Kashmir is the best thing that ever happened to India! For all the enchantress that this piece is paradise is, one must plan an extensive excursion of the Himalayan beauty. There are times when Kashmir flourishes with maple in the fall, green pasture in the summer but winter in Kashmir is really special. Nothing in the world looks prettier than the way top tourist places in Kashmir like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar appear; all cast in the snow.
In fact winter in Kashmir is challenging. Kashmir thrives in a dreamy surrounding. The entire valley is covered with a blanket of snow. Life comes to a halt during winters as one can’t find too many people around. Stunning escapades loom largely bejeweled with imposing mountain peaks in the backdrop, and partially frozen pine trees cut the picture of a mesmerizing sight around.
The following list of experiences of things to do in Kashmir in winter during Covid is a full guide for travelers for an amazing trip. Please note, some of these experiences might not be available for travelers to enjoy given the current circumstances. Also, at TravelTriangle, it is advisable to check local government restrictions and health conditions before planning your trip.
Weather In Kashmir In Winter
December to February is the best time to visit Kashmir in winter. While maximum temperature occasionally touches 10 degrees Celsius the minimum temperature comes down to -8 degrees Celsius. The period of 40 days from December 21 to January 31st, also known as Chilai Kalan, is considered as the most crucial when if it snows the condition gets even worse. The weather in Kashmir during winters is pleasant and surroundings become duskier and the bone-chilling cold can make you numb.
8 Things To Do In Winter In Kashmir
Here is the list of the most enticing things to do in winter in Kashmir for your next vacation. Keep scrolling down and read along to know more about the most enticing things that you can do in winters!
- Dal Lake: Go For A Shikara Ride
- Harissa: Try The Winter Delicacy Of Kashmir
- Gulmarg: Skiing And Cable Car Ride
- Zanskar River: Walking The Chadar
- Sonamarg: Beholding The Best Of Snow Mountain Valley
- Pahalgam: A Pony Ride And Rafting
- Discount & Cheap Stays: A Comfortable Trip
- Snow Camping And Trekking: An Adventurous Outing
1. Dal Lake: Go For A Shikara Ride
For sure you can stroll around the markets in Kashmir buying those intricately woven Pashmina shawls, and carpets but don’t forget to go for a boat ride. The joy of taking a romantic boat ride in the beautiful lakes of Kashmir or staying in the best houseboats in Kashmir is incomparable. A boat ride in Kashmir is the mother of all the romantic experiences when you are on a Kashmir holiday. As the mercury experiences a remarkable dip even the lakes become partially frozen. Plan a Shikara ride and nothing is more enchanting than it. Trying a shikara ride is one of the best things to do in Kashmir in Winter.
Must Read: Snowfall In Kashmir
Kashmir Tour Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Harissa: Try The Winter Delicacy Of Kashmir
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There is a lot of things to do when you are looking to spend few days of winter in Kashmir. And Kashmiri food is certainly worth a mention. Kashmiri Pulav, Kehwa, dum aloo, Yakhni, and Kebabs are some of the most popular and lip smacking delicacies to try but it’s the Harissa that hogs the limelight. Harissa is the local Kashmiri food that everyone must try. The non-vegetarian delicacy that takes almost 12 hours to prepare is a staple diet of Kashmiris in winter. Lamb and rice are the primary ingredients of Harissa.
3. Gulmarg: Skiing And Cable Car Ride
Of all the adventure activities that you can take during winter in Kashmir, Skiing is the most popular. Gulmarg and Sonamarg are the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in winter for adventure enthusiasts who brave the sub-zero temperature to make the winter a memorable one. There are quite a few local operators in Gulmarg who make arrangements for adventure sports.
Riding a cable car in Gulmarg is one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir in December for adventure lovers. Hot air ballooning, skating, and heli-skiing is some other popular activities to take up while planning a trip to Kashmir in Winter.
Suggested Read: An Ultimate Post-Covid Travel Guide To Kashmir
4. Zanskar River: Walking The Chadar
Among the unique things to do in winter in Kashmir, walking over Zanskar River is something you must try. As you step into the world that looks nothing less than the ice age, there are daunting trails awaiting you into the deep embrace of nature. Zanskar river, flowing to the south of Leh across the Hemis National Park, is the perfect place to explore in winter. The river turns into a thick sheet of ice in winter thus forming a perfect platform for the Chadar Trek – one of the most thrilling treks in the world. Chadar Trek is a popular attraction of Kashmir in winter.
5. Sonamarg: Beholding The Best Of Snow Mountain Valley
An hour drive from Srinagar takes you to Sonamarg (80 km from Srinagar). It is often said that Sonamarg remains inaccessible in winter because of the heavy snowfall and avalanche but with the able help of locals, one can maneuver the tricky trail well. Sonamarg is one place in Kashmir that will take your breath away. The beauty of Sonamarg is unparalleled with golden beauty turning into a sea of white.
Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point are the most beautiful of all thus making for popular places to see in Sonamarg. Embrace the beauty the land of golden meadows has its own charm in the fudgy winter. Guarded by the great Himalayan mountains, Sonamarg, one of the most popular places to visit in India in summer, is a must-visit.
Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do During Snowfall In Gulmarg
6. Pahalgam: A Pony Ride And Rafting
Winter would never be easier in Kashmir without ponies. When the unknown trails become difficult to walk, it is the ponies who guide you through the valley carrying you on their backs. The fact that winter in Kashmir is considered an offseason for tourism makes the travelers prone to make the higher payment. Negotiate is the word. To experience the glaciers in Kashmir at its best a horse/pony ride is a must. Stay cautious, even animals fumble sometimes.
7. Discount & Cheap Stays: A Comfortable Trip
As you plan to stay in a resort or a hotel in Kashmir there are higher chances that you might land up a good discount. Winter is an offseason and this makes a stay in Kashmir a cost-effective option. Don’t forget to compare prices online, you never know when you might land up an exciting deal.
Suggested Read: 30 Unbelievably Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir
8. Snow Camping And Trekking: An Adventurous Outing
Kashmir is the aptest place to place to plan a winter camping. With not too many people around, camping always makes for a peaceful retreat amidst nature. And when you think of camping in Kashmir there is nothing like this one incredible experience. Mount Nun Kun Camping, Mount Harmukh Camping, and the Trek to Sankaracharya are the most popular of them all.
With dark grey and gloomy conditions around, and weather presenting bone-chilling conditions, camping is one of its kind experience in Kashmir. Living in a tent on a bed of snow is an experience that would invigorate the adventures in you.
Popular Places For Camping In Kashmir:
- Sonmarg, Nichinni, Vishansar, Gadsar, Gangabal, Naranag
- Pahalgam, Aru, Lidderwat, Kolahoi, Chandanwari
Manasbal Lake - Tsomoriri Lake, Tso Kar, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Shargol
Things Required For Camping:
- Navigation
Sun protection - Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination equipments
- First-aid kit
- Fire essentials
- Repair kit & tools
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Emergency shelter (in case of emergency)
* Always avoid the avalanche-prone zones!
How To Reach Kashmir?
There are no direct trains from New Delhi to Kashmir but you can board a train till Jammu Tawi and then hire a cab till Srinagar. Jammu Tawi is located around 297 kms away from Kashmir and you will reach the Jammu Tawi railway station in around 12 hours. You can even take a bus from Jammu Tawi to Srinagar and comfortable reach your destination.
Suggested Read: 10 Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
Tips For Winter In Kashmir
- Be prepared for the delay in flights because of extreme weather.
- Roads aren’t as comfortable to travel on as it seems. The closures are frequent because of heavy snowfall.
- Enquire about the roads and weather forecast well in advance.
- A budget hotel might not be equipped with the electric blanket while deluxe hotels give you the facility of an electric blanket. Enquire about it in advance.
- Pahalgam is easy while Gulmarg won’t be easy to travel. Anyway, snow clearing machines ensure that roads are in the perfect condition to travel.
- Shops are mostly opened lest there is a curfew situation in the valley. You may chance upon some great deals in shops during winters.
- Book a prepaid car well in advance for your entire trip. Local transport isn’t good during winters.
- You might find Dal Lake frozen. It depends upon the amount of snowfall.
- Carry your best winter clothings and gears. -10 degrees isn’t easy to deal with.
Further Read: 23 Things To Do In Kashmir
With beauty as bewitching as Kashmir, even the challenges of making it there becomes insignificant when you marvel at the snow-swept views. Book a Kashmir tour now and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the state along with many other fascinating sights which are worth a capture.
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Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter In Kashmir
Is December a good time to visit Kashmir?
Kashmir is best known for its snow-capped mountains and scenic views and a Kashmir trip in December will work as a cherry on the cake during this month. Some of the popular destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, etc. will make your trip unforgettable with its splendid beauty.
What are the famous winter sports in Kashmir?
There are various things to do in Kashmir in January apart from discovering the scenic sites and spiritual attractions. You can take part in famous winter sports like snow autocross, ice skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, and heliskiing.
Which place is best for snow in Kashmir?
Gulmarg is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in winter. Its snow-packed meadows are the perfect paradise for snow lovers. You can enjoy heavy snowfall and multiple adventure activities during this period.
What is the temperature in Kashmir in December?
The maximum temperature that Shimla can hit in December is 8.2 degrees Celsius which can drop down to 3.4 degrees Celsius.
Which is the most beautiful place in Kashmir?
Here are the best places to visit in Kashmir in winter: 1. Srinagar 2. Pahalgam 3. Sonamarg 4. Drass 5. Leh 6. Zanskar 7. Pangong Lake 8. Nubra Valley
What can I buy in Kashmir?
Souvenirs you can buy from Kashmir: 1. Walnut Wood Items. 2. Papier Mache Artifacts. Papier Mache Products. 3. Kashmiri Pashminas. Pashminas. 4. Kashmiri Tea.
What is the famous food of Kashmir?
Rogan Josh is one of the most famous dishes of Kashmiri food. It is a flavourful non-veg dish that will give you a taste of Kashmir spices with a perfect blend of yogurt, fried onions, and lamb.
Which month snow is heavy in Kashmir?
From the very beginning of winter, the temperature touches zero degrees Celsius, and there is a high possibility of snowfall during the months from November to December.
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