Winter season has its own charm in India. Many gorgeous Indian landscapes are covered with white glittery snow, preparing the ground for adventure enthusiasts to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledging etc. The chilled breeze of mountains and snowfall is always a sight of delight for snow lovers. Kashmir is one of the best places to experience snowfall as it has many enchanting snow destinations for holidays in winter. During winter Kashmir witnesses lots of snowfall which makes it the best place to enjoy snow adventure sports. Be it honeymoon couples, families, backpackers or solo travellers, winters in Kashmir always enchant tourists from all over the world. Here is the list of the top 10 places in Kashmir where you can enjoy snowfall in 2023.
Here is a list of the top 10 snow places in Kashmir which will delight your heart-
| Name of the Snow Places | Distance from Srinagar Airport (Approx) |
| Srinagar | 10.3 km |
| Gulmarg | 57.8 km |
| Sonmarg | 97.4 km |
| Pahalgam | 89.6 km |
| Yusmarg | 44.3 km |
| Kupwara | 91.8 km |
| Pulwama | 35.9 km |
| Anantnag and Qazigund | 57.7 km |
| Bhaderwah | 233.7 km |
| Gurez Valley | 132.6 km |
Srinagar
If you are looking for a snowy winter holiday, then nothing on earth looks more beautiful than Srinagar. It is the capital of Jammu & Kashmir where tourists from all across the world come to spend blissful holidays. Srinagar is decked with beautiful vistas. Imagine yourself in a Shikara Ride in a Dal Lake and viewing stunning landscapes in the surrounding area. However, you can only imagine that, as Dal Lake remains frozen during winters which makes it stunning for photography. The breathtaking beauty of Shalimar Garden, Nishant Garden, Chashmeshahi Garden, Nehru Garden and Tulip Garden will blow your heart away. For snow lovers, October to March is the best time to visit Srinagar to witness snowfall.
Top Tourist Attractions in Srinagar to Enjoy in Winter
- Dal Lake
- Nishat Bagh
- The Hari Parbat
- Shalimar Bagh
- Baramulla
- Lal Chowk
- Nehru Garden
- Pari Mahal
Gulmarg
When it comes to the best snow destinations in Kashmir, Gulmarg is on the top list. Gulmarg in Kashmir is a paradise of snow. It is India’s best Skiing destination. Skiers from all over the world come here to enjoy this wonderful snow sport of skiing. It is Asia’s 7th largest skiing destination in the world.
Awesome snow-clad mountains of Pir Panjal range, deep ravines, towering Apharwat Peak and many hill forests are a sight to behold. It will bring out the artist in you. Gulmarg is a hub of winter adventure sports like Heli- skiing, snowboarding, off- piste skiing etc. The best part of your memory will be the stunning Gondola Ride which we will not recommend to you as there is no need, you will definitely try. It is one of the best things to do in Gulmarg. Gondola Ride is the second highest cable car ride in the world which will take you through hills and valleys, mists and clouds.
Tourist Destinations in Gulmarg to Enjoy in Winter
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Apharwat Peak
- Tangmarg
- Alpather Lake
- Gulmarg Golf course
- Khilanmarg
- Lien Marg
- Seven Springs
Sonmarg
Winter vacation in Kashmir will be a lot more fun if you visit Sonmarg. It is one of the best snow winter destinations of Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 2730m. Beautiful snowy mountains in the background, mesmerizing Sindh River, a pony trip to Thajiwas Glacier, beautiful views of Kashmir countryside and amazing snowfall will make your day here. Sonmarg is also a base point for starting Amarnath Yatra, one of the most important pilgrimage journeys for Hindu devotees. Every mile in Sonmarg is a sight of enchantment and it will amaze you in every form. It is also the best place for sleigh riding which you can try at Zero point. Perfectly suitable for kids and adults, it will definitely make your trip memorable. If you are planning a trip to Kashmir then you must visit Sonmarg.
Tourist Attractions in Sonmarg to Enjoy in Winters
- Vishansar Lake
- Nilagrad River
- Zoji La Pass
- Thajiwas Glacier
- Shutkari Bridge
- Krishnasar lake
- Baltal Valley
Pahalgam
From the month of October to February, you can enjoy the bliss of snow in Pahalgam. It is one of the best places to experience snowfall in Kashmir. Whether you are a honeymooner or with a family, Pahalgam will always be suitable for any kind of tourist. Picturesque snow-clad mountains in the backdrop, delightful valleys, frozen lakes and blissful rivers are the sights to behold here. Numerous winter sports like rafting, skiing, trekking and sledging are some of the best thrilling tourist activities to try in Pahalgam. Being one of the top snow tourist destinations, Pahalgam has been luring tourists, artists and poets from all over the world. Photographers love this place and honeymoon couples love to spend moments of togetherness in the enchanting valleys of Pahalgam.
Some Top trekking Destinations in Pahalgam
- Betaab Valley
- Sheshnag Lake
- Aru Valley
- Baisaran Hills
- Tulian Lake
Yusmarg
In the west of Kashmir Valley, Yusmarg is one of the best snow tourist places to enjoy snowfall. During the months of December to January, it receives heavy snowfall which makes it a sight to behold for the tourists. In winters, the meadows will turn into a snowy land which otherwise looks fresh and green in summer. Frozen streams, Snowy pine forest trails and lofty mountains all around makes Yusmarg not less than a dream fairyland. According to a legend, Jesus Christ spent some days in Yusmarg. The word Yus means – Jesus and marg means meadows. This is the reason why this place is called Meadow Jesus.
Top Tourist Attractions in Yusmarg to Enjoy in Winter
- Charari Sharief
- Dudh Ganga
- Sang- e -Safed
- Nilang Lake
- Pakherpora Shrine
Kupwara
Another top snow tourist destination of kashmir is the most beautiful but small district in Jammu & Kashmir in Kupwara. Gorgeous alpine mountains, stunning meadows, gushing clear waters will make your lens go mad for photography. Moreover, it lies between Pir Panjal and Shamsbari mountain ranges decked with gorgeous meadows and pastures and views of Dajalongun mountain and Feshiltong mountain covered in snow will seduce your senses. If you want to soothe your eyes in small scenic villages then Kupwara is a perfect place to be in.
Tourist Attractions to Visit in Kupwara in Winters
- Lolab Valley
- Bungus Valley
- Seemab Valley
- Sadhna Pass View Point
Pulwama
Winter vacation in Kashmir is incomplete without visiting Pulwama. It receives heavy snowfall during winters. It is known as ‘Anand of Kashmir’ – Delight of Kashmir. Scenic waterfalls, natural springs, apple orchards and historical attractions will make your day delightful here. During winters the entire land is decked in white glittery snow which sometimes block the highways and routes. If you are here this time, you must visit the scenic Tarsar and Mansar lake which remain frozen and also witness a heavy snowfall. The delightful picturesque mountains all around and scenic vistas of waterfalls and the grandeur of historical places makes Pulwama one of a kind destination to visit in Winter.
Top Tourist Attractions in Pulwama to Enjoy in Winters
- Aharbal waterfall
- Tarsar lake
- Mansar lake
- Avantishwar Temple
- Shikargah
Anantnag and Qazigund
Anantnag is decked with springs and streams, lofty mountains, fragrant flowers and delicious fruits along with the pleasure of the most soothing climate. It is one of the best destinations in Kashmir where you can enjoy your winter vacation. It receives heavy snowfall during winters. It houses the highest number of hill stations in the whole state. Verinag, Kokernag, Achabal, Daksum and Pahalgam are some of the major tourist attractions here which are the bliss of winter season. All these places experience heavy snowfall in winter which is a paradise for snow lovers. These places receive up to 15-inch snowfall. For photography and chilling with your loved ones, Anantnag is the best place to enjoy your winter holidays.
Located in Anantnag, also known as ‘Gateway to Kashmir’ – Qazigund is a place where you can witness amazing snowfall in winter. In terms of tourism there is not much to see. It is a less crowded place and small in area but a snow lover should definitely visit this place. It can be covered within a day.
Bhaderwah
Variety of picturesque sceneries, stunning water bodies and lofty mountains all around is a treat for many nature lovers in Bhaderwah. It is situated at the foothills of himalayas at the doda district of Jammu & Kashmir. During winters, Bhaderwah enjoys heavy snowfall. The rugged terrains and snowy carpet offer many adventure activities like mountaineering, skiing, paragliding, rock climbing and trekking etc. If you are a snow lover then the Jai Valley and Padri meadow on Bhaderwah Chamba road looks absolutely stunning for photography. The chilly gusts of wind and the soothing views will definitely be a soul pleaser.
Gurez Valley
Spending holidays in winter with friends and family members can be a lot more fun-filled if you plan a visit to Gurez Valley. Located around 123 kilometres from Srinagar and 86 kilometres from Bandipore, Gurez Valley is perched at a height of 2,400 metres in the higher Himalayas. It is one of the offbeat places in Kashmir to cherish beautiful moments away from the chaos of regular tourist spots. The glowing KishanGanga River, snowy peaks and the remote villages in Gurez Valley will make your heart satisfied with the natural beauty that no other place can offer. Moreover, adventure activities like mountain climbing, trekking, trout fishing and exploring flora and fauna make it one of the places to visit once in a lifetime for sure.
Tourist Attractions in Gurez Valley to Enjoy in Winters:
- Habba Khatoon Peak
- Razdan Pass
- Peer Baba Shrine
- Tulail
- Dawar
- Wular Lake