Winter is around the corner, and the sight of snow is just enough for some travellers to make them pack their bags and retreat to their dream wonderland. When looking for winter travel destinations, nothing can beat the icy adventures of Kashmir. The Valley magically defines what a snowy vacation looks like to fuel your winter wanderlust. From skiing in Gulmarg to trekking the frozen Zanskar River, the experience transcends the depths of what you mean by adventure. 

With snow all around the place, winter adventure in Kashmir offers a sense of achievement. It’s like stepping into this surreal world with untouched landscapes and fresh snow crushing beneath your feet. Discover the trail to frozen rivers, and snowshoe through ankle-deep powder, for there is something about winter holidays that feel a little bit magical. Here’s a list of winter travel destinations in Kashmir where you can enjoy your winter holidays to the fullest.

1. Gulmarg

Breathtakingly beautiful, Gulmarg is a straight-out-of-fairytale destination. For a chinophile, the meadow of blossoms is their first love and undoubtedly where they dream to head first to enjoy snowy activities. Among snow-veiled pines or peaked mountains lies Asia’s highest cable car, the Gondola ride. It is worth exploring and offers a scenic view of Gulmarg in its wintry attire. The chairlift takes skiers and snowboarders up to 11,500 feet, but if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try your hand at Phase 2 – the highest run at 14,000 feet. Indubitably, Gulmarg is a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise. Surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped Himalayan mountain peaks, this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

2. Sonamarg

In Sonamarg, you’ll discover that there’s so much more to do than just skiing. Winter in Sonamarg gets more exciting due to Thajiwas Glacier. Although inaccessible during winter, the region is not without its snowy offerings such as sledging, hiking nearby waterfalls, involving in a snowball fight, camping, etc. Explore the best Golden Valley with a nature walk around Vishansar Lake, Nilagrad River, Zoji La Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Shutkari Bridge, Krishnasar Lake, and Baltal Valley this winter season.

3.  Srinagar

A trip to Srinagar is incomplete without visiting Dal Lake – the jewel in the crown of Kashmir. Be it any season, Srinagar never disappoints tourists during any season. And this makes the Summer capital the best winter place in Kashmir. The lake freezes in winter, thus offering a stunning sight to whosoever visits Kashmir in winter. From cruising along the Dal Lake in Shikara and staying in a floating house to exploring nearby famous tourist attractions such as Pari Mahal, Srinagar delights everyone.

4. Pahalgam

When planning to travel to Pahalgam, Kashmir, in winter, pair it up with good-quality trekking boots. Nothing could be more magical than a snow-covered valley. The extreme cold winds and snowfalls in Kashmir are unforgettable experiences. During the winter months in Pahalgam, the roads could be slippery. In the Valley of Shepherds, the average temperature ranges from 5 to -5 degrees celsius, making it the perfect destination for winter sports like skiing, ice skating, sledging, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

5. Pulwama

Experience all the different aspects of winter in a new place, Pulwama. Known for its natural springs, and apple orchards, Pulwama is a popular tourist destination in both the summer and winter seasons, with activities like mountaineering, trekking, skiing, and snowboarding drawing visitors from all over.  Top tourist attractions in Pulwama include Aharbal Falls, Shikargah, Payer Temple, Avantishwar Temple, and Tarsar and Marsar Lake. This makes Pulwama one of the best places to visit in Kashmir during winter. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re sure to be enchanted by this stunning place.

6. Kupwara

Another winter wonderland in Kashmir is Kupwara, covered in a blanket of snow. The small district in Jammu & Kashmir is famous for its natural offerings. Witnessing the winter season in Kupwara Kashmir is a sight to behold. Here, you’ll find snow-capped trees, sparkling meadows and some of the best views in the whole of Kashmir. Some of the best attractions include Valleys such as Bangus, Seemab, Lolab, etc.