Snowfall in Gulmarg Today: Live Snow Report, Roads and Gondola (2026-27)
By HussainUpdated Part of Where to See Snow in KashmirLive
No report from the ground yet this season
Every report here is dated and timed. Until the first one, use the typical season below and the official sources further down the page.
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.
- Snow season
- About December to March
- First snow up high
- Usually late October or early November
- Chains at Tangmarg
- ₹600 per pair, fitted by registered vendors
- Gondola status
- jammukashmircablecar.com
Is there snow in Gulmarg right now?
The report at the top of this page is the answer: each one is dated and timed in IST, and says what someone on the ground saw or was told that day. When the latest report is more than a few days old, treat it as a guide and check the official sources below before you drive up.
As a rule, snow lies on the Gulmarg meadow from about December to March, and Apharwat, at the top of the Gondola, holds snow for most of the year. The first snow on the high slopes often comes in October or early November: in the 2025-26 season it fell on the upper slopes on 2 and 3 October 2025.
When Gulmarg usually has snow
| Month | Meadow (2,650 m) | Apharwat (about 3,980 m) |
|---|---|---|
| October | Usually no snow; first flakes possible | First snow of the season possible |
| November | Early snow in some years | Snow likely |
| December | Snow arrives; ski season begins | Snow |
| January | Deep snow, peak ski season | Deep snow |
| February | Heaviest snowfalls | Deep snow |
| March | Snow on the slopes; the wettest month | Deep snow |
| April | Snow melting on the meadow | Snow |
| May to September | Green meadow, no snow | Snow patches most of the year |
Single storms can be big. In one spell in late January 2026, Gulmarg got about 8 inches of fresh snow overnight. Some winters are also unusually dry, with long spells without snow, which is why a dated report beats any calendar.
The full picture, place by place, is in our guide to snowfall in Kashmir.
Gulmarg weather: what to expect this month
We do not run a live forecast here. For today's forecast, use the India Meteorological Department (below). These are the long-term averages, so you know what a normal day feels like.
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.7°C | -7.7°C | 161 mm |
| February | 1.8°C | -6.4°C | 208 mm |
| March | 5.4°C | -2.7°C | 216 mm |
| April | 10.4°C | 1.9°C | 166 mm |
| May | 15.6°C | 6.1°C | 139 mm |
| June | 19.3°C | 9.4°C | 102 mm |
| July | 21.1°C | 12.0°C | 102 mm |
| August | 20.5°C | 11.7°C | 101 mm |
| September | 18.5°C | 8.6°C | 76 mm |
| October | 14.2°C | 3.8°C | 48 mm |
| November | 9.0°C | -0.6°C | 57 mm |
| December | 4.6°C | -4.8°C | 74 mm |
How to check snow, roads and the Gondola today
- Weather forecast: the IMD Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecasts, on mausam.imd.gov.in, for snow and rain warnings across the valley.
- Gondola: the notifications on jammukashmircablecar.com and the official Instagram, @gulmarggondola_official. Phase 2 stops more often in winter for wind and fresh snow, sometimes for the whole day.
- Roads: the J&K Traffic Police updates on jktrafficpolice.in for the Srinagar to Gulmarg road and the rules at Tangmarg.
- Avalanche warnings: the J&K Disaster Management Authority issues warnings by district and altitude after heavy snow; follow them.
- Flights: your airline's app on the morning you fly. Heavy snow can cancel every flight at Srinagar, as it did on 27 January 2026.
If there is fresh snow today
Fresh snow changes the drive and the day. Under the SDM Gulmarg's winter orders, only 4x4 vehicles and cars fitted with anti-skid chains may drive the last 13 km from Tangmarg to Gulmarg in snow, and vehicles with more than 10 seats are not allowed up. Registered vendors fit chains in the allotted parking at Tangmarg.
| Item | Price | How we know |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-skid chains fitted at Tangmarg (snow days) | ₹600per pair, fitted by registered vendors · Fixed rate | Official rate, 8 Dec 2024SDM Gulmarg winter advisory, as reported by Rising Kashmir on 8 Dec 2024 |
| Winter 4x4 taxi, Tangmarg to Gulmarg | ₹1,200 – ₹1,600one way, per vehicle · Typical paid | Reported online, 28 Sept 2026TravelMyKashmir Gulmarg union taxi rates (2026): one way ₹1,200 to ₹1,600, same-day return ₹2,000 to ₹2,600 |
- Book the morning Gondola slot: the sky is usually clearest early, and Phase 2 is most likely to stop in the afternoon wind.
- Wait for the roads: after heavy snow, wait for roads to be cleared and reopened rather than pushing through.
- Pack a change of clothes: our one rule for Gulmarg is to bring an extra pair of clothes and shoes that can handle snow. Snow boots and jackets can be rented at Tangmarg.
Chains, 4x4s and fares for the drive are in our Srinagar to Gulmarg guide.
Tickets and slots for the cable car are in our Gulmarg Gondola guide.
And for everything else, from skiing to where to stay, see our Gulmarg travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow in Gulmarg now?
See the dated report at the top of this page. In a normal year there is snow on the Gulmarg meadow from about December to March, and at Apharwat, at the top of the Gondola, for most of the year.
When does snowfall start in Gulmarg?
The first snow on the high slopes usually comes at the end of October or in early November, sometimes earlier: in 2025 it fell on 2 and 3 October. The meadow itself usually turns white in December.
Is there snow in Gulmarg in October or November?
Sometimes on the upper slopes and at Apharwat; rarely on the meadow. For snow you can count on, come between late December and February.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola open today?
Check the notifications on jammukashmircablecar.com and the official Instagram, @gulmarggondola_official, on the morning of your ride. Phase 2 often stops for wind and fresh snow in winter.
Can cars drive to Gulmarg in snow?
Only 4x4 vehicles and cars fitted with anti-skid chains may drive from Tangmarg to Gulmarg in snow, under the SDM Gulmarg's winter orders. Chains are fitted at Tangmarg for about ₹600 a pair.
Founder, EverythingKashmir
Founder of EverythingKashmir and a website development studio in Mumbai. Every guide is checked on the ground by family in Kashmir, with roots in Kashmiri arts, clothing and travel.
More in Kashmir in Winter
Kashmir in December
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.
Kashmir in November
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.
Where to See Snow in Kashmir
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.
Where to next
Gulmarg: Snow, Skiing, Gondola
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.
Where to See Snow in Kashmir
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.
Planning a Kashmir trip?
Tell us your dates and budget. A local replies with an honest plan.