Summer (April-September):
1. Tourism: Summer is peak tourist season in Jammu and Kashmir, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. Tourists flock to the region to enjoy its scenic beauty, including mountains, lakes, and valleys.
2. Trekking and Hiking: The summer months are ideal for trekking and hiking in the Himalayas. Popular trails include the Amarnath Yatra, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, and the Stok Kangri Trek.
3. Water Sports: The abundance of lakes and rivers in Jammu and Kashmir provides opportunities for water sports such as kayaking, rafting, and fishing.
4. Fruit Picking: Summer is the season for harvesting various fruits, including cherries, apricots, plums, and peaches. Many people participate in fruit picking and enjoy the fresh produce.
5. Cultural Festivals: Several cultural festivals are held during the summer months, including the Hemis Festival, the Ladakh Festival, and the Patnitop Festival. These festivals showcase the region's rich culture and heritage.
Winter (October-March):
1. Winter Sports: Jammu and Kashmir is a popular destination for winter sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding. Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam are popular ski resorts.
2. Ice Skating: Frozen lakes and rivers provide opportunities for ice skating and other ice-related activities.
3. Snow Trekking and Mountaineering: Winter is also a time for snow trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas.
4. Sledding and Snowmobiling: People enjoy sledding and snowmobiling on the snowy slopes of the region.
5. Cultural Events: Several cultural events and festivals are held during the winter months, including the Jammu Mahotsav, the Winter Carnival, and the Snow Sculpture Festival.
6. Ice Hockey: Ice hockey is a popular sport played during winter in Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Indoor Games: As temperatures drop, indoor games such as chess, carrom, and card games become more popular ways to spend time.
Throughout both summer and winter, agricultural activities continue, with farmers tending to their crops and livestock. Additionally, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are known for their traditional crafts, such as carpet weaving, wood carving, and papier-mâché, which are practiced throughout the year.