Should You Visit Kashmir in December? 8 things You Need to Know 
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1. What to expect from Kashmir in December
December in Kashmir is usually considered the start of winter because the temperature begins to drop. The chances of snowfall in December in Kashmir are very high. Tourists who want to enjoy the fresh and lively snowfall in Kashmir prefer to visit Kashmir in December.
The famous tourist places in Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar, get covered under the white blanket of snow during the month of December. Tourists from around the globe visit Gulmarg to enjoy skiing on natural and powdery slopes. If you also want to experience the skiing adventure in Gulmarg but don’t know how to ski, don’t worry. There are many professional and experienced guides in Gulmarg who can help, guide and teach you how to ski in a professional way.
check Gulmarg ski course here
The harsh winter month in Kashmir, locally known as ‘chilai-kalan,’ also starts in the month of December. The chilai-kalan period is considered the most harsh winter part in Kashmir. During this period, the temperature remains below 0, and in Gulmarg, the temperature drops down to -9 degrees Celsius.
Check best places to visit in December in Kashmir : https://youtube.com/shorts/gnDi_g80Pw4?si=vYQ6tdilAqSN4qxi
2. Kashmir temperature in December
December is the second coldest month in Kashmir after January, with the average temperature ranging from -1°C to 4°C. The weather in Kashmir get quite cold at night, with temperatures dropping to -5°C. However, during the day, the sun can warm things up a bit. In December, Kashmir experiences a significant amount of snowfall, with the highest snowfall occurring in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. The Dal Lake, a popular tourist destination in Srinagar, often freezes over in December, creating a stunning winter landscape.
If you are planning to visit Kashmir in December month be sure to pack warm clothes and be prepared for snow and cold weather. You should also book your accommodations in advance as winter is a popular time to visit Kashmir.
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3. Places to visit in Kashmir in December
In December, Kashmir transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland with all famous tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg , Pahalgam and Doodhpathri covered under snow, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Earlier the Sonamarg remained closed during winter, but this year with the effort of Administration Sonamarg will remain open during this year winter season. For the first time in Sonamarg, the government has initiated an ice skating course.
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Here are some of the best places to visit in December in Kashmir.
Srinagar in December
Srinagar comes first on the list of top places to visit in December in Kashmir ,because it is the hub for tourists and is one of the most visited destinations in Kashmir. The capital city of Kashmir is situated on the banks of the river Jhelum. Srinagar in December presents beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. The Dal Lake in December often freezes during the December and January months, and with occasional snowfall, Srinagar is transformed into a true wonderland.
During the month of December in Srinagar, you can enjoy a lot of activities, such as the famous Shikara ride. The Shikara ride on Dal Lake in December presents a unique experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. You can stay in a houseboat or visit the bustling markets of Srinagar.
Gulmarg in December
Gulmarg “the meadow of flowers” is another top location that you must visit in December in Kashmir. Gulmarg is a famous ski resort located in district Baramulla around 46 kilometers from Srinagar city. In December the meadows of Gulmarg gets covered with snow and presents a breathtaking view.
The best place for skiing in Kashmir is Gulmarg. Gulmarg offers world-class slopes perfect for ski enthusiasts. You can join skiing and snowboarding courses in Gulmarg to become an expert in skiing and snowboarding. A Gondola ride to the top of Apharwat Peak is perfect for those looking for a relaxed experience. Other activities you can enjoy in Gulmarg in December include snow biking, ATV rides, and even pony riding through the snow-covered meadows.
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Sonamarg in December
Sonmarg, also known as the “Meadow of Gold” is another place to visit in Kashmir in December. The snowfall transforms Sonamarg into a magical winter wonderland in December, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Sonamarg also serves as a base camp for many trekking trials.
The Kashmir tourism department initiated ice skating courses for the first time in Sonamarg this winter. You can also join these ice skating courses. The best places to see in Sonamarg are Thajwas glacier and Zero point, but in December and January, these places are often closed due to heavy snowfall. Some activities you can do in Sonamarg in December include pony riding, snow biking, ATV rides, and many other activities.
Pahalgam in December
Pahalgam is located on the banks of the Lidder river in the Anantnag district and is around 90 kilometers away from Srinagar. To visit Pahalgam, you can hire a cab directly from Srinagar or from Srinagar Airport. Pahalgam usually receives heavy snowfall during the months of December and January. A visit to Pahalgam in December is a truly magical experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
In Pahalgam, you can visit the famous valleys popularly known as the ABC of Pahalgam, where A stands for Aru Valley, B stands for Betaab Valley, and C stands for Chandanwari. Apart from these valleys, you can also visit Baisaran Valley “the mini switzerland of Kashmir”.
Know more about Pahalgam
Drung Frozen waterfall Tangmarg
Drung Waterfall Kashmir is a small and beautiful destination located in Tehsil Tangmarg of the Baramulla district, situated along the route to Gulmarg. Drung waterfall is just 3 kilometers from Tangmarg. As temperatures start dropping in Kashmir, Drung Waterfall begins to freeze, transforming into a captivating sight. The Drung waterfall Kashmir starts freezing from December to January.
The drung waterfall or drung frozen waterfall is accessible through out the year and must be in your list of places to December. From Tangmarg you can also hire a ATV to reach Drung waterfall.
Learn more about Drung waterfall in Gulmarg here
Yusmarg
Yusmarg is a beautiful off beat destination in Kashmir. Yusmarg is also known as “meadow of jesus”. It is located in district Budgam. During Decemer the meadows of Yusmarg gets covered under a thick blanket of snow makes it a perfect winter destination in Kashmir. From Yusmarg you can have a breathtaking views of Tattakutti Peak and Sunset Point mountains. Besides this the views of pine forests and frozen streams makes it a perfect place to visit in December.
Doodhpathri in December
Doodhpathri is a hill station located in the Budgam district. The distance from Srinagar to Doodhpathri is around 45 kilometers. During winter, the entire meadow is covered with snow, and the surrounding forests of Deodar and pine present a view you would not want to miss.
Doodhpathri is an emerging and most visited tourist destination in Kashmir. Recently, a Bollywood album titled ‘Kitabo’ was filmed there. In December, you can indulge in some activities and also enjoy a pony ride through the snow-covered meadows of Doodhpathri.
Check complete blog on Doodhpathri
4. Things to do in Kashmir in December
Here are some of the exciting things you can do in December month.
Shikara ride: If you are visiting Srinagar, then a Shikara ride in Srinagar is a must-do activity. Shikara rides can be done either in Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake in Srinagar. A Shikara ride to Char Chinar in December with Kashmiri Kehwa while enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding peaks is the most serene and unforgettable experience. And don’t forget to visit the famous floating market in Dal Lake, Srinagar.
Pony ride: Pony ride in Kashmir is top activity you can do in December in Kashmir. A pony ride offers a picturesque and enchanting experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the winter landscape. Ponies or horses are usually used to reach those hidden places where there is no road connectivity, such as Baisaran valley in Pahalgam, which is only accessible by pony ride.
Gulmarg Gondola ride: A gondola ride through the snow-covered forest is a magical experience, where you can witness the serene beauty of nature, with snow-laden trees creating a picturesque landscape. You can either go for a Gondola ride up to Kongdoori or Mount Apharwat peak. Book Gondola ride here.
Skiing in Gulmarg: Skiing is one of the most adventurous activities you can do in Kashmir. Gulmarg is famous for its world-class powdery slopes, perfect for a real adventure. You can also enjoy skiing in Sonmarg and some other places in Kashmir.
Every year tourist from India as well as from other parts of the world visit Kashmir especially Gulmarg to enjoy winter sports activities such as Skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, ice skating and heli skiing.
Ice skating: The ice rink in Gulmarg near Gondola is the perfect place to practice and enjoy the thrill of ice skating in Kashmir. From this year you can now also enjoy Ice skating in Sonamarg. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience and a chance to step into a winter wonderland, then lace up your skates and head to Kashmir for an adventure you will never forget
ATV ride in Gulmarg: ATV rides in Gulmarg offer an exhilarating experience as you navigate through the snow-covered landscapes, providing a unique and adventurous way to explore the picturesque surroundings.
Snow biking: Gulmarg offers the perfect terrain and picturesque landscape for snow biking. Snow biking in Gulmarg is a thrilling adventure for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush in a breathtaking winter wonderland.
5. Looking for a Kashmir Trip in December
You can plan your Kashmir trip in December as most of the top tourist attractions are open. If you want to double the Christmas and New Year celebrations, then December is an ideal time for your trip. Many tourists visit Kashmir to take part in and enjoy the winter carnival held at Gulmarg. There is a huge rush of locals as well as tourists in Gulmarg during New Year and Christmas celebrations. So, be sure to reserve your hotel booking and other services in advance
Also, athletes come from different regions to Kashmir to participate in snow sports activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
6. Is it good to visit Kashmir in December
Whether December is a good time to visit Kashmir depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you want to experience fresh and live snowfall in Kashmir and indulge in snow sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, then winter is the perfect time for you Kashmir tour in December. Additionally, the tourist flow in Kashmir is less in December compared to spring and summer.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before planning your trip in December. If you don’t like cold weather and are looking to explore offbeat places like Gurez Valley, then you should not plan your trip in December because offbeat places remain cut off due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir.
For Kashmir tourism update click here : https://youtu.be/iQU3Zu1KtPQ?si=85N41eN_0JZHyHEg
7. Clothes to wear in Kashmir in December
The temperature in Kashmir in December usually remains cold, and the nighttime temperature can drop to as low as 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is recommended to pack warm clothes like woolen sweaters, jackets, scarves, and gloves, if you are planning to visit Kashmir in December.
There are also some shops that provide winter clothing including jackets, boots, coats, gloves, and other warm clothes on a rental basis. You can easily get what you need, but it’s best to bring your own warm clothes.
8. Can I see snowfall in Kashmir in December
There are high chances of snowfall in Kashmir in the month of December. Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and other high altitude places receives significant snowfall in the month of December in Kashmir.
The chances of snowfall in Srinagar during December are quite high. But with snowfall being a natural phenomenon, it’s crucial to be prepared and informed about the chances of experiencing it.
Also check : Best Bike rental in Srinagar
