If you’re coming to Kashmir specifically for snow, the month you travel makes all the difference. Srinagar city gets snow in January–February. Gulmarg has skiable snow from December to March. Pahalgam and Sonamarg are accessible in summer but have snow points year-round at higher elevations. This guide tells you exactly when and where to find snow in Kashmir.
Month-by-Month Snow Guide
| Month | Srinagar City | Gulmarg (2,650 m) | Pahalgam (2,130 m) | Sonamarg (2,800 m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | No snow | First snowfall late Oct | No snow | First snowfall |
| November | Rare frost | Light snow, ski season starting | Cold, no snow | Road may close |
| December | Possible snowfall | Good ski snow (30–60 cm) | Light snow, cold | Road closed |
| January | Snowfall likely (Chilla-e-Kalan) | Deep powder 60–120 cm — PEAK | Heavy snow, some roads closed | Closed |
| February | Snowfall likely | Excellent ski conditions | Snow, restricted access | Closed |
| March | Snow melting | Corn snow, ski season closing | Snow melting | Road opening mid-Mar |
| April | No snow (gardens bloom) | No ski snow, Gondola operates | Snow only at peaks | Glacier visible, road open |
| May–August | No snow | No snow at base, Gondola Phase 2 has snow | Chandanwari snow point accessible | Thajwas Glacier — year-round snow |
Where to See Snow in Kashmir by Season
December–February (Peak Snow Season)
Gulmarg is the star. The ski resort gets 2–4 feet of packed snow. The Gondola runs to Apharwat Peak (4,267 m) where snow can be 6–10 feet deep. Srinagar city sees 2–4 snowfall events during Chilla-e-Kalan (Dec 21–Jan 31). Dal Lake partially freezes in severe winters. Pahalgam is accessible but roads to Chandanwari and Aru Valley may be closed.
March–April (Melting Season)
Snow at Gulmarg melts rapidly. Mughal Road reopens (usually March end). Beautiful time — snow on peaks, almond blossoms in Srinagar, and the Tulip Garden opens (usually March 20 – April 15). You can still see snow at Apharwat via Gondola Phase 2.
May–August (Summer Snow Points)
Three excellent spots: Chandanwari (25 km from Pahalgam, 2,895 m) — snow until June–July. Thajwas Glacier, Sonamarg — permanent glacier, snow year-round. Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg — Gondola Phase 2 reaches snow even in July. Perfect for families who want snow without bone-chilling winter cold.
Snow in Kashmir: Location Comparison
| Location | Altitude | Snow Season | Best For | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg | 2,650–4,267 m | Dec–Mar (ski), Phase 2 snow Apr–Aug | Skiing, snowboarding, snow activities | Easy — 56 km from Srinagar |
| Chandanwari, Pahalgam | 2,895 m | Dec–Mar snow, accessible May–Aug | Families, day trips, snow play | Easy cab from Pahalgam |
| Thajwas Glacier, Sonamarg | 3,300 m | Year-round glacier | Day trippers, families, photography | Horse ride from Sonamarg |
| Srinagar City | 1,585 m | Jan–Feb snowfall events | City snow experience, Dal Lake freeze | In-city, no extra travel |
| Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg | 4,267 m | Oct–May snow cover | High-altitude snow, panoramic views | Gondola Phase 2 required |
| Sinthan Top | 3,748 m | Nov–May snow | Offbeat, photography, scenic drive | Day trip from Srinagar, 90 km |
Road Conditions During Snow Season
| Route | Dec–Feb Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar–Gulmarg | Open with caution | Snow chains required Dec–Feb; our drivers carry them |
| Srinagar–Pahalgam | Open | Pahalgam town accessible; Aru/Betaab/Chandanwari roads may close |
| Srinagar–Sonamarg | Closed Oct/Nov–Apr | Not accessible by road in deep winter |
| Srinagar–Leh | Closed Oct–May | Zojila Pass snowbound; Leh accessible only by air |
| Jammu–Srinagar | Usually open | Banihal Tunnel bypasses Banihal Pass; occasional closure at Ramban |
Gondola Operation During Snow Season
| Month | Phase 1 (Kongdori) | Phase 2 (Apharwat) | Skiing Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | Open | Open (weather permitting) | Yes — beginner to intermediate |
| January | Open | Open (best conditions) | Yes — all levels |
| February | Open | Open | Yes — all levels |
| March | Open | Open (closing late March) | Yes — corn snow |
| April–November | Open | Open (Phase 2 may close in heavy monsoon) | No skiing; sightseeing only |
What to Pack for a Snow Visit
Dec–Feb: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof down jacket, waterproof gloves, woollen socks, snow boots, balaclava, lip balm and moisturiser. Summer snow visits (Chandanwari/Sonamarg): a light to medium jacket is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Srinagar city?
Yes, typically 2–5 times between December and February. Dal Lake mist, snow-covered Chinar trees, the city under white. But it doesn’t last more than 2–3 days before melting.
Can I see snow in Kashmir in April?
Not in Srinagar city, but yes at altitude. Gondola Phase 2 at Gulmarg (4,267 m) has snow in April. Sinthan Top and Sonamarg also have snow — green valleys below, snow peaks above.
Is Kashmir safe to visit in winter for snow?
Yes, entirely. Gulmarg is a well-equipped ski resort with hotels, restaurants, equipment rental, and ski instructors. Srinagar is a fully functioning city in winter.