Hussain

Check the latest dated report at the top of this page. In a normal year, Gulmarg has snow on the meadow from about December to March, and Apharwat, at the top of the Gondola, holds snow most of the year. In snow, only 4x4s and cars with chains can drive up from Tangmarg.

The best places to visit in Sonamarg are Thajiwas Glacier, about 3 km from town on foot or by pony, Zero Point beyond Zoji La by local union taxi, and Baltal. Sonamarg is about 80 km from Srinagar and, since the Z-Morh tunnel opened in 2025, open in winter. Most visit as a day trip.

The best time to visit Kashmir depends on the trip: March to May for blossom and tulips, June to August for green valleys, October and November for chinars and clear skies, and December to February for snow and skiing in Gulmarg. For a first visit, choose May, June or October; for snow, January or February.

December is the start of winter in Kashmir. Srinagar averages about 10°C by day and -2°C at night, Pahalgam 8°C and -4°C, and Gulmarg 5°C and -5°C. Snow usually arrives in Gulmarg and the mountains during the month, but in Srinagar only in some years. Chillai Kalan starts on 21 December, and the last week is fully booked.

There is no direct Delhi to Srinagar train yet. Take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi or Katra (about 8 hours on the Delhi to Katra Vande Bharat), then the Vande Bharat Express to Srinagar, about 4 hours 50 minutes from Jammu Tawi. Chair car fares from Jammu are about ₹715 to ₹880.

The best places to visit in Gulmarg are the Gondola to Kongdoori and Apharwat, the snow slopes for skiing and sledging, Khilanmarg, the golf course meadow, St Mary's Church, the Maharani Temple, Drung Waterfall and the shrine of Baba Reshi. In winter, stay at least one night: a day trip is too rushed for the snow.

Book the Gulmarg Gondola only on the official JKCCC portal, etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com. Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori) costs ₹800 per person and Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat) ₹1,000, so ₹1,800 for both. Log in with your mobile number and OTP, book both phases together as soon as your dates are fixed, and carry the original ID you booked with.

The Gulmarg ski season runs from about December to early March, with the most reliable snow in January and February. A beginner day with both Gondola phases, rental and lunch costs about ₹3,000 to ₹4,500; lessons are extra. Beginners learn near the base, experts ski Apharwat, and IISM runs subsidised winter courses.

November is autumn turning into winter in Kashmir. Srinagar averages about 16°C by day and 1°C at night, Gulmarg 9°C and just below freezing. It is one of the driest months, with chinar colours usually at their best from late October to mid-November and the saffron bloom in Pampore. Snow is likely only on the high slopes.

The best places to visit in Pahalgam are Betaab Valley, Aru Valley and Chandanwari, all within about 16 km, plus the Lidder River and the ancient Mamal Temple. You reach the valleys only by Pahalgam union taxi, about ₹2,200 to ₹3,000 for all three. Pahalgam is about 90 to 95 km from Srinagar; stay two nights.

To plan a Kashmir trip, pick your season first, give it five to seven days, base yourself in Srinagar and add Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Book flights or the Vande Bharat train, stays and the Gulmarg Gondola early, bring a postpaid SIM or buy a local one, carry ID and some cash, and check the latest advisories.

Snowfall in Kashmir usually starts on the high slopes above Gulmarg in October or November and reaches the valley between mid-December and February. January and February are the most reliable months for snow. Gulmarg is the surest place to find it; Srinagar gets snow on some days, but not every year on the same dates.

The best places to visit in Srinagar are Dal Lake by shikara, the Mughal gardens of Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal, the Old City's wooden mosques, Nigeen Lake and Zero Bridge. Two days covers them: one for the lake and gardens, one for the Old City and Hazratbal.

Gulmarg is about 50 to 56 km from Srinagar, a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours through Parimpora and Tangmarg. A day-trip taxi costs about ₹3,000 to ₹3,700; buses and shared taxis are cheaper but slow. In snow, only 4x4s or cars with chains can drive the last 13 km from Tangmarg.

You can reach Kashmir by flying into Srinagar, which has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities; by the Vande Bharat train from Jammu Tawi, about 4 hours 50 minutes; or by road on the 247 km Jammu to Srinagar highway. Once there, use cab apps in Srinagar and a day taxi for sightseeing.