Kashmir in December is without a doubt, the most breathtaking location in all of India for tourists to experience endless snowfall, icy weather, and winter sports tourism in some of the most beautiful cities and valleys on planet Earth. The December month of Kashmir is one of the most popular periods of the year for a visit to Kashmir – it is also one of the months that sees the highest inflow of foreign tourists for an experience of the local weather, culture, and gastronomical surprises. Kashmir in December can get extremely cold and the average temperature is between 7°C to 8°C and can go down as far as -2°C in many areas.
The open valleys and beautiful atmosphere make this state one of the safest for those who want to experience unadulterated snow tourism and there are many Best places to visit in Kashmir in December whether you are looking for the Honeymoon Trip, Family Trip and want to travel solo. If you want to witness snowfall then this is the destination for you in December.
Tourist Places in Kashmir In December That Can’t Be Missed During Your Visit
1. Gulmarg
Is it surprising that the most coveted location among all places to visit in Kashmir in December offers unlimited access to snow sports? The Valley of Gulmarg is nothing short of a fairy tale. In the winter season the ‘valley of flowers’ turns into a spotless carpet of white snow from which rise the towering pine trees and mesmerizing traditional, Kashmiri wooden houses. Gulmarg is also home to the best golfing and skiing location in India. Nothing can possibly be better than riding the Gulmarg Gondola over a land of fresh snow, travelling to Khilanmarg to view the Drung Waterfall and especially, viewing icy Alpather Lake.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Pahalgam
Another perennially acclaimed tourist destination is Pahalgam, the adventure abode of Kashmir. A famous activity in the winter months here is the pony ride – something that you can hire for hourly fun as well as long trekking journeys. If you visit the Betaab Valley this time of the year, you will be able to click some Bollywood-worthy shorts of the famous location covered in snow. Probably, one of the top attractions in Kashmir in December to enjoy safe and exciting camping, paragliding and river rafting to warm you up is none other than the nearby Aru Valley!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Sonmarg
Most popular places to visit in Kashmir in December receive heavy snowfall throughout the month – even the fabled Meadow Of Gold! Sonmarg is known to be the jewel valley of Kashmir owing to the open banks of river Nilagrad and the Chiselled peaks of Kolahoi, Sirbal and Amarnath. The heavenly Vishansar Lake becomes a popular destination for snow tourism in Sonmarg during this time of the year. The moderately dry but chilly road to Gangabal Lake is also much traversed this time of the year. It can be said then that for trekkers and walkers, December is best spent in the shining snow-covered valley of gold.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Srinagar
This visit is for the ones who wish to enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities in one of the most mesmerizing capital cities in India. Lal Chowk, Residency Road and even the Dal Lake Floating Market are all loaded with new arrivals and become hot spots for Christmas celebrations. Srinagar organizes many ice skating, ice sledging and booting activities throughout the month. If you want to dress cosy and explore the many architectural wonders of Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Hill, Chashme Shahi Garden, and many other places near Srinagar in Winter.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Chadar Trek, Hemis
Also known as the Trek Of The Frozen River, the journey takes adventurers through a distance of 62 km and challenges them to walk on the frozen, glass-like Zanskar River. The weather is mostly dry, windy and extremely cold. Snow is rare but when it does fall can block the road for days. This trek has been featured in International accounts as one of the most stunning views of Kashmir in December. Alongside experiencing the local Tibetan and Zanskari culture, trekkers also get a chance to spot the ibex, blue sheep and snow leopard.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Anantnag
The average temperature of this district in winter fluctuates between -10°C to 10°C. Even then, Anantnag is unmistakably jewelled with gorgeous flowers, waterfalls and landscapes. There is a 15% chance of snow and rain, which keeps the valleys windy, and dry but also adequately nourished. The fields, orchards and pine grooves are all sprinkled with light snowfall around the end of the December month. The gardens and waterfalls of Aharbal, Achabal, and Kokernag obtain a classic, rejuvenated look during this month making Anantnag one of the best tourist places to visit in Kashmir in December.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Aru Lidderwat Trek
This is another famous snow trek that is a must for nature Sightseeing in Kashmir. This is a beginner-friendly journey that takes you through some of the best snow-covered spots near Aru and Pahalgam without subjecting you to difficult climbs. You can easily enjoy camping in the snow and spend the night building campfires and gazing at a clear starry sky. Aru Lidderwat Trek can be further extended to a hike up to Satlangen’s viewpoint. Experience the banks of the Lidder River on this slow-paced trekking journey across the alpine regions of Baisaran, Kotpather and Naranag.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Pulwama
There is more to Kashmir than snow in December! There are many breathtaking locations in Kashmir in December near Pulwama that offer breathless views of new saffron fields, winter rice, lone cottages and partially frozen waterfalls. Pulwama is crowded with tourists throughout the year, and December is a busy month owing to the chilly apple orchards and Mughal gardens. While experiencing the virgin snowfall in Pulwama is rare, the city is famous for adventure activities like climbing, snowboarding and mountaineering this time of the year. Don’t forget to visit Pulwama once out for sightseeing in Kashmir in December.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Kolahoi Glacier
Close to Pahalgam lies the most beginner-friendly glacial ascent in the country. The Trek from Aru Valley to Kolahoi Glacier spans 21 km and gives a complete experience of an alpine snow trek in the month of December. You can also access the glacier through the Sarbal Nallah near Sonmarg. The track can easily be completed by family members of all ages. It extends to a length of 5 km. The Glacier is hanging and hollowed on the inside so safety is the first concern for visitors here. Here you can get a first-hand view of the source of Lidder, the most worthy river for sightseeing in Kashmir in December.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 2 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Kargil
The best way to experience the cold desert of Ladakh in December is to visit the snow-covered Kargil where temperature can drop to as low as -40°C. Kargil is one of the coldest places on earth during the winter season and snowfall is a regular event throughout December, January and February. The Pangong Lake is a holy Tibetan lake that is frozen to a glassy turquoise hue and is believed to have magical properties. If the weather favours you, you can undertake the challenging journey from Kargil to Chang La Pass and experience the best snowfall of your life.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
11. Kupwara
The best location to experience a traditional Kashmiri hamlet during snowfall is the off-beat, up-and-coming destination Kupwara. Escape the tourist crowds of Pahalgam and Gulmarg but still experience the open, snow-decked meadows of the central Kashmir Valley by coming to this natural retreat. If you are a geography enthusiast, you will delight in the refreshing view of the hidden Bulbeer, Dajalongun and Feshiltong ranges. A unique blend of local Hindu, Islamic and Tibetan cultures can be seen in this valley of pine grooves and crystal-clear, meandering rivers.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
12. Katra
Winter near Jammu is very different from the Central Kashmir Valley, and this variation can be all the more fascinating in this nearby temple town. It is said that the dry, chilly climate of December is the best time to visit Vaishno Devi Mandir. While snow is rare, if you are lucky you can find some amazing views of the Jammu valley covered in snow. The nearby temples of Bhairavnath and Gauri Mandir also make for amazing visits during the winter months, especially on ponies and palanquins. Katra is one of the best spots for woodwork and woolwork shopping in Kashmir.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
13. Poonch
This is another city dotted with temples and shrines, perfect for architectural sightseeing in Kashmir in December. The wild Surankote Valley offers sparkling glimpses of snow-laden Kashmir. But this part of the state is not deprived of freshwater falls and springs even in the dead of winter, and locations like Dehra Gali, Noori Chamb and Mughal Road still offer lush green views of forested Kashmir. Some of the best shrines that deserve a visit are the Swami Budha Amarnath Ji Mandir and Nangali Sahib Gurudwara. Poonch is perennially known as the mini Kashmir.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Almost all popular places to visit in Kashmir in December including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Srinagar receive considerable snowfall throughout the winter months.
A. The best winter treks for snow and nature sightseeing in Kashmir in December are Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Chadar Trek, and Aru Lidderwat Trek.
A. The average temperature of Kashmir in the month of December is 7°C to 8°C.
Conclusion
Honeymoon Travel Packages for Kashmir loaded with lakes, winter sports and nature sightseeing are indeed a unique way to experience Kashmir. Make the most of your winter holidays by travelling to the land of snow and getting a glimpse of lakes, orchards and meadows that can indeed compete with exotic hill stations of Europe in terms of their beauty and popularity. Want to book your customized Kashmir travel packages for Family early? Contact our travel experts at TRISOJ today!
