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5 Adventure Activities To Try While Exploring Kashmir’s Sarbal Village

Ski, trek, and explore Sarbal Village as you travel through Kashmir.

Sarbal Village in Kashmir is a beautiful and serene destination that offers a variety of activities for travellers to enjoy. Located in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir in India, Sarbal is the last village in Kashmir. This little hamlet is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, rolling meadows, and dense forests. It offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts.

But apart from being a natural beauty, Sarbal Village is also home to the centuries-old Dogra Fort, which has a rich history and cultural significance. It’s a great spot to try out local Kashmiri cuisine and the local markets are perfect to shop for handicrafts. The villagers of Sarbal are skilled in traditional handicrafts such as wood carving, paper mache, and woollen shawls.

If you’re planning a Kashmir trip, there are ample places to visit. For adventure seekers, Sarbal Village is the perfect holiday destination. Its landscape allows for several adventure activities in the snow that range from trekking to rock climbing and rafting. Here’s our list of all the adventure activities you should try out during your stay at Sarbal Village.

Adventure activities you can try 

1. Trek to Sarbal Lake

Trekking in Sarbal village offers an opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. As the village is situated at an altitude of around 2,700 meters above sea level, it’s an ideal location for trekking. The area surrounding Sarbal village is paradise for trekkers, with numerous trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day treks. One popular route is Sarbal Lake trek, which takes you through the picturesque landscape of the village and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Other popular treks in the area include the Harmukh Trek, which offers challenging terrain and stunning views of Harmukh peak, and the Doodhpathri Trek, which takes you through the beautiful Doodhpathri valley.

When trekking in Sarbal village, ensure that you’re well prepared and properly equipped. Do keep in mind to carry the right clothing and gear, as well as being physically fit and able to handle the challenges of the trek. It is also a good idea to hire a local guide or join a guided trekking tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

2. Go skiing at the Gulmarg Ski Resort

Looking to ski in Sarbal village? The best place for this adventure activity is the Gulmarg Ski Resort, which is located just a two-drive from the village. The resort boasts a variety of slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. One of the main reasons to go skiing in Sarbal village is because of the stunning natural beauty of the region. The snow-capped peaks and crystal clear lakes provide a breathtaking backdrop for skiers to enjoy. In addition to the breathtaking views, the skiing in Sarbal village is also highly praised for its excellent facilities and services. The resort has ski rental shops and ski schools, where you can rent equipment and take lessons from experienced instructors.

3. Go rafting in the Sindh River

If you want to sit in a raft and lash with the currents of the river, Sarbal village offers that experience as well. Head to the Sindh river, which is considered one of the best spots for this activity. The Sindh river flows through the picturesque valley of Kashmir and offers a range of rafting experiences for all skill levels. With its clear waters, challenging rapids, and stunning scenery, the sindh river is an ideal destination for white-water rafting. 

Another popular spot for rafting in Sarbal village is the Lidder river, which is known for its challenging rapids and beautiful surroundings. The Lidder river flows through the valley of Kashmir and offers a range of rafting experiences for all skill levels.

The River Jhelum is also a popular spot for white-water rafting. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a beginner, you'll find plenty of challenges and thrills on the river.

4. Mountain biking through Sarbal Village

Sarbal village is Kashmir’s last village, so explore it to the fullest by biking around the Himalayas. Mountain biking is increasingly becoming a popular adventure sport in Kashmir, and in Sarbal village it is an exhilarating and thrilling experience. The village offers a diverse terrain for mountain bikers to explore. The trails range from smooth, rolling singletrack to steep, rocky descents, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can head to the trails near the village, which are well-marked and maintained by local tour operators. The village is home to a network of trails that offer challenging and technical riding, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

5. Horse riding through Sarbal Village’s meadows

The most popular destination for horse riding is the village's nearby meadows, which are dotted with picturesque pine trees and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Another popular destination for horse riding are the lakes, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are a great place to take a leisurely ride. All you have to do is visit the Sarbal stables or the Khara stables. These stables offer a range of horse riding tours, including short rides through the meadows and longer rides through the surrounding countryside. The stables also offer a range of horse riding lessons and clinics, which are perfect for beginners or those who want to improve their riding skills.

Whether you’re planning a Kashmir trip, or travelling through the Himalayas, there are different parts to visit. We recommend that once you’ve completed adventurous activities in the Kashmir mountains, head to Pahalgam. There are several Pahalgam places to go to relax and unwind. The beauty of Pahalgam will enthral you. 

Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead. 

Photo: Unsplash