Beyond Gulmarg: A Complete Winter Travel Guide To Kashmir's Famous And Hidden Destinations
News18 · Pathikrit Sen Gupta, Tejinder Singh Sodhi ·
Sip hot kahwa on Dal Lake, chase waterfalls, and discover offbeat trails across a winter wonderland
There are few places in India that transform as dramatically with the arrival of winter as Kashmir. The mountains acquire a blanket of snow, pine forests turn white, rivers flow through frozen landscapes and the familiar meadows take on an entirely different character.
But a winter holiday in Kashmir is not just about snowfall. It is about waking up to the sight of snow-covered mountains, sipping traditional Kashmiri kahwa beside a window overlooking a lake, enjoying a steaming plate of harissa on a cold morning, exploring ancient Mughal gardens and spending an evening in a traditional wooden houseboat.
For tourists planning a visit between November 2026 and February 2027, the Valley offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. While Gulmarg remains the favourite destination for snow lovers, places such as Aru, Lolab, Yusmarg and Aharbal offer a different experience for those willing to venture beyond the conventional tourist circuit.