Winter gives Kashmir a completely different character. Snow-covered meadows, frozen landscapes and clear mountain views turn destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg into popular winter escapes. For adventure travellers, Gulmarg is the main hub for skiing and snowboarding, while families and first-time visitors can enjoy simpler experiences such as sledging, Gondola rides and snow walks.
In this guide, we have covered 10 of the best winter activities to try in Kashmir, along with where to experience them, who they are best suited for and what to keep in mind before booking.
At Brown Chinar Kashmir Tour & Travels, we have been arranging Kashmir trips for more than 15 years. Our winter travel recommendations are based on on-ground experience helping travellers plan transport, accommodation, sightseeing and seasonal activities across Kashmir. However, snow conditions and activity availability can change from one season to another, so we recommend checking current weather and local operating conditions before travelling.
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Quick Answer: What are the best winter activities in Kashmir?
The best winter activities in Kashmir include skiing, snowboarding, the Gulmarg Gondola ride, snow trekking, sledging, snowmobile rides, ice skating, Shikara rides, pony rides and other seasonal snow experiences. Gulmarg is the main destination for skiing and snowboarding, while Srinagar is ideal for a quieter winter experience around Dal Lake. Activity availability depends on snowfall, weather and local operating conditions.
1.Snowboarding and Skiing
Gulmarg is Kashmir’s main destination for skiing and snowboarding and is especially popular during the winter months. Beginners can start with introductory lessons on the gentler slopes, while experienced skiers and snowboarders can explore more challenging terrain when conditions allow.
If this is your first time skiing in Gulmarg, allow time for equipment rental, a short lesson and changing weather conditions rather than planning the activity around a strict sightseeing schedule.
2. Gondola Ride to Kongdoori and Apharwat
There is no journey complete without experiencing the gondola ride in Gulmarg. The Gulmarg Gondola is the second-highest cable car in the world and works in two phases; Phase I will bring you up to Kongdoori, whereas Phase II will bring you up to the top of the Apharwat peak, which is more than 13,000 feet above the sea level. The view of the pine forests with snow and the ranges of the Himalayas from the top cannot be put into words. According to most agencies, and as suggested by our agency as well, you should try booking your tickets for the gondola ride at Gulmarg early in the day..
3. Snow Trekking
Snow trekking in Kashmir is an adventure sport that will help you traverse snow laden mountains, pine forests, snow trails, and beautiful Himalayas using your feet. There are various places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and many other places based on the snow cover and accessibility that are good for winter trekking for tourists. It’s one of the best winter sports in Kashmir for adventure lovers who want to enjoy Kashmir beyond sightseeing..
4. Ice Skating
Should you be visiting Kashmir in winter time, you may choose to enjoy ice skating in the seasonal ice skating facility of Gulmarg & Sonamarg. Ice skating will be an ideal option for those visitors who plan to spend their vacation with their families as well as for those people who want to enjoy the snow without the need to ski. You can hire ice skates at the facility itself and it remains open till the last day of the season depending upon the weather conditions. Several families told us that ice skating in Kashmir is something that remains unforgettable for the kids even after the vacation. If you have kids, then you must take ice skating in Kashmir on top priority because no skill is required at all. It is possible for most tour agencies to arrange ice skating in Kashmir as a part of Gulmarg or Sonamarg day tours and best winter sports in Kashmir.
5. Snowmobile Rides
Snow mobiling in the snow-laden meadows of Gulmarg and Sonamarg is considered as one of the most exciting winter sports for adventure lovers in Kashmir. This extremely exciting adventure can be done quite fast, but surely makes you feel energized. Snow mobiling activity generally takes place in areas that are snowed, and can be done only in winters.
6. Sledging on the Slopes
Sledging is one of the easiest snow activities to try in Kashmir and is particularly popular with families and first-time visitors. In popular winter destinations such as Gulmarg, local operators may offer sledging experiences when snow conditions permit. Before paying, confirm the price, ride duration and what is included, as rates and arrangements can vary.
7. Shikara Rides on a Snow-Rimmed Dal Lake
The winter season changes the entire nature of the lake in Srinagar city called Dal Lake. The houseboats are lying quietly with snow-covered mountains at the back of them. The ride of shikara boats in winter is much quieter than in summer. It becomes very comfortable in shikara boats with blanket facilities.
8. Pony Rides Through the Snow
The ponies ride will provide you with a very relaxed journey through the snow-covered area of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. This is best suited for families and elders, as it enables you to view the mountains without covering many miles on foot. There are scenic trails in the region for you to travel by ponies, details of which will be provided by the handler.
9. Helicopter Ride Over Gulmarg
To get an overview of the valley as a whole, there is no experience more unique than that of the Gulmarg helicopter ride. As long as the weather permits, the helicopter trips are conducted above the slopes, forest areas, and mountains. One gets a view here which is simply not possible through gondola lifts. These slots are very few and completely weather-dependent. So it makes sense to find out about the availability a day before the trip. Most people combine their helicopter ride Gulmarg trip with skiing. Generally, the Gulmarg helicopter ride is done during the morning when the weather conditions are most favorable. If you want to witness the valley views from above, then make sure you book your helicopter ride Gulmarg trip as soon as you reach Srinagаr
10. ATV Rides on the Snow Trails
ATV rides can add an off-road element to a winter trip, particularly for travellers who want something different from skiing or sledging. Routes, ride duration, pricing, age restrictions and operating areas can vary by operator and season, so confirm the current arrangements before booking.
If you’re specifically looking for ATV pricing, routes and booking information, see our detailed guide to ATV rides in Gulmarg.
Best Places in Kashmir for Winter Activities
Destination | Best Winter Activities |
Gulmarg | Skiing, snowboarding, Gondola ride, snow sledging, ATV ride, Helicopter ride, Pony ride |
Srinagar | Shikara ride, winter sightseeing, houseboat stay |
Pahalgam | Snow sightseeing, snow photography, winter walks, Pony ride |
Sonamarg | Snow sightseeing, snowmobiling, snow sledging, Pony ride, mountain views |
ATV ride, Pony ride, Snow sightseeing, snow walks, photography, winter landscapes | |
Snow sightseeing, snow walks, photography, peaceful winter landscapes |
Best Time for Winter Activities in Kashmir
For travellers looking for snow and winter activities, late December through February is generally the most popular period. January is often preferred by snow lovers because it falls within the core winter season, while Gulmarg’s higher altitude can retain snow for longer.
However, snowfall is weather-dependent and can vary considerably from one year to another. Activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, sledging and snow trekking may also be affected by snow depth, road conditions and local operating decisions.
If snowfall is your main priority, check the latest forecast before booking and keep some flexibility in your itinerary. The India Meteorological Department’s Srinagar centre is a useful source for current weather information
Which activity is best for you?
| Traveller Type | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| First-time snow traveller | Gondola ride, sledging, snow sightseeing |
| Adventure seekers | Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile rides |
| Families with children | Sledging, Gondola ride, snow sightseeing |
| Couples | Gondola ride, Shikara ride, snow photography |
| Photographers | Snow sightseeing, Shikara ride, winter landscapes |
| Experienced skiers | Skiing and snowboarding |
| Travellers with limited time | Gondola ride + snow sightseeing in Gulmarg |
Planning Your Trip Around These Activities
For nearly all tourists visiting Kashmir, it would be better to include some of the best Kashmir winter activities in your travel itinerary. For instance, one could engage in skiing, Gondola ride, sledging and ice skating in the evening.
- 3–4 days would be enough for sightseeing of Srinagar’s main sights including the Dal Lake and the Mughal Gardens, as well as the best winter activities in Kashmir.
- In order to save your time during your visit, it would be better to arrange the Gulmarg Gondola ride in advance and take skiing classes if you would like to ski.
- According to our experience, first-time visitors should consider winter activities depending on the number of people in the company, their interests and physical fitness rather than visit as many locations as they can.
- Whichever duration of the visit in Kashmir you have chosen, two days or a whole week, the winter activities listed above would make your time fruitful and productive.
- If your time in Kashmir is limited, then we would recommend skiing, Gondola ride and ice skating.
Traveller Experiences
- We got our Gulmarg Winter Package from Brown Chinar and there wasn’t a hitch at all – right from the airport pickup to renting skiing equipment. The Gondola ride up to Apharwat was the best part of our trip.
- Our Kashmir Winter vacation had been arranged perfectly by Brown Chinar. Everything, from hotels to sightseeing to snow adventures in Gulmarg, was superbly arranged and managed.
- Brown Chinar made our Kashmir Winter holiday easy for us. The driver was helpful, the schedule was good and traveling to Gulmarg and Pahalgam did cover everything we wanted to see.
About Brown Chinar Kashmir Tour & Travels
Brown Chinar Kashmir Tour and Travels is a travel agency registered under J&K Tourism ) that runs its operations from Srinagar with 15+ years of experience and having serviced over 20,000 tourists. From Gulmarg Ski packages, Cab Transfers, House Boats to Hotel Booking; our local expertise and on-ground knowledge about roads and weather conditions can be availed nowhere but from us. Brown Chinar Kashmir Tour & Travels — J&K Tourism Registered Operator.
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Why Choose Brown Chinar for Your Winter Trip
Making arrangements for your winter vacation to Kashmir is not just about making reservations. With the assistance of Brown Chinar Kashmir Tour & Travels, you can experience a stress-free and well-organized vacation
- Kashmir Local Experts – Receive expert advice regarding snow, routes, sightseeing, and winter activities.
- Winter Itinerary Services – Personalised itineraries created keeping in mind your travel dates, preferences, budget, and destinations.
- Winter Activity Support – Assistance regarding skiing, snowboarding, snow-mobiling, sledding and gondola services.
- Transportation – Vehicles with experienced local drivers for transportation to Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other destinations.
- Hotel / Houseboat Booking Services – Accommodations selected keeping in mind your budget and preferences.
- Transparency in Pricing – Packages offered transparently without any unwanted surprises.
- 24×7 Travel Support Services – Available to support you during your Kashmir trip.
- Experience Since 2011 – Take advantage of our experience in organizing tours to Kashmir and meeting winter travel needs.
How To Book a Kashmir Winter Tour Package online?
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FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What winter activities in Kashmir can be enjoyed by families with children?
Ice-skating in Kashmir, sledding, and riding ponies are the best winter activities in Kashmir for families because they don’t require any prior skills. Gulmarg and Sonamarg organize such places where you can do ice-skating and sledding during winters.
Q2. What winter sports in Kashmir require some prior experience?
The two winter sports in Kashmir which are enjoyable after taking some classes for one day are skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg. Snowmobile riding and ATV ride in winters don’t require much training.
Q3. When is the ideal period for winter sports in Kashmir?
Late December to February, when the Chillai Kalan season comes into play, provides the highest snowfall and the most appropriate climate for winter sports in Kashmir, particularly Gulmarg.
Q4. Is it worthwhile going on a gondola ride at Gulmarg even if I do not know how to ski?
Yes, a gondola ride in Gulmarg is among the top snow sports in Kashmir that can be experienced by those who do not know skiing at all in Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Q5.Can the elderly indulge in snow sports in Kashmir?
Yes. Riding shikaras on the Dal Lake, pony rides, and gondola rides are snow sports which do not involve physical exertion and are hence fit for the elderly tourists.
Q6. Where is the best place to go for snow-related activities in Kashmir?
The best place to do skiing, snowboarding, Gondola, snow-mobiling, sledging and other winter activities would be Gulmarg. Sonamarg is another place known for snowmobiling and sledging.
Q7. Can a beginner practice skiing in Gulmarg?
Yes. The beginners can learn skiing under a professional guide before going down the slopes. Experienced skiers can go for the challenging slopes.
Q8. Are snowmobiles available for fun in Sonamarg during the winter?
Yes, snowmobiling can be done in Sonamarg if there are proper snow conditions. This is one of the fun activities in winter along with sledging.
Q9. What winter activities do you suggest if I have little time in Kashmir?
If you have little time in Kashmir, it would be good if you consider skiing, Gulmarg Gondola ride, and ice-skating.
Q10. Can I enjoy winter sports in Kashmir without skiing?
Yes. You can enjoy various activities other than skiing, such as Gondola ride, ice-skating, snowmobiling, sledging, shikara ride, pony rides, and snow viewing.
