As much as Kashmir is famed for its superior beauty and breathtaking sights, it’s also a remarkable adventure sport destination. The mountainous backdrop, snow capped peaks, pine, deodar and chinar forests are a beautiful delight for both nature lovers and adventurers. The topography of Kashmir is such that it gives great opportunities for a range of activities. Want to try river rafting in Kashmir? The scenic Lidder river in Pahalgam is perfect to do so. Those who love soaring high in the sky, must try adventure activities like paragliding. Kashmir has many gorgeous vantage points to do paragliding.
Get a bird’s eye view of the Pir Pinjal mountain range by going in for a Gondola ride in Gulmarg. And for winter sports enthusiasts, there is nothing better than skiing on ice slopes or skating on frozen lakes. Those who simply want to relax, must try golfing. Kashmir has a sprawling golf course and also hosts competitions and events around golfing.
Top 7 Adventure Sports to Try in Kashmir (along with estimated prices)
- Gondola Ride
- Ice Skiing
- Paragliding
- Trekking
- Golfing
- River Rafting
- Ice Skating
1. Gondola Ride
It’s an activity that can’t be missed on a Kashmir trip. Gondola or cable car ride is full of excitement, thrill and fun. Did you know that Gulmarg’s Gondola ride is Asia’s highest cable car ride? This also makes it India’s highest cable car ride. This two stage cable car travels to a height of staggering 4,200m (13,780 ft). The gondola ride takes place in two phases. Phase 1 takes participants from Gulmarg station to halfway up the hill in Kungdoor. The second phase is from Kundoor to Aharawat peak. Every hour about 600 people can take up the Gondola ride and enjoy the snow-covered landscape of Gulmarg. The timing for the gondola ride is from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Estimated Cost: Starts from INR 700 per person for first phase and INR 900 per person.
- Best time: If you want to see thick sheets of snow covering Gulmarg, visit in December to February. For balmy weather and scenic views, visit in March-May and September to November.
- Age group allowed: 15 to 55 years
2. Ice Skiing
Ice skiing is an exhilarating adventure sport to try in Kashmir. You may think that ice-skiing must be available in Kashmir during the winter season when mountain slopes are covered in thick sheets of snow. However, that is not the case. High elevations of Kashmir are always covered in some snow, giving you space to test your skiing skills. Whether you are a beginner or a pro at skiing, Kashmir welcomes all levels of skiers. You can get all the necessary equipment required for skiing. From skis to boots to sticks, everything is available on rent. Based on your skiing experience and skill level, choose a slope you are comfortable with and navigate your way downhill. It is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling experiences to have in Kashmir.
- Estimated Cost: Starts from ₹400 per hour (Leisure) and for a full day it’s ₹3000 per day (advanced skiing)
- Best time: December to mid-April is the best time to go skiing.
- Age group allowed: Ages 5 and above can participate in skiing.
3. Paragliding
Kashmir has expansive and deep valleys, making it ideal for paragliders to fly like a bird in the sky. It has various vantage points that offer the most amazing flights. Watch tiny cottages, forests, green pastures and rivers from above. If you are a beginner, try tandem paragliding where the guide accompanies you and helps you navigate the parachute. Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Harwan (Srinagar) are some incredible paragliding spots to try in Kashmir. Feel the cool mountainous wind as you paraglide over serene valleys — a truly memorable experience.
- Estimated Cost: The cost of paragliding in Kashmir ranges from ₹2700 to ₹3500 per person.
- Best time: May to June and September to October
- Age group allowed: Above 12 years of age and should weigh less than 95 kgs
4. Trekking
From rugged terrains to lush Himalayan landscapes, Kashmir gives plenty of opportunities for trekking and mountaineering. Trekking, when enjoyed as a group activity, elevates the spirit of camaraderie. It is an amazing activity to get your heart beat pumping. While trekking you will come across Kashmir’s rich flora and fauna, brooks, lakes, cascading rivers and deciduous forests. If you are an experienced trekker, you can also explore some off-beaten trails in Kashmir. The trekking trails in Kashmir have a level of moderate to difficult. Make sure you have optimal physical condition before going on a trek
- Estimated Cost: Trekking cost starts from ₹7000 for a person.
- Best time: July to September
- Age group allowed: people of age above 12 to 55.
5. Golfing
If you want to engage in a relaxing sport, try golfing in Kashmir. It gives you a nice break from all the adrenaline-inducing activities. Jammu and Kashmir has one of the world’s highest golf courses located in Gulmarg. And the golf course in Pahalgam is equally fascinating to test your golfing skills. When else will you get a chance to golf amidst land slopes and hills? Hence a Kashmir trip with a short golfing session can be considered, if you are really keen to try this sport. Some of the top luxury hotels in Kashmir also provide golfing opportunities along with their lavish stay options. The top golf courses in Kashmir are: Pahalgam Golf Course, Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar and Gulmarg Golf Course.
- Estimated Cost: The price varies depending on the golf course. Although it starts from ₹800 per person for Indian nationals and ₹1200 per person for foreign nationals.
- Best time: The best time for golfing in Kashmir is from May to November.
- Age group allowed: All ages can participate in golf.
6. River Rafting
Rafting involves six to eight people rowing an inflated raft boat with carbon paddles on river rapids. The sport is thrill-inducing and exciting. Pahalgam’s Lidder river is the perfect place to test your rafting skills. This river has a mix of easy and challenging rapids that makes rafting an exhilarating experience. Those who want an easy-going rafting experience or trying rafting for the first time can start with the Sindh river in Sonmarg. Being in a healthy and fit condition is essential before trying river rafting.
- Estimated Cost: River rafting in Sonmarg starts from ₹1,300 and in Pahalgam it is from ₹660.
- Best time: April to September is the best time to go river rafting in Kashmir
- Age group allowed: 12 years and above.
7. Ice Skating
Slide, glide and balance yourself on the ice rinks formed on frozen Dal and Nigeen Lake. And it’s not just frozen lakes in Kashmir; even from frozen rivers and rivulets are also used for ice skating in Kashmir. Whether you are a pro or a complete newbie, don’t miss out on his winter sport, if planning to travel Kashmir. And don’t mind losing balance, slipping and falling — it happens to a lot of first timers.
- Estimated Cost: Starts from ₹1500 to ₹2000/-
- Best time: The months of January and February is the best time for ice skating in Kashmir.
- Age group allowed: Age 4 and above are allowed to skate. Children must be accompanied by parents and guardians.
The above adventure sports in Kashmir provide an incredible mix of thrill and fun. Go ahead and enjoy some of the above activities on your next Kashmir trip.