Exploring Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

The convention will feature a packed schedule of sessions, panel discussions, and awards recognizing excellence in the industry. Adventure tourism leaders from across India will join local operators to foster partnerships, with an aim to create sustainable tourism models for Arunachal and beyond.

Adventure Tourism: Key Attraction in Jammu & Kashmir

Gulmarg: The Adventure Hub

Known as the “Meadow of Flowers,” Gulmarg is India’s premier adventure destination. It offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding experiences during winter, and transforms into a paradise for trekkers, golfers, and mountain bikers in summer. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, provides panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range.

Sonmarg: The Meadow of Gold

Sonmarg serves as a gateway to several high-altitude treks, including the popular Thajiwas Glacier trek and the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Its rugged terrain, crystal-clear rivers, and alpine meadows make it perfect for camping, river rafting, and horse riding.

Pahalgam: The Valley of Shepherds

Pahalgam is a serene yet adventurous destination offering activities like white-water rafting on the Lidder River, trekking to Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, and camping under starry skies. It also serves as the starting point for the famous Amarnath Yatra trek.

Dachigam National Park

Located near Srinagar, this park is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and trekkers. Home to the rare Hangul deer, it offers scenic trails through dense forests, waterfalls, and alpine pastures — perfect for nature-based adventure.

Adventure Sports in Jammu Region

The Jammu region offers thrilling experiences such as paragliding in Sanasar, rock climbing in Surinsar-Mansar, and trekking to Vaishno Devi. The Patnitop area also offers skiing and zip-lining adventures, combining natural beauty with adrenaline-filled fun.

Festivals and Culture

Adventure blends with culture during events like the Ladakh Festival, Tulip Festival in Srinagar, and Shikara Festival on Dal Lake, where local traditions, cuisine, and performances add vibrancy to the travel experience.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for adventure activities in Jammu & Kashmir is from April to October, when the weather is mild and most trekking routes are open. For snow sports like skiing, December to February is the best period, especially in Gulmarg.

Accessibility

Jammu & Kashmir is well-connected by air, rail, and road.

Air: Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh have regular flights from major Indian cities.

Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station. Road: The region is accessible via scenic routes from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. The Srinagar–Leh Highway and Manali–Leh Highway are adventure routes in themselves, offering breathtaking Himalayan views.

Immersive Field Experiences: Pahalgam & Dachigam​

The convention extends beyond the venue into Kashmir’s winter wilderness.

Pahalgam

Participants explore the iconic winter landscapes of Pahalgam where eco-sensitive adventure tourism and community-led initiatives thrive. It’s a live example of adventure empowering local livelihoods.

Dachigam National Park

A guided visit to Dachigam provides deep insights into wildlife conservation, fragile ecosystems and winter biodiversity and provide essential knowledge for any responsible adventure operator.

Aerial Magic: Hot-Air Balloon Experience

A special highlight of this year’s edition is the hot-air balloon experience. Delegates rise above the valley to witness Kashmir’s winter beauty from the sky, a moment that captures the emotion, scale and promise of adventure in India.

A Net-Zero, Responsible Event

The convention deepens ATOAI’s commitment to sustainability, with this edition designed as a net-zero, climate-conscious gathering. Every element of planning aligns with low-impact principles from carbon mapping to responsible sourcing.

Our approach includes carbon reduction strategies, the elimination of single-use plastics, locally sourced supplies, reduced waste generation and the offsetting of unavoidable emissions.

Adding to this commitment, delegates will travel to the convention centre, SKICC, in traditional Shikaras on the inaugural day, a unique and environmentally friendly transport experience that reflects Kashmir’s culture while reinforcing our green mobility goals. Srinagar thus becomes a living example of how large events can be hosted responsibly in sensitive mountain regions.

Prelude to the Convention

We are excited to announce that ATOAI will host a transformative four-day Responsible Adventure Tourism Guide Course, alongside a comprehensive three-day workshop focused on Risk Management, Documentation, and Decision-Making.

These programs are designed specifically for the esteemed guides and adventure tour operators of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

Our aim is to elevate standards and foster sustainable practices in adventure tourism by imparting knowledge and empowerment. Participants will gain essential skills to navigate the complexities of adventure tourism, cultivating a culture of safety, responsibility, and excellence within our vibrant community of guides and operators.