1) Take a Shikara ride Lay back and admire the beauty of the distant mountains as your boatman takes you through a ride across the lake. Away from the hustle bustle of the polluted city life, a shikara ride ranks on the top of the list of the best things to do in Kashmir. No smoke or sound of the vehicles, no high-pitched angry crowd, nothing. Just the soft sound of the boatman’s oar breaking the surface of the water and the touch of the cold water as you trail your hand on the surface of the lake. Where to try: Dal Lake in Srinagar and Manasbal Lake near Sonamarg Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm; all days of the week Cost per person: INR 150 – INR 250

2) Go for a ‘Gondola’ cable car ride Riding the Gondola cable car is one of the exciting and fun things to do in Kashmir for people of all ages. Tourists prefer to travel via cable car to enjoy the best views of the snowcapped mountains. The ride takes place in three phases. Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak Phase 3: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder [Chair Lift] Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Ride) | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Ticket sale); all days of the week Cost per person: INR 600 (Phase I) | INR 800 (Phase II) | INR 300 (Chair Lift)

3) Ride the rapids in Lidder RiverWhite river rafting is one of the adventurous things to do in Kashmir. The rapids here are easy or moderate, which implies that rafting in Kashmir is not very difficult. You can go rafting near Sonamarg as well. However, the white water rafting in the Lidder river in Pahalgam is more famous. Details: Short Lidder River Rafting: 3 km (Pahalgam) | Yarganpal to Yaneed Bridge | Grades II & III Medium Sindh River Rafting: 8 km (Sonamarg) | Mamar to Satrun Margund | Grades II, III, & IV Long Sindh River Rafting: 28 km (Sonamarg) | Mamar to Wayul Bridge | Grades II, III, & IV

4)Glide over the majestic valleys For all those adrenaline junkies, there is also an option to go for paragliding. The majestic beautiful valley beneath is a sight to behold. The unique view of the green valleys makes paragliding one of the most thrilling things to do in Kashmir. Paragliding options are available in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Bhaderwah, Sanasar, and Harwan (Srinagar). Of these, paragliding in Harwan is most easily accessible as it lies on the route of the tour of the Grand Mughal Gardens. Note: Refer to the Website for details about paragliding at Harwan. Tip: Also try paragliding and hot air ballooning at Sanasar.