Gulmarg in December: How to Plan a Gulmarg Trip in December?

The Gulmarg Snow Festival is an annual celebration in Jammu and Kashmir that showcases the region's rich culture and art. The festival is usually held over two days and features several exciting things to do in Gulmarg in December such as skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and ice skating.

Visitors can either watch or participate in these activities. While attending this event, you can also savour authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Kahwa (traditional Kashmiri tea), making Gulmarg a standout among the top places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.

Price: Entry is free but participation is chargeable.

This is one of the most sought-after things to do in Gulmarg in December to enjoy a day of fun and laughter. You can hire sledges and glide down the gentle slopes of Gulmarg or book porters who will pull the sledge for you. These sledges are usually handcrafted by the local people and assure safety and comfort, making the Gulmarg Sledge Ride a must-try experience.. 

Some of the common sledging areas are Gulmarg Main Market to Baby Slope, Gulmarg Main Market to Gondola Counter, and Kongdoori (Phase 1) to Gulmarg Main Market. Sledging is a popular adventure sport in Kashmir, offering a thrilling yet safe experience amidst the breathtaking snow-covered landscapes.

Price: Starts at INR 1500 per person.

Located at the foot of Apharwat ranges, this alpine lake is one of the most scenic places to visit in Gulmarg in December. The lake gets completely frozen and you can see ducks walking over the frozen waters. From Gulmarg, you can either trek through scenic trails or take the cable car for a more exciting experience. On reaching the lake, you can enjoy and capture surreal views of the surrounding snow-laden Pir Panjal ranges, alpine trees, and clear skies, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the lakes in Jammu and Kashmir.

Activities: Photography

Location: Approx. 42 km from Gulmarg

Sprawling over an area of 7505 yards, this 18 hole, public, Gulmarg golf course is a must-visit place in Gulmarg in December. It was started in 1911 by the British officers who used the place as a holiday resort. Lying at an elevation of 2,650 meters above sea level, it is the second highest green golf course in the world. In December, the slopes of the golf course get completely covered in snow. The gentle slopes turn the golf course into a skiing destination in winters.  

Activities: Skiing

Location: Approx. 3.5 km from Gulmarg 

Timings: 9.00 AM -5.00 PM

Approx Fee: Starts INR 400 per person

This is one of the oldest churches in Jammu and Kashmir that was built in 1902 by the Britishers. 

Today, this rustic Roman Catholic church stands quaintly in the valley of Shepherds against a dramatic backdrop. The grey stone walls on St. Mary’s church and the surrounding snow covered landscapes make the place magical. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gulmarg in December as the church gets decorated in lights for Christmas celebrations.

Activities: Nature walks, Prayers

Location: Approx. 3 km from Gulmarg 

Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm everyday

Home to the exotic musk deer, this reserve in Gulmarg also houses several animals like brown bear, leopard, hangul, serow, black bear and red fox. Birds commonly spotted at Gulmary Biosphere reserve are griffon, monal, vulture, European hoopoe, jungle crow, Kashmir roller, blue rock pigeon and snow cock. 

In December, mammal spotting is one of the most interesting things to do in Gulmarg in December. The reserve is spread over 180 sq km of thick jungle, and you can expect to spend around 3-4 hours here.  

Among the many things to do in Gulmarg, visiting this wildlife reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness rare Himalayan species in their natural habitat.

Location: Approx. 4 km from Gulmarg 

Activities: Wildlife spotting

Timings: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM, every day

Entrance Fee: INR 500 (approx) per adult

This cozy little town near Gulmarg is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Gulmarg in December. The town is actually a miniature valley that offers stunning views of the majestic Himalayan peaks like Nanga Parbat and the twin peaks of Nun and Kun.  

For couples exploring Kashmir honeymoon packages, this charming destination provides a romantic escape with breathtaking scenery and a serene atmosphere.

In December, the mild slopes of Khilanmarg get completely covered in snow and becomes an ideal spot for snow activities. You can reach Khilanmarg from Gulmarg by a short walk through scenic trails or take a pony ride.

Activities to do: Skiing, Snowboarding, Pony Rides 

Location: Approx. 3 km from Gulmarg

This water stream near Gulmarg is famous for its crystal clear waters that is fed by the ice melting from the Apharwat mountain. The ambience around this stream is calm and serene and in winter, the stream gets completely frozen. The sight of the frozen river, the shimmering mountain peaks, and the tranquility of the region makes it a perfect place to visit in Gulmarg during December to rest and unwind. 

Location: 10 km from Gulmarg

Timings: Always open

Gulmarg Markets is one of the liveliest places to visit in Gulmarg in December. Here, you can shop for authentic Pashmina shawls, silk carpets, and Kashmiri pherans.  

Among the many things to do in Kashmir, exploring the vibrant markets of Gulmarg offers a delightful shopping experience filled with traditional crafts and cultural treasures.

In addition, it is a great place to shop for souvenirs like wooden artefacts, papier-mache products, and trinkets. The Kashmir Walnut Wood House Gulmarg is famous for its walnut wood crafts and furnishings. Make sure to visit The Attic Snowboard Shop where you can buy and rent trekking and skiing equipment.  

For those exploring Kashmir in may, this is a perfect time to enjoy shopping for authentic handicrafts while experiencing the pleasant weather and breathtaking landscapes.

Location: 700 mtr from Gulmarg city centre

Activities: Shopping

Timings: Always open

For Sightseeing & Short Distances:

Walking – Ideal for exploring nearby attractions  like Maharani Temple, St. Mary’s Church, and the Golf Course if the weather allows.

Sledges & Ponies – Useful when walking is difficult due to deep snow. You can take sled rides in areas such as the path leading to the Gulmarg Golf Course and near the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. Pony rides are available in Khilanmarg.

For Reaching Higher Altitudes (Adventure & Snow Activities):

Gulmarg Gondola – The best way to reach Kongdoori & Apharwat Peak for skiing, snowboarding, and panoramic views.

Snowmobiles – If you love adventure, rent a snowmobile to explore the higher-altitude snowy trails of Gulmarg in December. Snowmobile ride in Gulmarg is the perfect adventure for thrill-seekers!

For Exploring in Heavy Snowfall or Longer Distances:

4x4 Taxis – Necessary for traveling in extreme weather, especially from hotels to the Gondola station or nearby viewpoints.

ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) – A fun and efficient way to navigate through snow-covered roads in Gulmarg in December.

By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport which is located about 60 kms from Gulmarg. You can hire a taxi or opt for a pre-arranged hotel transfer to reach Gulmarg from Srinagar airport. The journey time is usually around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By Rail: The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi which is about 297 kilometers from Gulmarg. On reaching Jammu Tawi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gulmarg. The journey time is usually around 7 hours.

By Road: Gulmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar. The journey lasts for 2 to 3 hours depending on road and weather conditions. While visiting Gulmarg in December, it’s advisable to check for road closures or travel restrictions before starting your journey.