Kashmir Winter Tour Packages

Explore the stunning sight of winter in Kashmir, where snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes, and tall Himalayan peaks create a mesmerizing ambiance. A trip to this destination during the winter season can be memorable with a seamless and well-arranged vacation by Thrillophilia. Our itineraries offer tailored plans that are inclusive of accommodations, meals, 24/7 support, transfers, and guided tours. 

With a well-planned Kashmir holiday package, you can stay on a houseboat on Srinagar's Dal Lake and view the Zabarwan mountains covered in snow. You can also witness Gulmarg transform into a skier's paradise, offering exhilarating snowboarding routes and picturesque gondola rides. Attend the Pahalgam Winter Festival to enjoy traditional performances and food like Rogan Josh and Harissa to feel the warmth of Kashmiri culture. Additionally, during the Kashmir winter tour, you can spot the endangered Hangul deer in the icy setting of Dachigam National Park. 

So, book your Kashmir winter tour package today, and let our travel experts help you choose the perfect options for your winter escapade!

Places to Visit in Kashmir Winter

1. Gulmarg: You can ski on Gulmarg's well-known slopes, snowboard on exciting trails, or take the Gulmarg Gondola to see the Pir Panjal range in all its glory. On the Alpather Lake Trail or the Outer Circle Walk, you can hike through areas blanketed with snow. At the Gulmarg Snow Festival, you can enjoy ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing or learn about Kashmiri culture.

2. Sonamarg: As part of our Kashmir winter tour package, you can visit Sonamarg, which is also known as the "Meadow of Golden Light,". Explore Baltal Valley, which is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra, and walk up to Thajiwas Glacier to go sledging and horseback riding. Discover Gadsar Lake, which is famous for its floating icebergs, and then drive through Zoji La Pass. 

3. Srinagar: Located next to the Jhelum River, Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar is an enchanting winter destination. The partially frozen Dal Lake makes for a stunning winter landscape here. You can go to Chashme Shahi and Nishat Bagh, where the gardens are gorgeously blanketed in snow. Marvel at the beautiful Mughal architecture and frozen fountains of Shalimar Bagh, and admire the tranquil winter scenery from a houseboat on Nigeen Lake.

4. Pahalgam: The Valley of Shepherds, also known as Pahalgam, transforms into a snow-covered paradise, complete with dense pine forests, white-roofed homes, and the frozen Lidder River. As part of the Kashmir winter tour package, you can engage in snow trekking, sledding, snowboarding, and skiing in Aru Valley. Visit the snow-covered Mamleshwar Temple, which houses a golden shrine that is sacred to the locals.

5. Apharwat Peak: The highest point of Gulmarg is Apharwat Peak, which is mostly covered in snow throughout the year. Its breathtaking slopes can be reached by taking the Gulmarg Gondola, where you can sled, snowboard, or ski. You can also spot the frozen Ningle Nallah stream that emerges from the summit. Also, visit Alpathar Lake and appreciate stunning vistas close to Pakistan's Line of Control.

6. Betaab Valley: The Betaab Valley is a haven of snowy meadows, thick pine forests, and snow-capped mountains. Beginners can enjoy skiing, while families can create snowmen or walk up to the frozen Tulian Lake. To enhance your Kashmir winter tour experience, you can also ride a pony along the snowy pathways and take in breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal mountains.

7. Shankaracharya Temple: You can reach the snow-coated Shankaracharya Temple on Gopadri Hill by climbing 243 stone steps. Reach the sanctorum, where the black marble Shiva Lingam and view Sanskrit inscriptions and old stone carvings outside. Explore the old Kashmiri architecture and enjoy sweeping views of Dal Lake and snow-covered Srinagar from the mountaintop.

8. Doodhpathri: Doodhpathri, at an elevation of roughly 8,957 feet, offers you the perfect backdrop for snowboarding, sledding, and skiing on its wide slopes. Here, you can explore the partially frozen Doodhpathri River and travel the picturesque Shaliganga River's icy pathway. You can ride snowmobiles on long, empty trails and participate in the lively Winter Festival, which has fun events and challenges, making it one of the must-visit places to visit in Kashmir.

Things to Do in Kashmir in Winter

1. Skiing in Gulmarg: Experience the best skiing in Asia on the soft, powdery snow-covered slopes, and take the Gulmarg Gondola to Apharwat Peak for exciting descents. Chair lifts and ski lifts here provide easy access for off-piste skiing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding. You can also enjoy amazing views from 9,000-foot hills and vivid wildflower fields, including gorgeous lupine blossoms across the valley in spring. 

2. Shikara Ride: With our Kashmir winter tour package, enjoy a shikara ride that allows you to glide across the partially frozen Dal or Nigeen Lake. You can see the floating markets that offer handicrafts, kahwa, and saffron at Char Chinar and Nehru Park. Catch breathtaking sunrise and sunset reflections on the frozen lake surface, observe fishermen at work, and see houseboats blanketed in snow.

3. Snow Festival: You may ice skate, sled, snowboard, and ski on snow-covered hills at the Snow Festival. Enjoy Kashmiri music, take in cultural performances, and sample regional winter cuisine. Try your hand at adventure sports, snow races, and snowman-making competitions. Witness Kashmir's colorful winter festivities while taking in the stunning sights of the white landscapes.

4. Ice Skating and Ice Hockey: Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains while skating at the Gulmarg Ice Skating Rink or gliding over the frozen lakes in Pahalgam and Srinagar. You can take introductory lessons from teachers or play ice hockey with locals during the Kashmir winter tour. From late December to early March, when Kashmir's winter is at its height, experience the joy of skating on solid natural ice, making it one of the exciting things to do in Kashmir.

5. Trekking: Explore Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Sind Valley's snow-covered routes while taking in the stunning white scenery on a trekking expedition. Explore the Great Lakes or go to Gangabal Lake for breathtaking winter vistas. Take in the stunning alpine scenery and get an opportunity to spot wildlife like ibexes and snow leopards while experiencing the thrill of snow trekking.

How to Reach Kashmir?

1. By Air: There are daily direct and connecting flights to Kashmir from all of India's major cities. Flights leave from places like Bangalore (3 hours), Mumbai (2.5 hours), and Delhi (1.5 hours). Srinagar International Airport, Kashmir's main airport, lies around 12 kilometers from the city center.  Among the airlines that fly on these routes are IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara and buses and taxis are available at the airport for easy transfers within Kashmir.

2. By Train: The closest train station to Kashmir is Jammu Tawi, which is around 330 kilometers away. From major cities like Delhi, you can board the Srinagar Vande Bharat and reach it in 9–10 hours. Trains from Mumbai take about 28–30 hours, and those from Kolkata take about 35–37 hours. From here, you can reach any part of Kashmir by bus or taxi.

3. By Road: Kashmir is accessible by road from Delhi (876 km, 16–18 hours), Chandigarh (646 km, 10–12 hours), and Jammu (266 km, 5–6 hours). From Jammu to Srinagar, the NH44 road passes via the scenic Jawahar Tunnel. You can drive yourself, take a private taxi, or take a JKSRTC public bus. 

FAQ's Related to Kashmir Winter Tours

1. Is winter the best time to book a Kashmir trip?

Yes, winter is the best time to visit Kashmir. Temperatures during this season drop from 12°C to 2°C, turning the area into a snowy paradise. You can visit Pulwama to catch sights of partially frozen waterfalls, snowclad forests and valleys. Also, stop by Gulmarg to indulge in a variety of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. 

2. What makes Kashmir a great destination to visit in winter?

Kashmir in winter offers breathtaking scenery of snow-capped landscapes, making it an excellent getaway during this season. You can explore Doodhpathri's snow-covered meadows and frozen stream or ride the gondola over snowy landscapes in Gulmarg as part of your Kashmir winter tour. 

3. Which month is best for experiencing snow in Kashmir?

The best month to visit Kashmir for snowfall is January. On your visit, you can feel the thrill of sledding in Aru Valley or trekking through Sonamarg’s snow-laden Thajiwas Glacier. You can also ride a snowmobile over the snowy meadows of Doodhpathri and trek along the frozen Shaliganga River.

4. How much does a Kashmir trip cost?

A 5-day Kashmir trip costs between INR 17,000 to INR 40,000 per person, covering hotels, transport, meals, and sightseeing. Luxury stays, shikara rides, and adventure sports can add to your overall budget. Moreover, peak seasons, especially winter and summer, can also increase this cost due to high demand. Thus, you must keep aside some extra cash for shikara rides, shopping, or winter sports.

5. How many days are enough for a Kashmir trip during winter?

5-7 days are enough to fully experience Kashmir’s snowy charm. You can start in Srinagar with a shikara ride on Dal Lake and a cozy houseboat stay. Explore Mughal Gardens before heading to Gulmarg for skiing and the Gondola ride. Visit Pahalgam’s Betaab Valley, trek to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg, and savor Kashmiri cuisine in bustling local markets for a cultural experience.