Every winter activity in Kashmir from December to March: skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg, the gondola in snow, sledging and snowmobiles, Sonamarg's new winter season, frozen Dal Lake mornings, harissa and kangris, with what each costs and where to do it.
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In This Article
Quick Answer: The best winter activities in Kashmir are skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg (late December to March), the Gulmarg gondola over snow, sledging, snowmobile rides and snowshoe walks, snow days in Pahalgam and, since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in 2025, in Sonamarg. In Srinagar, winter means misty Dal Lake mornings, harissa for breakfast and migratory birds. The coldest stretch, Chillai Kalan, runs from about 21 December to the end of January.
Winter turns Kashmir into a different place. The meadows go white, the pines hold snow, and the valley slows down around kangri fire pots and long breakfasts. It is also the season when travellers have the most questions: is it too cold, will there be snow, what is open? This guide lists every winter activity worth doing, where to do it and what to expect, from someone who lives here.
For packages, month-by-month weather and what to pack, see Kashmir in winter. For today's snow, see our live Gulmarg snowfall page.
Winter at a glance
| Where | Best for | Snow season |
|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg | Skiing, gondola, sledging, snowmobiles | Late December to March |
| Pahalgam | Quiet snow walks, sledging, riverside hotels | December to February |
| Sonamarg | Snow walks, ice rink, a newer winter base | December to February |
| Srinagar | Dal Lake in mist, harissa, birds, a warm base | A few snowfalls each winter |
| Doodhpathri | Deep snow meadows on a day trip | December to February, roads permitting |
Snow sports
1. Skiing in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is India's main ski resort. Beginners learn on the nursery slopes by the base and at Kongdori (about 3,080 m); strong skiers ride the gondola to Apharwat (about 3,980 m) for long, steep off-piste runs. Group lessons run from about ₹800 to ₹1,200 a session, private instructors cost more, and gear is hired in town. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering runs 14-day courses. See skiing courses in Gulmarg and Gulmarg skiing packages.
2. Snowboarding
Snowboard lessons and hire are available alongside skiing. The Kongdori slopes suit beginners. See snowboarding in Gulmarg.
3. Backcountry and heli-skiing
Apharwat's off-piste terrain draws experienced skiers from around the world. It is for strong skiers only, always with a certified local guide and avalanche gear. Heli-skiing runs only in some seasons and on request.
4. Watch the winter games
Gulmarg hosts national snow sports events, including the Khelo India Winter Games; the 2026 Gulmarg leg ran from 23 to 26 February. Dates depend on the snow.
Snow days for everyone
5. The Gulmarg gondola in snow
You do not have to ski to enjoy it. The cabin rises over snow-loaded forest to Kongdori, and in good weather on to Apharwat. Phase 2 closes more often in winter wind. Fares were about ₹800 for Phase 1 and ₹1,000 for Phase 2 in 2025-26; book online in advance. See our Gulmarg gondola ticket guide.
6. Sledging
Local sledge-pullers take you down the gentler slopes in Gulmarg, at Kongdori, near the glacier path in Sonamarg and in Pahalgam. It is the activity children remember most. Agree the run and price before you start.
7. Snowmobile rides
Snowmobiles run on set routes in Gulmarg in the snow season. Rides are short and priced on the spot by distance; confirm the route and the price first.
8. Snowshoe walks and snow treks
Guided snowshoe walks through the forests of Gulmarg and Pahalgam are a quiet way to see winter without crowds. See snow treks in Kashmir.
9. Sonamarg's new winter season
Since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025, Sonamarg can be reached in winter. The development authority has opened an ice-skating rink and promotes snow activities, and the meadow under snow is spectacular. Zojila stays closed and many hotels shut, so book a heated room. See our Sonamarg in winter guide.
10. Pahalgam under snow
Pahalgam is quiet in winter, with the Lidder running dark between snowy banks. Betaab and Aru can be visited when the roads are clear; Chandanwari is usually cut off. Riverside hotels with good heating make it a peaceful stay.
11. Frozen waterfalls and snow meadows
Drung waterfall near Tangmarg freezes in mid-winter and is an easy stop on the way to Gulmarg. Doodhpathri, about 42 km from Srinagar, is a deep-snow meadow for a day trip when the road is open.
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Winter in Srinagar and Kashmiri traditions
12. Dal Lake on a winter morning
Mist on the water, chinars bare, the mountains white. In the coldest weeks the shallow edges of Dal freeze, but shikaras still run on the open channels. A houseboat night needs confirmed heating. See Dal Lake in winter.
13. Harissa for breakfast
Old city shops cook harissa, minced mutton and rice, overnight through winter and sell it at dawn with hot bread. Go early; it sells out.
14. Live with a kangri and pheran
Kashmiris keep warm with the pheran, a long woollen cloak, and the kangri, a small clay fire pot in a wicker frame carried underneath. Buying one, or simply seeing how it is used, is part of understanding a Kashmiri winter.
15. Chillai Kalan
The 40 coldest days of the year run from about 21 December to the end of January. This is when snow is heaviest and the scenery most dramatic, and also when roads and flights are most often disrupted, so build in a spare day.
16. Birds at Hokersar
From October to March migratory ducks and geese winter on the Hokersar wetland near Srinagar. Go early with binoculars.
How to plan a winter trip
- ✓Base: two nights in Srinagar plus two in Gulmarg works for most travellers; add Pahalgam or Sonamarg for quieter snow.
- ✓Heating: ask exactly how the room is heated before you pay. See Srinagar hotels with heating.
- ✓Clothing: thermals, a down jacket, waterproof boots, gloves and a cap. Snow boots and jackets can also be hired in Gulmarg.
- ✓Transport: snow chains are fitted on the Gulmarg road when needed; private cabs handle this, so allow extra time.
- ✓A spare day: keep one at the end for weather delays to flights or the highway.
Our Winter Special Kashmir Package 4N5D (from ₹17,399 per person) is the easiest way to see the snow, Winter Wonderland Kashmir (from ₹24,999 per person) gives more time in the mountains, and skiers can look at the Gulmarg Skiing Package with Private Coach (from ₹45,000 per person).
Tell us your dates and we will plan your snow days around the forecast, with heated rooms booked in advance.
Plan my winter trip →Frequently asked questions
What are the best winter activities in Kashmir?
Skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg, the gondola in snow, sledging, snowmobile rides, snowshoe walks, snow days in Pahalgam and Sonamarg, and Dal Lake mornings in Srinagar.
When is the best time for snow in Kashmir?
Late December to February. Gulmarg usually has reliable snow until early March. Snow on a particular date is never guaranteed.
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?
Yes. Gulmarg has nursery slopes, ski schools and instructors, and Kongdori has gentle runs. Many Indians learn to ski there.
Is Sonamarg open in winter now?
Yes, since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in January 2025. Zojila and Zero Point remain closed in winter.
What is Chillai Kalan?
The 40 coldest days of the Kashmiri winter, from about 21 December to the end of January, with the heaviest snow.
Does Dal Lake freeze in winter?
The shallow edges and some reed beds freeze in the coldest weeks, but the main channels stay open and shikaras run all winter.
Is Kashmir too cold for children in winter?
Not if they are dressed well and the hotel is properly heated. Keep snow outings to a few hours and avoid Gulmarg Phase 2 with very young children.
Do flights get cancelled in winter?
Sometimes, because of fog or snow at Srinagar. Keep a spare day and avoid tight onward connections.
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