Gulmarg In December
How to Plan Gulmarg Tour in December?
Located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Himalayan area, Gulmarg is a peaceful hill station that sees a magical transformation from autumn to winter in December.
This place really comes to life in the winter, with heavy snowfall and cool breeze blowing in the valley. In Gulmarg, December is known for its fluffy smooth snow as it has recently started snowing.
With its covered rooftops and trees covered in snow, the entire town presents adventure activities with a perfect blend of natural beauty.
From skiing slopes at Mary’s Shoulder to Apharwat Peak, they have plenty to offer all skill levels, from newcomers to advanced.
The unmissable thing in Gulmarg is Gondola rides operating between base point to Apharwat Peak. In the morning, you can even enjoy a piping hot of “Kahwa”, to start refreshing.
Accommodation options in December are abundantly available from cosy guest houses to luxurious resorts.
This December, you can plan a fun trip to Gulmarg with Cliffhangers India’s well-crafted Kashmir tour packages. Read ahead in the blog about the trip to Gulmarg in December.
Weather and Temperature in December
Gulmarg in winters experiences a cold climate from December to February.The weather in December is chilly with crispness in the air.
Day temperatures in Gulmarg ranges between -2 to 5°C, while night temperatures can drop from -4 to -8° C. It’s essential to wear swollen clothes in layers to be comfortable.
The most exciting thing in Gulmarg in December is the heavy snowfall. The town gets covered in thick deep snow. This snowfall provides excellent quality of snow for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
In addition, it is suggested to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling to Gulmarg in December.
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Snowfall in Gulmarg in December
The season of heavy snowfall commences from December onwards and lasts till February and start of March. While the alpine regions of Kashmir start receiving light snowfall from November, the cold sets in the entire valley from December only when the temperature goes below freezing level.
Large, fluffy snowflakes gently fall on the ground, gradually accumulating. The whole town is covered in white, including trees and homes of locals.
Gulmarg temperature in December is quite cold compared to previous months. The landscape becomes a playground, with local families and tourists visiting the slopes to enjoy a bunch of activities.
Check the transformation of: Gulmarg during Snowfall
What to Wear in Gulmarg in December?
Gulmarg experiences heavy snowfall in December with cold weather. Wearing proper clothes according to the weather is crucial. Layer yourself starting with a thermal and then a light sweater or cardigans.
Cover properly with a trench coat or jacket that goes up to your knees. It should be windproof as well as waterproof. Don’t forget to accessorise with a warm beanie and wear gloves and socks with long boots to walk properly on snow without slipping.
If you are going skiing in Gulmarg, rent gears like insulated ski jackets and ski pants with gumboots. Make sure you are covered head to toe with warm thick clothes to remain comfortable and safe against the extreme climate of Gulmarg.
Get the detailed list on: Things to Carry for Kashmir Trip
Essential Tips to Plan Your Trip
There are many ways one can pick to reach Gulmarg from their hometown. Starting with the option of air travel. The closest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar International Airport at a distance of about 60 kilometres. Numerous flights are available from different cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur to the airport.
Next on the list is a train journey. Jammu Tawi Station in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir is the nearest one, connecting the Union Territory to the rest of the country. From the station, it is a 7-8 hours road drive from Jammu to Gulmarg covering 290 kilometres via Srinagar-Jammu Highway (NH44). Various private as well as government-owned buses operate from Srinagar to Tangmarg. You can also take any taxi service in Kashmir at the best prices for luxury & comfort.
Lastly, you can plan a road trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, covering 50 kilometres in half an hour, enjoying the enroute scenery. The highway road A-1 offers excellent road connectivity.
- During the winter, the price rises even further. In the off-season, expect the usual minimum price to be approximately Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000 per day, and Rs. 7000 to Rs. 10000 in the winter. It is preferable to plan and book ahead of time.
- If you don’t have boots that can withstand the journey and don’t want to buy them just for the vacation, don’t worry. Snow boots can be rented at Gulmarg itself.
- As you may have guessed, you will be required to bring in all of your woolen clothing. Purchase some high-quality thermals as well
When you visit Gulmarg in the month of December, there will be enough snow to make your snowman. Tourists get the opportunity to participate in adventurous sports like skiing and snowboarding. It is a popular honeymoon destination as well where Couples visit during this time of the year.
With so many things to do in December, the destination draws adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world. You can enjoy the grandeur of Alpather Lake, shoot photographs at the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, or go on an exciting pony ride. Skiing, ice skating, Gondola chair car rides, and other winter sports activities are also available.
If you are interested in visiting religious temples, you can go to Baba Reshi Shrine and St. Mary’s Church. All of these activities in December in Gulmarg make your vacation a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Top Places To Visit In December
Gondola Both Phases
The tall Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is Asia’s longest ski slope and a popular tourist destination. Apharwat, at 4390 m, is one of Gulmarg’s most striking peaks, and the second section of the Gulmarg Gondola (cable car) connects it to Kongdori Valley.
It takes 12 minutes by ropeway to reach this gorgeous peak, which not only offers wonderful skiing, sledging, and snowboarding opportunities to adventure seekers, but also spectacular vistas. The well-known Ningle Nallah also springs from this famed Gulmarg location and is a sight to behold.
If you want to go skiing, snowboarding, or heli-skiing, the winter season is the perfect time to visit Apharwat. If you simply want to take part in the highest cable car ride, the best time to visit Gulmarg Gondola is between March and October.
Drung Waterfall
Drung Waterfall, also known as Drang Waterfall, is a must-see sight for anyone planning a winter vacation to Kashmir. It may not be very large, but the scene it presents during the winter season is incredibly spectacular and will sweep you off your feet.
The water in this fall begins to freeze as the temperature in the valley drops. By January, the entire face of the mountain from which it falls is covered in ice. The water is still flowing down, but it is encircled by massive icicles and snow.
You can visit Drung waterfall at any time of year, although the waterfall is most beautiful in the winter, and it is a must in places to visit in Gulmarg in the month of December.
Maharani Temple
The Rani Temple, located in the heart of Gulmarg, is one of the surviving remains of the Dogra Dynasty, which formerly dominated the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Hari Singh erected the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
His wife, Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia, used to worship here every day, hence the shrine is named after her. The Rani Temple’s most intriguing feature is that it can be seen from every corner in Gulmarg!
From the top of the temple, you have a view of the entire valley in all its beauty. Do not miss out on this temple in your list of Attractions to visit.
Also Visit These: Temples in Jammu and Kashmir
Baba Reshi Shrine
Baba Reshi Shrine is well-known for granting children’s wishes. Thus, childless ladies flock here to pray, and children born in this manner are said to be permanently bonded to the shrine.
The shrine is a three-story structure built at a height of 7,000 feet above sea level near the village of Ramboh in Kashmir’s Baramulla region. In line with the era, the architectural style is distinctly Persian and Mughal.
It is a popular tourist destination as well as a pilgrimage place, with a garden around the main shrine and the Noor Khwan constructed of glass and magnificent wood carvings.
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is one of the most visited places in Gulmarg, and it is particularly popular with travellers looking for a destination off the beaten path because it is difficult to get there by normal vehicles.
You can either walk the entire distance from Gulmarg or hire a pony to transport you here. In the winter, when there are thick layers of snow, the gentle slides of the valley become a big hit with skiers.
Aside from that, you may get a close-up view of the glittering peak of Nanga Parbat (8,137m high and the world’s fifth-highest mountain peak) and the twin peaks of Nun and Kun from Khilanmarg.
Best Activities to Do in December
Skiing
Gulmarg is a popular skiing resort for both novice and experienced skiers. It is one of the nicest snow activities in Gulmarg in December. Surrounded by snowy peaks and lush green evergreen forests.
If you are a beginner, you can hire a ski instructor from ski operators and institutes. The adrenaline feeling of floating fast down the carpet of snow is unforgettable. The stores have all of the necessary ski equipment.
All you have to do now is prepare for the unforgettable sensation of skiing in Gulmarg in December. As the snow begins to fall in December, skiers from all over the world take part in skiing in Gulmarg, which remains busy with winter activities throughout the season.
Snowboarding
Gulmarg has become a popular snowboarding destination for visitors all over the world. If you enjoy snowboarding, Gulmarg has the best slope conditions and powder snow all year. Gulmarg is ranked as Asia’s fifth-finest ski resort.
It also has a large range of snowboarding slopes ranging from beginner to intermediate to expert level.
Gulmarg offers skilled snowboarders to high alpine slopes, pillow lines, and rugged couloir features, as well as gentle open for intermediate and advanced riders.
The bowls provide breathtaking views of the Kashmir Valley and Nanga Parbat (8,126 m). Snowboarding in Gulmarg is ideal in the Baba Reshi, Monkey Hill, and forests.
Snowmobile Ride
Snowmobile rides are available in summer as well as winter. However, thrill doubles when the ride is enjoyed in the snowy meadows, by the glaciers. While different resorts do offer snowmobiling, the most famous ride is from Tangmarg to Gulmarg.
Covering a distance of 13 kilometres, it is one of the most unforgettable experiences. Like other snow-sports, the activity is accessible by both beginners and advanced riders. It may be a bit costly especially in the peak month.
The cost depends on the duration of the ride. Make sure you have put on all the safety gears to have a sense of safety and comfort.
Sledging
After skiing, sledging is another popular sport available in Gulmarg. The idea of sledging downhill sounds exciting and it sure is. While many local tour operators do offer sledging in their Kashmir winter packages, locals of a particular place often operate it.
Places like Khilanmarg, Baba Reshi Shrine and Gulmarg Golf Course have smooth slopes dedicated to sledging. Again, they are suited for both newcomers and advanced sledgers. For some thrills, you can visit the alpine regions via Gulmarg Gondola and practice there. December is a great time for sledging in Gulmarg, given the fresh snow that has just started.
Photography
As you are done basking in the thrill of snow-sports, click the stunning scenes on my camera. Similar to summer, Gulmarg in winter is picturesque too. With snow blanketing everything in the town, a white scenery is witnessed with snow-laden mountains in the backdrop.
Not only the meadows and rivers, you can explore other regions like Strawberry Valley, Khilanmarg for the lifetime opportunity of natural photography. Even locals are warm and friendly and often ready to get clicked. Ask for permission to click their portraits. Avoid photography where prohibited. Carry gears like Camera, lenses and tripod.
FAQ's
Is Gulmarg good to visit in December?
Is the gulmarg gondola open in December?
Which month of snow is heavy in Gulmarg?
Which month is ice in kashmir?
What are the best winter months to visit in Kashmir?
Some of the popular winter months to visit in Kashmir:
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