The Winter Magic – Kashmir in January

You must have indulged in varied landscapes but have you indulged in one while sipping a warm cup of Kahwah Tea? Well, if not, rest assured and welcome to Kashmir.

Come, enjoy its misty air, Kashmiri pulao, milky-white lakes, snow-capped mountains and gardens and fill your heart with only love, for Kashmir. Take treks, Gandola and Shikara rides and watch the sun-kissed, snow-capped mountains surround you wherever you go.

Kashmir is about its simplicity and pristine natural beauty – located between the Great Himalayan range and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Its unique culture, cuisine and locals will keep you intrigued throughout your Kashmir tour. Be it from Srinagar to Sonamarg or Patnitop to Pahalgam, from wild untouched terrains to fields of saffron and orchards of apples awaiting their full bloom, Kashmir never fails to impress.

The valley of Kashmir is a picturesque location to visit. And if you want to experience some teeth-chattering temperatures and snow, then January is the perfect month for a trip to Kashmir. Places like Sonamarg and Gulmarg promise a lot of fun in the snow and make sure that when you get back home, your memories are imprinted of the snow-capped Himalayan range.

How to Reach Kashmir in January

Sonamarg’s Snowy Meadows — ( Sonamarg, which means ‘ meadow of gold ‘ has most pristine backdrop in snowy mountains, cerulean sky. mountain river and above all abounds of nature. )

By Train – If you want to visit Kashmir via train, you need to reach Jammu first as there is no railway station in Kashmir. The nearest railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi, which is 300kms away. So, if you are planning your Kashmir trip in January via train then Jammu Tawi is the only option. From Jammu however, there are buses and taxis that can take you to Kashmir.

By Road – From nearby cities, a road trip to Kashmir is one of the popular options. The route to Kashmir is scenic with few sharp inclines and bends. You can travel by bus or even self-drive to Kashmir.

By Air – Visiting Kashmir by flight is the best option. In Srinagar, there is one International Airport, connected to almost all major cities. So, you can visit Kashmir via a flight with ease. There is a chance that your flight is delayed due to the bad weather but it is still the fastest mode of transport. Plus, if you are prepared for that, it is not much of a hassle.

Most Popular Festivals in Kashmir in January

Festivals in Kashmir are celebrated with a lot of fun, joy and oneness and are also a major highlight of its tourism. The majority of the Kashmir population also follows the Tibetan culture of Ladakh and it can be widely spotted in their everyday lifestyle as well. With plenty of colourful festivals around the year, we are here to give you plenty of reasons to plan a trip to the state of Kashmir also known as the paradise on Earth. Below are the festivals of Kashmir in January.

Winter Sports — ( The Gulmarg Snow Festival is an annual winter event held in Gulmarg )

Spituk Gustor Zanskar – Tradition Festival of Kashmir

Spituk Gustor Zanskar is a traditional festival celebrated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a Tibetan festival, celebrated mostly in the Ladakhi monasteries – Thiksey, Spituk and Karsha Nanzkar. The words Gustor stands for sacrifices that were made on the penultimate day of the month. This two-day annual winter festival is celebrated with a huge crowd and a lot of fanfare. It is observed during the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan Calendar and has been celebrated since the 11th Century. The beginning of the festival is marked by special early morning prayers.

Also, tourists and visitors and believers can witness the re-enactment of the killing of the anti-Buddhist emperor of Tibet Langdarma by Buddhist monks here. Lastly, at the end of the festival, the sacrificial cake Torma can be eaten. The cake is however distributed by the monks themselves who lead the Black Hat dancers. This festival basically represents the win of the good over the bad. If you wish to attend the festival and be a part of the culture of the state, plan your trip accordingly and make time to visit Ladakh during the dates of the festival. The dates are mentioned below.

Highlights of the festival – Re-enactment of the killing of the anti-Buddhist emperor, Black Hat dancers, Torma cake, monks, monasteries, Buddhist culture.

You might also like our tailor made Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Spituk Gustor Festival Tentative Date: 29th and 30th January

Lohri – Celebrates the Harvest of Sugarcane Crops

This festival is celebrated each year on the 13th of January, marking the end of the peak winter season and the celebration of the harvest of sugarcane crops. People light up a bonfire, sing songs, dance and eat winter delicacies made of corn, peanuts, sesame and jaggery as a part of the celebration and joy of the festival. This is a popular festival in the state of Kashmir as well as Punjab. In the state of Kashmir despite its political controversies, its festivities are no less of an attraction. Festivals in India are all about dance, music, fasting, clothes, tradition, love and peace. When it comes to celebrating and feasting on the festivals, Kashmiris are a charm to watch.

Highlights of the festival – Bonfire, music, dance, winter delicacies, a celebration of the harvest of sugarcane crops.

Lohri Festival Tentative Date: 13th January

Popular Activities in Kashmir in January

A fun fact about Kashmir is that it is not only a place blessed with beautiful valleys, lakes and mountains but the paradise also offers various thrilling activities to try. From enjoying different types of foods, water rides, rafting, trekking, skiing and a lot more. Let’s have a look below at the different activities you can try in Kashmir in January.

Skiing Gulmarg — ( Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular tourist and skiing destination )

Eating Harissa – A winter delicacy and a popular Kashmiri dish is Harissa. And guess what? The meal takes 12 hours to be prepared and is a staple Kashmiri dish, in winter. It is a mouth-watering non-vegetarian dish with primary ingredients like lamb and rice. Apart from harissa, there are so many other Kashmiri dishes that you can try too – Kashmiri Pulav, Kahwah, Dum Aloo, Yakhni Pulao and of course the Kebabs. These are some of the most popular lip-smacking delicacies you will find in Kashmir.

Pony Riding – Your Kashmir trip is incomplete without a pony ride. So, if you think of a trip to Kashmir in January, a Pony Ride is a definite must. The locals say that without the ponies, travelling in the winters would never be so easy. To walk through the snow is a challenge and hence a pony ride comes as a rescue and also becomes a fun ride.

Snow Camping – January in Kashmir is about the snow. Now that you are in a place full of snow, why not experience snow campaigning? Camping in the valley will add an unforgettable experience to your list. Mount Nun Kun Camping, Mount Harmukh Camping and the Trek to Shankaracharya are the most renowned and famous snow camping spots. Living out of a tent, surrounded by snow is an experience that would be the best adventure you will have in Kashmir in January.

Places to Visit in Kashmir in January

Kashmir is a place that offers you various beautiful locations, valleys, mountains, lakes and works. Kashmir is a place that needs to be visited at least once in your life. This paradise on earth has everything tourists love to see and do. So come, let’s quickly take a tour of the best places to visit in Kashmir in January.

Dal Lake Kashmir In Winter — ( Beautiful view of the colorful Shikara boats floating on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. )

Srinagar – Srinagar in Kashmir is considered to be one of the most beautiful places to visit. Here is where you get to enjoy a Shikara ride along with visiting Shankaracharya Temple and experiencing the view of the entire valley from the top of the temple. Also, the iconic houseboats will charm you further.

Pahalgam –Pahalgam is surrounded by Betaab valley and Lidder lake. Here you can experience watching milky-white rivers with deep valleys. A must for nature lovers. Also, at Lidder, you can go river rafting as well, as golfing and it also has a place to shop for traditional attire.

Kashmir Valley – This valley is shaped in an elliptical saucer-shaped and is one of the largest Himalayan valleys, surrounded by the Karakoram and Pir Panjal ranges.

Basic Guidelines for Travelers

If you are planning to visit Kashmir in January then here are a few basic guidelines that you must keep in mind.

• Carry all necessary documents – Aadhar card, pan card, passport if you are a foreign tourist, etc.
• Carry appropriate woollen clothes to beat the winter
• Pack sufficient snacks because due to snowfall you might find a shop to be shut while travelling from one location to another.
• Shared cabs and busses are available in Kashmir, make use of them.
• If you are self-driving – go slow and carry heavy chains with you, and wrap them on tyres if you are driving on snow-covered roads.
• Make your luggage rainproof

Kashmir in January is worth a holiday. It not only provides beautiful sceneries but also offers a number of adventure activities like rafting, trekking, skiing, camping, snow campaigning, etc. Planning a trip to Kashmir in January will prove to be one of the best decisions you will make.