5 THINGS TO DO IN KASHMIR THIS YEAR: 2023 KASHMIR GUIDE.

Kashmir needs no introduction hence there will be none here, let us jump straight to the list that would allow you to glance at the best things to do in Kashmir this year for an amazing holiday experience. Read through to make a  quality checklist for absorbing the Kashmiri Charm.

1. Shikara Ride

A Shikara ride in Kashmir is one of the most marvelous experiences that one could have on their first or any visit to Kashmir. The entire feeling of floating on a Shikara amid a picturesque landscape is totally breathtaking. The scintillating lake and lush green mountains in the backdrop are a divine sight for the sore eyes and are something that you cannot dare to miss in Kashmir. One could also find several other tourist attractions in Srinagar located on the lake shore such as shops, eateries, and hotels where they can spend time as desired. A true Kashmiri holiday without a Shikara ride is a sour cake.

Best time to do: Summer months (April to August)

Expected Expenditure: Rupees 800 to 1600, depending on the hours spent on the Shikara boat. Tip: You can always bargain to get the best price.

Shikara Ride on the Dal lake does not happen during winter as the lake freezes. However, people can then enjoy skiing activities on the frozen lake. So if the Shikara ride is on your list, make sure to visit Kashmir during summer.

2. Gondola Ride

Yet another popular activity in Kashmir is the super-hyped Gondola Ride. The Kashmir Ropeway offers bewitching views of the entire valley. Gulmarg is the place that you need to visit to experience the world’s second-longest and second-highest cable car ride. The serene views from the ropeway are extremely enticing to watch as the cable car elevates from one destination to another. You can pre-book your ride from the official website, however, it is recommended to make on-the-spot bookings if not visiting during the peak season.

Best time to do it: Anytime

Expected Expenditure: Rupees 700 for the first stage and Rupees 900 for the second stage.

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm. The timings also depend on the weather conditions.

3. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Gardens

One of the fascinating places that you may cherish in Kashmir is the most famed Tulip Garden. Apart from an exquisite variety of tulips, one could also submerge themselves in the charismatic aura of the place that develops because of the serene and picturesque surroundings. The trees are quite gripping and you can find yourself dumbstruck by so much beauty surrounding you in the garden. The premises are well-maintained and the balmy presence of tulips makes the experience quite a memorable one. You could get some stunning pictures here for your Instagram.

Best time to visit: April is the best time to visit Tulip Garden to see tulips in full bloom and to be a part of the annual tulip festival. The otherwise beautiful place becomes even more beautiful in the month of April.

Expected Expenditure: Rupees 50 for adults and Rupees 25 for kids.

4. Mughal Gardens

There are six Mughal gardens in Kashmir bejeweled with Kashmir’s serene landscape. Shalimar Bagh is the largest Mughal Garden in Kashmir and is located on the shores of Dal Lake. The other two alias for Shalimar Bagh is Farah Baksh and Faiz Baksh. The Nishat Bagh or commonly known as the Garden of Delight also lies in close proximity to Shalimar Bagh on the banks of Dal Lake. The lush green picturesque gardens are sure to leave you mesmerized with their bedazzling beauty.

Best time to visit: Anytime as the gardens remain pretty as a picture throughout the year.

Expected Expenditure: entry fee for Shalimar Bagh is 10 rupees per person.

Timings: One may enjoy a walk in serendipity in the gardens if not crowded between 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (every day).

5. Skiing at Gulmarg

Skiing in Gulmarg remains an unparalleled experience for visitors because of the tempting scenic galore. Surrounded by the Himalayas and snow, skiing in Gulmarg is something out of this world, it is spellbinding and is sure to leave you asking for more. Words can't do any justice to the feel of skiing in Gulmarg on the snow cover, just do it to feel it.

Best time to visit: Skiing can be thoroughly enjoyed during the months of January and February as Kashmir remains packed with snow during this time of the year.

Expected Expenditure: Rupees 500 for phase two.

Timings: under the influence of the weather conditions.

There is more to Kashmir than this as Kashmir is a MYSTERY! COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!