Winter Wonderland – Kashmir in December

We don’t thank Kashmir enough – for its eternal beauty and picturesque vistas. India is blessed to have such a blissful, breathtaking and beautiful tourist spot. The places in Kashmir like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Srinagar, etc are all cast in the snow during December and nothing else looks as pretty as Kashmir during this time. The entire valley turns into a blanket of snow during December.

Kashmir in December is way too challenging but also the most adventurous and fun. It’s an experience of a lifetime and a trip that will be totally worth your time, effort and energy. The tropic area of Kashmir makes it the best destination to visit in December and it has its fun, joy, and entertainment. The weather in Kashmir during December has very pleasant surroundings. It is usually misty and dusky and the cold is something you will never experience anywhere else.

This travel guide will help you how to plan a vacation trip to Kashmir this December. We have provided you with the details like how to reach, places to visit, things to do, what to carry and pack, etc. when you plan a trip to the paradise on earth in the last month of the year.

How to Reach Kashmir in December

Snowfall — ( The snowfall paints the valleys of Pahalgam in white )

By Rail – For a train journey to Kashmir you need to take a train to Jammu. Kashmir does not have a railway station and the closest is the one in Jammu, approximately 300kms from Srinagar in Kashmir. The Jammu station has trains to and from the major cities of India. You can get connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and more. From Jammu station, a taxi or bus is available for your journey to Srinagar or any other part of Kashmir that you wish to visit.

By Air – One of the most convenient ways of reaching Kashmir is by flight. Srinagar in Kashmir houses the Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, which is well connected to almost all the cities of India with direct and connecting flights. Once at the airport, you can take a taxi to reach your final destination in Kashmir and thus begin your actual Kashmir tour.

By Road – If you are up for a road trip to Kashmir in December, you have to cross Punjab and Himachal via National Highway 44. You can also travel by bus or self-drive to Kashmir. If you wish you can take a bike trip as well. The road conditions are favourable in December, which elevates the experience of the drive.

Most Popular Festivals in Kashmir in December

The valley of Kashmir has diverse cultural traditions. And each tradition has various festivals. One such is the Galdan Namchot, celebrated in December. Read more about it below.

( Buddhist monk performing Cham dance during the Ladakh Festival in Leh India )

Galdan Namchot – Birth Anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa

An important Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated in December marks the birth anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa. A crucial proponent of the Gelug branch in Tibetan Buddhism. On the fifth day of this festival, Ladakh marks its new year called the Losar. The festival is celebrated with extensive lighting of the Leh Palace. Even the nearby monasteries and homes are decorated.

Highlights of the Festival: New year called the Losar, monasteries and homes are decorated, Leh Palace is lit up, the birth anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa.

Galdan Namchot Festival Tentative Date: 18th December

You might also like our tailor made Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Popular Activities in Kashmir in December

December in Kashmir brings a range of exciting things to do in the valley. The winter is in full swing and hence leisurely walks are fun and chilling, adventure snow activities are all the more thrilling and the local food is to die for. The place offers it all. All you need to do is explore it further to make the best of your Kashmir tour in December. So come, let’s quickly check the must-do things that you really cannot miss out on, on your trip to Kashmir in December.

Winter Camping — ( One of the main attractions of camping in Sonamarg is the opportunity to indulge in adventure activities like trekking, hiking and camping. )

Trekking – Kashmir is a hub of trekking expeditions which attract adventurers a lot. Tourists visit the valleys and fall in love with its beauty. So, it’s an experience you must have. Trekking can be a tough spot for beginners but many exotic views come on the way to the top of the trek. It is affordable too. The Everest base camp is very famous so you can try that hike. Pack your bags to trek on the most difficult routes if you can. Trekking is no doubt one of the most adventurous experiences of visiting the valley in December.

Camping – Camping is an experience that one must have in Kashmir in December. The climate is chilling and it becomes all the more fun. Hence, it is the perfect time to ditch the hotel rooms and camp up. During the walk across the Kashmir Valleys, many travellers camp and so must you, in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Aru Valley, Mansbal Lake, and Chandanwari. These are the perfect and suitable camping spots and they keep you close to nature as well.

Skiing – It is the winter of December and the blanket of snow is an inviting enough reason to ski. Kashmir offers many places where you can experience skiing and among all of them, Gulmarg is the best destination to experience it. There are so many resorts in Kashmir that offer skiing experiences. This sport offers an adventurous experience when tried in the winter. Especially, in December because of the ideal snowfall that hit the slopes of Kashmir.

Places to Visit in Kashmir in December

Kashmir is full of breathtaking places to visit in the month of December. Come let’s find out the top 3 places to visit when in Kashmir during the month of December.

( Horses graze along beautiful the lidder stream in Pahalgam countryside travel destination of Jammu and Kashmir, India )

Pahalgam – Ponies always come to your rescue during the winters because walking in the snow is a challenge. And in Pahalgam, you can enjoy pony riding and rafting. To visit the glaciers, you will need to horseback on a pony and ride up there to experience the breathtaking Kashmir climate in December.

Gulmarg – Gulmarg is one of the best and most popular places to visit in Kashmir in December. It offers adventurous activities like skiing, snowboarding, skating and riding a cable car. You must explore Gulmarg while planning a trip to Kashmir in December.

Sonamarg – Sonamarg, also known as the Meadow of Gold, is a place in Kashmir, that tourists are blessed to visit because it is so beautiful and should not be missed. Thajiwas Glacier and Zero Point in Sonamarg are the most beautiful and popular places to visit in the winter and make the most of your trip.

Basic Guidelines for December

No trip can be complete without perfect planning. Now that you already have a handy travel guide with you, here are a few travel tips as well.

• 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

This brings us to the end of our guide for you. We hope as much as you enjoyed reading it, you will enjoy your amazing vacation in Kashmir as well. Make sure to make the most of it in the breathtaking winter of the valley. What are you waiting for then? Get going, now!