10 snow adventures to try in Kashmir this winter

From frozen lakes to powdery slopes, Kashmir turns into India’s dreamiest winter playground — where every snowflake hides a new adventure.

When the first flakes fall over the valley, Kashmir awakens as India’s ultimate winter fairytale. Meadows turn white, chinar trees shimmer under frost, and the air feels sharper, fresher, alive. For adventurers, it’s a paradise waiting to be explored — a land where every snowflake tells a story and every slope hides a thrill. From gliding down powdery ridges to skating across frozen lakes, here are ten unforgettable snow adventures to experience in Kashmir this winter.

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1. Skiing in Gulmarg
Come winter, Gulmarg transforms into a skier’s dreamscape. Its powder-soft slopes, framed by the Pir Panjal range, welcome both amateurs and pros. Ride the iconic Gulmarg Gondola — one of the world’s highest — and glide through snow that sparkles like crushed diamonds.

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2. Snowboarding at Apharwat Peak
Trade your skis for a board and carve through virgin snowfields at Apharwat Peak. The long, untouched descents and breathtaking views of the Himalayas make Gulmarg a playground for snowboarders seeking freedom and adrenaline in equal measure.

3. Snow Trek to Thajiwas Glacier, Sonamarg
Sonamarg, aptly named “Meadow of Gold,” turns silver in winter. A snow trek to Thajiwas Glacier reveals icy waterfalls, frozen streams, and landscapes so pristine they seem untouched by time — a must for anyone craving a quiet winter escape.

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4. Gondola Ride Over Snow-Clad Forests
The Gulmarg Gondola isn’t just a ride — it’s an experience suspended between earth and sky. As you ascend through layers of pine forests and snow-covered meadows, Kashmir unfolds beneath you in cinematic perfection.

5. Ice Skating in Pahalgam
When Pahalgam’s meadows freeze over, the valley hums with the sound of skates gliding across natural ice. It’s a picture of pure joy — laughter, music, and the glitter of sunlight dancing on the rink amid pine-clad mountains.

6. Snow Camping in Aru Valley
In Aru Valley, adventure sleeps under starlit skies. Pitch your tent amidst white meadows, sip kahwa by a crackling fire, and wake to silence so complete it feels sacred. This is Kashmir’s wild side — raw, cold, and breathtakingly beautiful.

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7. Sledging Through Gulmarg’s Slopes
Sometimes, the simplest joys are the sweetest. Hop onto a wooden sledge and let local riders pull you through powdery trails and snow-laden pines. It’s playful, nostalgic, and pure Himalayan magic.

8. Snowmobile Safari in Kongdori
For speed enthusiasts, nothing compares to racing across the snow on a snowmobile. The wide-open stretches of Kongdori and Gulmarg offer thrilling routes that blend speed with spectacular scenery — the kind of adventure that leaves your pulse racing.

9. Ice Fishing on Dal Lake
When Dal Lake freezes, it becomes a quiet realm of shimmering ice and stillness. Join local anglers as they drill through frozen surfaces to catch fish beneath — an ancient tradition turned offbeat winter experience.

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10. Winter Photography in Gurez Valley
Tucked close to the Line of Control, Gurez is Kashmir’s hidden gem — all wooden homes, frozen rivers, and powder-white silence. For photographers, it’s a snow-kissed dream, every frame capturing the poetry of isolation.

Kashmir in winter isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. The crisp air, the crunch of snow, the echo of laughter against pine forests — every experience here lingers long after you leave. Whether you seek adrenaline or peace, the valley offers both in its most magical form.