Kashmir winter tour packages usually run from December to February and combine Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Gulmarg is the main snow base, with sledging, ski lessons and the gondola, while Pahalgam is quieter and often snowy. Snowfall varies each year and is never guaranteed, and roads to Sonamarg or Chandanwari can close, so plans stay flexible. Roaming Routes sends a written quote for your dates.
Prices shown are starting prices, per person on twin sharing unless marked per couple or per group. Your final quote depends on travel dates, hotel category, vehicle and group size.
What a Kashmir winter trip looks like
Winter in Kashmir runs roughly from December to February. Days are short and crisp, nights often drop below freezing, and the valley can turn white after a good snowfall. The coldest stretch, known locally as Chillai Kalan, is a 40-day period from 21 December to late January. Snowfall changes from year to year and nobody can promise snow on specific dates, so we plan winter trips with some flexibility built in.
Most winter itineraries combine:
- Srinagar, for a houseboat or hotel stay, a shikara ride on Dal Lake when the weather allows, and warm kahwa in the old city
- Gulmarg, for snow play, sledging, ski lessons and the gondola
- Pahalgam, for quiet pine forests, the Lidder river and snowy meadows, usually with fewer crowds than Gulmarg
Family trips, honeymoons and short breaks, such as the Kashmir Family Special, Kashmir Honeymoon Delight and Kashmir Quick Escape, can be planned for winter dates, with the day-by-day plan adjusted to snow and road conditions.
Gulmarg in the snow and the gondola
Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar, usually 1.5 to 2 hours by road, and longer after fresh snow. When the road is icy, the last climb from Tangmarg may need snow chains or a local 4x4, and traffic is sometimes regulated by the authorities.
The Gulmarg Gondola runs in two phases. Phase 1 goes up to Kongdoori, and Phase 2 climbs higher towards Apharwat. Phase 2 can pause in strong wind or heavy snowfall. Gondola tickets are booked online, and winter weekends and holidays get busy, so book as early as you can. Sledges, ponies, ski equipment and instructors are hired locally. Choose registered instructors, stay within marked areas and follow local advisories after heavy snow. Read more on our Gulmarg destination page.
Pahalgam, Sonamarg and road closures
Pahalgam is about 95 km from Srinagar, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, and is usually reachable through winter, though fresh snow can slow the drive. Sightseeing beyond the town works a little differently in the cold months:
- Aru Valley and Betaab Valley may be reachable on clear days, depending on snow and road conditions, usually in local union taxis
- The road to Chandanwari is often snowbound and closed for much of winter
- Sonamarg can be visited on many winter days, often with local vehicles or ponies for the snow points, but the road may close or be restricted after heavy snowfall
Flights into Srinagar and the Jammu to Srinagar highway can also be disrupted after heavy snow. We suggest keeping a buffer day before your flight home and a flexible order of sightseeing, so that if one road is closed, the day can be switched to a place that is open. Our Pahalgam destination page has more on the town and its valleys.
Packing and comfort tips
Thermal innerwear, a warm padded or down jacket, woollen cap and gloves
Waterproof boots with good grip for icy paths
Sunglasses and sunscreen, as snow glare is strong
Moisturiser and lip balm for the dry cold
A power bank, since phone batteries drain fast in the cold
Ask about room heating when you book, especially for houseboats, and switch off gas heaters before sleeping
Travelling with small children or elderly parents? Keep driving days shorter and plan warm-up breaks. Gulmarg and the upper gondola are at high altitude, so anyone with heart or breathing concerns should check with a doctor first. Our packing list by season and best time to visit Kashmir guides go into more detail.
Get a written quote for your winter trip
Roaming Routes is a J&K Tourism registered travel agency (Regd. JKEA00002355) based at Batakote on the Pahalgam road, Anantnag. Share your travel dates, number of travellers, hotel preference and the places you would like to see, and we will send a written quote with the day-by-day plan, hotels, car and what is and is not included.
- WhatsApp or call: +91 91038 87738
- Email: roamingroutes26@gmail.com
- Or fill in the enquiry form on our website
No. Snowfall varies from year to year, and no one can promise snow on specific dates. Gulmarg usually has a good chance of snow from late December to February, so we keep winter plans flexible.
Are Gulmarg gondola tickets included in winter packages?
Your written quote lists exactly what is and is not included. Gondola tickets are booked online and busy winter dates fill up, so book as early as you can. Phase 2 can pause in strong wind or heavy snow, so keep some flexibility on your Gulmarg day.
Can we visit Sonamarg and Chandanwari in winter?
Sonamarg can be visited on many winter days, but the road may close or be restricted after heavy snowfall. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is often snowbound and closed for much of winter.
How do we get around Pahalgam and Gulmarg in winter?
Your private car covers the main drives between towns. For Aru and Betaab Valley in Pahalgam, local union taxis are usually needed, and in Gulmarg and Sonamarg you may use ponies, sledges or local vehicles, which are paid for locally.
Is a winter Kashmir trip suitable for kids and elderly parents?
Yes, with some care. Choose heated rooms, keep driving days short, pack proper thermals and waterproof boots, and keep a buffer day in case snow delays flights or roads. Anyone with heart or breathing concerns should check with a doctor before going up to Phase 2 of the gondola.
Enquire
Get a written quote.
Tell us your dates and how many are travelling. We reply with a written plan and price.
5 days · 4 nights
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam 
5 days · 4 nights
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam 
6 days · 5 nights
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam · Sonamarg 
7 days · 6 nights
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam · Sonamarg 
4 days · 3 nights
Srinagar · Pahalgam · Aru Valley · Betaab Valley · Chandanwari 
3 days · 2 nights
Srinagar