The perfect Kashmir 7 days itinerary in winter is best planned as 2 days in Gulmarg (arrival, Day 1 sightseeing, Day 2 for Gondola and skiing), 2 days in Pahalgam (arrival, Verinag Spring detour, and exploring valleys the next day), 1 day in Sonmarg (visiting Thajiwas Glacier and snow activities), and then 2 days in Srinagar (comprising Shikara ride, visit to Mughal Gardens, temples, shopping, and departure). Late December to February works best, with January–February the ideal for witnessing peak snow in Gulmarg.
There’s something heavenly about winters in Kashmir. It's that time of the year when the valley is gripped in thick, white snow. As you walk through the snowy tracks, you can hear the faint creaking of woods beneath your boots. If you get cold, you can always rest to warm your hands from a kangri and witness the magic of silver-white hues taking over the place.
If you want to experience snow in Kashmir, there’s no better time than mid-winter. Firstly, the crowd is a lot less compared to other seasons, which means you’ve a better chance of getting a premium stay at a low price. From indulging in world class skiing at Gulmarg to misty shikara rides down the Dal Lake, winter brings you up, close and personal with the true beauty of Kashmir.
This guide gives you a complete roadmap for the best Kashmir winter itinerary for 7 days. Over the next few minutes, you will know:
The best months to travel to Kashmir in winter
How to plan your trip day-by-day
The essentials for your trip
Best local foods to try
Most travelers plan for a winter Kashmir trip to see the snow and indulge in heavenly delights the valley has to offer. We recommend traveling to Kashmir between December and February when the winter has set in right and the snowfall is consistent.
Pro Tip: If you plan to ski and enjoy the thick snow, plan your itinerary around late January or early February. But if you want a cool, cozy winter vibe when it's a lot easier to explore outdoors, stick to mid/late December.
Before you plan and book your trip to Kashmir, here are a few important things that you should consider.
Connectivity: Postpaid SIMs from outside Kashmir work better than prepaid SIMs. As a backup, always keep the phone number of the hotel handy and an offline map to track your route.
Transportation: As Kashmir submits to thick snow, the roads can get slippery leading to mishaps. So, instead of driving on your own, hire a local driver who knows the tracks well. If it snows overnight, get 4x4 snow chains to avoid pushing through the snow.
Buffer: Always keep a day buffer in your itinerary for a particular destination as there can be roadblocks and accidents delaying things due to heavy snowfall.
Prebooking: Always prebook your ride and other adventure as unfavorable weather can shorten the operating hours.
Here’s a quick look at your ideal winter 7-day Kashmir itinerary.
Day 1 : Gulmarg: Arrive early, check in, and do local sightseeing (Church, Drung Waterfall, Gulmarg Meadow).
Day 2 : Gulmarg: Gondola & skiing/snow activities all day.
Day 3 : Pahalgam: Post breakfast, leave Gulmarg for Pahalgam with a quick detour to catch the beauty of Verinag Spring.
Day 4 : Pahalgam: Explore the Baisaran, Betaab Valley, and Aru Valley.
Day 5 : Sonmarg: Spend time at the Thajiwas Glacier and enjoy riding snowmobiles and other snow activities.
Day 6 : Srinagar: Post breakfast, leave for Srinagar, take the Shikara ride, visit the Mughal Gardens and on the way back from Sonmarg, visit the Tulamulla Temple.
Day 7 : Srinagar: Keep some time for local shopping and exploring the other temples and shrines including the grand Shankaracharya Temple) before catching the evening flight home.
Let’s take a closer look at how each day plans out with travel, fun, food, and adventure in the valley.
Where to check in: Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Things to do:
Arrive at Srinagar and travel straight to Gulmarg (try reaching there in the first half of the day to avoid blocked roads in winter).
Check in, rest, and plan out Day 1 for light sightseeing.
Visit the iconic St. Mary’s Church (a classic winter photo spot).
Explore Gulmarg Meadow for open snow views and a relaxed walk.
If roads allow, take a short excursion to Drung Waterfall (frozen views are possible in peak winter).
Freshen up with a spa/sauna/jacuzzi session at the hotel or a dip in the temperature-controlled pool.
Sip some warm tea at the in-house tea lounge.
Spend your evening with cosy lounge time and an unhurried dinner.
If you’re travelling with family, enjoy a movie screening at the private theatre of the Khyber hotel or play indoor games.
Get into the mood for the next day with cozy cafe breaks, hot soup, and an early night.
Pro tip: Remember, Day 1 at Gulmarg light is meant for getting a hang of the cold. That way, your body will be ready for the snow activities and Gondola ride on Day 2.
On Day 2, the main event of the day is Gondola rides in Gulmarg followed by other snow activities. It’s a two-stage ropeway; Phase 1 to Kongdoori and Phase 2 for higher viewpoints. This is one of the highest cable car systems in India and the winter views of the valley from above is breathtaking.
Here’s how to plan your day right:
Start early and head to the Gondola point in the first half to avoid long queues.
Have your lunch.
Take the Gondola ride in the afternoon.
Keep the rest of the day for snow activities with beginner ski lessons, skiing/snowboarding, sledge rides, and short snow walks.
On day 3, leave Gulmarg for Pahalgam post breakfast as winter drives can be longer due to snow-capped roads. Traveling to Pahalgam from Gulmarg takes around 4–5 hours by road during peak winter. Apple orchards and saffron fields are commonly seen along the way except in peak winters. But fret not! A quick detour to Verinag Spring would fill in the gap with scenic stops for photos. Once you arrive at Pahalgam, check in and rest up for the evening to recharge and wake up fresh the next day.
Finally the day for open views in the valley of shepherds. You will spend Day 4 exploring the wonders of the Vaisaran Valley, often called the “Mini Switzerland” of India. Next, you will be visiting the famous “Betaab” Valley named after the Sunny Deol movie that was shot here. Its beautiful, open landscape makes for a perfect spot for cinematic shots and couple photos. The last in the list is the Aru Valley that offers a much calmer view.
Pro tip: Start early as winter days are shorter and the roads can get filled with snow after sunset.
On Day 5, you travel to Sonmarg and plan your day around the iconic Thajiwas Glacier. This is another great place to try different snow activities like snowmobile rides and short snow experiences. On the way back, tickle your tastebuds with lunch from a local Dhaba.
Post breakfast, you leave Sonmarg for Srinagar. On the way back, you can add a stop to see the Tulamulla Temple (Kheer Bhawani), but only if time and road conditions permit. Once you reach Srinagar, plan out your day well. Start with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake (the winter evenings can be magical), and then proceed to explore the Mughal Gardens (Shalimar and Nishat look beautiful in winter daylight). As evening falls, return to your hotel for dinner and rest up.
This is the final day of your 7-day Kashmir itinerary. So, keep it structured and time bound to avoid any hassle later. Visit the local temples and shrines, especially the iconic Shankaracharya Temple. From there, go on to explore the enigmatic lanes of Srinagar and local markets, including the ones at the Residency Road markets famous for its pashmina shawls, walnut wood crafts, and exquisite dry fruits. By evening, you will be catching a flight home. So, push a bit early to keep some buffer for winter traffic delays.
Visiting Kashmir during the winter is always tricky. Here’s everything that you need to pack to stay protected and enjoy your trip.
Clothing: Follow the 3-layer rule. For base, go with thermals, wool/fleece for mid layer, and an insulated/puffer jacket for the outer later.
Footwear: Pack waterproof snow boots to get a good grip on snow.
Socks: Prefer wool over cotton to keep your feet warm.
Skin care: Snowy weather has a good amount of UV exposure, so carry sunscreen and lip balm.
Power bank : Batteries drain faster in winter. So, you must carry a power bank to juice up your gadgets.
Alongside, invest in a good pair of sunglasses (to keep the glare off in the snow), hand warmers, and portable thermos (to make hot water and tea during long drives).
Besides scenic views and breathtaking landscapes, Kashmir also offers lip smacking foods. Some of the best foods to try during your Kashmir winter itinerary are:
Harissa: A rich and filling chicken recipe that’s slow cooked and is a perfect pair to any dish in the winters.
Rogan Josh: Another slow cooked delicacy unique to the Valley, this meat curry is known for its signature deep red color, due to ratan jot and Kashmiri red chilies.
Kahwa (or the saffron tea) and Noon Chai (pink salted tea) are warm delights that you can have at any time of the day.
Kashmir isn’t just another winter destination, it’s an experience of a lifetime that you bring back home. The snow capped silence, the warm kahwa filling up your soul, the aromatic Harissa keeping your tummy happy, and the enigmatic views of the valleys are worth every penny! So, don’t wait up. Pack your bags and plan your Kashmir 7 days itinerary now because the snowy valleys are calling for you!
A 7-day Kashmir winter itinerary revolves around Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Srinagar. For transportation, always book a local driver with winter-ready tires, stay protected with a 3-layer clothing, and keep a buffer of a day for sudden weather changes. Plan your trip around Jan–Feb to witness the magical snowfall.
Your ideal 7 day Kashmir tour itinerary would be spending 2 nights in Gulmarg for Gondola rides and other snow activities, 2 nights in Pahalgam with the valley views, 1 day in Sonmarg visiting the Thajiwas Glacier if it remains open, and 2 days in Srinagar riding shikaras, exploring gardens, temples, shopping, and departure).
As a beginner, one can start with sledge rides, beginner ski lessons, short snow walks, and of course the grand gondola rides.
Yes! A 2-day Gulmarg itinerary works best in winter. Day 1 is for arrival and sightseeing and Day 2 is for Gondola rides and other snow activities like skiing. Considering sudden weather shifts in winter, two-day stay at Gulmarg makes sense to get the most out of your Kashmir itinerary.
