Kashmir in Snow: A Winter Wonderland Awaits You
Starting from
On Request
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
PaceBalanced
Destinations3 Stops, 3 Places
Travel StyleScenic
About this experience
A 5-day, 4-night private winter tour through snowbound Kashmir - Srinagar's frozen Dal Lake, Gulmarg's ski slopes and gondola, and Pahalgam's silent Lidder Valley. Built for travelers who want Kashmir at its quietest, with winter-ready vehicles and heated accommodation.
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar, Frozen Dal Lake and Houseboat Evening Route: Srinagar Airport → Dal Lake / Srinagar city
Most winter flights into Srinagar (SXR) land before noon - but winter fog at Srinagar and Delhi often delays morning departures, so build a half-day buffer into your arrival plan. You'll be met at arrivals and driven to your heated houseboat or hotel on Dal Lake - 20–30 minutes depending on traffic at Ram Munshi Bagh. In December-February, Dal Lake's edges freeze and the shikara channels sometimes ice over; if the lake is navigable, take a short afternoon shikara ride. If not, walk the Boulevard Road and watch the winter light on the Pir Panjal. Dinner on the houseboat - Kashmiri harissa (slow-cooked mutton porridge) is a winter specialty, traditionally eaten at dawn, but many houseboats serve it for dinner on request. Early night - Gulmarg tomorrow.
Places & Experiences:
Dal Lake houseboat stay (walnut-wood interiors, heated rooms)
Winter shikara ride (weather-permitting, 45–60 minutes)
Boulevard Road walk
Kashmiri harissa (winter specialty, request in advance)
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → houseboat check-in → short shikara or Boulevard walk → dinner on houseboat
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated houseboat or 4-star hotel)
Meals: Dinner
Important: Confirm your houseboat has a bukhari (traditional wood heater) or electric room heating before booking - many budget houseboats do not, and Srinagar nights drop to -2°C in January. We only book properties with functioning heating.
Day 2 — Srinagar to Gulmarg, Snow Day and Gondola Route: Srinagar → Tangmarg → Gulmarg (approx. 50 km, 1.5–2.5 hours in snow)
Leave Srinagar by 7:30 AM. The drive to Gulmarg climbs through Tangmarg and then up a switchback road - in winter, the last 12 km from Tangmarg to Gulmarg may require chains or a switch to a local 4x4 if snow is heavy. Gulmarg sits at 2,650 m and receives some of the deepest powder snow in the Himalayas - December to March is the ski season, with the Gondola accessing terrain above 3,900 m. Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori, 3,080 m) usually runs in winter, weather-permitting. Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only in winter and does not carry leisure tourists. Non-skiers can sledge, snowshoe, or simply walk the meadow. Overnight in Gulmarg - staying a night here is the reason to do this trip in winter.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori, 3,080 m) - weather-permitting
Skiing and snowboarding (local operators, ~₹3,000–₹8,000 per day with equipment)
Sledge rides (~₹500–₹1,500)
Snowshoeing and meadow walks
Gulmarg Golf Course under snow
Baba Reshi shrine en route
Travel Flow: Morning drive → Tangmarg chain/4x4 point → Gulmarg arrival → afternoon snow activities → evening at hotel
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star or boutique hotel, twin/double sharing)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: In heavy snow, the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch may be closed for private vehicles - you'll switch to a local 4x4 or snow chains at Tangmarg. Budget ~₹1,500-₹3,000 for the round trip. Phase 2 Gondola is ski-only in winter; do not expect to ride to Apharwat as a tourist. Weather cancellations of Phase 1 are common - have a backup plan (sledge, snowshoe, hotel day).
Day 3 — Gulmarg Snow Morning, Return to Srinagar Route: Gulmarg → Tangmarg → Srinagar (approx. 50 km, 1.5–2.5 hours)
Morning free in Gulmarg - a final gondola ride if weather permits, a snow walk through the pine forest behind the golf course, or a slow breakfast overlooking the meadow. Leave Gulmarg by noon to return to Srinagar before afternoon fog. Arrive in Srinagar by early afternoon. The rest of the day is free - visit the Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashme Shahi) if the weather is clear; in winter, they are quiet and the chinar trees are bare. Evening free. Tomorrow: Pahalgam.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg morning snow walk
Mughal gardens (optional, entry ~₹24 per person per garden)
Srinagar handicraft emporiums (papier-mâché, pashmina, carpets)
Travel Flow: Morning in Gulmarg → drive to Srinagar → afternoon gardens or shopping → evening at leisure
Overnight: Srinagar (Deluxe heated houseboat or 4-star hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: The return drive from Gulmarg can be delayed by snow clearance operations or a fresh avalanche warning. Build buffer time into your evening plans. If the road closes, you may need to stay an extra night in Gulmarg - we assist with rebooking but additional costs are borne by the guest.
Day 4 — Srinagar to Pahalgam, Lidder Valley in Winter Route: Srinagar → Pampore → Awantipora → Bijbehara → Pahalgam (approx. 95 km, 2.5–3.5 hours in snow)
Drive south to Pahalgam (2,130 m) - quieter and lower than Gulmarg, but equally beautiful in winter. The Lidder River runs fast and clear even in December, and the meadows at Betaab and Aru are snow-covered. Note: Chandanwari road is closed in winter, and Betaab/Aru may be inaccessible in heavy snow - check locally before committing. The pony operators at Pahalgam are mostly inactive in winter; Baisaran meadow is snowbound and reached only on foot with a guide, if at all. The main winter activity here is simply walking the riverside trail, sitting by the Lidder with kahwa, and watching the valley go quiet. Overnight in Pahalgam.
Places & Experiences:
Pahalgam Lidder River walk
Betaab Valley (access snow-dependent)
Aru Valley (access snow-dependent)
Mamaleshwar Temple (winter-quiet)
Local kahwa by the river
Travel Flow: Morning drive → Pampore/Awantipora stop → afternoon Pahalgam arrival → Lidder walk → evening at hotel
Overnight: Pahalgam (4-star hotel or riverside resort, heated rooms)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Chandanwari is closed in winter. Betaab and Aru access depends on snow clearance - confirm with your driver before committing. Local union taxis operate on a reduced winter schedule. In heavy snow, staying in Pahalgam and walking the river trail may be the entire day's activity - this is the point of a winter trip.
Day 5 — Pahalgam to Srinagar, Departure Route: Pahalgam → Srinagar (95 km, 2.5–3.5 hours) → Srinagar Airport
Check out after breakfast and drive back to Srinagar. If your flight is in the afternoon, stop at the Mughal gardens for a quick walk-through. Drop at Srinagar Airport (SXR). Winter fog can delay flights - SXR has a history of morning cancellations in December–January, so book afternoon departures where possible. Pack saffron, pashmina and any liquids in checked luggage. If your flight is cancelled due to fog, we assist with hotel rebooking but additional costs are borne by the guest.
Places & Experiences:
Mughal gardens (optional)
Government Arts Emporium (optional)
Travel Flow: Morning checkout → drive to Srinagar → optional gardens → airport drop
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Accommodation: 3 nights Srinagar (heated houseboat or 4-star hotel), 1 night Gulmarg (4-star or boutique hotel) - on double/twin sharing basis
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner on all days (starting with dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 5)
- Transfers: Private AC/Heated vehicle (Innova or similar SUV) for all road transfers and sightseeing
- Winter-ready vehicle with snow chains where required
- Local 4x4 arrangement for Tangmarg–Gulmarg stretch if private vehicles are restricted
- Sightseeing: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Mughal gardens, Dal Lake (as per itinerary)
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake (weather-permitting, 45–60 minutes)
- Driver-cum-guide for the entire trip
- All toll taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel
- 24/7 on-ground coordinator in Srinagar
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to/from Srinagar
- Lunches on all days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets (~₹800–₹1,700 per person, weather-permitting)
- Skiing, snowboarding, sledge rides, snowshoeing or any winter activity
- Pony rides at Pahalgam (mostly inactive in winter)
- Entry tickets to Mughal gardens (~₹24 per person per garden)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, shopping)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for winter trips — see FAQs)
- Medical expenses
- Additional hotel nights or transport costs arising from weather delays, road closures or flight cancellations
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Srinagar - Srinagar
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Thermal inners (2–3 sets), fleece mid-layers, down jacket or heavy woollen coat, waterproof and windproof outer shell, woollen sweaters, warm trousers (not jeans - they stay cold when wet), 3–4 pairs of woollen socks, gloves (waterproof), woolen cap, scarf, balaclava for Gulmarg.
Footwear: Waterproof snow boots with good grip. Rent in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack them. Sandals or slip-ons for hotel and houseboat.
Travel Essentials: Lip balm (SPF), cold cream, sunscreen (snow reflection is strong), sunglasses (UV protection), power bank (cold drains batteries), torch, basic medicines (cold, cough, fever, pain relief), hand warmers, insulated water bottle.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), printed hotel vouchers, travel insurance copy (strongly recommended), passport-size photos (2 copies).
Optional: Camera with extra batteries and dry bag, binoculars, dry fruits and energy bars, a good book for houseboat evenings.
Best Time to Travel:
December to February is the winter window. Late December and January are the coldest — Srinagar can drop to -2°C to -5°C, Gulmarg to -10°C, and Dal Lake's edges freeze. Snowfall is heaviest in January and early February. February is slightly warmer and often the best balance between snow cover and comfort. Christmas and New Year are peak — book 8–10 weeks ahead. March is a transition month: snow begins to melt at lower altitudes, Gulmarg still has cover, and Srinagar gets milder.
Suitable For:
Travelers who want Kashmir at its quietest - honeymooners, photographers, and families with older children who don't mind cold. Not suitable for travelers who can't handle sub-zero temperatures, or who want the full Kashmir circuit (Sonmarg, Gurez, Chandanwari are closed). Skiers and snowboarders will find Gulmarg exceptional - but this package does not include ski lessons or equipment.
Travel Pace:
Relaxed to moderate. Maximum driving day is Srinagar–Pahalgam (2.5–3.5 hours in snow). Gulmarg drive is 1.5–2.5 hours. Winter slows everything - road clearance, gondola operations, and sightseeing. Expect delays and build buffers.
Accommodation:
Srinagar: 3 nights deluxe heated houseboat or 4-star hotel (double/twin sharing). Gulmarg: 1 night 4-star or boutique hotel with central heating. Houseboats in winter are quieter but colder - we only book properties with functioning bukhari or electric heating. Upgrades to 5-star properties available on request.
Transport:
Private heated SUV (Innova or similar) for all road transfers. Snow chains fitted where required. For the Tangmarg–Gulmarg stretch, if private vehicles are restricted due to snow, we switch to a local 4x4 - included in the package. Local union taxis apply at Pahalgam for Betaab/Aru if accessible.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹300-₹600 per person. Srinagar and Pahalgam have plenty of restaurants, though some close early in winter. Kashmiri winter specialties: harissa (slow-cooked mutton porridge), nadru monje (lotus stem fritters), and kahwa (saffron tea). Vegetarian and Jain options available; inform us in advance. Alcohol is not widely available in Kashmir - arrange it through your hotel in advance.
Important Notes:
Winter is weather-dependent. Snowfall, road closures and flight cancellations are common. Build 1-2 buffer days before your return flight.
Srinagar Airport fog: December-January morning fog frequently delays or cancels flights. Book afternoon departures where possible.
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 is ski-only in winter. Do not expect to ride to Apharwat as a leisure tourist.
Road closures: Tangmarg-Gulmarg may be restricted to local 4x4s in heavy snow. Chandanwari is closed in winter. Betaab and Aru access depends on snow clearance.
Heating: Confirm your houseboat or hotel has functioning heating. Budget houseboats often don't. We only book heated properties.
Clothing: Sub-zero temperatures. Thermal inners, down jackets, waterproof boots, gloves, woolen caps, and layers are essential. Rent snow boots and jackets in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack them.
Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for winter trips - covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions due to weather.
Mobile connectivity: Jio and Airtel work in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Postpaid SIMs only for outside travelers.
Cash: ATMs in Srinagar are unreliable in winter. Carry ₹10,000-₹15,000 in cash.
Seasonal Considerations:
December: Early winter. Snow begins. Srinagar 2-12°C, Gulmarg -5°C to 5°C. Christmas and New Year are peak. Book 8-10 weeks ahead.
January: Coldest month. Srinagar -2°C to 8°C, Gulmarg -10°C to 2°C. Dal Lake edges freeze. Heaviest snowfall. Best for powder skiing.
February: Slightly warmer. Srinagar 0-10°C, Gulmarg -8°C to 5°C. Good snow cover, marginally better road conditions. Often the sweet spot for winter travel.
March: Transition month. Snow melts at lower altitudes. Gulmarg still skiable. Srinagar gets milder (5-15°C).
Customization:
Extend by 1–2 nights in Gulmarg for skiing or snowboarding
Add a night in Srinagar for Mughal gardens and old-city heritage
Add a Kashmiri winter food trail (harissa, kahwa, nadru)
Upgrade to 5-star properties (Lalit Grand Palace, Vivanta Dal View, Khyber Himalayan Resort Gulmarg)
Add a private candlelit dinner on a houseboat deck
Add a photographer for a half-day winter shoot in Gulmarg or Pahalgam
Reduce to 4 days / 3 nights by skipping Pahalgam
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
2. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
5. No Show Policy
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
12. Payment Default Clause
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
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Common Questions
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"Dal Lake's edges freeze in January and early February, but the main channels usually remain navigable - the shikara operators break ice early each morning. On exceptionally cold days, the lake can freeze more broadly and rides are suspended. If the lake is not navigable, we substitute a walk along Boulevard Road and the Mughal gardens. Shikara rides in winter are shorter (45-60 minutes) and much quieter than summer."
"Gulmarg is one of Asia's top ski destinations - December to March, with some of the deepest powder in the Himalayas. Skiing and snowboarding are not included. Local operators offer gear rental and instruction at approximately ₹3,000-₹8,000 per day depending on equipment and guide. The Gondola Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only in winter and does not carry leisure tourists. If skiing is your priority, tell us at booking and we'll extend your Gulmarg stay."
"Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination. Heavy snowfall can close the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road, the Srinagar-Pahalgam highway, or Razdan Pass (on other routes). If roads close, we adjust the itinerary in the interest of safety, but no refund is applicable for unused services. Additional expenses - extra hotel nights, alternative transport, 4x4 hire, snow chain charges - are borne directly by the guest. We strongly recommend travel insurance for winter trips."
"Srinagar Airport (SXR) has a history of morning fog delays and cancellations in December-January. Afternoon departures are more reliable. We recommend booking return flights after 12 PM where possible, and building at least one buffer day before your return flight. If your flight is cancelled, we assist with hotel rebooking, but additional costs are borne by the guest. Travel insurance helps here."
"No. In winter, Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is reserved for skiers and does not carry leisure tourists. Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori, 3,080 m) operates weather-permitting and takes non-skiers to the Kongdoori bowl. Phase 1 tickets cost approximately ₹800-₹1,200 in winter. Book online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation website - tickets sell out on clear days."
"Deluxe houseboats we book have bukhari (traditional wood heaters) or electric room heating. Budget houseboats often don't - we do not book those in winter. Hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam have central heating, room heaters, and electric blankets in most 4-star properties. Confirm heating before booking - this is the single most important factor for winter comfort in Kashmir."
"Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost: more than 60 days before arrival - 25% retention; 30-60 days - 50%; 15-29 days - 75%; within 14 days or no-show - 100% retention. Peak-season hotel and houseboat bookings (Christmas, New Year, Eid holidays) and activity tickets are non-refundable once confirmed. Eligible refunds are processed within 30-45 working days, subject to supplier recoveries, and are made via the original payment mode."