Kashmir in winter: Gulmarg snow, skiing and the frozen valley
Plan Kashmir in winter: when snow falls in Gulmarg, the Gondola, skiing for beginners, Pahalgam and Sonamarg access, flights to Srinagar and costs.
By the Agrima Holidays Team · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
Why go in winter
From December to March, snow covers Gulmarg, Pahalgam and the Srinagar valley. Gulmarg turns into India’s main ski resort, with the Gondola climbing to Apharwat at nearly 4,000 m. Families come for the first snowfall, couples for the quiet, and skiers for powder at a fraction of Alpine prices.
When the snow comes
- Late December: first good snow in Gulmarg in most years
- Chillai Kalan, 21 December to 31 January: the coldest 40 days, with the heaviest snow
- February: the best ski conditions
- March: snow stays on the slopes, days turn milder
Snowfall varies year to year. We share recent conditions before you book.
Getting there
Fly to Srinagar from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. The Katra to Srinagar train links Kashmir to the national rail network. Gulmarg is 50 km from Srinagar, about one and a half hours in winter, with snow chains on the last stretch.
Gulmarg
- The Gulmarg Gondola: Phase 1 to Kongdoori, Phase 2 to Apharwat. Book tickets online on the official JKCCC website, since queues run long
- Skiing and snowboarding with certified instructors, two to three hours a day for beginners
- Sledge rides, snowmobiles and snow play near the meadow
- St Mary’s Church and the frozen golf course
Stay two to three nights for the snow.
Pahalgam and Sonamarg
Pahalgam stays open through winter, with Betaab and Aru valleys under snow. Sonamarg depends on road conditions. The road beyond Gagangir closes in heavy snow. We plan around daily updates.
Srinagar in winter
Dal Lake freezes at the edges in the coldest weeks. Houseboats stay heated with bukharis and electric blankets. Try kahwa, harissa and the winter breads of the old city.
What to pack
- Thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket
- Waterproof gloves, woollen cap, snow boots
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for the glare
- Lip balm and moisturiser
Ski gear is hired in Gulmarg.
Mobile network
Only postpaid SIM cards from outside Jammu and Kashmir work. Prepaid connections from other states do not work in the valley.
What it costs
Our Kashmir Winter Snow package starts from the price on its package page per person on twin sharing, with hotels, a heated houseboat night and a car. Gondola tickets, ski lessons and snow vehicles are paid locally. Flights to Srinagar are extra.
Share your dates and we send a plan within 24 hours on working days.
