an experience that they simply can’t forego.
1. Skiing
Start the list with one of the most sought-after adventure sports during the winter months – Skiing. The region is blessed with some of the best ski slopes, especially around Gulmarg. With varying ski resorts, there’s a reason why Gulmarg is ranked one of the best skiing destinations in Asia. Gulmarg’s slopes cater to both beginners and experienced skiers, with well-maintained trails and state-of-the-art facilities. Even if you are a novice with little to no idea, there are services to cater to your expertise.
Location: Gulmarg
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Price: ₹700 onwards
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
2. Snowboarding
Photo: Ripley119 / Wikimedia Commons
Adding to the skiing adventures, you can’t miss out on snowboarding while you are in Gulmarg. It has been gaining popularity gradually, especially among tourists who aren’t too fond of skiing or are too afraid to explore that option. The region’s deep powder snow and challenging terrains make it a haven for snowboarders. Also, the feeling of adrenaline rush while you glide down the snow-covered hills is truly an unparalleled experience. The most snowboarding trails in Kashmir are in Gulmarg, which you can access after the Gulmarg Gondola ride.
Location: Gulmarg
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Price: ₹1000 onwards
3. Trekking
Photo: Moebinkhurram / Wikimedia Commons
Among the adventure sports in Kashmir that you can better explore during the summer or spring months, trekking is one of the most popular options. The region is home to numerous trekking routes, ones that take you through lush green meadows, dense forests and serene rivers and valleys. Some of the most popular treks that you can embark on include the Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Trek, and the Kolahoi Glacier Trek. What’s great about trekking in Kashmir is that each trail offers a unique experience with the diverse landscapes across the state.
Location: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Aru Valley, Sonamarg, Kolahoi Glacier, and Tarsar Marsar
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Price: ₹5000 onwards
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
4. White Water Rafting
Photo: Jonny Lew / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another thrilling yet fun water sport in Kashmir is white water rafting, especially one on the Lidder River. With moderate rapids, rafting in this river isn’t as challenging or complex as you’d expect it to be. Beyond Lidder River, there are alternative spots, especially around Sonamarg and Pahalgam where you can embark on a rafting experience too. You do need to follow the instructor’s safety recommendations when embarking on this adventure experience, especially if you are new to the whole experience.
Location: Lidder River (Pahalgam), Sindh River (Sonamarg)
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Price: ₹1500 onwards
5. Paragliding
Photo: ArtHouse Studio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Up next is paragliding, which is a cult favourite in Kashmir. Beyond the thrill and the adrenaline rush, the reason why paragliding is such a popular adventure sport is due to the experience and the panoramic views that you get to soak in during your ride through the sky. The most popular spots for paragliding are Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg. The entire experience is controlled by professional operators, so you wouldn’t have to worry about your safety at all. If you are exploring the Grand Mughal Gardens, include paragliding at Harwan, since it’s easily accessible from there.
Location: Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Price: ₹2000 onwards
Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples
6. Mountain Biking
Photo: Flo Maderebner / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are fond of mountain biking and want to explore the lush greenery and dense forests around Kashmir, Mountain Biking is another adventure sport that you must add to your itinerary. Usually, Kashmir’s valley offers a decent off-road mountain biking experience but nothing beats the thrill you get from mountain biking along the rugged terrains of Ladakh. The challenging trails, ranging from steep ascents to rugged paths, offer an exciting ride through some of the most scenic landscapes. Most of the trails take you through forests, valleys, and along rivers, adding to the thrill of the experience.
Location: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Price: ₹1000 onwards
7. Camping
Photo: Guduru Ajay bhargav / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking for a laid-back yet adventurous activity, camping is a pretty great option for you to look into. Pretty much every corner of Kashmir offers a unique camping experience that you can indulge in. Popular camping spots include the Great Lakes, Aru Valley, and Tarsar Marsar. However, if you don’t want the hassle of setting up your campsites and being resourceful, there are camp tour operators who offer you all the amenities. The majority of them are located around Pahalgam and Aru Valley.
Location: Aru Valley, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Yousmarg
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Price: ₹3000 onwards
Suggested Read: Best Food In Kashmir
8. Jeep Safari
Photo: Mike Klokov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For wildlife enthusiasts, another one of the popular adventure activities that you can explore is the Jeep Safari. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in the lush greenery and the flora and fauna but also get a look into the life of the animals residing in their natural habitats. There are multiple national parks and wildlife sanctuaries around Kashmir where you can engage in a jeep safari experience. From Gulmarg National Park to Kishtwar National Park, each one of these places offers a glimpse into their rich habitats and the wildlife roaming around in their natural habitat.
Location: Across the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Price: ₹1000 onwards
9. Rock Climbing
Photo: Krivec Ales / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Although fairly underrated, rock climbing expeditions around Kashmir are an experience that you must experience in your life. Kishtwar, Zanskar, Kashmir and Ladakh have mountains and valleys that are perfect for rock climbing. However, ensure that you are doing so under strict supervision of the instructors that are with you. Some of the climbs can be quite challenging, so you must ensure that you are prioritising your safety recommendations and climbing safely. Climbing through the cliffs of Futmut Rock in Gangabal Valley is possibly one of the most rewarding adventures.
Location: Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Gangabal Valley
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Price: ₹2000 onwards
Suggested Read: Camping In Kashmir
10. Mountaineering
Photo: Roman Apaza / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Last but not the least is probably one of the most challenging adventure sports – Mountaineering. Kashmir is surrounded by snow-clad peaks all around, featuring the majestic Himalayan region too. There are primarily four zones when it comes to mountaineering around the Himalayan region – Zanskar, Ladakh, Kishtwar and Kashmir. If you are interested in mountaineering, you can embark on the experience around the trails and with a local guide with you. You do need extreme stamina and resilience to be able to scale the summits around Kashmir.
Location: All around Kashmir
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Price: ₹10000 onwards
Kashmir offers an assortment of adventure sports, catering to thrill-seekers of all levels. As you are scrolling through the list of adventure sports in Kashmir, browse through the available options to see which one caters best to your interests. Once you do, it’s time to book your next trip to Kashmir with TripXL with amazing deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Aadil Mehraj / Pexels
