Best Outdoor Activities in Jammu & Kashmir

best outdoor activities jammu kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, a piece of heaven on earth, due to the impeccable natural beauty, the place remains the major attraction for tourists across the globe. Not only does it provide a tranquil escape from the commotion of the city, but also the perfect spot to quench the thirst of an adventurer. From tubing sledge, skiing, rafting to paragliding, and more, it caters to the needs of everyone. Now that the lockdown has been lifted, this part of the year is ideal to visit and explore nature at its best. In this blog, we will tell you 6 outdoor activities in Jammu and Kashmir that you must try.

Table of content:

  1. Skiing Down the Slope
  2. The Rift in the River
  3. Adventures in Patnitop
  4. Safari for the Wildlife
  5. Paragliding in Heaven

1. Skiing Down the Slope – Gulmarg

skiing in gulmarg best outdoor activities jammu kashmir

Dubbed as one the best skiing destinations in India, Gulmarg is festooned with lofty snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, small lakes, and a large variety of flowers. It is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir and remains abuzz with tourists belonging to India and abroad from December till April. If you want to feel the adrenaline rush of this adventure and the chilly wind hitting your face as you slide down the slope, then you ought to try this one!

2. The Rift in the river

river rafting

The Lidder river in Pahalgam offers a terrific challenge to the adventure devotees with a touch of beauty. To make it an exhilarating river rafting experience; the turbulent river challenges you the same way as the rugged mountains do! The river rafting in Pahalgam has two, three, and four rapids for adventure lovers making it one of the best outdoor activities in Jammu & Kashmir This escapade is worth a try if you love being near water and aren’t scared of it.

3. Advenuture in Patnitop

Ropeway-in-Summer-Option-1

Patnitop is a scenic location in Jammu and Kashmir, which witnesses tourists in large numbers. It is located in the Shivalik ranges of the mighty Himalayas and offers a gamut of activities for an adventurer like you. It has one of the highest ropeways in India and that surely will make you admire the beauty of nature as you hover over lush green forests. Skyview Patnitiop by Empyrean offers the first ride on a magic carpet in India straight out of a fairytale! It also has one of the longest zig-zag ziplines in Asia! You will love the cool breeze on your face as you zoom past by the panoramic views of the Himalayas. Moreover, you can also record your thrilling experience while you are there so that you can share it with your loved ones and relive your experience at one of India’s leading adventure and hospitality destinations.

4. Safari for the wildlife

dachigam national park
Source: Tour my India

Who doesn’t love a good, old safari? This place is, particularly for wildlife lovers. Dachigam National Park boasts an impressive list of species, both in flora and fauna. It is famous for its populations of leopard, Himalayan Grey Langur, Musk Deer, Leopard Cat, Yellow-throated Marten, Himalayan Black Bear, etc. It’s a paradise for bird watchers; Golden Oriole, Pygmy Owlet, Himalayan Monal, Kashmir Flycatcher, Koklass Pheasant, Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Himalayan Rubythroat, Streaked Laughing Thrush, etc. can be found here.

5. Paragliding in Heaven

paragliding best outdoor activities jammu kashmir

When it comes to Paragliding in Jammu and Kashmir, the first place that comes to mind is Bhaderwah. It is located on the sloppy hills and that makes it the epicentre of attraction for paragliding activities. Undoubtedly, you will be left speechless after witnessing the aerial view of this picturesque location while you are paragliding. The feeling of soaring through the sky is inexplicable, it is an experience that should definitely exist in your bucket list! The different locations for paragliding are : Chinta & Jai Valley, Padri & Bal Padri, and Seoj meadow.

5 Ultimate travel bucket list ideas to tick before it’s too late

5 Ultimate Travel Bucket List Ideas to Tick Before It's Too Late

India is home to an extremely diverse natural and geographical setting. This diversity has resulted in several diverse places that offer unique experiences that one must experience at least once in their lives. When it comes to adventure, India is home to numerous locations that quench the thirst for an adventurist’s travel bucket list ideas. There are several adventure places to add to your list of travel buckets in India this year. Each location well represents the context of the country.

1. Alappuzha – House-Boat Cruise

Alappuzha travel bucket list ideas

Kerala or also called God’s Own Country is famous for a variety of reasons, which feature its art and culture, clean beaches, etc. These attract tourists from India and abroad in large numbers every year. A trip to Kerala is incomplete without a houseboat trip to Lake Alleppey. Famously known for its beaches, palm trees, and perfect temperature, Alleppey is one of the honeymoon destinations which is best enjoyed in a houseboat. Mornings and evenings can be extremely pleasant while you enjoy the serenity of Kerala.

2. Havelock Island – Scuba Diving

scuba diving

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most pristine holidaying destinations of India. A major attraction of Andaman is Havelock Island which is located just 70 km from Port Blair. For the last few years, it has emerged as the major destination for scuba diving, attracting tourists from across India making it a perfect destination for travel bucket list ideas. The pristine and clear blue sea waters ensure that you experience a scuba diving experience like no other.

3. Gulmarg – Skiing

skiing

Come winter, there is hardly any place better for adventure than Gulmarg. Situated at the fascinating height of 2690 meters above sea level, the stunning hill station is also known as ‘Meadow of Flowers’. This place was also a retreat since the Mughal Era and British officials used to play golf which is one of the highest golf courses in the world. Gulmarg is also the hub of winter activities and sports, including skiing and ice skating. Heli-skiing is also available for advanced skiers, thus making Gulmarg a definite inclusion in any adventurer’s bucket list.

4. Sunderbans – Royal Bengal Tiger Sighting

royal bengal tiger

Located in the dense forests of West Bengal, the Sunderbans is a mangrove in the delta formed by the confluence of Meghna, Brahmaputra, and Ganga in the Bay of Bengal. The major attraction of this natural wonder is the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is also the national animal of India. Witnessing these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat is nothing less of a spectacle that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime.

5. Patnitop – Hiking Trails

hiking

100km from Jammu airport leads to Patnitop, an exquisite plateau on the Shivalik ranges of Himalaya mountains boasting dense green forests and picturesque views. For the adventure activities, Skyview Patnitop offers a range of adventures including magic carpet, hiking trails, birding, gondola ride, and zig-zag zipline Skyview Patnitop. In fact, its zipline is the first zig-zag zipline in India