15 Places to Visit in Kashmir in December For a Winter Getaway!

Places to Visit in Jammu and Kashmir in December

Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Anantnag, Yashmarg, Kargil, Poonch, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Jama Masjid, Chashmashahi, Aru Valley and many more.

In December, Kashmir transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a myriad of enchanting experiences. The region, adorned with pristine snowfall, becomes a breathtaking sight. From skiing on frozen rivers to ice sledding in the valleys' dense forests, there are numerous places to visit in Kashmir in december. To make the most of this winter paradise, consider exploring the curated Kashmir holiday packages that ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience amidst the magical landscapes of the snowy region.

It is during the month of December when Kashmir becomes even more enchanting, with top tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar draped in a pristine blanket of snow. While the usual hustle and bustle pause for a while, the breathtaking views of the snow-clad Pir Panjal mountains, frozen lakes, and the serene charm of places like Pulwama, Kargil, Aru Valley, and Poonch create a mesmerizing winter paradise. For couples seeking a dreamy Kashmir honeymoon trip, this snow-laden wonderland promises an unforgettable romantic escape.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kashmir in december:

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01

Srinagar

Srinagar is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir, located on the banks of the Jhelum River in the Kashmir Valley and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. A trip to Srinagar in December transforms the city into an absolute winter paradise, with the Dal Lake almost frozen up, mesmerising views of the surrounding mountains, and even the occasional snowfall, which adds to the entire experience.

Activities To Do: Dal Lake Shikara ride, Trekking, Jet Skiing, hiking and Paragliding

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02

Gulmarg

Ranking at the top of the list of places that you must visit in Kashmir during December is Gulmarg, a quaint hill station and skiing destination in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Also known as the Meadow of Flowers, the hill station remains covered in thick blankets of snow during December, making up for a very beautiful sight.

In addition to witnessing snowfall on a daily basis here, you can also enjoy watching the snow-capped mountains from Gulmarg. You can even opt for Kashmir tour packages for family, which offer stays in cosy resorts or cottages, allowing you to wake up to scintillating views of snow all around.

Activities To Do: ATV Ride, Biking, Snowmobile Ride, Skiing, Gondola Ride, Gypsy Ride and Sledge Ride

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03

Sonmarg

Sonmarg is another one of the famous places to visit in kashmir in december, known as the Meadow of Gold, Sonmarg is home to some of the best trekking trails in the region, all of which get covered in inches of snow in December.

With the entire landscape clad in pristine white snow, and the usual snowfall adding even more beauty to the place, the views of Sonmarg in December are nothing short of magical. To add to your experience of visiting this place, you can also indulge in a one-of-a-kind camping experience amidst the snow, near the crystal-clear frozen lakes and rivers that pass through Sonmarg. A Sonmarg trip in winter promises an unforgettable adventure, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

Activities To Do: Trekking, Rafting, Camping and Skiing

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04

Pahalgam

Often regarded in the illustration of heaven on earth, Pahalgam is located in the Anantnag district of Jammu. It is known for at dense forests of pine, fir, oak and deodar which are sprinkled with the white specks of snow falling from the sky in December.

In addition to that, December also brings beauty to the stunning lakes in Kashmir, which get covered in a layer of frost, and the meadows of flowers, which look like a huge snowy desert. . And with the serenity and tranquillity of the winter all around, the tiny town of Pahalgam becomes one of the best places to spend some time in the lap of nature, enjoying solitude and calm.

Among the many places to visit in Pahalgam in winter, Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Lidder River stand out for their breathtaking snowy landscapes and peaceful ambiance.

Activities To Do: Trekking, Horse Riding, Skiing and Camping

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05

Kupwara

The small district of Kupwara is another one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kashmir in december. Located around 90 kilometres from Srinagar, Kupwara is the abode of some of the finest views of nature, verdant meadows, alpine mountains as well as crystal clear rivers.

In December, this district experiences serene snowfall, and turns completely white. One can also enjoy exciting trekking adventures here during December, in addition to soaking in views of the surrounding mountain ranges of Bulbeer, Feshiltong and Dajalongun.

Besides that, you can also go for sightseeing to see the many attractions of Kupwara, all of which remain decked with fresh snow, and look extremely beautiful. Visiting Kashmir in Winter offers a magical experience, with snow-covered landscapes making every corner look breathtakingly picturesque.

06

Pulwama

Pulwama, also named as the Rice Bowl of Kashmir, ranks at the top on the list of places to visit in Kashmir in december. A quaint village, Pulwama is located around 40 kilometres from Srinagar, and is a place where you can see nature’s wonders at its best.

The cosy houses and cottages, fragrant saffron fields and apple orchards remain decked in snow during the cold month of December. However, you can still find some gushing waterfalls that are partially frozen here, along with the snowclad valleys and forests.

Activities to do: Trekking, Mountaineering, Snowboarding and Skiing.

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07

Anantnag

Amongst the top places to visit in Kashmir in December, Anantnag is the home to lush gardens and freshwater springs. A beautiful blend of the comforts of a modern city, along with the serenity of a countryside town, Anantnag is sure to be a place where you can relax and enjoy the Kashmir winters.

This town is also the commercial and financial capital of Kashmir, in addition to being the place of confluence of the three streams of Brengi, Sandran and Arapath. Besides stunning natural vistas, all covered in snow during December, you can also visit numerous temples and religious spots in Anantnag, such as the Martand Sun Temple, Ishmuqam Shrine, Kheer Bhawani Asthapan and more.

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08

Yashmarg

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Also known as Yusmarg, or Yousmarg, Yashmarg is a rather offbeat place to explore in December. Boasting of immense ethereal beauty, this little town has often been called the Meadow of Jesus, and is home to vast stretches of green pastures, lush meadows, and some of the highest peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountain ranges.

While the pastures and meadows remain under a blanket of snow in December, you can still enjoy unparalleled views of the mountains, such as the Tattakutti Peak and Sunset Point from Yashmarg. Besides that, the frozen streams, snowy pine forests and trails and the overall peaceful ambience surely make it a great place to be.

Activities To Do: Skiing and trekking

09

Kargil

Located in the Kargil district of the Ladakh region, Kargil is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in december. Amongst the coldest parts of the country, Kargil has an unmatched beauty about itself, which is sure to mesmerise everyone who visits this small town.

In addition to the long spine-chilling history associated with it, Kargil also boasts of scintillating views of the Nun Mountains. Covered in thick layers of snow in December, Kargil offers a lot of activities that one can indulge in, including trekking to the Suru Valley, and exploring popular attractions here, such as the Mulbek Gompa, Shergol, Urgyen Dzong, Wakha Royal and more.

10

Poonch

Amongst the more offbeat and unexplored places that you can visit in Kashmir during December is the village of Poonch. Home to the 18th century Poonch Fort, as well as snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys and meadows and phenomenal natural vistas, Poonch becomes a panoramic sight in December, when it experiences a lot of snowfall.

With the seven lakes of Girgan Dhok being partially frozen, and the snow covering most of the other places, one of the best things that you can do in this village during the month of December, besides trekking and sightseeing, is simply relaxing in your hotel or cottage and sipping on some freshly brewed tea.

11

Nishat Garden

Of all the Places to Visit in Kashmir in December, Nishat Garden probably remains one of the most popular. Considered to be amongst the largest Mughal Gardens located on the shores of the Dal Lake, this garden is also popularly known as the Garden of Bliss.

With the majestic Zabarwan Mountains acting as backdrop, the garden dates back to the 17th century. It was designed by Asaf Khan, who was Noor Jahan’s brother, and has 12 terraces, all of which are tucked amidst magnificent Chinar trees. You can also find a central water channel and several stunning fountains here. In the month of December, you can not only enjoy panoramic views of the partially frozen Dal Lake, but also simply stroll along the paths, while watching the mountains.

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12

Shalimar Garden

Dating back to the early 17th century, the Shalimar Garden is quite possibly the most famous attraction in all of Kashmir. Constructed by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, the Shalimar Garden is also home to the Faiz Baksh, a canal and several other attractions.

The largest of all three Mughal gardens in Srinagar, Shalimar Garden is also known as the Crown of Srinagar, and offers some of the most unmatched views of the Dal Lake, especially in winters. In addition to taking relaxing strolls and enjoying the winter air here, you can also indulge in picnics, bird watching and seeing the chinar trees covered in snow at this public park.

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13

Jama Masjid

Amongst the most famous places to visit in Kashmir in december, the Jama Masjid, located in Nowhatta, is also one of the most important religious sites in Srinagar. Constructed by Sultan Sikdar during the 15th century, the mosque becomes a magical site especially during the winter snowfall. With more than 350 wooden pillars, a magnificent courtyard and the stunning Indo-Saronic style of architecture adding beauty and opulence to its structure, the Jama Masjid is rightfully said to be the biggest mosque in the region.

You can also simply sit and meditate at the expansive halls here, which can accommodate up to 33,333 people at once, and soak in views of the beautiful snowfall in December.

14

Chashma Shahi

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Dating back to 1632 AD, Chashma shahi is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens in Kashmir. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan for his elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh, this garden, just like the others, offers picturesque views of the Dal Lake, along with the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

It also becomes a great place to enjoy picnics, especially during the cold winter month of December. On rare occasions, you can also see the terraced freshwater spring of the garden partially frozen during this month. Boasting of the Iranian design and a more Persian style of architecture, the Chashma Shahi Garden also has verdant lawns, and rows of chinar trees, which add to its beauty.

15

Aru Valley

Aru Valley, located around 12 kilometres from Pahalgam, the Aru Valley is surrounded by the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas, and also serves as the base camp for numerous treks in the area, including the ones to the Tarsar Lake and Kolahoi Glacier.

Home to the Aru River, the entire valley gets covered in snow in the month of December, thereafter becoming a very beautiful sight to witness. Besides trekking, you can also enjoy other adventure activities in Aru Valley in December, such as hiking, horse-riding, and more. The snow-covered meadows, frozen ice spots in the lakes and rivers, as well as the rolling mountainsides also make Aru Valley a great place to indulge in Heli skiing and skiing.

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Dal Lake

Prime Day & Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PMSuggested Duration: 2-3 hours approximatelyTickets: Free EntryNearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station, 22 km awayNearest Airport: Sheikh Ul Alam Airport, 24 km awayNearest Bus Stop: TRC Bus Stop, 10 km awayDal Lake is one of the most iconic and popular places to visit in Srinagar. Also known as the ‘Jewel of Kashmir’, it is famous for its dynamic beauty, houseboats, floating gardens and stunning Himalayan views. Include Dal Lake in your Kashmir packages to enjoy a soothing shikara ride, glide past some floating gardens and admire the traditional wooden houseboats. You will also get to witness the floating market, in which vendors on different shikaras sell fresh produce, snacks, flowers and even handicrafts. You can interact with the locals, and enjoy shopping for some memorable souvenirs.Since Dal Lake is surrounded by the famous Mughal Gardens, you can stop there to enjoy the lush greenery for leisurely strolls. To enhance the overall experience of your visit, you can even spend a night at the traditional Dal Lake houseboats. During your stay, you will not only get to experience the rich Kashmiri culture but will also get to wake up to the serene beauty of the lake.