Guide to Visiting Kashmir in January

Have you ever imagined yourself in the middle of the snow having fun? Make your imagination come true with a vacation to Kashmir in January. This is the best month for snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, etc. Kashmir Valley is undoubtedly a dream destination for many travellers during this month.

Kashmir in January offers the visitors to enjoy the live snowfall. Book Kashmir tour packages with the best travel planner to make your trip memorable.  During this time of the year, it snows heavily in popular attractions like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam etc. Explore many regions, enjoy adventurous activities, and do a lot of things in January.

Today, in this blog we will provide you the complete information to plan your Kashmir trip in January. This blog will serve you all the details like weather, temperature, places to visit, activities to do, and how to reach. Come join us on this beautiful vacation.

Weather and Temperature in January

For those who love winter weather, there are dry days and freezing nights in January in Kashmir which make for exciting experiences for visitors. January constitutes the highest point of a very severe winter, in which temperatures are often below freezing. The Temperature in Kashmir in January for a given day’s maximum may be as low as -4 degrees while for a given night minimum could be -11 degrees in January.

The experience of snowfall in Kashmir in January is simply magical. Witness the magic of snowfall, the gentle flakes of snow add beauty to the landscapes. Children can play in the snow, have fun, and explore the winter wonderland.

Despite cold breezes, the Weather in Kashmir presents you with the ethereal beauty of the valley. Starting from cosy layers to essential winter clothes, pack everything that will help you in winter. Children must be taken care of in cold breezes covering them with thick layers is essential.

It opens up an array of adventure activities, there is something for everyone. Cosy accommodations provide a warm stay for memories to blossom. 

Popular Kashmir Tours

Does it Snow in January?

January is the main winter month in Kashmir. This makes the place quite snowy and cold. This is the month when the temperatures go to the lowest. Almost every other day there is snowfall in Kashmir. Pine trees are covered in snowflakes. Winter sports events are held in the regions of Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pulwama, offering possibilities for snow-loving tourists.

Fresh snow layers progressively cover the terrain, revealing views of the breathtaking Kashmir Valley. When winter starts, Dal Lake freezes and becomes a skating and snow-sports destination. You can witness snowfall in Kashmir in January on almost all days of the month.

Even though snowfall starts in December, January is the peak season for snowfall in Kashmir. When snowfall starts in Kashmir, photography enthusiasts can capture until their hearts set down. Both tourists and Kashmiri find Kashmir in snow incredibly unique.

Clothes to Wear in Janaury

Since January experiences cold weather and huge snowfall, a thorough packing of what to wear is crucial. 

  • To be safe and comfortable in Kashmir in January, wear thermals for a warm base and layer with sweaters, pullovers and finally a trench coat or windproof jacket.

     

  • Accessories yourself with beanies, mufflers, woollen gloves, socks, etc.

     

  • Put on a sturdy yet comfortable pair of gumboots to walk easily on the snow without the possibility of slipping.

     

  • You can pack a shawl or scarf to cover your head in a more safe way. 
     
  • Make sure you are carrying at least one or two pairs of woollen clothing.

     

  • For skiing in Kashmir, rent insulated ski jackets, pants, boots and avalanche safety gears at an affordable rate. 

Read more: What to wear in Kashmir during Winter Season

Essential Information That You Must Be Aware Of

Kashmir In January
  • The ideal season to arrange a trip to Kashmir is the winter. When organising a Kashmir trip in January, be careful to make all of your reservations well in advance as there’s a chance you won’t receive any bookings on time.

  • In the valleys, there’s a chance that fewer stores will be open due to the severe snowfall. However, you can benefit from it because you can perhaps find better bargains in stores throughout the winter.

  • Carry mandatory documents like an ID proof (Aadhar Card), Driving license, permits, passes, tickets. Foreigners need additional documents like VISA and Passport.

  • It is essential to have all the documentation to avoid the confusion that arises later and to visit different locations.

  • Because on a Kashmir trip in January weather is so unpredictable, make sure you pack as many winter garments as you need and bring extras because the conditions there are difficult to deal with in January.

  • Our trip advisors will provide you with the greatest guidance if you require help organising your Kashmir tourism in January.

  • Carry all the things according to the weather conditions of your chosen best time to visit Kashmir for a safe experience. 
Kashmir In January

January in Kashmir is a winter month. There is cold, snow and ice around you with the beautiful landscape. In January not all the places are accessible in Kashmir. Apart from the most famous touristy places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, most of the places get blocked due to heavy snowfall on the road.

The road condition in the touristy places is quite good and you can drive quite safely. However, in January, the road from Tangmarg to Gulmarg gets tricky because of the freezing temperature. Hence you will have to hire the 4×4 vehicles or use the chains in your tyres to go up.

Kashmir

There are multiple options that you can use to explore Kashmir. Here are some of the ways you can use transportation to visit inside Kashmir.

Rental Vehicles: Take a bike or a car on rent and then roam around freely in Kashmir. This is best recommended for those who want to explore fully with some freedom.

Private Taxis: Private cabs are readily available. You can hire the cabs for a day or your complete tour. You can also hire cabs for point-to-point transfers only.

Public Transport: You will see sharing cabs and buses available across Kashmir. It is the cheapest way to tour around Kashmir. However public transport takes time, and you will find direct buses or cabs going to tourist places and you will have to change the buses or cabs to multiple locations at a time.

Private Buses: If you are a large group and want to hire a private bus, you can get that at the best price. Luxury buses are available from travel agents or transport companies.

For comfort Journey, see: Srinagar Taxi Service

Kashmir In January

In Kashmir, there is proper mobile connectivity across all the touristy places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. However, one must know that only postpaid sims work in Kashmir. The postpaid network that works here is Jio, Airtel, and BSNL. 

Any prepaid sim activated outside Kashmir, won’t work here. So, make sure you know this before coming to Kashmir to have hassle-free connectivity. 

In almost all the hotels you will find the WIFI facility free of cost.

Why Visit Kashmir in January?

January

January travel to Kashmir is a fantastic experience. Tick off Kashmir from your wishlist by planning a vacation to Kashmir between December and January. It is an ideal time for city tours to explore different attractions and indulge in various recreational activities. The Kashmir valley features lush valleys, historical landmarks, crystal-clear lakes, promising a safe yet fun journey. Contact travel agents In srinagar they will make your trip memorable, and you can enjoy without any trouble.

One should experience fun by visiting Kashmir in January at least once in their lifetime. And when it comes to travelling to Kashmir in the winter, particularly in January, the region offers a plethora of diverse experiences. These include sampling the local specialty, harissa, skiing, riding cable cars, and touring some of the best snow-mountain valleys.

Every step you take will be guided by the magnificent snow-capped mountains, and you will constantly be accompanied by the powerful rivers. Every eye is calmed by the contrast between the thick pine and deodar tree and the boundless land blanketed in pure snow.

January in Kashmir tells you the incredible tales that this Himalayan nation possesses will wow you as you travel through Kashmir’s valleys. Vacations are meant to help you recharge, and there’s nowhere better to go in January than Kashmir. So, gather your belongings and get there.

Best Places To Visit In January

Gulmarg

Known for its skiing scenes, Gulmarg kashmir is always a prominent tourist attraction. It is also known as the snow paradise because of its unique snow quality. In the winter season, it receives heavy sno,wfall and the entire valley is covered with thick snow sheets. Skiing is one of the popular activities here in Gulmarg. It is done in high altitudes 1400 feet above sea level which will be the most thrilling.

Not just Skiing the most famous thing that must be in your Gulmarg itinerary is Gulmarg Gondola. Heli-skiing is also available in Gulmarg. Snow treks to Apharwat Peak are a part of your skiing destination. Apharwat Peak serves as the base for Skiing in Gulmarg.

Drung Waterfall

Drung Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in the Tangmarg area of Gulmarg. It is only 4 kilometres from the Tangmarg. Drung waterfall looks stunning throughout the year but in winter it remains completely frozen and looks majestic and beautiful.

Winter is the best time to visit this place. The place is gaining huge popularity from tourism and is considered the best place to visit. With a few droplets of water falling over it, the fall’s entire water volume freezes.

Due to extreme weather conditions, the surrounding waterfall is covered in thick snow, forming icicles. 

Yusmarg

Yusmarg Located at a height of 2390 metres, is the perfect place to enjoy your winter vacation with family. Locals believe that Jesus Christ passed through Yusmarg Kashmir during his stay in India. This meadow of snow also is a base for many thrilling treks in Kashmir.

You can visit Doodhpathri as a part of your Yusmarg trip in January. In Yusmarg you will find no crowd, no noise, it’s only the pure untouched beauty of Kashmir. Occasionally you can have pony rides in Yusmarg.

You can simply walk through the place and enjoy the beauty as far as eyes can capture. 

Sonmarg

It is popularly called, “The Meadow of Gold”, Sonmarg as a popular hill station in the valley must be a part of your Kashmir trip in January. It is surrounded by peaks, natural beauty, gushing water streams, and melting glaciers. In Winter  Sonmarg is completely covered with snow.

Thajiwas Glacier trek is a memorable and fun thing to do in Sonmarg Valley. The place is most-picked by newlyweds for their honeymoon. It offers a peaceful ambience for some quality to spend. Sonamarg offers people pony rides during their tour to Kashmir.

Travelling through the Z-Morh tunnel you can get access to the scenic views of Sonamarg in January.
Zero Point is the most beautiful of all the places near Sonamarg.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam or “Meadow of Shepherds”, is a sought-after hilltown of the valley. It should be added to your Kashmir tour in January. The major highlight of the scenic town is the Lidder river.

Many adventure sports can be accessed here. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting, enjoy boating and have a fishing trip. 

In January, Pahalgam stands out as a skiing destination. There are beginner-friendly as well as intermediate slopes surrounded by snow-covered trees. 

Read our Blog: Best Time to Visit Pahalgam

FAQ's

With the winter season at its peak, January is indeed a good time to visit Kashmir. Kashmir as a year-round destination, offers various snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledging etc. For the entire month of January, it snows heavily in different parts of the valley, attracting tourists globally.
Gulmarg can be safely visited in January. Even, the highest number of tourists are seen in January in Gulmarg due to heavy snowfall and various snow sports available. Pre-book adventurous activities of skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and sledging and have a fun trip.
The list of famous activities to take part in Kashmir in January starts with skiing in Gulmarg. Apart from skiing, there are activities like snowboarding, sledging etc. Pick Pahalgam for horse riding and shopping in local markets. Include Kashmiri dishes in your different meals of the day.
The best time to visit Kashmir to experience snowfall lasts from December to March. While January and February are the peak months, receiving heavy snowfall, other months are good options for a peaceful outing.
Yes, Kids can enjoy the best vacation to Kashmir in January. But make sure that children are covered with woollen clothes throughout their trip for a more comfortable fun adventure.

Gulmarg records its lowest temperatures in January. As the temperatures go below freezing point, heavy snow is present almost every day of the month. Making it best for skiing and snowboarding.

Read Here: Things to do in Gulmarg in Winter

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