The 40 hardest days of the Kashmir winter: 21 December 2026 to about 30 January 2027.
Srinagar nights usually fall to minus 2 to minus 6°C. Clear days sit around 5 to 8°C.
On 21 December 2024 Srinagar fell to minus 8.5°C, its coldest December night since 1974.
Snow is most likely in these weeks. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are far surer bets than Srinagar.
A clay pot of embers in a wicker case, carried under the long woollen pheran to stay warm.
Chillai Khurd (20 days) and Chillai Bachha (10 days) follow, and the cold eases by early March.
Verified stays, fixed cab fares and day-by-day plans from Srinagar.
See Kashmir winter packages Read the Chillai Kalan guide More Kashmir stories