Top Activities & Experiences

Top Activities & Experiences

Anantnag, often called the "Gateway to Kashmir," is packed with natural beauty, adventure, spirituality, and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for thrilling outdoor activities, peaceful pilgrimages, or cultural encounters, here are the top things to do in Anantnag.

 1. Trekking & Hiking in the Himalayas

 Why Do It?

• Anantnag is home to some of Kashmir’s most scenic trekking routes.
• Explore Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Lidder Valley, known for their lush greenery & snow-capped peaks.
• Trek to Tarsar-Marsar Lakes or Sheshnag Lake, two of the most stunning alpine lakes in India.

 Best Trekking Spots:
✅ Aru Valley – Base for Kolahoi Glacier trek
✅ Tarsar & Marsar Lakes – Stunning twin lakes at high altitudes
✅ Daksum – Offbeat trekking experience with dense pine forests

 Best Time: May–October

 2. River Rafting & Fishing in Lidder River

 Why Do It?

• Enjoy white-water rafting in Pahalgam, with rapids ranging from easy to challenging.
• Try trout fishing in the crystal-clear Lidder River, known for its rich fish population.
• Spend a peaceful afternoon boating or enjoying a riverside picnic.

 Best Spots:
✅ Lidder River (Pahalgam) – Best for rafting
✅ Brengi River (Kokernag) – Great for fishing

 Best Time: March–September

 3. Camping in Aru Valley & Betaab Valley

 Why Do It?

• Experience the raw beauty of Kashmir under a star-lit sky.
• Enjoy bonfires, nature walks, and birdwatching in the peaceful meadows.
• Camp in untouched locations surrounded by the Himalayas & pine forests.

 Best Camping Sites:
✅ Aru Valley – Perfect for adventure lovers
✅ Betaab Valley – Famous for Bollywood landscapes
✅ Lidder Valley – Serene riverside camping

 Best Time: May–September

 4. Explore Ancient Temples & Sufi Shrines

 Why Do It?

• Visit the Martand Sun Temple, a grand 8th-century Hindu temple with stunning stone carvings.
• Explore the Ziyarat Baba Hyder Reshi Shrine, a famous Sufi pilgrimage site in Anantnag city.
• Visit the Khir Bhawani Temple, known for its mystical spring that changes color.

 Best Religious Sites:
✅ Martand Sun Temple – Ancient Hindu architecture
✅ Baba Hyder Reshi Shrine – Sufi spiritual retreat
✅ Khir Bhawani Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Bhawani

 Best Time: Year-round

 5. Discover Kashmir’s Rich Culture & Handicrafts

 Why Do It?

• Visit Raghunath Bazaar & Anantnag’s local markets to buy handmade Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché art, and walnut wood carvings.
• Watch artisans create Basohli paintings, Kashmiri carpets, and silver jewelry.
• Learn about Kashmir’s unique folk music & Sufi traditions at local festivals.

 Best Shopping Areas:
✅ Raghunath Bazaar (Anantnag) – Best for traditional souvenirs
✅ Kashmir Government Emporium – Authentic handicrafts & Pashmina

 Best Time: Year-round

 6. Relax in Mughal Gardens & Natural Springs

 Why Do It?

• Visit Achabal Mughal Garden, built by Empress Nur Jahan, with Persian-style fountains & chinar trees.
• Explore Kokernag Spring, known for its freshwater streams & botanical garden.
• Walk through Verinag Garden, home to deep-blue spring water and Mughal pavilions.

 Best Gardens & Springs:
✅ Achabal Garden – Mughal beauty at its finest
✅ Kokernag – Famous for its pure springs & lush greenery
✅ Verinag – The origin of the Jhelum River

 Best Time: March–October

 7. Birdwatching & Wildlife Spotting in Daksum & Sinthan Top

 Why Do It?

• Spot rare Himalayan birds & Kashmiri wildlife in Daksum & Sinthan Top.
• Encounter Hangul deer, Himalayan black bears, and golden eagles.
• Take nature walks through lush forests, waterfalls & meadows.

 Best Wildlife Areas:
✅ Daksum – Offbeat nature retreat
✅ Sinthan Top – High-altitude wildlife spotting

 Best Time: April–September

 8. Enjoy Snow Activities in Winter (Skiing & Sledding)

 Why Do It?

• Anantnag transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-capped peaks & frozen rivers.
• Try skiing, snowboarding & sledding at Aru Valley & Sinthan Top.
• Experience the magical snowfall and warm up with a cup of Kashmiri Kahwa.

 Best Winter Spots:
✅ Sinthan Top – Best for snow adventures
✅ Pahalgam – Great for family-friendly winter fun

 Best Time: December–February

 9. Taste Authentic Kashmiri Cuisine

 Why Do It?

• Enjoy traditional Wazwan cuisine, a famous multi-course Kashmiri meal.
• Try Rajma Chawal, Rogan Josh, and Dum Aloo at local dhabas.
• Sip on Kahwa (saffron green tea) & Noon Chai (salty pink tea) in the chilly weather.

 Best Places to Eat:
✅ Mughal Darbar (Pahalgam) – Best for Wazwan
✅ Ahdoos Restaurant (Srinagar) – Traditional Kashmiri flavors
✅ Pahalwan’s (Anantnag) – Famous for Kaladi Kulcha & sweets

 Best Time: Year-round

Anantnag offers something for everyone—whether you're an adventure lover, spiritual traveler, nature explorer, or foodie. From trekking in the Himalayas, exploring ancient temples, rafting in Lidder River, to shopping for Kashmiri handicrafts, this beautiful region has endless experiences waiting for you!

 Best Time to Visit: April–October (for sightseeing), December–February (for snow).
 Perfect Itinerary: Srinagar → Anantnag → Pahalgam → Kokernag → Verinag → Daksum.