In December, Kashmir goes quiet and white. Dal Lake is still and grey in the morning, smoke rises from the houseboats, and the first thing you do is hold a cup of hot kahwa with both hands. A few hours away, the slopes of Gulmarg are deep in snow, and the gondola takes you up over pine trees that look like they have been dusted with flour.
This is a small group trip for Christmas and New Year. You stay on a houseboat in Srinagar, ride a shikara on Dal Lake, go up the Gulmarg gondola, walk through the snowy meadows of Pahalgam and spend a day in Sonmarg. Your Trip Captain is with you all through the trip, and the group celebrates with a bonfire, music and cake if the weather allows.
Srinagar to Srinagar
Winter Kashmir
5 Nights / 6 Days
Tempo Traveller
Not Included
18–42 Years
Most people picture Kashmir as green meadows and tulips. In December it is a different place, and a lot of people say it is the better one. The tourists are gone, the lake is calm, and the mountains are white on every side.
Your first evening is slow. You reach Srinagar, check into the houseboat and take a shikara ride as the light fades over Dal Lake. The wood and carpets inside the houseboat are warm, and dinner comes with a lot of tea.
Gulmarg is the day most people remember. The road climbs through snow, and by the time you reach the gondola station, you are standing in a different world. You take the gondola up and spend time in the snow. Some people try skiing or sledging, and some just walk, throw snow and take pictures.
Pahalgam is the quieter part of the trip. You see Betaab Valley, Aru and Chandanwadi, and the Lidder River runs beside the road, partly frozen. The air is very clean and very cold.
On the last full day, you go to Sonmarg, where the road runs under big white mountains. You return to Srinagar for the final night with your group.
The days are cold, the roads can be slow, and the plan can change if it snows heavily. If you like that kind of trip, Kashmir in winter is hard to beat.
This trip is for people who want a snowy New Year with some comfort and a lot of sightseeing. It suits you if you are:
It is not the right trip if you do not like cold weather or if you expect a fixed plan. Snow can change road timings and sightseeing order.
You travel with the same group and Trip Captain from day 1 to day 6, so you are never alone.
Stays are chosen for warmth and location, with heating where available.
Shikara ride, Gulmarg gondola Phase 1 and the local cabs for Aru, Betaab, Chandanwadi and Drung are all part of the package.
Snacks, music, cake and a bonfire (weather permitting) for Christmas or New Year night.
Your captain handles the plan, checks on everyone and decides what is safe each day.
What is included and what is not is listed on this page, so there are no surprises.
Winter Kashmir Trip (6 Days / 5 Nights)
Meeting Point: Srinagar Airport or Houseboat
Pickup Time: Recommended arrival before 12:00 PM
Stay: Houseboat in Srinagar
Meals: Dinner
Reach Srinagar by early afternoon and meet your Trip Captain. After a short introduction, check into the traditional houseboat and settle in. Later in the evening, enjoy a peaceful one-hour shikara ride on Dal Lake as the evening light fades over the water. Return to the houseboat for a warm, cozy dinner and overnight stay.
Important: Standard check-in time is 1:00 PM. Early check-in is not included.
Travel: Tempo Traveller, approx. 50 km, 2 hours
Stay: Hotel in Gulmarg
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg. The road gradually climbs as snow starts to line the mountain slopes. Upon reaching Gulmarg, take the iconic gondola ride (Phase 1 ticket included) up to stunning alpine views. Spend time playing in the snow, trying out skiing, sledging, or simply walking through the pristine white meadows.
Important: Gondola tickets depend on weather and availability. If unavailable, alternative sightseeing options will be arranged. Keep gloves, a woollen cap, and waterproof shoes handy.
Travel: Tempo Traveller, approx. 142 km, 4 hours
Stay: Hotel in Pahalgam
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Start your morning with a scenic stop at Drung Waterfall, which freezes into breathtaking ice formations during winter. Afterward, drive toward Pahalgam, with the road following the partly frozen Lidder River. Check into your hotel, rest, and spend the evening exploring the local market or relaxing around the property.
Important: Depending on weather conditions and hotel availability, Pahalgam and Gulmarg stays may be swapped, but the sightseeing schedule remains unchanged.
Travel: Local cabs and Tempo Traveller, approx. 90 km, 2 hours
Stay: Hotel or houseboat in Srinagar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Explore the scenic wonders of Pahalgam using local snow-ready cabs. Depending on road and snow clearance, visit Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwadi. After a day immersed in the majestic Himalayan views, drive back to Srinagar for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Important: Local cabs are mandatory due to narrow mountain roads. Stops may vary based on local snow accumulation and road safety.
Travel: Tempo Traveller, full day excursion
Stay: Hotel or houseboat in Srinagar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Embark on a full-day trip to Sonmarg, where towering snow-draped mountains surround a silent white valley. Take a walk, capture memorable winter photos, and enjoy local food. In the evening, return to Srinagar.
Celebration Night: Gather with your group for Christmas or New Year festivities featuring snacks, music, cake, and a cozy bonfire (weather permitting)!
Important: If heavy snow blocks the road to Sonmarg, an alternative sightseeing schedule around Srinagar will be implemented.
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast, check out from your hotel/houseboat, and transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey home, taking back unforgettable winter memories.
Timings are subject to adjustment based on prevailing weather, traffic, and snow conditions.
Perfect for friends and small groups
Best for couples or 2 travelers
Heavy down jacket, waterproof/windproof jacket, 2–3 sets of thermal innerwear, fleece or woollen sweater, waterproof gloves, woollen cap, neck warmer, scarf, and warm nightwear.
Waterproof boots with good grip and 4–5 pairs of woollen socks.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, moisturiser, quick-dry towel, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser.
Power bank, charger, extra camera batteries, reusable water bottle, and zip-lock or waterproof bags for electronics and documents.
Personal medicines and basic first-aid kit (headache, fever, cold, motion sickness, stomach upset, ORS, bandages).
Original government photo ID and a digital copy, cash for personal expenses, and snacks like dry fruits, chocolates, and energy bars.
Please read our cancellation terms carefully before confirming your booking.
90% refund will be provided for cancellations made at least 15 days before the trip departure date.
50% cancellation charges will be applicable for cancellations made between 7 to 14 days before departure.
No refund will be provided for cancellations made within 7 days of departure.
No refund will be provided for no-shows, incomplete trips, or any unused services during the journey.
In case of weather issues, roadblocks, landslides, snowfall, or natural calamities, the trip may be rescheduled depending on operational feasibility and safety conditions.
GST, processing fees, and transaction charges are non-refundable under all circumstances.
Quick answers to common questions before booking your Kashmir Trip for Christmas & New Year.
Yes. It is cold and snowy, and the crowd is smaller than in summer. If you want snow, a houseboat stay and a quiet New Year, it is a very good choice.
Gulmarg usually has snow in late December. Snow in Srinagar, Pahalgam and Sonmarg depends on the weather. Fresh snowfall cannot be promised, but most higher places stay white.
Phase 1 tickets are included. Phase 2 tickets and any activities like skiing or sledging are paid separately. Ticket availability depends on weather.
No. They are optional and paid directly at the place, based on the day's rates.
Days can be around 0°C to 8°C and nights can fall below zero, especially in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Carry thermals, a down jacket, gloves and waterproof shoes.
Yes. Many people join alone, and your Trip Captain helps everyone get to know each other from day 1.
Houseboats have wooden interiors and usually have heating or blankets. Comfort depends on the property, so carry your own warm layers.
Postpaid connections generally work. Prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu & Kashmir usually do not.
Your Trip Captain and drivers decide the safest option. The plan can change, and extra costs due to roadblocks are not covered in the package.
No. Flights or trains to and from Srinagar are not included. Please book your flight to arrive before 12:00 PM on Day 1.
Memories from travelers who explored incredible destinations with Trip Guru Go.
Everything was well planned from start to finish. Special thanks to the Trip Captain.
It was my second trip with Trip Guru Go and I joined as a solo traveler in a weekend group trip, it was a great experience
My trekking experience was amazing under the guidance of Trip Captain Suraj. It was an adventurous
We planned a private trip with Trip Guru Go and everything was arranged perfectly and the captain was awesome
