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, and green pasture in the summer but winter in Kashmir is 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. Kashmir thrives in a dreamy surrounding. The entire valley is covered with a blanket of snow. Life comes to a halt during winter 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.
Places To Visit In Winter In Kashmir
1. Dal Lake
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For sure you can stroll around the markets in Kashmir buying those intricately woven Pashmina shawls, and carpets but don’t forget to visit Dal Lake and 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 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: Best Places To Visit In Srinagar
2. Sonamarg
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An hour’s 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 avalanches. Still, with the 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 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.
3. Pulwama
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Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kashmir,’ this charming village in Jammu and Kashmir showcases nature’s true beauty. Located 40 km from Srinagar, it offers numerous tourist sites for first-time visitors to explore. This colorful town features pleasant weather, the delightful scent of saffron fields, and welcoming locals. The saffron fields and rich culture of Pulwama make it one of the premier picnic spots in winter in Kashmir.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kashmir
4. Anantnag
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Adorned with lush gardens and freshwater springs, Anantnag is a heavenly destination. Here, you can experience the convenience of city life alongside the beauty of nature. Day tour options include Verinag and Daksum. Our list of Kashmir tourist spots would be incomplete without highlighting Anantnag! So, don’t hesitate to add Anantnag to your travel bucket list this December.
5. Yusmarg
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This is regarded as the prime location to experience Kashmir’s natural beauty. As one of the best yet lesser explored tourist spots in the region, it offers a unique experience. Just 4 kilometers downhill lies the stunning Nil Nag Lake, a visual delight. Here, you’ll discover the true tranquility and scenic charm of Kashmir.
Suggested Read: Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
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 learn more about the most enticing things that you can do in winter!
1. Trying Harissa – A Winter Delicacy
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There are a lot of things to do when you are looking to spend a 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.
Kashmir Tour Packages On TravelTriangle
2. Skiing And Cable Car Ride
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Of all the adventure activities that you can take during winter vacation in Kashmir in 2024, 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 are some other popular activities to take up while planning a trip to Kashmir in Winter.
Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do During Snowfall In Gulmarg
3. Walking The Zanskar
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Among the unique things to do in your winter vacations in Kashmir, walking over the Zanskar River is something you must try. As you step into the world that looks nothing less than the ice age, daunting trails await 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 in Kashmir in winter.
4. A Pony Ride And Rafting in Pahalgam
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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 travelers prone to make higher payments. 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.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Pahalgam
5. Discount & Cheap Stays
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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 an exciting deal.
6. Snow Camping And Trekking
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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. Winter treks in Kashmir are challenging and fun.
With dark grey and gloomy conditions around, and weather presenting bone-chilling conditions, camping is a one-of-a-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 equipment
- First-aid kit
- Fire essentials
- Repair kit & tools
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Emergency shelter (in case of emergency)
Suggested Read: Srinagar In Summer
Weather In Kashmir In Winter
December to February is the best time for winter vacations in Kashmir. 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 the most crucial when if it snows the condition gets even worse. The snow season in Kashmir is pleasant and the surroundings become duskier but caution must be practiced lest the bone-chilling cold makes you numb.
How To Reach Kashmir?
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There are no direct trains from New Delhi to Kashmir but you can board a train to Jammu Tawi and then hire a cab to Srinagar. Jammu Tawi is located around 297 km 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 comfortably reach your destination.
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 an 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 open lest there is a curfew situation in the valley. You may chance upon some great deals in shops during winter.
- Book a prepaid car well in advance for your entire trip. Local transport isn’t good during winter.
- You might find Dal Lake frozen. It depends upon the amount of snowfall.
- Carry your best winter clothes and gear. -10 degrees isn’t easy to deal with.
Further Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
With beauty as bewitching as Kashmir, even the challenges of making it there become insignificant when you marvel at the snow-swept views. Book a trip to Kashmir now and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the state along with many other fascinating sights that are worth a capture.
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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.
How cold is Kashmir in December?
It can get really cold and snowy in Kashmir in December with temperatures ranging from -2 to 7 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
Which month is the coldest month in Kashmir?
January is usually the coldest month in winter in Kashmir with temperatures falling below zero degrees Celsius.
Is Dal Lake frozen in December?
Yes, Dal Lake is frozen over in December, either partly or fully.
Which month is the snowfall in Kashmir?
From the very beginning of winter, the temperature touches zero degrees Celsius, and there is a high possibility of snow season in Kashmir during the months from November to January.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
