12 Best Places to Visit Kashmir in December 2024

Gulmarg

There are plenty of places to visit in Kashmir if you head out in December. It is the peak season as Kashmir becomes an absolute treat to your eyes with the snow-covered mountains. The thick blanket of snow covers the entire region, which makes it a sight worth visiting.

You can indulge in different sports activities during December while you are in Kashmir you can ski on the frozen rivers of Kashmir or enjoy ice sledding in the valleys. During December, Kashmir becomes more special, especially with the top tourist places, including Sonmarg  Pahalgam,  Gulmarg, and Srinagar, all covered in snow.

Here is a list of the Top 12 Places to Visit in Kashmir in December:

1. Srinagar

Dal Lake Srinagar, Kashmir

Srinagar is one of the top places that you must visit in Kashmir during December. It is nestled on the Bank of the Jhelum River. Srinagar, nestled in the Kashmir valley, is also the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is nothing less than a winter paradise in December as the Dal Lake is frozen up, and the mesmerizing views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding it add to the complete experience.

You can do a lot in Srinagar while you are here in December, from enjoying the shikhara ride on the Dal lake to indulging in different adventure activities, including bird watching and trying the local cuisine. Read More: Top 10 Destinations To Visit In Srinagar.

2. Sonmarg

Sonmarg, Kashmir, India

Sonmarg is known prominently as the Gold Meadow, and it is one of the best places you should visit while you are in Kashmir. It is home to the best trekking trails in the valley. But during winter, all the trails are snow-covered, which will add to your experience.

The most beautiful part about Sonmarg during winters is not just the pristine white snow but the unusual snowfalls that give you memories that you will remember all your life. You can indulge in some camping experiences amid the snow, which will add to your understanding of visiting this place. You can go through the crystal-clear frozen lakes and rivers which pass through Sonmarg.

3. Pahalgam

Pahalgam, Kashmir

Pahalgam is known as the heaven of earth. It is nestled in the Anantnag district of the state. It is prominent in favor of its dense pine forests beside a rich flora of oak deodar and fir trees. When you visit Pahalgam, you can also come across snow falling from the sky during December.

The stunning lakes look more beautiful during December here as they are covered in the frost layer and the flower meadows, which make it look like a vast snow desert. The small town of Pahalgam has become one of the happening places to spend some time with nature as the serenity and tranquility of the weather are all around. You can enjoy the most hear during December. Also, read Famous Places to See around Pahalgam.

4. Gulmarg

Alpather Lake, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

One thing that you should not miss out on while you are in Kashmir during December is Gulmarg a hill station and skiing destination nestled in the Baramulla district of the state. It is also prominently known as the flower meadows, and the hill station remains covered in snow blankets. The breathtaking sites are surely worth visiting. When you visit here, you will come across snowfall every day while you stay there, and you can also enjoy the snow-covered mountains from Gulmarg.

Besides just enjoying nature, you can indulge in different activities like mountain biking, skiing, and the gondola rights over the valley. There are several cozy resorts also available, so if you are planning for your honeymoon, then you can book these properties and enjoy the snow just relaxing from your resort. Read More: 13 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Gulmarg.

5. Kupwara

Kupwara, Kashmir

It is a small district nestled 90 kilometers away from Srinagar. Kupwara is home to incredible views of the natural Alpine mountains and crystal clear rivers. During December, the community experiences exceptional snowfall and looks nothing less than a snow desert.

You can enjoy great adventure activities here besides soaking in the natural views. You can also go sightseeing as there are several attractions surrounded by the district which is covered with fresh snow.

6. Ananthnag

Ananthnag is one of the top places that you must visit in Kashmir. It is surrounded by freshwater springs and lush gardens. The perfect blend of serenity and modern city vibes, Anantnag is undoubtedly a place where you can not only enjoy the winter but also relax.

Anantnag is known as the financial and commercial hub of Kashmir. It is the confluence of 3 streams of sandran, brengi, and arapath. Besides enjoying nature, you can visit different temples and sacred spots here, like the sun temple Kheer Bhawani asthapan.

7. Yusmarg

Yusmarg, Kashmir

Yusmarg is your best bet if you want to try some offbeat places in Kashmir. It is prominent for its fantastic beauty. The little town is known for the Jesus Meadow and has a vast stretch of green pastures, huge meadows, and some of the best peaks of the Pir Panjal mountain ranges. You can enjoy the unparalleled view of the mountain, like the sunset point from Yash Marg, besides the pastures and meadows remaining under the snow blanket during the winter seasons.

The town is a hotspot for different snow activities, including skiing and tracking. The overall ambiance makes the place worth visiting as you just sit back and relax in a peaceful location while enjoying the frozen stream, snow, pine forests, and others.

8. Kargil

Kargil, Ladakh

No doubt Kargil is nestled in the Ladakh region, but it is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir during December. The area is prominent because it is one of the coldest parts of our country and has unparalleled beauty. The small town surely mesmerizes everyone.

Besides the long spine-chilling history linked with it, Kargil also is famous for its nun mountains. During December, all the hills are covered in thick layers of snow. You can indulge in plenty of activities like trekking to the Suru Valley and exploring the prominent attractions.

9. Poonch

Poonch Kashmir India

Among all the offbeat and unexplored places that you visit in Kashmir, one of the places that you should not miss out on is the Poonch. It is home to a historical Fort. Besides other snow-covered mountains, meadows, and natural vistas, when the region experiences significant snowfall, this region becomes a panoramic site.

There are at least seven lakes present in this district that is completely frozen during December, making the site worth visiting.

10. Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Bagh J&K

Shalimar Garden was constructed back in the 17th century, and it is one of the most famous attractions of Kashmir. Emperor Jangir had made this garden for his dear wife, Nur Jahan. This garden is the biggest of all the 3 Mughal gardens present in Srinagar.

Shalimar Garden is prominently known as the crown of Srinagar, and it offers unparalleled views of Dal Lake, especially during December. Besides taking relaxing strolls and enjoying the winter here, you can also indulge in different activities like bird watching.

11. Aru Valley

Aru Valley Anantnag Kashmir

Aru Valley is one of the best places that you can cover in Kashmir during December. It is nestled 12 kilometers away from Pahalgam. It is surrounded by snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas and also works as a base camp for different tracks of that region.

It is the home to the Aru River, and the entire valley is snow-covered during December. After that, it becomes a great site to witness. Not just trekking, you can also indulge in different activities like hiking, horse riding, and others. Don’t miss out on Aru Valley, as it’s a ski lovers’ paradise.

12. Pulwama

Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, India

It is prominently known as the rice bowl of Kashmir. While you’re looking forward to visiting Kashmir in December, you should include Pulwama in your list. It is a serene village nestled around 40 kilometers away from Srinagar. You can see the best of nature here. The tiny houses and the cozy cottages, besides the fragrant saffron fields, are entirely covered in snow during December.

But you can find incredible waterfalls which are partially frozen beside the snow-clad mountains and forests. You can enjoy different activities in Pulwama, like trekking, hiking, snowboarding, mountaineering, and of course, scheme.

December is a great time to visit Kashmir, and during that time, you can experience the peak winter season as the temperature goes relatively low. You can get panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains. Thanks for the temperature here. December is a great month to enjoy the snowfall while indulging in sports activities, including skiing.

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