Gulmarg in January from people who drive up every week: how cold it gets, how the gondola and drag lift work, the road from Tangmarg, where to stay and a simple plan for your first snow day.
Going to Gulmarg in January?
We book heated rooms close to the gondola and send a driver with chains. Tell us your dates.
In This Article
Quick Answer: Gulmarg in January is deep winter: the bowl is under snow, days stay near freezing and nights fall well below minus 5 degrees Celsius. It is the most reliable month for skiing and snow play. Plan heated rooms, a 4x4 or snow chains for the last 13 km from Tangmarg, and a spare day for weather.
Last updated: 13 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
By January the meadow that gives Gulmarg its name has disappeared. The golf course is a white field, the fences are buried to their top rail and the pines carry snow like folded quilts. Sound changes too. You hear the squeak of boots, the bells of sledge pullers calling for customers and, on a clear morning, the hum of the gondola starting up. This is the month Gulmarg was made for.
At a Glance
Best time in the month: after the New Year rush, from about 5 January
Getting there: Srinagar to Tangmarg about 39 km, then 13 km uphill
Budget range: live room rates on Gulmarg hotels
Height: Gulmarg about 2,650 m; gondola Phase 2 to about 3,980 m
Plan with locals: ViaKashmir.in Gulmarg trip planning
How cold is Gulmarg in January?
Colder than anywhere else most visitors go in Kashmir. In late January the normal day maximum in Gulmarg is about 0.1 degrees Celsius, according to MeT figures quoted in local reports. Nights commonly run from minus 7 to minus 10 degrees, and a cold wave pushes them lower. Gulmarg falls inside Chillai Kalan, the 40 coldest days, which runs from 21 December to about 30 January.
The cold is dry and, in sunshine, surprisingly comfortable. The trouble starts at dusk and indoors. A room with heating that runs all night matters more than the view from its window. Our heated hotels guide lists the questions to ask before you book.
What can you do in Gulmarg in January?
- ✓Ride the gondola: Phase 1 climbs to Kongdoori at about 3,080 m; Phase 2 continues to the Apharwat ridge at about 3,980 m when wind and snow allow. Book through Gulmarg gondola tickets.
- ✓Learn to ski: the gentle slopes near the drag lift are where beginners start. The Director of Tourism said on 12 November 2026 that the drag lift has been repaired and is fully functional this season.
- ✓Ski the mountain: experienced skiers come for the ungroomed snow off Apharwat. Hire a certified local guide; see our Gulmarg ski season guide.
- ✓Sledge and snowmobile: see sledging and snowmobile rides.
- ✓Walk to St Mary's Church: the stone church in snow is the quietest corner of the bowl.
The tourism department has also said it plans skiing tournaments, snowboarding and snow races this winter, mainly around the New Year. Dates had not been published when we wrote this, so ask us before you plan around them.
Related reading: Kashmir in November 2026: Weather, Snow, Roads and a 5-Day Plan
Gulmarg in January vs February: which month is better?
| January | February | |
|---|---|---|
| Cold | Coldest of the year | Still cold, slowly easing |
| Snow | Deep, with frequent fresh falls | Deep base, longer sunny spells |
| Daylight | Short days | Noticeably longer |
| Crowds | Busy in week one, then calmer | Steady; busier around events |
| Events | New Year snow events | Khelo India Winter Games fell on 23 to 26 February in 2026 |
| Best for | Fresh snow and a true winter feel | Easier skiing days and families |
Choose January for falling snow and the full Chillai Kalan mood. Choose February if you have small children or want longer ski days. The 2027 Khelo India dates have not been announced; our Khelo India Winter Games guide will carry them.
How do you reach Gulmarg in January?
The drive from Srinagar to Tangmarg is about 39 km on a road that is cleared quickly. The last 13 km climb through forest, and that is where winter decides things. After fresh snow, traffic police often allow only 4x4s or cars fitted with chains above Tangmarg. Some mornings the road opens late.
Leave Srinagar by 8.30 am, and plan to be back down before dark. If Gulmarg is full, Tangmarg is a workable base; see our Tangmarg hotels guide. Our local cabs switch to chains or a 4x4 at Tangmarg so you do not have to bargain in the snow.
Related reading: Gulmarg vs Auli vs Manali for Snow in December: An Honest Comparison
Book for this trip
How should you plan a first snow day in Gulmarg in January?
- Book the gondola before you travel: counter queues are long on clear days.
- Hire boots and a snow jacket in Tangmarg: or bring your own waterproof pair.
- Reach the gondola by 10 am: wind often builds after midday and can pause Phase 2.
- Do Phase 1 first: spend an hour at Kongdoori, then decide on Phase 2 by how you feel at altitude.
- Eat a warm lunch: then give the afternoon to sledging or a beginner ski lesson.
- Be indoors by dusk: the temperature drops fast once the sun leaves the bowl.
One night in Gulmarg is enough for snow play; skiers should stay three or more. Via Kashmir is based in Srinagar and sends guests up every week of the season, so ViaKashmir.in is where travellers check which rooms are heated, which days the road is clear and which Gulmarg packages fit their dates. Many guests pair Gulmarg with a night on a heated Srinagar houseboat and browse our verified hotels for the rest.
A rule worth quoting: in Gulmarg in January, the mountain sets the timetable and a good plan simply leaves room for it. For the latest falls, watch the live Gulmarg snowfall page.
Frequently asked questions about Gulmarg in January
Is there snow in Gulmarg in January?
Yes. January is the most reliable snow month in Gulmarg. The bowl is fully covered and fresh falls are frequent through Chillai Kalan.
What is the temperature in Gulmarg in January?
Days stay close to freezing, around 0 degrees Celsius. Nights commonly fall to between minus 7 and minus 10 degrees, and lower in a cold wave.
Is the Gulmarg gondola open in January?
It usually runs through January. Phase 2 to Apharwat is paused more often than Phase 1 because of wind or heavy snow, so keep your plans flexible on the day.
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg in January?
Yes. Beginners start on the gentle slopes near the drag lift with a local instructor. Two to three days of lessons is a sensible start before trying longer runs.
Can I visit Gulmarg in January as a day trip from Srinagar?
Yes, on most days. Start early, expect a change to chains or a 4x4 at Tangmarg after fresh snow, and be back on the road down before dark.
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