Gulmarg In Winter
Experience Winter in Gulmarg
A vacation to Gulmarg in winter is indeed a unique experience. In January and February, the small village has considerable snowfall, and the entire area is completely covered by a blanket of white. Tourists from all over the nation come here to enjoy the splendour of the winter season and participate in ski competitions.
Even in January and February, when there may be as much snow as 5 to 6 feet here, the route to Gulmarg is open and travelers continue to come. Gulmarg is open all year round for tourism, especially in winter will give you a memorable experience. Immerse in the true beauty of nature and winter in Gulmarg.
One of the few tourist locations in our nation that sees foot traffic throughout the entire year is this tiny village. It serves as one of the top ski resorts in our nation during the winter, and there are lots of people there.
Gulmarg during winter in the piece that follows. Let’s go over information such as how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and other safety precautions you should be aware of.
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Weather and Temperature in winter
Gulmarg is famous for its heavy snowfall during the winter season. The region usually receives a large amount of snowfall from November to February, this makes it a popular winter destination for all kinds of winter enthusiasts. The landscape of Gulmarg is beautiful, it provides the opportunity to experience a winter wonderland resembling Disney World.
In winter season the temperature ranging from -4 degrees and 11 degrees. The average daytime temperature in Gulmarg in winter can be recorded between 5 degrees to 10 degrees. The average night temperatures remain around 0 degrees. From December to February the temperatures remain cooler.
Due to heavy snowfall, road access to Gulmarg is limited or may be closed during winter. The main mode of transportation that tourists can take is the Gulmarg Gondola. Weather in Gulmarg in the month of winter is the peak season for tourists in Gulmarg. It can get crowded, So we advise you to book everything that you need in advance.
Read our blog: Winter in Kashmir
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Clothes to Wear in Winter
It is extremely cold in Gulmarg during winter. Pack all of your warm clothes like fleece, thermal, snow jacket, snow goggles, snow gloves, etc.
We visited Gulmarg in October, and we were shocked by how warm it became throughout the day, particularly in Srinagar.
For a journey to Gulmarg in October, we advise bringing plenty of cotton clothing, light woollens, and a warm jacket. Unless you were visiting at the end of the month, the woollens and jacket would only be worn in the evening and morning.
Many tourists dislike November the least of all the months to spend time in the Alps.
In the lower regions, there won’t be much snow, but the wind will still be chilly. You should prepare for some chilly weather when traveling in November, especially during the early and late hours of the day.
Even though they are not required, snow boots are better to bring if you are traveling toward the end of December.
For most of December, there is no snow in the lower regions. Even if it did, it would only be a small amount, and it would soon disappear entirely.
Read here: What to wear in Kashmir in Winter
Tips to Visit in Winter
Where To Stay
- Gulmarg remains a popular tourist destination throughout the year, with all hotels remaining open and operational.
- One thing you should keep in mind is that there are no affordable hotels in Gulmarg. During the winter, the price rises even further
- If you do not want to spend that much money, a better option would be to stay in Srinagar and make the trip to Gulmarg a day trip.
Things to carry
- It is extremely cold in Gulmarg in winter. Pack all of your warm clothes like fleece, thermal, snow jacket, snow goggles, snow gloves, etc. Particularly if you are traveling in January and February to Gulmarg.
What to wear
- When considering what to wear in Kashmir in winter, opt for thermal clothing, a thick woolen jacket, and waterproof boots. Don’t forget gloves, a beanie, and warm socks to combat the cold and snow.
- snow boots are better to bring if you are traveling toward the end of December
Best Places to Visit in Winter
Gulmarg is a feast for the eyes, as well as an adventurer’s paradise, with breathtaking mountains, fantastic pine woods, gorgeous meadows, and lush valleys. Gulmarg’s Seven Springs, Tangmarg, and Khilanmarg are just a few of the spots you can visit to bask in the natural beauty.
Camp by the bank of mountain streams like Ferozepur Nallah and Ningle Nallah, savor sumptuous Kashmiri fare at the Gulmarg Igloo Cafe, find soulfulness at Baba Reshi’s shrine, St Mary’s Church, Maharani Temple, and Imam bara Goom, or simply stretch your legs out picnicking at the Children’s Park or Strawberry Valley. Here is a list of places to visit in Gulmarg in winter.
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is one of the most visited places in Gulmarg, and it is particularly popular with travelers looking for a destination off the beaten path because it is difficult to get by normal vehicles. You can either walk the entire distance from Gulmarg or hire a pony to transport you here.
The valley is gorgeous in the summer because it is covered in beautiful types of bright flowers that bloom around this time and cover the entire area in vibrant colors. In the winter, when there are thick layers of white snow, the gentle snow of the valley becomes a big hit with skiers.
Strawberry Valley
The lush green meadows with brilliant crimson fruits dotting the landscape and pure blue skies above are a picture-book scene you won’t want to miss. Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg is a little off the beaten path, hidden “right behind a hill” as most locals would point out when exploring the area. This largely explains the area’s untouched attractiveness, as it is still relatively devoid of tourists.
If your hotel is nearby, you can walk down to the valley, or you can hire a private taxi to take you there. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a horseback ride to the location.
Tourists are permitted to go among the rows of strawberry plantations. You can even enjoy a little picnic here beneath the shade of a nearby tree.
Apharwat Peak
This is a great honeymoon resort, as it is surrounded by gorgeous white meadows and snow-capped mountains. The most popular characteristic of Apharwat, however, is that it is the location of the majority of Gulmarg’s adventure sports activities.
Being one of the top trekking places to visit in winter, Tourists go here in droves to partake in thrilling skiing adventures and other winter sports. The Gondola ride, which is a distinctive attraction here in Gulmarg, is the most convenient and preferable route to reach here, which is around 13 kilometers distant from Gulmarg. It transports visitors from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and Kongdoor to Apharwat. If you want to continue further up the slopes, you can rent a human sled from this location.
To know about the best time to visit Gulmarg read this: Best time to visit Gulmarg
Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah is a stream with crystal clear water that flows from Alpather Lake and the melting of ice on Apharwat Peak. The stream’s attractiveness is heightened by the stunning surroundings, which include snow-capped mountains and lush green fields on all sides. It is roughly 10 kilometers from Gulmarg in Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The Ningle Nallah flows over meandering channels among mountains and valleys before joining the River Jhelum. It is a popular tourist destination and is suitable for little picnics, especially among families with children. Furthermore, there are numerous chances for overnight camping in the neighbouring meadows for camping enthusiasts.
Shrine of Baba Reshi
The Zirayat of Baba Reshi is a shrine dedicated to Baba Payam Uddin, a well-known Muslim saint who lived in the fifteenth century and worked as a courtier for the then-king of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abidin, before enunciating all worldly ties. The shrine was established on the site of the saint’s final days of prayer and meditation, today day it is the top attraction in Gulmarg during winter.
Much of the shrine’s appeal stems from the concept that devotees who visit here are granted boons of their greatest wishes, after which they return to the sacred location to make grateful sacrifices commemorating the great saint. Thousands of visitors come here each year, regardless of religion, to pay their respects and make donations.
Visit the best offbeat destination: Gurez Valley
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church in Gulmarg, which was built over a century ago, still stands in all its Victorian beauty and stately architecture. The church appears to be more of a modest little rustic countryside chapel than a church, which makes it all the more attractive and popular among visitors. The church’s gray stone walls and wooden roofs give it an antique appearance that contributes to much of its attraction.
With the famed Gulmarg Golf Course on three sides and gorgeous mountains on the other, this is one of the most worthiest places to visit in Gulmarg in winter. This will surely provide you with memorable and holy experiences.
Also check the list of: Places to Visit in Kashmir
Famous Things to do in Winter
With so many activities to do in winter, 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. We always advise you to enjoy these activities with local travel agents in Srinagar for a safe experience. Here is a list of the best things to do in Gulmarg in winter:
Skiing in Gulmarg
When the topic is about skiing in Gulmarg, Gulmarg always tops the chart of things to do . It is a popular skiing destination that offers skiing opportunities for both experienced and beginner skiers. If you are thinking about the best activities in Gulmarg then this must be at the top of your list.
The experience of gliding along the thick snow will satisfy your adrenaline cravings. All the equipment needed is available in skiing stores.
Snow Biking in Gulmarg
Riding a snowmobile is one of the most exciting ways to enjoy the snow. Whether bicycle or four-wheel drive, these snow biking in Gulmarg will provide you with fun on ice and snow.
If you are traveling with children, smoking (like the slope through the snow cover) will be the highlight of your trip. Adventure sports and Gulmarg snow sports will give you the adrenaline rush you are looking for and we are sure you will complete a few things on your bucket list.
Snowboarding in Gulmarg
Gulmarg Snowboarding is the best experience you will ever have in your life. Enjoy the ethereal sensation of riding your board on Gulmarg’s greatest snow. Before ever attempting to snowboard on snow, there are some fundamentals to learn.
Your instructor will teach you how to properly use the snowboarding boots. They will go over the snowboard, getting along, and how to carry your snowboard in depth. Don’t be in a hurry to learn how to snowboarding in Gulmarg, no matter how eager you are. It takes its own sweet time to learn Gulmarg snow sports.
Take a Ride on Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg Gondola is the second most important thing to experience in winter. It is the second-largest Cable Gondola ride in the world.
There are two phases in the Gondola ride Gulmarg.
Phase 1: The cable journey starts from Gulmarg resort and continues towards Kongdoori Station by carrying around 1500 people to a height of 3000 meters, where you can experience skiing. The next phase starts from Kongdoori Mountain to Apharwat Peak.
Pony Ride in Gulmarg
Another fascinating list of the best things to do in Gulmarg in December is to go on a pony ride. Khilanmarg is an excellent location for this pony-riding excursion in Gulmarg.
You may snap breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountains while riding on the pony, making the entire Gulmarg journey memorable.
Pony riding is therefore the greatest sport for visitors who do not want to engage in strenuous adventure activities in Gulmarg in winters.
Ice skating in Gulmarg
Ice skating is a relaxing and enjoyable activity in Gulmarg. Gulmarg has several ice skating rinks where you may enjoy a superb ice skating experience. If you want to visit Gulmarg in December, you will notice various lakes and rivulets that offer ice skating to tourists.
Skating enthusiasts can rent or bring their equipment to engage in this adrenaline-pumping activity. Several visitors attempt to emulate the experienced peasants, but they end up embarrassing themselves by sliding or falling.
How to reach in Winter
By Air: The nearest domestic and international airport to Gulmarg is the Srinagar airport, which is around 61 kilometers away. Daily connecting flights from all major Indian cities arrive here. You can take a prepaid cab outside the airport for roughly Rs. 1500 one way. To eliminate last-minute bother, you can also reserve a cab online.
By Train: There are no direct trains from Delhi to Gulmarg. However, you can reach the Jammu Tawi railway station, which is 290 kilometers away. The Jammu railway station is well connected to most Indian towns, with trains from all over the nation arriving daily. It is preferable to arrive in Jammu and then take a prepaid cab or board a mini-traveler.
By Road: The path to Gulmarg is ideal for bikers and adventure enthusiasts. This trip is about 57 kilometers from Srinagar and will take you no more than 2-3 hours, one can book a taxi service in Srinagar to reach Gulmarg. Even though it only takes 1-2 hours, it’s best to allow 1 hour for navigating the curvy mountain roads. To drive in this area, it is advised that you replace your tires with specifically designed tires.
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FAQ's
Does it snow in Gulmarg in December?
Which is the best time to visit Gulmarg in winter?
Is it worth visiting Gulmarg in Winters?
Can I go skiing in Gulmarg in winter?
Is Gulmarg open in winter?
What is the best month to visit Gulmarg in winter?
How cold is it in Gulmarg in winter?
Can I go skiing in Gulmarg in winter?
Which trekking routes in Kashmir are the best?
Here are the best trekking routes in Kashmir:
- Warwan Valley Trek
- Gurez Valley Trek
- Tulian Lake Trek
- Bodpathri Lakes Trek
- Gangabal Lakes Trek
- Sheshnag Lake Trek
- Nafran Valley Trek
- Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Which are the best offbeat destinations in Kashmir?
Below are some of the best offbeat destinations in Kashmir:
- Lolab valley
- Daksum valley
- Sinthan top
- Teetwal valley
- Keran valley
What are the best tour packages for Kashmir?
Below are some popular packages for Kashmir:
- Kashmir Luxury Tour Packages
- Kashmir Family Tour Packages
- Kashmir Group Tour Packages
- Kashmir Offbeat Tour Packages
- Kashmir Honeymoon Package
- Srinagar Tour Packages
What are the best winter months to visit in Gulmarg?
The best winter months to visit Gulmarg are:
- Gulmarg in January
- Gulmarg in February
- Gulmarg in March
- Gulmarg in December
What are hte best summer months to visit Gulmarg?
The best summer months to visit Gulmarg are:
- Gulmarg in June
- Gulmarg in July
- Gulmarg in August
- Gulmarg in September