Tag Archives: Snow Festival in Gulmarg

When to visit Gulmarg.

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Gulmarg (“Meadow of flowers”) is a blessed land with astonishing beauty where every traveler visiting will enjoy to the fullest, be it for leisure or exploring the beautiful landscape or indulging in winter sport activities.

Gulmarg the Meadow of flowers.
Gulmarg the Meadow of flowers.

Gulmarg is situated 55 km from Srinagar at an altitude of 8694 feet and is a year round destination and travelers can plan their visit depending upon their area of interest.

On a clear day the sun rays adds to the beauty of heavenly place.
On a clear day the sun rays adds to the beauty of heavenly place.

What is fascinating about Gulmarg is that it can be experienced in all seasons, equipped with modern facilities and the warm hospitality of the locals attracts visitors from all over the world in all seasons.

Modern amenities like the Gondola cable car have made many areas accessible around Gulmarg.
Modern amenities like the Gondola cable car have made many areas accessible around Gulmarg.

So here is a month wise breakup of the weather conditions of Gulmarg so travelers can plan their visit better.

October – February

As October sets in the air in Gulmarg becomes cooler and the temperature begins to drop starting with the month of November which marks the onset of winter.

Gulmarg in Winter when the entire valley is draped in snow.
Gulmarg in Winter when the entire valley is draped in snow.

Winters in Gulmarg has a different charm and it offers its visitors a snow draped beauty to enjoy. During this time honeymoon couples and adventure sport lovers (Skiers and Snowboarders) begin to throng Gulmarg.

Gulmarg turns into a romantic destination during winter
Gulmarg turns into a romantic destination during winter

The maximum temperature is 2 degree Celsius and minimum temperature can dip as low as – 14 degree Celsius during peak winter season and during this time Gulmarg begins experiences heavy snowfall.

Local musicians perform at the snow festival at Gulmarg
Local musicians perform at the snow festival at Gulmarg

In the last week of December during Christmas Gulmarg is host to the renowned 2 day Snow Festival which is a major festival celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm by visiting tourist from all over the world.

Tourist participate in the snow festival with great enthusiasm.
Tourist participate in the snow festival with great enthusiasm.

There are a number of snow sport activities that take place during the 2 day festival(snow cycling, night ice skating, snowman making competition, sledge race, snow scooter races, skiing, ice hockey and snow rugby) and tourists can enjoy a large variety of Kashmiri delicacies during the festive season.

For detailed information on adventure activities in Gulmarg click HERE

Children take part in snow rugby.
Children take part in snow rugby.

The months from January to mid March, Gulmarg experiences consistent snowfall hence adventure sport activities like skiing, heli-skiing, snowboarding and other winter sport activities are in full swing. Gulmarg during this time is full of foreigners and becomes a hot spot for winter sport activities.

People of all ages take part in snow skiing competitions during the snow festival.
People of all ages take part in snow skiing competitions during the snow festival.

Winters is the best time to engage in adrenaline pumping skiing as travelers can take off from high altitudes of 14,000 feet or simply indulge in exciting activities like creating snowmen, having fun filled snow fights or making snow angels.

Professional skiers from all over the world have a great time during winters in Gulmarg.
Professional skiers from all over the world have a great time during winters in Gulmarg.

During this time travelers must come packed with heavy woolens as the temperature can drop drastically.

For information on staying options at Gulmarg in winter please click HERE

March – June

March is the beginning of summer and with it begins the peak tourist season which lasts up to September.During this time the snow begins to melt and disappear from the plains and very little snow remains on the higher altitudes while the entire surroundings of the valley turns into its natural colors.

Gulmarg at its best in Summer as 2 horse back tourist explore the beauty
Gulmarg at its best in Summer as 2 horse back tourist explore the beauty

During this time Gulmarg begins to turn into a meadow of flowers as it is popularly known and the weather becomes pleasant and does not exceed more than 29 degree Celsius making it an ideal time for sightseeing and adventure activities like trekking, hiking and camping.

Trekkers from all over world take part in trekking expeditions during Summer in Gulmarg
Trekkers from all over world take part in trekking expeditions during Summer in Gulmarg

Visitors from all over India visit Gulmarg during this season as it is a refreshing change and an escape from the summer heat wave which takes over major parts of India.

For detailed information on places to see in Gulmarg click HERE

Tourist trek up to the Alpather lake near the Apharwat peak
Tourist trek up to the Alpather lake near the Apharwat peak

So, if you plan to visit Gulmarg during summer then feel free to pack cotton clothes, a pair of sun glasses, trekking shoes and umbrella so you can protect yourself from the unpredictable weather that changes often.

For information on staying options at Gulmarg in summer please click HERE 

July – September

Though the month of July is one of the warmest months it brings in a bit of rainfall though not heavy. Monsoons have its own charm and walking through the meadows of Gulmarg and listening to the raindrops is a memorable experience of its kind.

Dark clouds passing by Gulmarg valley during the brief monsoon period.
Dark clouds passing by Gulmarg valley during the brief monsoon period.

Gulmarg does not have a proper monsoon season because of its location but whatever rainfall does occur does not create any disturbance and it is the best time for visitors to spend in the lap of nature and also enjoy a few adventure sport activities.

A romantic couple enjoying the rain in Gulmarg
A romantic couple enjoying the rain in Gulmarg

The entire setting of Gulmarg during this time is beautiful with mild breezy winds, the aroma of mud, black clouds passing by, the greenery of trees and the fine rain droplets showering from the sky makes you fall in love with the beautiful season of monsoon.

The entire landscape turns into a paradise with a little rain during monsoon.
The entire landscape turns into a paradise with a little rain during monsoon.

As this period is an off-season tourist visiting during this time will get heavy discounts and attractive offers from all hotels in Gulmarg. Finally, do not forget to carry your rain gear and take a walk through the meadows, glistening with raindrops and wild flowers still in full bloom.

For information on staying options at Gulmarg  during Off-season please click HERE 

For booking and guided tours at Gulmarg please click HERE