Gulmarg in Winter: Snow, Skiing, the Gondola to 13,000 Feet and a 6-Day Kashmir Snow Itinerary

Gulmarg in winter looks like a picture from a Christmas card. You step out of your hotel into knee-deep snow, the air so crisp it tingles in your nose. Tall deodar and pine trees stand frosted white, wooden cottages wear thick caps of snow, and beyond them the slopes of Mount Apharwat rise into a brilliant blue sky. Children shriek as they sledge down a gentle hill, a skier carves a line of powder above you, and somewhere a vendor is pouring steaming cups of kahwa, Kashmiri saffron tea, fragrant with cardamom and almonds. This is India's winter wonderland, and there is nowhere quite like it.

Gulmarg, meaning "meadow of flowers", sits at around 2,650 metres in the Pir Panjal range, about 50 kilometres from Srinagar. In summer it is a green meadow of wildflowers, but from December to March it becomes India's premier ski resort and the dream snow destination for Indian families, honeymooners and adventure seekers. Its famous Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, carries visitors to nearly 4,000 metres on Apharwat, where the views across the Himalaya are breathtaking.

This guide to Gulmarg in winter covers the best months for snow, how to get there, a 6-day Kashmir snow itinerary, skiing for beginners, the Gondola, where to stay, food, costs, packing and safety tips.

When is the best time for Gulmarg in winter?

• December: the first heavy snowfalls usually arrive in December, turning the meadows white. Christmas and New Year are very busy.
• January to February: the peak of winter, with the deepest snow, the best skiing and temperatures often well below zero. The coldest 40 days in Kashmir, called Chillai Kalan, run from late December to the end of January.
• March: still snowy, with sunnier, slightly warmer days and good spring skiing.
• April: snow melts in the lower meadow, though it stays on the upper slopes. In Srinagar, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, one of the largest in Asia, blooms.

Snowfall varies every year, so check recent conditions before booking, and keep dates flexible if you want guaranteed snow.

How to reach Gulmarg

• By air: fly to Srinagar, which has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and other cities. Gulmarg is about 50 kilometres, or 1.5 to 2 hours, by road from Srinagar.
• By rail: a new rail link now connects Kashmir with the rest of India via the Chenab Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world, with trains to Srinagar. Check current services from Katra and Jammu.
• By road: from Jammu via the Jammu-Srinagar highway, which can close temporarily after heavy snow or landslides.
• In winter: the final stretch from Tangmarg to Gulmarg may require snow chains or 4x4 vehicles; local drivers are experienced in these conditions.

A 6-day Kashmir snow itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar

Arrive in Srinagar and check into a houseboat on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake, a unique Kashmiri experience. In the afternoon, take a shikara ride across the lake, passing floating gardens and the floating vegetable market area, wrapped in blankets with a kangri (a traditional clay fire pot) if it is cold. In deep winter, the edges of the lake sometimes freeze.

Day 2: Srinagar to Gulmarg

Drive to Gulmarg, through Tangmarg, as the scenery turns white. Check in, then spend the afternoon playing in the snow: sledging, building snowmen and taking a snowmobile or ATV ride across the meadow. Visit the charming St. Mary's Church, built in 1902, and the Maharani Temple on a hillock, both beautiful under snow.

Day 3: The Gulmarg Gondola

Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest and longest cable cars in the world. Phase 1 takes you from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, at about 3,080 metres, a snowy bowl with sledging and views. Phase 2 continues to the Apharwat ridge at nearly 4,000 metres, around 13,000 feet, where on clear days you can see across the Himalaya and, it is said, even towards Nanga Parbat. Book tickets online in advance through the official website, as queues are very long in peak season, and note that Phase 2 is often closed in bad weather or high avalanche risk.

Day 4: Skiing day

Take a ski lesson on the beginner slopes near the base, with a certified instructor, or join a course at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM). Experienced skiers and snowboarders can explore the famous off-piste powder of Apharwat with licensed guides. Non-skiers can enjoy a pony ride, sledge rides pulled by locals, or simply relax by the fire with kahwa.

Day 5: Pahalgam or Sonamarg

Drive to Pahalgam, about three to four hours from Gulmarg, in the snowy Lidder Valley. Visit Aru Valley and Betaab Valley, snow-covered in winter, and walk along the frozen banks of the Lidder River. Alternatively, visit Sonamarg, the "meadow of gold", which is becoming more accessible in winter with new tunnel infrastructure; check current road access. Return to Srinagar in the evening.

Day 6: Srinagar and departure

Visit the Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, the Shankaracharya Temple on a hilltop above the city, the Hazratbal Shrine and the old city's markets for pashmina shawls, saffron and walnut wood carvings, before flying home.

Skiing in Gulmarg for beginners

• Ski lessons: certified instructors offer half-day and full-day lessons on gentle slopes near the base; book through your hotel or the ski school.
• Equipment rental: skis, boots, poles and snowboards can be rented in Gulmarg; bring your own gloves and goggles if possible.
• IISM courses: the government-run Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering offers structured ski courses of one to two weeks, popular with young Indians. Book early.
• Off-piste skiing: Apharwat is world-famous for powder skiing, but avalanche risk is real; only go with licensed guides and proper safety equipment.

Other winter activities

• Snowmobile and ATV rides across the meadow.
• Sledge rides pulled by local guides.
• Snowshoeing through the forests.
• Heli-skiing for experts, when operators are running.
• Watching the Khelo India Winter Games or ski competitions, when held.

Gulmarg with children

Children love Gulmarg in winter. Beyond sledging and snowmen, families can take gentle pony rides on the snow, try a beginner ski lesson for kids, and ride the first phase of the Gondola to Kongdoori, where the snow bowl is perfect for play. Dress children in waterproof layers, keep outdoor sessions short, and plan warm breaks with hot chocolate or kahwa. Choose a hotel with reliable heating and a play area.

Shopping for Kashmiri crafts

Srinagar is the best place to shop for Kashmir's famous crafts: genuine pashmina shawls (buy from government emporiums or reputable shops with certification), hand-knotted silk and wool carpets, papier-mâché boxes and ornaments, walnut wood carvings, crewel embroidery, and Kashmiri saffron from Pampore. Bargain politely, and beware of machine-made imitations sold as handmade.

Photography tip: the best light on the snowy slopes comes early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Protect your phone and camera batteries from the cold by keeping them in an inside pocket, and use a polarising filter or your phone's exposure control to avoid washed-out snow.

Also carry a small daypack for water and snacks.

Where to stay

• Gulmarg: from simple guesthouses to luxury ski resorts with heated rooms, spas and slope views. Book months ahead for December and January.
• Srinagar: houseboats on Dal and Nigeen lakes, and hotels with central heating.
• Pahalgam: riverside hotels and cottages.

Check that your hotel has reliable heating and backup power, as electricity cuts can happen in winter.

Kashmiri food to keep you warm

Kashmiri cuisine is rich and warming. Vegetarians should try dum aloo (Kashmiri-style potatoes in a spiced yoghurt gravy), nadru yakhni (lotus stem in yoghurt), haak saag (collard greens), rajma with rice and modur pulav (sweet saffron rice). Non-vegetarians can enjoy the famous wazwan dishes such as rogan josh and gushtaba. Warm up with kahwa or noon chai, the pink salted tea, with Kashmiri breads like girda and lavasa from local bakeries.

How much does a Gulmarg winter trip cost?

• Flights to Srinagar: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 each way, higher around Christmas and New Year.
• Hotels in Gulmarg: ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per night mid-range; luxury resorts ₹20,000 and up in peak season.
• Houseboats in Srinagar: ₹4,000 to ₹12,000 per night.
• Gondola: Phase 1 and Phase 2 together typically cost a few thousand rupees per person.
• Ski lessons and rental: roughly ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per day.
• Car with driver: ₹3,500 to ₹5,000 per day.
• Food: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person per day.

A 6-day Kashmir snow trip typically costs ₹35,000 to ₹70,000 per person, including flights, hotels, transport, the Gondola and activities.

What to pack for Gulmarg in winter

• Thermal base layers, fleece or woollen mid-layers and a waterproof down jacket.
• Waterproof snow trousers and insulated, waterproof boots with good grip.
• Warm gloves, a woollen cap, a scarf or neck warmer and wool socks.
• Sunglasses or goggles and high-factor sunscreen; snow glare is intense.
• Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry cold.
• Snow boots, jackets and gloves can also be rented locally in Gulmarg and Tangmarg.

Safety and practical tips

• Check advisories: review current travel and security advisories for Jammu and Kashmir before booking, and follow local guidance.
• Weather and roads: heavy snow can close roads and cancel flights; build buffer days.
• Avalanche safety: stay within marked areas unless you are with licensed guides.
• Agree prices first: for ponies, sledges, snowmobiles and guides, fix rates before starting; official rate lists are often displayed.
• Mobile connectivity: prepaid SIMs from other states may not work in Jammu and Kashmir; postpaid connections usually do.
• Altitude: Apharwat is high; move slowly and watch for breathlessness.

Who Gulmarg in winter suits

Families love the snow play, sledges and Gondola. Honeymooners choose cosy resorts and snowy walks. Skiers and snowboarders come for some of the best powder in Asia. Older parents can enjoy the views from the Gondola's first phase and warm hotels, though the cold requires care.

Mistakes to avoid

Not booking the Gondola in advance. Peak-season queues can take hours.

Packing inadequate winter clothing. Temperatures can fall to -10°C or lower.

Tight schedules. Snow can delay roads and flights.

Skiing off-piste without guides. Avalanches are a real danger.

Plan your Kashmir winter trip with The Vacation Code

Gulmarg in winter is India's most magical snow experience. Our Kashmir Romantic Paradise package includes a Dal Lake houseboat, the Gulmarg Gondola and Pahalgam. Read our Kashmir honeymoon guide and our list of places to visit in December in India, or browse all our tours.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Gulmarg in winter?

January and February offer the deepest snow and best skiing. December brings the first snowfalls and festive crowds, and March still has good snow with sunnier weather.

How high does the Gulmarg Gondola go?

Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola goes to Kongdoori at about 3,080 metres, and Phase 2 continues to the Apharwat ridge at nearly 4,000 metres, around 13,000 feet.

Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?

Yes. Certified instructors teach beginners on gentle slopes near the base, and the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering offers structured courses.

How far is Gulmarg from Srinagar?

Gulmarg is about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, a drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours, longer after heavy snowfall.

How much does a Gulmarg winter trip cost?

A 6-day Kashmir snow trip typically costs 35,000 to 70,000 rupees per person including flights, hotels, transport, the Gondola and activities.

Can I rent snow clothing in Gulmarg?

Yes. Snow boots, jackets and gloves can be rented in Gulmarg and Tangmarg, although bringing your own thermals and gloves is recommended.

Do prepaid SIM cards work in Kashmir?

Prepaid SIM cards from other states usually do not work in Jammu and Kashmir, while postpaid connections generally do.