Are you searching for places to visit in Kashmir in Winter? Fret not! You have a complete list of such places and with all the important information that will help in creating a better itinerary. We all are well-aware of the fact that Kashmir in December first week; starts to get regular and heavy snowfall due to its altitude. And if you are planning your trip around this time- be it a honeymoon trip to Kashmir or a winter vacation with family- it is surely going to be great.

But while you decide on your destination ensure that you have prepared things in advance. Although the best time to visit Kashmir is during monsoon,  if you wish to experience snowfall- December it is for you!

Top-notch attractions of Kashmir to visit in December 2023 with your family and friend or even alone

1. Dal Lake

Location Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Best Time to visit March to November
Altitude of the Lake 1,583 m (approximately)
Dimensions of the lake Maximum Depth: 20 ft.

Area: 18 sq. km.

Length of the Lake: 7.4 km

Width of the Lake: 3.5 km

Things to do in the lake
  • Enjoy the Shikara Ride
  • Don’t miss staying at the houseboat
  • Take a visit to the floating market
  • Ensure you experience the sunset from the lake
  • Take a trip to the Mughal Gardens
  • Try your hand in fishing
  • Click pictures around Char Chinar
Islands in the Lake
  • Sona Lank (Gold Island)
  • Rupa Lank (Silver Island)
Ideal for? Honeymooners, Couples, solo travelers, and Families

One of the best attractions of Srinagar in Kashmir is Dal Lake. And you will surely see a lot of people visiting here throughout the year. In the colder months of the year; the lake freezes and offers a different kind of experience. While you make plans to visit Kashmir in December, we would suggest that you do not skip or miss out on the fun of Dal Lake. There are multiple attractions around the lake and a whole lot of activities too! You will undoubtedly have a great time here!

Dal is also reckoned as Kashmir tourism’s pride and backbone. This location is so beautiful that it has been covered in many bollywood flicks as well.

2. Pahalgam

Location Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir
Altitude of the town 2130 m (approximately)
Weather in December It snows heavily in the entire region of Pahalgam
Budget 6,000 to 8,000 INR for two people after reaching the town
Attraction in Pahalgam
  • Betaab Valley
  • Chandanwari
  • Kolahoi Glacier
  • Aru Valley
  • Baisaran Hills
  • Sheshnag Lake
Things to do in Pahalgam
  • Take a winter trek
  • Enjoy the wonderful beauty of the town and nearby places
  • Spend some time at the Sheshnag Lake which freezes during this month
  • Enjoy the local food
  • Enjoy the snow activities offered at multiple places
Helpful tips when visiting Pahalgam in December
  • The temperature remains very low throughout the day and goes even lower at night. So pack your clothes accordingly.
  • It is important to keep yourself hydrated while indulging in different activities.
  • It is not advised to loiter around at night.
  • You should always have a help number.

The entire Pahalgam region is enclosed with lofty mountains on all sides. What remains beautiful and green in the summer wears a sheet of snow during the night. The entire region is covered with coniferous trees. From the time, adventurers have explored and promoted this place for tourism- people from around the country have been visiting here. It is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in December as well as the other months of the year.

Between November and March, Pahalgam and the areas around it get heavy to light snowfall which is why visitors get to enjoy a lot of snow activities on their trip. Whereas during the summer; vacationers and families throng the town and its surroundings. To enjoy the mesmerizing and pristine beauty.

3. Gulmarg

Location Gulmarg, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
Places to visit in Gulmarg
  • Gulmarg Gondola
  • Children’s Park
  • Shiva Temple
  • Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
  • Alpather Lake
  • Shrine of Baba Reshi
  • Saint Mary’s Church
  • Adventure Sports complex
Things to do in Gulmarg
  • Gondola Ride
  • Visiting the temples
  • Ice Skating
  • Trekking
  • Skiing
  • Golfing
  • Bird Watching
  • Taking a pony ride
Temperature in Gulmarg in December It remains between -9°C to 7°C with heavy snowfall.
How to reach Gulmarg in December
  • After reaching Jammu; you will have to book a taxi to Kashmir.
  • From Kashmir you will have to hire a cab, take a bus, or a shared cab to Tangmarg.
  • Then from Tangmarg, you will have to take a cab, bus, or shared cab to Gulmarg.
Budget 10,000 INR for a couple after reaching Kashmir

Situated in the beautiful Pir Panjal range of Western Himalayas; gulmarg is one of the best places you can visit in Kashmir. It offers a wonderful view of the surroundings and people who are adventurous at heart can make the most of this time. If you visit Gulmarg in the summer, you can enjoy the natural beauty and a range of beautiful flower beds. But in winters you get a completely opposite scene to witness here.

This “Heaven on earth” offers a complete land of adventure where people can enjoy multiple snow sports- to say the least.

4. Sonmarg

Location Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir
Altitude of Sonmarg 2730 m (approximately)
Attractions in Sonmarg
  • Satsar Lake
  • Baltal Valley
  • Thajiwas Glacier
  • Yusmarg
  • Nilagrad River
Best things to do in Sonmarg
  • Enjoy trout angling activity
  • Don’t miss out the shikara ride
  • Go on a snow trek with your partners
  • Visit the lake of Krishna- Krishnasar Lake
  • Click pictures of the breathtaking view of the mountain valley.
Places to stay in Sonmarg
  • Ahsan Mount Resort
  • Glacier Heights
  • Divine Inn
  • Mountain View
  • Tranquil Retreat

Often referred to as the Gold meadows of India, Sonmarg is one of the finest destinations to visit in Kashmir during December. What offers green meadows in the summer turns to white land in the winter. That’s because of its altitude! Sonmarg is named amongst the most beautiful places in India and a great vacation destination too. This picturesque hill station in Kashmir can be visited in December and people can enjoy their heart out doing all the enthralling activities on offer.

Undoubtedly, this destination is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir for a honeymoon. And adventure junkies will also have their sweet time.

5. Dachigam National Park

Location Dachigam Road, near Harwan Mughal Garden, Jammu and Kashmir
Distance from Srinagar 22 km (approximately)
Timings of the national park Monday to Sunday- 9 am to 5 pm
Highlights of national park
  • Kashmir stag
  • hangul
Maximum Elevation of the national park 4267 m (approximately)
Best time to visit the national park From April to August
Fauna Collection of the park
  • Musk Deer
  • Himalayan black bear
  • Himalayan brown bear
  • Golden oriole
  • Black bulbul
Activities to enjoy at the park
  • Trekking in some areas
  • Bird Watching
  • Spotting the fauna
  • Trout fishing
  • Witness the beautiful collection of flora
Permit (if required) You will have to obtain a permit to visit the Dachigam National Park from  the Wildlife Department office.
Entry Fee (if any) 24 INR

While planning to visit Kashmir you should include visiting Dachigam National Park. It is a wonderful place to witness the beauty of Kashmir. We suggest you make a note of these things before visiting here. It will give you a better insight about the place.

Conclusion

What do you think about these amazing destinations of Kashmir? How about if we tell you that there are more similar places to visit in Kashmir during December? People visiting Jammu & Kashmir from Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and other nearby areas spend a lot of time here with their families and friends.

It surely is exciting to take a trip to Kashmir in December- January but you will have to be very careful as well. Taking important measures is very critical and keeping clothes that will keep you warm throughout will also be a necessity. If you keep a check on all these things, you are surely going to enjoy your trip and time when visiting here.

See Also: Places to visit in Manali in December | Best time to visit Kashmir

Places to visit in India in December

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Ritu Sharma

Ritu Sharma is a travel blogger who lives in California. She loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and share her experiences with her readers. She has travelled to over 30 countries across six continents, and has written about topics such as solo travel, budget travel, adventure travel and sustainable travel. Her blog features tips, guides, reviews and stories that inspire others to travel more and live their dreams. When she is not travelling or blogging, she enjoys reading, yoga and photography.

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