The snow-covered landscapes, unique winter activities, and the chance to experience Kashmir’s rich culture at a time when the crowds melt away make this region one of the top places to visit in winter. Often referred to as “Heaven on Earth,” Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region in India with a mountainous topography that makes it one of the most beautiful places in the world. In winter, tourists descend on Gulmarg and other places in the state to enjoy snowfall, treks and camping experiences under the stars, all while surrounded by an icy white landscape.
If you’re one of those planning a trip to Kashmir this winter, check out this guide on where to go and what to do.
This quaint town is 90 kilometres from Srinagar and is a tourist hotspot during the summer when the Amarnath Yatra kicks off from here. In winter, Pahalgam is blanketed with snow, giving rise to a winter wonderland that captures the true essence of the colder months. Unlike the hill station of Sonamarg, which becomes inaccessible once snow falls in December and January, Pahalgam remains open year-round. Check out the Hajan Valley, popularly known as the Betaab Valley in honour of the Hindi movie that was shot here; the Baisaran Valley, dubbed “mini Switzerland” due to its scenic splendour of snowcapped mountains and thick pine woods; the frozen beauty of the holy Sheshnag Lake; the Mamleshwar Temple on the banks of the Lidder River where Lord Shiva met his son, Ganesh, for the first time; and the 8th-century Martrand Sun Temple.
The premier ski, tobogganing and snowboarding destination in India is Gulmarg. Thanks to its gondola system, which is one of the world’s highest at 3,979 metres, visitors can enjoy winter sport activities all day long. Besides getting your heart rate up, consider visiting the Maharani Temple which was built by Maharaja Hari Singh for his wife Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia in 1915; St Mary’s Church, which was built in 1902 and is a fine example of Victorian architecture; Alpather Lake, which freezes over from November to mid-June and turns into an ice skating rink during that time; and the Drung Waterfall, whose falling waters turn into ice and are a spectacular sight to behold.
Located 22 kilometres from Srinagar, Dachigam National Park was initially established to ensure the city's supply of clean drinking water. A protected area since 1910, it was declared a national park in 1981. Most of its coniferous forests consist of broad leaf species that are interspersed between alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies running down the mountain face. The park is best known as the home of the hangul, or Kashmir stag, but one can also see musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan serow, Kashmir grey langurs, leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, jackals, yellow-throated martens, Himayalan rubythroats, wallcreepers, Himalayan griffon vultures, red-billed blue magpies, titmouse, pygmy owlets and Himalayan monal, among others. The hushed quiet of the landscape in winter is one of the best reasons to come here. Note that the Upper Dachigam (4,300 metres above sea level) area may be out of bounds due to heavy snowfall at this time. Stick to the Lower Dachigam (1,700 metres above sea level) due to its gentle ascent and thick canopy of alpine trees.
The beautiful hill station of Sonamarg is usually accessible till December but gets blocked when heavy snowfall starts in January. However, you can try your luck by hiring a local guide to get there. Nicknamed “the meadow of gold” due to its alpine pastures that bloom during the summer, Sonamarg is a spectacle in the winter, too. It is close to the Zoji La—a mountain pass known as “the rooftop of the world”—the Thajiwas Glacier, and plenty of glacial water bodies like the Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake, and Gadsar Lake. However, most of these places are hard, if not impossible, to reach once snow falls. If you can get to the hill station, go sledging on its slopes, ice skate on the frozen rivers and lakes, camp under snow-draped trees, stargaze at night, and go on short treks when possible.
When sunlight is in short supply and the days are long, Kashmiris keep busy by making all manner of delicious winter food. Besides dum aloo and rogan josh, taste wangan hachi, dried aubergines that are put out in the sunlight and cooked with moong dal; shab deg, which is a slow-cooked turnip and mutton stew that is traditionally left to simmer overnight; harissa, a winter delicacy made with pounded meat and rice or flour that is served with kander czoth (tandoori bread); farrigad, a meal of smoked fish; ruwangan hachi, which are dried tomatoes that have a chewy and sour taste; and gogji aar, dried turnips that are eaten with cottage cheese and mutton. Make sure you have plenty of cups of noon chai as well to keep you warm and cosy.
Skiing is the most popular activity one can do in Kashmir but snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, heli-skiing and even snowshoeing are not too far behind on the list. Gulmarg and Sonamarg are perfect for these types of activities, provided you are willing to brave the sub-zero temperatures. Meanwhile, Pahalgam and Sonamarg offer excellent opportunities for snow treks and camping experiences because of their scenic trails and pristine snow-covered landscapes.
Srinagar’s exquisite handicrafts and textile traditions have been fêted with the honour of being a “World Craft City” by the World Craft Council in 2024. Keep yourself busy this winter by exploring its local markets to find authentic Pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, papier-mâché art, walnut wood furniture, quality saffron, delicious dry fruits and traditional jewellery. Just make sure you pay in advance for the extra kilograms of baggage you will be lugging back on the flight.
While some websites will tell you to stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake during the winter, under no circumstances should you do this. The freezing cold will not bring comfort to your stay. Book accommodations in hotels and homestays with good reviews on Trustpilot, Tripadvisor and other websites. Check with your accommodation provider beforehand about the facilities they provide to keep warm, such as an electric blanket, an electric kettle, room heating, etc.
There is a saying that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. Make sure you pack and wear winter-ready clothes such as a windproof and warm jacket, woollen caps, thermals, woollen socks, warm and waterproof gloves, snow boots and waterproof trekking shoes, polarised sunglasses, an SPF and moisturising lip balm, and sunscreen.
Snowfall and extreme weather will likely disrupt traffic on the road and in the skies. Keep up-to-date with information on road closures and any unforeseen changes via the internet. While the maximum temperature occasionally touches 10°C, the minimum temperature comes down to -8°C in Kashmir. The period of 40 days from December 21 to January 29, also known as “Chillai Kalan,” is considered the most crucial when nights are chilly and day temperatures thrive in single digits.
Take a flight to Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport (SXR) in Srinagar or the train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) in Jammu. From these places, consider bus or taxi rides to your destination. Srinagar is connected by road to Leh, Manali, Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla.
