The Complete Guide To Winter In Kashmir In 2024 For A Memorable Visit

One of the most essential and fun Kashmir travel tips to consider is that stepping into Jammu and Kashmir in winter is like stepping into a frosted fairy tale, which is different from other hill stations in India. 

There are a plethora of places to visit in Kashmir during the winter, and each of them offers something unique. Snow-draped mountains create the perfect backdrop for ancient shrines, frozen lakes beckon adventurers for a chilly walk, and the bare Chinar trees stand as silent sentinels of the changing seasons. Every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir in winter holds a story waiting to be discovered.

While the views alone can leave one spellbound, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kashmir during the colder months. From thrilling snow sports to savouring traditional Kashmiri winter dishes, there’s something for every traveler’s taste.

Well, with all this being said, it’s now time to dive deep into the magic of Winter in Kashmir. So scroll through and check it all out. 

Places To Visit In Kashmir In Winter

1. Srinagar

What Makes It Special? 

Srinagar is home to the world-famous Dal Lake.

The place offers a mesmerising view of the snow-capped mountains. 

The houseboats in Kashmir offer a unique stay. 

Home to unique and luxurious hotels in Srinagar, that make it even more special. 

Places To Visit

Nishat Bagh

Jama Masjid

Shankaracharya Temple

Mughal Gardens

Things To Do

Ice Skating

Shikara Ride

Sledging

Shopping in Kashmir

2. Gulmarg

What Makes It Special? 

Unparalleled Skiing opportunities.

A popular destination for honeymoon in Kashmir.

Luxurious hotels in Gulmarg ensure a comfortable stay. 

Snow-capped mountains provide ample opportunities for photographers. Read more

Places To Visit

Mahakali Temple

Gulmarg Golf Course

St. Mary’s Church

Apharwat Peak

Things To Do

Gondola Ride

Skiing

Tobogganing 

Snowboarding

3. Pahalgam

What Makes It Special? 

Amazing winter trekking opportunities.

Place of religious importance.

Offers breathtaking views of valleys in Kashmir.

Central hub for winter activities.

Places To Visit

Lidder River

Aru Valley

Mamleshwar Temple

Betaab Valley

Things To Do

Trekking

Golfing

Sightseeing

Horse Riding

4. Jammu

What Makes It Special? 

Essential hub for shopping in Kashmir.

Rich tapestry of architecture. 

Known for Kashmiri food. 

Starting point for Vaishno Devi.

Places To Visit

Raghunath Temple

Bahu Fort

Mubarak Mandi Palace

Ranbireshwar Temple

Things To Do

Dining

Exploring

Pilgrimage

Shopping

5. Dachigam National Park

What Makes It Special? 

Alternative to the touristy places.

Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Unparalleled trekking opportunities.

Home to the Hangul deer.

Places To Visit

Upper Dachigam

Lower Dachigam

Shikargarh

Marsar Lake

Things To Do

Trekking

Photography 

Wildlife Spotting

Birdwatching

6. Sonamarg

What Makes It Special? 

Essential halt for Amarnath Yatra.

Home to several ancient temples.

Known for its Glacier Treks.

Abode to some of the highest lakes in Kashmir. 

Places To Visit

Baltal

Vishansar River

Nilagrad River

Thajiwas Glacier

Things To Do

Camping

Fishing 

Trekking

Horse Riding

Things To Do In Winter In Kashmir

1. Snowball Fights In Gulmarg

Where To Do It: Gulmarg

2. Gondola Ride

Where To Do It: Gulmarg

3. Winter Treks

Where To Do It: Tarsar And Marsar Lakes

4. Relish Wazwan Cuisine

Where To Do It: Srinagar, near the Dal Lake

5. Stay In A Houseboat

Where To Do It: Dal Lake, Srinagar

6. Chill At The Frozen Waterfalls

Where To Do It: Sonamarg

7. Celebrate The Festivals

Where To Do It: Srinagar and Pahalgam

8. Shop For Pashmina Shawls

Where To Do It: Srinagar and Handwara

9. Attend Local Sufi Performance

Where To Do It: Srinagar

10. Relish Some Noon Chai

Where To Do It: Throughout The Valley

Events And Festivals To Attend In Winter In Kashmir

1. Shikara Festival

In winter, with the thick layer of ice and snow, they get a festive makeover, becoming a spectacle of colors and celebrations.

Places To Celebrate: Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake

2. Herath (Maha Shivratri)

Places To Celebrate: Shankaracharya Temple, Srinagar and Mamleshwar Temple, Pahalgam

3. Gaddi Festival

They believe a change in season brings in the supernatural. So, dances, songs, and unique rituals light up the darkest night, ensuring a quirky and warming experience.

Places To Celebrate: Dras Valley and Gurez Valley

4. Eid-E-Milad

Places To Celebrate: Hazratbal Shrine and Jama Masjid, Srinagar

5. Baisakhi

Places To Celebrate: Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Srinagar; Pahalgam, and Anantnag

6. Urs Festival

Places To Celebrate: Charar-e-Sharif, Budgam and Aishmuqam Shrine, Pahalgam

7. Christmas And New Year

Places To Celebrate: Srinagar and Gulmarg

Essential Items To Carry To Kashmir In Winter

1. Kashmiri Pheran

2. Socks

3. Earmuffs

4. Snow Boots

5. Sweaters

6. Sunglasses

7. Chapstick and Moisturizer

8. An Expandable Bag

Do’s and Don’ts While Travelling To Kashmir In Winter

The Do’s 

Do Keep Extra Batteries: Cold temperatures are infamous for draining battery life faster. Whether it’s your camera or smartphone, pack some backup to keep capturing those magical snowy moments.

Do Book In Advance: Kashmir in winter attracts hundreds and thousands of travellers, which can result in hotels and activities getting sold out. This is why it is always suggested to book your trip in advance. 

Do Keep Sufficient Cash: ATMs can be scarce in Kashmir, especially in remote areas. Ensure you’re not caught in a “no cash, no Kahwa” situation by carrying some extra notes.

Do Become Friends With The Locals: Kashmiris are warm, hospitable, and full of intriguing tales. Sharing a Kahwa and a chat with a local might just be the highlight of your trip!

The Don’ts 

Don’t Forget To Moisturize: Cold air can be super drying. Keep your skin hydrated and happy with a good moisturizer. Moreover, those chapped lips could use some lip balm love too!

Don’t Overdo The Adventures: Obviously, snowboarding down a pristine slope or taking a walk on a frozen lake might sound thrilling, but always ensure your safety first. Check with local experts, and remember, there’s no harm in skipping an activity if conditions aren’t favorable.

Don’t Rely Just On Digital Maps: Connectivity can be a bit dicey. Having a physical map or directions noted down ensures you won’t be left wandering in the cold looking for a place that your digital map says ‘ is right here’.

Don’t Stray Off The Paths: While a snow-covered trail might look alluring and inviting, there could be slippery spots or areas with thin ice. Stick to known paths, or better yet, follow your local guide.

Weather Of Kashmir In September

The snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and frosted trees paint a picture-perfect scene. The snowfall starts around late November and can last until February. 

During this time, the region is blanketed in a thick layer of snow, sometimes even reaching several feet high. Such conditions make Kashmir a popular spot for winter sports like skiing especially in places like Gulmarg.

However, while the snow adds to the beauty, it also brings challenges. Roads can get blocked and it’s essential to be prepared for chilly weather.

In conclusion, winter in Kashmir is cold with temperatures often dipping below freezing but it’s this very chill that transforms the region into a mesmerizing snowy spectacle. If you love snow and chilly weather, Kashmir in winter is the place to be.

How To Reach Kashmir In Winter

By Road: Planning on taking some adventure? Well, then driving to Kashmir is the way to do it. The Jammu- Srinagar is the main route, but keep in mind that during the winter, the roads can get covered under thick sheets of snow, making it difficult to commute. 

By Train: Kashmir does not have its own railway station, but the nearest railway station to it is Jammu Tawi, from there you can drive, take a taxi or a bus to Srinagar which is 6-7 hours away from it. 

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