Gulmarg becomes one of Asia's top ski destinations once the snow settles. Here is what the season is really like, the winter packages we run, and an honest note on the "frozen Dal Lake" photos doing the rounds online.
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Quick Answer: Gulmarg usually has snow from December to March, with the most reliable skiing from January to March. Ski schools and gear rental are available for beginners, and the gondola runs in two phases to Apharwat, weather permitting. Stay at least one night in Gulmarg - two or more for skiing. A walkable freeze of Dal Lake happens only in rare cold snaps, not every winter.
Winter belongs to Gulmarg. From January to March its slopes are at their best, and the rest of the valley settles into a quieter, log-fire kind of season.
Our winter packages
- ✓Winter Wonderland Kashmir - Snow & Serenity (5 days): currently ₹24,999 per person, bookable from a single traveller.
- ✓Winter Special Kashmir Package - 4N5D: currently ₹17,399 per person, for a minimum of 2.
- ✓Gulmarg Skiing Package with Private Coach - 6N/7D: currently ₹45,000 per person, for a minimum of 2, for a week focused on skiing.
You may have seen photos of people walking on a frozen Dal Lake. This happens only in genuinely rare cold snaps - roughly once a decade for a walkable freeze - not something to plan a trip around or expect as standard. A winter Srinagar stay is still worthwhile for the houseboat experience and the season's quiet.
Gondola basics for winter visitors
- ✓The Gulmarg Gondola runs in two phases, each ticketed separately: Phase 1 to Kongdori (around Rs 800) and Phase 2 to Apharwat (around Rs 1,000).
- ✓High wind or heavy cloud can pause Phase 2 at short notice - keep the day flexible and allow a second morning if you can.
- ✓Stay overnight in Gulmarg so you reach the counter at opening, ahead of the Srinagar day-trippers.
- ✓Snow gear - jackets, boots, gum-boots - can be rented in Gulmarg.
How to book
Browse winter packages, or tell us your dates and group size for a written quote.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is ski season in Gulmarg?
Snow usually lies from December to March, with the most reliable ski conditions from January to March.
Is there a winter package for solo travellers?
Yes - Winter Wonderland Kashmir can be booked from a single traveller, and our Solo Winter Kashmir packages run from 4N5D to 6N7D.
Can you really walk on a frozen Dal Lake in winter?
Only in genuinely rare cold snaps - roughly once a decade for a walkable freeze. It isn't something to plan a trip around; a winter Srinagar stay is still worthwhile for the houseboat experience regardless.
Should I stay in Gulmarg or day-trip from Srinagar in winter?
Stay at least one night - two or more for skiing. Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar, and in heavy snow the last stretch can need chains, so an overnight stay removes the time pressure.
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