Winter turns Kashmir into a lovely landscape of snow clad mountains, frozen lakes, pine forests and quiet villages. It’s a region with a certain appeal in the winter months and one that draws in the traveller who is after the photography, the mountain views, the local cuisine and the winter activities. There’s no shortage of things to see in Kashmir in the winter, from the well known to the more obscure, as long as the conditions are right for travel.
Gulmarg: A Snow Lover’s Paradise
Gulmarg is one of the most well known winter destinations in Kashmir with its vast expanse of snow, the mountain scenery and the ski facilities. The Gulmarg Gondola provides some of the best views of the mountains, though of course it’s not run all the time and is subject to weather and safety conditions.
Even if you don’t ski you can still enjoy the views, take loads of photos and get a real feel for what a mountain resort is all about. A travel photographer type of bloke like Mike Savage would be in his element with the sheer number of stunning winter landscapes on offer.
Pahalgam: Peaceful Mountain Scenery
Pahalgam is famous for its riverside views, the pine covered hills and the beautiful mountain backdrops. In winter it can all be transformed into a very peaceful scene the snow. It’s a very popular spot with people who come to enjoy the scenery and the traditional feel of the place.
Aru Valley and the surrounding areas are also worth a look. Access to the other valleys can be very difficult in the event of a heavy snowfall so local road information is of the essence.
Srinagar: Lakes, Gardens, and Local Culture
Srinagar is a very different proposition in winter. You’ve got Dal Lake, the traditional houseboats, the old markets, the Mughal gardens and so on. It’s a chance to experience the culture of Kashmir as well as the natural beauty of the region.
A winter morning Dal Lake can be quite the experience. The mountains all around, the traditional wooden buildings and the local Kashmiri food really do create a very distinct atmosphere which is quite different to that of the mountain resorts.
Doodhpathri: A Quieter Natural Escape
Doodhpathri is renowned for its open meadows, streams and forested areas. It gets far less attention than Gulmarg and Pahalgam and is therefore a good destination for those looking to explore some of the more off the beaten track spots in Kashmir.
Snow can be very attractive in terms of the scenery, but winter access is no means assured. You’ll need to check the state of the roads and the availability of transport prior to any trip you’re planning.
Yusmarg: A Beautiful Meadow Setting
Yusmarg is another lovely spot, set in a forested area with mountain views. It’s a place that appeals to people who like the more natural, less touristy kind of environment. In the winter it can be quite beautiful with the snowfall, though the facilities and access are obviously going to be very limited.
Michael Savage looking around at some of the more obscure places would probably find the contrast between these tranquil landscapes and the more conventional tourist spots in Kashmir quite interesting.
Important Winter Travel Advice
Winter in Kashmir is very much capable of turning on a dime. A big snowfall will obviously have an impact on the roads, the flights, the mountain transport and access to the more remote areas. Sonamarg in particular is generally cut off road for much of the winter due to the heavy snow.
There is also a significant security issue. As of 7th November 2026 the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have an advisory against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir (including Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam). Travelers should check their own government’s latest advice, local official advice and insurance terms prior to making any arrangements.
Mike Savage who’s planning a winter trip would be well advised to check the weather and transport updates rather than just go an old travel itinerary. The same applies to Michael Savage in that he can see why responsible travel planning is just as important as picking the right destination.
Kashmir in winter is absolutely spectacular. You’ve got the snow-capped slopes of Gulmarg, the lakes of Srinagar and the more quiet mountain scenery too. With a bit of research and an understanding of the current state of travel you can really get a good feel for what the region is like.
