The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the number one destination for vacationers to experience fresh, heavy snowfall against a backdrop of mesmerizing cedar and deodar trees as well as the rugged peaks of Pir Panjal and Zanskar Ranges. Layers of snow cover alpine meadows and storms lay whole forests bare during this time of the year. Most valleys in Kashmir remain open but some lakes and glaciers are closed during this time. However, ironically, snow treks are just as popular a way to enjoy virgin snowfall in Kashmir in November to February – no two locations in this union territory experience snowfall quite in the same manner. Want to know which tourist places to visit in Kashmir give the best snowfall experience? Keep reading to uncover some well hidden secrets!
Time of Snowfall in Kashmir: What is The Best Time to Experience Snow?
Kashmir is full of open, versatile valleys including cities, towns and hamlets located at various altitudes – this means snowfall arrives at each destination during a different time of the year.
High-altitude locations like the Kashmir Great Lakes and Thajiwas Glacier start experiencing snowfall during the third or fourth week of October. In tourist places in Kashmir like Gulmarg and Srinagar, however, the first snowfall of the year does not arrive till the end of November. If you want to experience frequent and assured snowfall, the period of the second week of December to the first week of February is the best for you.
Time of snowfall in Kashmir depends on a lot of factors such as general history, temperature fall and recent precipitation patterns. January is the coldest month in Kashmir and almost every inch of the union territory receives weekly snowfall during this time.
A Complete Guide to Experience Snowfall in Kashmir with Friends and Family
1. Gulmarg
The most wanted places to visit in Kashmir for snowfall include this place because it is the ultimate snow destination in India. Gulmarg is home to the best skiing grounds including the Gulmarg Gondola cable car that takes skiers as well as tourists to the very top of these grounds from where you can see a close up of Apharwat Peak. The clean and uniform covering of white fluffy snow all over Gulmarg makes it nothing short of a European dream. It is home to some of the best golfing grounds in India that are open during snowfall. You can also experience untouched, crowdless, fresh snowfall in Kashmir by travelling to the nearby hamlet of Khilanmarg. Gulmarg is also home to the Drung Waterfall, a mesmerizing destination that is completely frozen by this time of the year.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Sonmarg
We always say this hill station for snowfall sightseeing in Kashmir is just as jaw dropping as Gulmarg but minus the suffocating seasonal crowding. However, being less equipped, Sonmarg is better suited for travellers who want natural snowfall. Here you will be able to experience quiet, idle snow throughout the meadows and pasturelands surrounding Sonmarg. Great Lakes of Kashmir and Thajiwas are closed off after the first heavy snowfall. However, you can enjoy skiing, sledging, ice skating etc. You can drive to Zoji La Pass and take pictures of the snow white valley from Zero Point. Kolahoi Glacier, surprisingly, remains open almost throughout the whole year for travellers who love ice.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Pahalgam
Do you want to experience stunning vistas, sparkling Sheshnag Lake with snow covered banks, camping near the frothing Lidder River and walks through overflowing green meadows during a soft bout of snowfall? Pahalgam is one of the most popular places to visit in Kashmir throughout the year. It is covered by dense coniferous forests on all sides. The Aru Valley adds further mystery and joy to the natural beauty of Pahalgam by introducing The Lidderwat amusement park, sledging grounds and camping through which users can experience open night snowfall in Kashmir far away from city lights. Pahalgam is home to the ancient Mamleshwar Temple that looks all the more mysterious and photogenic after snowfall. Also, for quite the same reason, you must not overlook a short drive to the Bollywood darling, Betaab Valley!
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Srinagar
Both city lovers and nature lovers hold this hill station in high esteem. Srinagar celebrates Christmas and New Year covered in relentless showers of snowfall as well as a few instances of chilling rain. It is one of the top locations to experience night snowfall in Kashmir against the backdrop of never sleeping city lights and the dark waters of the bejeweled Dal Lake where the snow melts once it touches the rippling surface. You can enjoy your snowfall sightseeing in Kashmir by staying in a houseboat or a traditional wooden cottage and exploring the heritage sites like Shankaracharya Hill, Jama Masjid, Pari Mahal etc. Water bodies being stunning after a day of snow, Nigeen and Anchar Lakes are also popular attractions in Srinagar this time of the year.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Marchoi Valley
One of the most underrated and beginner friendly snow treks of Kashmir, this one is a delight for travellers of all ages! It is a short trek that presents a mixture of dry autumn vegetation and fresh snowfall in Kashmir as it takes you through the exhilarating landscapes of Naranag, Dumail and Shadimarg. Forests covered with silver fir and birch trees as well as open grazing land where wild ponies have established their dominance are common sights on this trek. Even during early spring, the Marchoi Valley looks like a mushy ball of snow from which a translucent river swiftly cuts through. Marchoi is further beautified through the presence of ancient wooden foot bridges, frequent melted streams and shining metallic boulders.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Leh
One of the most unique ways of experiencing fresh snowfall in Kashmir is by going straight into Ladakh. Leh is covered in satisfying snow throughout the winter months with the open Tibetan plateaus jutting out against the horizon in sharp contrast. The towering Leh Palace and Thiksey Gompa both look like monuments out of Arabian Nights during this time of the year. Most of the more dangerous roads are closed after heavy snowfall and landslides but a visit to Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso is still possible in the first few weeks! This also gives tourists the opportunity to capture Nubra Valley in layers of snow. The main market of Leh is full of new winter arrivals and you can buy yourself some traditional Ladakhi and Tibetan outfits as well as souvenirs. Leh is definitely one of the top places to visit in Kashmir during snowfall!
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Chadar Trek
The ultimate ‘North Pole Trek’ of India, this arduous walk along the frozen Zanskar River is nothing like what you can even imagine. The Chadar Trek is an 8-day trip and covers a distance of 62 km while going up to a max altitude of 11100 feet. Snow covered boulders, barren mountains and sharp lips are a characteristic of this track. On the way, travelers cross little hamlets keeping up the traditional Tibetan culture as well as monasteries cut off from the rest of the world. Floating ice slabs, frozen waterfalls such as the Nerak Waterfall, knee deep layers of snow as well as a bed of white sand are common things you can expect on this trip. Travelers spend multiple days camping in the wilderness and temperatures can reach a -20°C in many parts of Ladakh that this trail covers.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Bhaderwah
Nature walks through trails carved in soft snow beds, getting a first hand entry into untrodden meadows like Seoj and Bhal Padri, and viewing the unique cultural beauty of traditional Kashmir is what you get when you visit this popular name among the best places to visit in Kashmir during snowfall. The most popular valleys in this hill station are the twins Jai and Chinta, both of which look stunning because of the magical night snowfall in Kashmir that Bhaderwah is famous for. Its ancient name being Bhaderkashi, Bhaderwah is not only home to Bhadrakali but also the Vasuki Nag Temple. Even during the snowy months, Bhaderwah is covered in sudden blossoms and lush green growth of grass and moss giving it the apt title of ‘The Switzerland Of Kashmir’.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Anantnag
Many tourists believe that the title of ‘most underrated destination for snowfall in Kashmir‘ should go to the ancient Anantnag village and its surroundings. The low altitude deciduous forests shed their leaves and are almost barren covered in layers of snow during winters in Anantnag. Through these forests, you can access the fresh Aharbal and Achabal waterfalls surrounded by beds of snow. The hot springs of Kokernag and Verinag still flow in a sort of magical, magnificent grace of the gods. These Mughal Gardens maintain a gorgeous autumnal foliage through the dead of winter! The dense fog and high frequency of snowfall as compared to other parts of Kashmir makes Anantnag the most family friendly and couple friendly snow destination in Kashmir.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Yusmarg
The Best time of snowfall in Kashmir is from early December, as far as catching the first snow of the year in the ‘Meadow of Jesus’ is concerned. Yes, Yusmarg receives snow early on most years and continues the spell through uniformly spread out instances of snowfall throughout winter. It is home to the snow white river Doodhganga itself, as well as one of the largest meadows in Kashmir – the shining, rolling Doodhpatri. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is another destination that looks otherworldly after a heavy shower of snow. Adventurous travellers can hike their way up to the dry Tatakooti Peak and pilgrims can spend some time at Pakherpora Shrine or Charar e Sharif with family. The limestone meadow Sang e Safed and Nilnag Lake are worth a visit against the snowy backdrop.
Entry fee: free of cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Gulmarg and Pahalgam are the best locations for snow sports in Kashmir including skiing, ice skating and sledging.
A. Most destinations do not receive snowfall in Kashmir in May, but in certain high altitude locations tourists might get to see leftover layers of snow that are yet to melt.
A. The best time for snowfall in Kashmir starts at the end of November and continues till the beginning of February.
Conclusion
The carefully curated Kashmir Travel Packages at TRISOJ are designed to help our tourists capture the best of each season. Not only is it possible but also affordable to enjoy most major destinations for snow sightseeing in Kashmir on a single trip! Now spend a few days each in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Bhaderwah while experiencing once in a lifetime adventures like camping, skiing, sledging and snowfall in Kashmir – just contact our travel agents to confirm your dream vacation and receive deals on all bookings!
