Kashmir in January is nothing less than a gateway to heaven itself. From towering snow-covered peaks to ancient mosques and temples, it seems as if this one valley can hold within itself a miniature of all the most beautiful places on earth! In the city of Srinagar, the minimum daytime temperature can go down to -0.6°C and the minimum nighttime temperature can go to a surprising -9°C. The Central Valley houses some of the Best places to visit in Kashmir in January for tourists who want to experience snowfall in the most novel hill stations of India. While the month of December may or may not lead to snowfall – in January this phenomenon is almost certain. From chilly river rafting to skiing and snow trekking, Kashmir in the month of January is filled with exciting activities and challenges.
Welcome A Brand New Year with these Top Tourist Places in Kashmir in January
1. Jammu
January is the coldest month in this historic city. This city is one of the best places in India for enjoying a gastronomy trip – you will find piping hot Dum Aalu, Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Chai at every corner of the city to cheer you up in the freezing winters! Home to some of the best spots for sightseeing in Kashmir in January, you and your loved ones are sure to get lost in the mesmerizing halls of Amar Mahal Library, Bahu Fort, Kali Temple and even the Dogra Art Museum. The holy sites of Ranbireshwar Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Peer Kho Caves and Raghunath Temple, on the other hand, will reward you with unprecedented spiritual peace that makes a great tourist place in Kashmir.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
2. Srinagar
The most bustling, happening city in Kashmir in January is also the most tourist-friendly one! Not only are there amazing destinations in and around Srinagar that you can visit during this snowy month – like the snow-clad Dal Lake, mesmerizing Pari Mahal and pleasant Chashme Shahi gardens – you also get to take part in snow sports like ice skating and sledding that are organized all over this metropolitan destination. The New Year is a huge festival celebrated with great pomp and show in the Lal Chowk market. In the middle of January, inhabitants of Srinagar also celebrate Lohri by erecting sacred bonfires, offering nuts and performing dances.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
3. Gulmarg
How can one visit Kashmir in January without spending a few days in the skiing capital of India? During the winter season, Gulmarg can easily compete with destinations like Switzerland, Norway and Austria. The atmosphere is clean and bright golden sunlight shines over a thick carpet of snow at all times. Apart from engaging in skiing activities, tourists can also enjoy the Gulmarg Gondola and sledding for children. An affordable entry into the Skii resorts as well as golf courses of Gulmark along with suitable guides are possible during the month of January. Don’t forget to visit Khilanmarg and Alapather Lake to get an experience of untainted Kashmir in January.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
4. Sonmarg
The base camp for another amazing winter trek – the pristine Thajiwas Glacier Trek – is also known as the Meadow of Gold. This is because, during each sunset, the snow-covered mountain ranges surrounding Sonmarg are coloured in a perfect golden hue. Experiencing this regal phenomenon play out on the backdrop of a sleepy little hamlet carpeted with silver snow definitely makes Sonmarg a worthy visit. One of the most popular tourist places to visit in Kashmir in January, Sonmarg has been named the best destination for nature walks, landscape photography and river rafting are some of the best activities in Sonmarg.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
5. Kolahoi Glacier
It is always preferable to visit glaciers in winter but the winter season is also the most difficult for trekking expeditions – especially among beginner travelers. Kolahoi Glacier is an exception – it can be reached within less than a day from Aru and accessed in the dead of winter. Plus it is suitable for beginner travelers of all ages and genders! This is a hollowed glacier that has slowly been losing its moisture mass due to global warming. There is a beautiful viewpoint at the end of the Kolahoi Trek Glacier Journey and the Kolahoi Peak is visible. It is prohibited for tourists to walk on the glacier itself. The enchanting Dudhsar Lake and Chainbal waterfall are two other exciting spots for sightseeing in Kashmir in December.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
6. Yusmarg
One of the most underrated places to visit in Kashmir in January, this meadow is home to the most beautiful winter natural reserve – The Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by dense forests of snow-covered pine trees, low-hanging clouds and deserted alpine pastures – Yusmarg in January is straight out of the movies. What can be a better way of spending winter meadow for them to enjoy frequent pony rides? You can hire these woolly creatures to take you to the top Yusmarg attractions – Doodhpathri, Nilnag Lake and Tatakooti Peak. Being the Meadow of Jesus, Yusmarg is also home to the soul-cleansing shrines of Pakherpora and Charari Sharief.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
7. Aru Valley
This adventure village is located close to another of the most popular places to visit in Kashmir in January – Pahalgam. Located on the banks of the pure Lidder River, Aru Valley offers all thinkable and unthinkable luxuries to visitors. You can enjoy the first stargazing experience of your life, go on a chilling and enthralling white river rafting experience, camp under the open sky, trek to Chandanwari and conduct a successful photography shoot in the favourite location of all Bollywood fans – Betaab Valley. Magical bouts of snowfall, dewy alpine meadows and an uninterrupted breeze characteristic in the location of Pahalgam will rejuvenate you at first sight.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 7 to 8 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
8. Poonch
Do you wish to get a taste of Mini Kashmir in January? Then you must add Poonch to your Kashmir Itinerary. The lulling chill of the mist and trees holding tufts of snow where the leaves had once been – Poonch is nothing short of poetry. Several tiny but mesmerizing locations in and around this town have together given it the title of ‘the most beautiful natural retreat of Kashmir’. But the place also has a surprisingly rich history, which you can explore better through your visit to the Poonch Fort and Museum. Some other places that you will definitely rejoice in visiting are Nandishool, Noori Chamb and Girgan Dhok. This location is a delightful mix of Punjabi, Kashmiri and Tibetan cultures – a mix that is much more well-preserved than the metropolitan cities of Jammu or Srinagar.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 3 to 4 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
9. Anantnag
This district is counted among the top 10 snowfall destinations in India. Anantnag is an underrated gem that boasts just the perfect temperature, moisture and eye-candy vistas to become the next big trend among tourists visiting Kashmir in December. This location used to be popular among the saints and rishis of ancient India – its name literally means ‘The Eternal Spring’. Aishmuqam Shrine, Martand Sun Temple and Kheer Bhawani Asthapan are medieval holy buildings that still welcome devotees throughout the year which makes them one of the best places to visit in Kashmir with Family. If you want to lose yourself in the snowy wilderness, make sure to spend at least a day in Kishtwar National Park with your adventure group.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
10. Gurez
Close to Gulmarg but much more homely, choose this destination if you are looking for a perfect blend of nature and heritage. While in Gurez, you can find every great thing about Kashmir in January in a single place. While being a definite offbeat gem, this place is home to the crystal clear Wular Lake, Kishanganga River Lake and Habba Khatoon waterfall. But far more mysterious is the Gurez Marsh, a strange piece of alpine wetlands in the middle of dry Himalayan terrain.
If you are a lover of challenging journeys, you can drive towards Razdan Pass and get a unique view of the steep Kashmir gorges there are many famous places in Gurez Valley that you can include in your Kashmir Tour Package. Don’t neglect local culture, however, since the strange and mysterious stories that you will hear at the Chorwan Village and Gurez Army Cafe are bound to stay with you forever.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
Best Places To Visit near Kashmir in January to Experience Uniqueness
11. Leh
Spituk Gustor Zanskar is a kind of celebration held all over Ladakh by the Gelukpa order monasteries and followers of Tibetan Buddhism. The city of Leh is decorated with traditional flags, flowers and lights during this two-day festival, also known as ‘Sacrifice of the 29th day’. But this is not the only reason why Leh is considered one of the Best Places to visit in Kashmir in January. This desert city with its famous forts and palaces including the Leh Palace, Tsemo Fort and Zorawar Fort assumes a magical appearance thanks to the constant snowfall. Visiting the Pangong Lake, Siachen Glacier, Magnetic Hills and Nubra Valley during the winter season is a completely novel experience.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 2-3 Days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
12. Hemis
The location where the moon-like landscape of Ladakh is visible at its finest is the Hamlet of Hemis. During the month of January, a fine layer of chrome-coloured snow makes this part of the world all the more stunning. The hemis town Steel practices many of the ancient Tibetan customs and tourists are greeted with cheerful monks, villagers, hot steaming goat stew and the best of Himalayan alcohol. The main attraction of this location is obviously the ancient Hemis monastery, followed by the Thiksey monastery and Shanti Stupa. The Hemis National Park is also open throughout the year, but most animals hibernate during January and the park looks hauntingly empty!
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
Opening and closing hours: open 24 hours
13. Chadar Trek
The Trail Of Snow Blanket’ is the leading winter trek in Kashmir. This journey is like no other and takes travellers along the icy banks of the Zanskar River and through the frozen alpine wilderness for the span of eight whole days. The changing terrain from a green Kashmir Valley to the moonlike Ladakh landscape makes this camping and trekking journey completely different from all other locations and adventures of Kashmir in January. The main destinations covered during the Chadar trek are Leh, Hemis, Shingra Koma, Tsomo Paldar, Nerak and Tibb.
Entry fee: No Entry cost
Time taken to visit: 8 days
Opening and closing hours: Open 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. Kashmir in January is the surest time of the year to find snow in this part of the world. Most places in Kashmir including Gulmarg, Srinagar and Anantnag receive regular snowfall in January month.
A. Gulmarg is open for tourists in Kashmir in January. While some treks that start from Gulmarg might be off-limits due to weather conditions, tourists can enjoy adventure activities like ice skating, skiing, sledging etc. in the month of January.
A. Tourists visiting Kashmir in January must carry heavy woollens, ice boots, ear muffs, gloves, multiple socks, mufflers, caps and snow-safe raincoats. Carrying waterproof clothing is really important during this month. Hot packs, thermos, first aid kit etc. are also great items to have with yourself.
Conclusion!!
The month of January is known not only for the splendid vistas and natural retreats but also for the many unique festivals that are celebrated throughout the state of Kashmir. Get exciting deals on our upcoming Kashmir Travel Packages and turn a new leaf with the advent of the new year! Contact our experienced travel team to learn more about how to create the perfect Customized Trip to Kashmir for you and your loved ones.
