See & DO
The lush green views of Aru Valley; the colourful series of houseboats and shikaras; the holy shrines of Jammu City; the deserted motorable road of Leh; and the tranquil ambience of Buddhist monasteries, Jammu and Kashmir is all about never-fading beauty and allure. There is no place in the state that is not blessed by Goddess Nature. But there is much more to J&K other than sightseeing and beautiful places. If you like to give your trip a distinct feel then engage yourself in the varied activities offered by the state. There are several things to do in Jammu and Kashmir that make your holidays an unforgettable experience to cherish. Listed below are some popular activities that travelers must do during their trip to this pristine state of incredible India.
Trekking
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There are many things to do and enjoy in J&K but nothing can be more challenging and exciting than trekking. From short duration walks to weeks-long trans-mountain treks- it is not wrong to call Jammu and Kashmir ‘the trekking capital of India’. Casting a spell of magic are the trekking routes of Ladakh that give freaking trekkers multiple reasons to visit the place again and again.
Skiing
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One of the main attractions in Jammu and Kashmir for adventure seekers is skiing. With snow-covered peaks and slopes of Himalaya Mountain Range in the background, the state is blessed with world-famous destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Thajiwas glacier in Sonamarg which are also great places for skiing. Jammu Kashmir government maintains a number of accommodations for skiers at Patnitop, Sanasar and Kud in Gulmarg.
Mountain Biking
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If the idea of exploring beautiful valleys, crystal clear lakes and snow-covered mountains on a bicycle gives an adrenaline rush then J&K is your destination. Whether it is the gentle slopes of Kashmir Valley or the rugged terrain of Ladakh, mountain biking is a fantastic activity that travelers love to do during their holidays in Jammu and Kashmir. There are various challenging cycling treks in Ladakh that add thrill to your mountain biking experience.
Paragliding
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Among the various adventure activities in J&K, paragliding is one of the most popular ones. The view of the striking green meadows and the majestic valleys while gliding over them is a totally different experience. And gliding is the best way to witness this. Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Baderwah, Sanasar and Harwan (Srinagar) are the top places where tourists can enjoy this aero sport.
Mountaineering
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Situated mainly in the Himalayan Mountain Range, Jammu and Kashmir is a state of varied heights. From Kashmir Valley to Zanskar Range, there are several mountains, low and high, easy and challenging, that offer mountaineers wonderful opportunities of mountaineering. Harmukh, Tattakutti, Sunset and Kolahoi in Kashmir Valley, White Needle, Z-1, Z-8, Bobang, Nun – Kun of Zanskar Range and Stok Kangri, Gulap Kangri and Kang Yatsey in Ladakh are some of the well-known peaks in J&K.
Snowboarding
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When we talk about the best places to enjoy winter sports in India, Jammu and Kashmir invariably makes its way to the top. Apart from skiing and heli-skiing, snowboarding is another favourite activity to do in the state during winters. And undoubtedly Gulmarg emerges as the best place as it has the world’s best sloping hills.
Monastery Tour
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Hidden amid the hilly mountains away from the rest of the world, Ladakh monasteries are the rare gems of Jammu Kashmir tourism. These Buddhist peace houses are legacies of the Indo-Tibetan culture. Dotted all across Ladakh, an exploration of these gompas (the local name of a monastery) can do wonders to our knowledge.
Wildlife Tour
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With over seven national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in its kitty, Jammu Kashmir has an exciting panorama of flora and fauna that awaits nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It will bring you great pleasure to watch many rare, indigenous animals and birds during a wildlife tour in the state. Snow leopard, brown bear, Himalayan black bear, Marmot, red fox, musk deer, golden eagles, griffon vultures, lammergeyers and Monal pheasants are some of the natives of the region.
Hot Air Ballooning
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When it comes to different types of leisure and adventure activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the fun is not limited only to land or water activities. Aero sports are also in great demand among tourists visiting the state and that’s why hot air ballooning is very quickly making its mark among things to do in J&K. Panoramic views of the lush meadows, crisscrossing streams and deep valleys while floating in the open sky like a bird give a very distinct feel, one that is to be cherished.