When winter arrives, Kashmir transforms into a snowy wonderland. At the heart of it lies Gulmarg, often called the “crown of Kashmir’s winter tourism.”
The 2025-26 season is predicted to be one of the snowiest winters in recent years. For travelers, that means:
Fresh powder snow for skiing and snowboarding
Longer snow season for holidays
Better photography opportunities in untouched white landscapes
As the snow falls heavily, Gulmarg’s charm only gets stronger, making this year the perfect time to visit.
Gulmarg has established itself as India’s luxury winter capital. Some of the finest resorts include:
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa: Featuring hospitality of an international standard, this resort in Gulmarg offers facilities like spa treatments, heated rooms, and offers panoramic views of the mountain.
For those who prefer a stay that combines comfort with a touch of Kashmiri charm, Gulmarg offers several premium accommodations to choose from — each offering warmth, comfort, and beautiful views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains.
Apart from these, there’s a range of resorts and stay options in Gulmarg, including wooden cabins that offer comfort and convenience.
The great thing about a visit to Gulmarg is that you don’t just stay at the place, you indulge in its beauty and all the other intriguing aspects of the tourist spot.
Some of the ways you can pamper and treat yourself at Gulmarg include:
Taking soothing spa treatments, powered by Kashmiri therapies and oils.
Stay in cozy and warm wooden cabins that have fireplaces.
Relish the traditional Kashmiri cuisine along with a steaming hot cup of Kahwa.
Take in the mesmerizing views of the snow-laden mountains of the valley dotted by the pine trees.
In a nutshell, a trip to Gulmarg is not just a holiday; it’s an opportunity to bask in the lap of luxury!
Now, some tourists don’t travel for luxury and comfort. Instead, it is adventure that they seek and go after.
If you are one such person, Gulmarg has a lot for you, including:
Gulmarg has some of the best slopes in India, which makes it a fun destination for skiing and snowboarding.
When talking about Gulmarg, how can we not mention the Gondola Rides? These are among the world’s highest cable cars in the world, taking you as high as 4,200 meters.
Tourists looking for a relatively quieter exploration can also opt for snow walks and snowshoeing in Gulmarg.
Lastly, for the thrill-seekers who want to chart uncharted routes and touch the untouched slopes, Heli-Skiing is also a great option in Gulmarg.
When it comes to honeymoon destinations in India, Gulmarg is definitely up there with the most romantic ones.
There’s a multitude of options for cozy stays for couples in Gurgaon, and these accommodation options feature private cottages with fireplaces.
Couples can also browse options and find cozy suites that offer dreamy views of the mountains.
Most resorts offer romantic candlelight dinners and spa packages that couples can take together.
If we were to give you a sneak peek into your dream honeymoon vacation, you can imagine waking up in the morning to the snowfall outside the window as you sip kahwa together.
For couples who want to be out there, participating in some adventurous, edge-of-the-seat stuff, Gulmarg also offers a range of thrilling activities, such as:
Gondola rides that offer some breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains.
Get on a horse-drawn sleigh and slide through the snow paths for a one-of-a-kind experience in India.
If they want to learn cool adventurous stuff together, couples can also try their hand at skiing and snowboarding on the honeymoon and skill up for their next vacation up on the snow-clad mountains.
For couples who wish to explore, there are several snow treks from Gulmarg that they can take to reach secluded meadows.
Well, if you talk to couples who have been to Gulmarg for their honeymoon, they’ll tell you that there are a few more romantic things than taking a Gondola ride together as snow gently falls around you (and all of it with the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains).
When choosing a travel destination, a lot of options come up in India, right? Similarly, when somebody proposes Gulmarg for a winter trip, others might push Manali as an option.
Talking about Gulmarg, it is at a higher altitude and features alpine forests, untouched meadows, and experiences consistent snowfall during the season.
Manali, on the other hand, is often more crowded when compared to Gulmarg, and the snowfall there isn’t as consistent.
Gulmarg has relatively more alpine-style resorts when compared to Manali and might just take the cake when it comes to luxury.
As for the fun and adventurous activities, Gulmarg is globally known for skiing. Manali, on the other hand, offers snow sports, but most of it is fairly commercial.
Lastly, Gulmarg is just a 90-minute drive from the Srinagar airport, while Manali demands a longer road journey. Hence, Gulmarg is fairly close and convenient.
In a nutshell, serious skiers and tourists seeking ultimate luxury in the lap of the Himalayas would do well to choose Gulmarg over Manali.
According to the reports, the 2025-26 winter season is all set to experience the highest level of snow in decades. It means that Gulmarg in Kashmir is shaping up to be the best snow holiday destination in India for anyone planning a trip this time around.
On top of that, luxury stays like Khyber provide the most comfy and cozy stay, and proximity to all the fun and thrilling winter activities.
Now, stop delaying the planning of your winter trip. The time is now, and Gulmarg is waiting to make this escape into the mountains an unforgettable experience.
