Srinagar In Winter
Overview
Srinagar is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Srinagar in winter is beautiful at its best and gives you a feeling of stepping into a frosted fairy tale, which makes it different from many other hill stations in India.
The city is amongst India’s most preferred winter destinations to enjoy the beauty of snow-capped mountains and traditional wooden houseboats floating in the frozen Dal Lake.
The city has air connectivity and decent road rail links via Jammu. Also, you can get different accommodation facilities ranging from budget hotels and luxury houseboats. Check out for proper winter clothing, as you can experience cold with low temperatures in Srinagar.
The winter months of Srinagar are from December to February; the temperature in Srinagar in winter is relatively low and usually drops below zero degrees Celsius. During January and February, Srinagar experiences heavy snowfall.
Explore the beautiful Tours in Kashmir: Kashmir Tour Packages
How Does Srinagar Look in Winter
Srinagar in December
Visiting Srinagar in December is best, as tourists will see the beautiful transformation of the place into picturesque, magical, dreamy surroundings.
Tourists have many things to do in Srinagar in winter, as the city offers many events and activities. Don’t forget to taste the local cuisine, which tastes delicious and mouth-watering.
The road conditions in December can be challenging because of snowfall and can be slippery. Several roads from the city to mountain passes may remain closed, and critical routes like Srinagar to Leh are also closed.
Srinagar in January
The attractiveness and charm of Srinagar in January lies in its natural beauty and snow-covered landscapes that amazingly blend with the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The town has quaint streets, having designed wooden houses on every corner. In January, Srinagar experiences moderate snowfall, and thus tourists can enjoy making snowmen and having a snowball fight.
Road conditions are challenging this month as well as some routes, like the Jammu Kashmir highway, might be closed temporarily and restricted.
Srinagar in February
Planning your trip to Srinagar in February will offer you stunning snow-covered looks that add charm to the city’s fantastic landscape.
It is considered the off-season with fewer tourists and offers you a chance to enjoy the beauty of Srinagar without dealing with long lines and crowds.
The number of tourists in Srinagar in February is less; thus, you can get attractive hotel packages with discounts.
Read our blog: Best time to Visit Kashmir for Snowfall
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Clothes to Pack for the Winter Trip in Srinagar?
If you plan a relaxing or adventurous vacation, pack all the necessary clothes to enjoy a hassle-free trip. Before packing, tourists must list all essential clothes to pack for the winter trip to Srinagar. Dressing appropriately during winter months will ensure your winter Srinagar adventure is as enchanting as the destination is in real. Srinagar, in winter, needs all essential garments, including :
- Thermal wear and sweaters
- Heavy windproof jacket
- Thick woolen sweaters and coats
- Woolen cap to cover neck, head, and face as well
- Woolen socks
- Warm and waterproof gloves
Remember not to overpack and keep your packing simple and efficient. With the right clothes for your winter trip to Srinagar, you can go on an unforgettable journey and enjoy ethereal landscapes.
Read more: What to Wear in Kashmir during Winter Season
Essential Tips For Travellers
To make your trip hassle-free, below are some tips listed for travelers:
- It is vital to have thorough research about Srinagar before you visit like the culture, weather, customs, and Places to visit in Srinagar in winter. Making a detailed itinerary and exploring the entire city is best.
- Choose the right time to visit Srinagar and plan to visit Srinagar in winter if you love winter sports, as the entire city is covered with snow.
- Pack your clothes smartly and carry lightweight, warm clothing with comfortable shoes to explore the city.
- Carry all the essential medications, as you may not get the same medications everywhere.
- Carry all your essential ID cards while traveling to Srinagar.
- Ensure you carry a postpaid SIM card, as no prepaid cards work in the Kashmir Valley.
Get the lowest taxi rates at: Taxi Service in Srinagar | Kashmir taxi Service
Famous Places to Visit in Srinagar in Winter
Nigeen Lake
A twin of Dal Lake is the most popular Srinagar destination and one of the city’s most picturesque lakes. Pristine Nigeen Lake’s beauty makes it the perfect place for people looking for peaceful vacations or those who want to relax in the lap of nature.
Tourists must enjoy a stay at one of the houseboats as many are available, ranging from luxurious to budget ones. The lake offers a more secluded and intimate experience, making it the perfect place to visit in Srinagar in winter.
- Distance From Srinagar: About 22 min via Hazratbal Rd
- Accessibility: Accessible by road within Srinagar city.
- Entry fees: Chargeable
Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal in Srinagar is also known as a house of fairies and is considered the best tourist spot. It was once a Buddhist monastery and then converted into a library. It is the best architectural construction that blends Mughal and Persian styles and offers breathtaking panoramic views.
This seven-layer building provides a beautiful view of many lovely rivers and is a must-visit place during your trip to Srinagar in winter. The place is also home to many flowering trees, plants, and scrubs, thus known as home to fairies.
- Distance From Srinagar: Approximately 5 km.
- Accessibility: Accessible by road, near Srinagar city center
- Entry fees: Chargeable starting from INR 20
Hari Parbat
Hari Parbat, also known as Hari Parbat Fort is one of the best places to visit during your trip to Srinagar, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The place is an essential historical landmark in Kashmir that reflects the rich cultural heritage. Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs revert the hill similarly as it has many temples, mosques and gurudwaras.
If you are looking for a place with history and spirituality, this is for you, as people come here to seek blessings and experience the most scenic views.
- Distance From Srinagar: Approximately 5 km.
- Accessibility: Accessible by road, with a short hike up to the hill.
- Entry fees: Chargeable starting from INR 20
Hazratbal Shrine
Hazratbal Shrine, a beautiful, pristine white marble structure, is one of the best places to visit in Srinagar and near Dal Lake. It is among the most visited attractions and is the holiest shrine in Kashmir.
The shrine perfectly blends Kashmiri and Mughal architecture and attracts many devotees and tourists. The shrine is surrounded by high mountains and is considered a peaceful spot with much value during festivals.
- Distance From Srinagar: About 26 min via Hazratbal Rd
- Accessibility: Accessible by road from Srinagar city center.
- Entry fees: Chargeable
Dachigam National Park
Dachigam National Park is a wildlife sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and is home to many endangered Kashmiri stags and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary offers many beautiful views and birdwatching and is best for wildlife enthusiasts.
Especially during winter, the sanctuary transformed into a snowy paradise with a frozen park river offering a relaxing and peaceful scene. Also, the Dachigam National Park provides a beautiful view of more than 150 bird species.
- Distance from Srinagar: located 22 km from Srinagar
- Accessibility: accessible by taking a cab or a local bus from Srinagar.
- Entry fees: Chargeable ranges between INR 50 for Indians to 200 INR for foreigners
Char Chinar
Char Chinar is one of the most beautiful places in Srinagar, and an island in Dal Lake got its name from the four majestic Chinra trees that create a tranquil oasis in serene waters.
The place offers peace and the best escape from the bustling city life of the city. Tourists can enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake and must stop at Char Chinar island, which is all covered with Kush green chinar trees and is a picturesque spot that should not be missed.
The beauty of the place that the chinar trees portray can only be felt by the viewer and cannot be described in words.
- Distance from Srinagar: located 6 km from Srinagar Bus Station
- Accessibility: Accessible by traditional wooden boat, shikhara
- Entry fees: Free
Popular Things to do in Winter
Kashmiri Culinary Tour
During your trip to Srinagar in winter, you must explore all tourist attractions, including frozen lakes, picture-perfect valleys, and many other breathtaking sights to make unforgettable memories.
Also, one more thing you should enjoy during your trip: experiencing local culture and cuisine, as it will be a great treat to all your senses. The city is not only famous for its charm but also for its warm hospitality, vibrant tradition, and mouth-watering local delicacies.
Srinagar is famous for its unique cuisines, and you must try Rogan Josh, Wazwan, etc, to satisfy your taste buds. Also, experience the Kashmiri tea ceremony and have delicious Kahwa with snacks like Kehwa rotis and Bakarkhani bread.
Enjoying authentic Kashmiri cuisine is amongst the best Things to do in Srinagar in winter to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Book: Srinagar Food Tour
Photography
If you are a nature lover and want to spend time or need a week off from your daily busy life.
Visit Srinagar, a city that captivates every soul with its untouched beauty.
The place is a blend of lush forests, beautiful valleys, serene rice and snowy landscapes, which make it the most visited place in winter and is considered the best region for photography.
Every corner of Srinagar Kashmir looks alluring in winter.
It is the best spot for photography, where you must capture frozen lakes, snow-capped parks, white carpeted meadows, and foggy weather, which make this place not a magical, dreamy destination.
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Snowman Building
Snowman building is one of the simplest things to do, enjoyed mainly by children, but these simple things often give the most unforgettable memories.
During your trip to Srinagar, engage in snowman building and snowball fighting in open fields. It will take you back to the time when you were a kid. Making snowmen during and after snowfall is also an old tradition in Kashmir and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Here, you can see people trying on their snow carving art displayed in the entire valley.
You can see giant snowmen on the banks of The Dal Lake that attract many tourists and the actual show stoppers; some are even draped with proper traditional dress.
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Srinagar Heritage Walk
Srinagar Old City Tour is one of the must do things during your trip to Srinagar. It is also known as the Srinagar Heritage Tour, which is an addition to the list of things to do to boost tourism in the valley.
It is a day-long affair during which tourists travel through narrow streets of old Srinagar town known as downtown and is a journey of time where you can witness many historical buildings, mosques, markets, and gardens.
FAQ's
Is December a good time to visit Srinagar?
December is an excellent time to visit Srinagar if you love snow and winter sports. It is the perfect time to enjoy Srinagar Snowfall and to experience winter magic. December gives the most beautiful snowfall that adds charm. Also, tourists can enjoy the frozen Dal Lake with a shikara ride amidst snow-covered mountains.
Is Dal Lake frozen in December?
Which month of snowfall in Srinagar?
Which month is best to visit Srinagar?
How cold is Srinagar in winter?
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