Winter Treks in Kashmir: A Guide to an Unforgettable Experience
The trekking season in Kashmir usually starts from March or April for short treks while for treks like Kashmir great lakes trek the season starts from the month of July to September. But many want to do treks in winters to experience something unique and adventurous. Here we have short listed the best 5 winter treks in Kashmir. In this blog post will guide you through the essentials of winter trekking in Kashmir, ensuring you have a memorable and safe adventure.
Our Top Services
Book your online cab service in Srinagar with just a few simple steps. Reserve your online taxi service kashmir here
Get ready to enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on Gulmarg with Asia’s highest and longest cable car ride. Know Gulmarg cable car ticket price
These floating heavens offer an unforgettable accommodation experience in Srinagar Kashmir. Book Houseboat in Srinagar here.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir at your own pace with the freedom of self-drive. Book self drive car in Srinagar.
A shikara ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar is a must-have experience for any visitor to Kashmir. Book your shikara ride here
Why Choose Winter Treks in Kashmir?
- Breathtaking Scenery: The snow-clad mountains and pristine valleys offer stunning views that are unique to winter.
- Less Crowded: Unlike the summer months, winter treks attract fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
- Unique Wildlife: Winter is a great time to spot various wildlife species that thrive in the cold.
- Cultural Experience: Engage with local communities and experience their winter traditions and hospitality.
- Unique Experience: Unique trekking experiences like walking on frozen lakes.
Best Winter Treks in Kashmir
Here we have shortlisted some of the best winter treks in Kashmir.
1. Naranag, Dumail winter Trek
- Location: Naranag Village
- Duration: 2 days
- Distance: 4 km from Naranag to Dumail
- Altitude: Dumail (2328 m / 7638 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
The Dumail Trek is a short and scenic winter hike that takes you through lush pine forests and along the Wangath River. This trek is suitable for beginners and offers a peaceful camping site at Dumail, where two streams Wangat and Marchoi meet. The trek can be completed in a day, making it perfect for those looking for a quick escape into nature. This is upto to you either return to the Narang village or camp for the night at the camping site at Dumail. From Dumail camp site you can also explore the meadows of Marchoi Valley.
Despite being a shorter version of the Marchoi Trek, you will still see bridges covered with snow, semi-frozen rivers, icicles, and snow-covered woods, which make it an exciting winter adventure.
2. Lidderwat Aru Winter Trek
- Duration: 2 day ( overnight camping)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Starting Point: Aru Valley
- Distance: 9 kilometers from Aru valley base camp
The lidderwat Aru winter trek showcasing the stunning beauty of the Lidder River valley. The trek is moderately challenging, making it ideal for those with some trekking experience. During the summer season, the Tarsar Marsar Lakes Trek and other well-known treks keep this trail busy, but when going for this expedition during winter, you will find a calm and crowd-less trail. The trail is blanketed in snow, with the half-frozen Lidder River and pine trees covered with snow adding to the enchanting scenery. With its minimal elevation this trek can be completed also by beginners.
3. Marchoi winter Trek
- Location: From Dumail to Marchoi Valley
- Duration: 4 days
- Distance: About 18 km from Naranag to Marchoi Meadow
- Altitude: Marchoi Meadow (approx. 3000 m)
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Marchoi Trek stands out as one of the most beautiful winter treks in the Indian Himalayas. The trek begins at Naranag Village, home to the ancient Naranag Temple. This trek in Kashmir offers a moderate challenge as it involves steady elevation gain through beautiful forests. Naranag Village is famous for being the final point of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The trek is named after the majestic Machoi Mountain, whose peaks soar above 5,000 meters. The highest point of this winter trek is at the top of a meadow locally known as Shadimarg (3,200 meters). During this winter trek in Kashmir, you can also get a glimpse of Mount Harmukh.
4. KothPathri Winter Trek
- Location: Near Aru Valley
- Duration: Varies based on the itinerary
- Duration: 3 days
The KothPathri Winter Trek is renowned for its stunning snow-covered landscapes. This trek typically starts from Aru Valley and leads trekkers through beautiful meadows and dense forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is an excellent choice for winter trekking in Kashmir. This trial offers scenic views of Mt. Kolahoi and snow-covered valleys. The meadow with pine and cedar tress marks the highest point of this snow trek in Kashmir.
5. Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier Trek
- Location: Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir
- Distance: Approximately 3 kilometers (one way)
- Duration: About 2 hours to reach the glacier viewpoint
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- Altitude: Thajiwas Glacier at approximately 3000 meters
The Thajiwas Glacier trek is one of the most accessible trek in Kashmir, making it ideal for beginners and families. The trek begins in Sonamarg, known for its lush green meadows and towering mountains.
Essential Tips for Winter Treks in Kashmir
- Warm Clothing: Pack warm base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof jacket.
- Hire a Guide: Local guides ensure safety and provide insights into the terrain.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; cold weather can often mask your thirst.
- Use Trekking Poles: They provide stability and help distribute weight evenly while navigating through deep snow.
- Check Weather Conditions: Always keep an eye on snowfall predictions.
- Backpack: A comfortable backpack to carry essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies.
- Physical Fitness: Ensure you are physically prepared for the trek. Regular exercise and practice hikes can help build stamina.
- Use Trekking Poles: They provide stability and help distribute weight evenly while navigating through deep snow.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen: Protect your eyes and skin from the harsh winter sun.
- Acclimatize: Spend a day or two adjusting to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
When to Plan Your winter trekking in Kashmir
The best time for winter treks in Kashmir is between December and February, when the snow is at its peak. These months offer the perfect balance of adventure and breathtaking beauty.
Book Your Kashmir snow trek
Travel My Kashmir offers expert-guided trekking packages tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, we ensure a safe and memorable journey.
- Call Now: 9796466052
- Email: info@travelmykashmir.com
- Packages Starting At: ₹17,000 per person
Why choose Travel My Kashmir
At Travel My Kashmir, we are dedicated to providing exceptional trekking experiences in Kashmir, backed by our expertise and commitment to quality. Our services are highly rated on platforms with 4.9 rating on Google, TripAdvisor, Just Dial, and Trustpilot, where countless trekkers have shared their positive experiences. With years of local experience and a passion for showcasing the beauty of Kashmir, we guarantee reliable services that make your journey memorable, every step of the way.
Check our reviews on Youtube: Trave My Kashmir review videos
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are winter treks in Kashmir safe?
Yes, with proper preparation, equipment, and guides, winter treks in Kashmir are safe for trekkers of all levels.
What fitness level is required for winter treks?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Beginners can start with shorter treks like the Dumail Winter Trek.
What should I pack for a winter trek?
Essentials include thermal clothing, trekking boots, gloves, a waterproof jacket, and a first-aid kit.
Create Your Perfect Kashmir Tour