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Kashmir is a paradise for nature lovers. The diverse landscape, snow-capped mountains, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage convince people to add Kashmir to their travel bucket list. There are stunning places to visit in Kashmir in January that will stir your senses. If you are someone who enjoys snow activities, then this place will offer you adrenaline-rushing experiences like snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, white-water rafting, and many more. It won’t be wrong to say that a trip to Kashmir is a near-heaven experience.
10 Places To Visit In Kashmir In January
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kashmir in January that will leave you spellbound.
1. Gulmarg
Photo: Malikjavid / Wikimedia Commons
The ‘Meadow of Flowers’ or Gulmarg is a paradise nestled in the Pir Panjal range. People fancy this place because of the stunning views, Gondola rides and premier skiing adventures. The views of pine vegetation and snow-covered mountains that you will see while enjoying a Gondola ride will be forever engraved in your memories. You can also indulge in skiing, which is done at an altitude of 1,400 ft above sea level. Trekking to Apharwat Peak, witnessing the spiritual shrine of Baba Reshi, and visiting Khilanmarg have to be on your list while exploring Gulmarg.
Temperature: -5.4°C to 3.8°C
Top Attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Golf Course, Khilanmarg, Ferozepur Nallah
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Gulmarg
2. Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir is located on the banks of the Jhelum River. The word Srinagar comes from Sanskrit words where ‘Sri’ means wealth and ‘Nagar’ means city. The jewel of Srinagar, Dal Lake is famous for its Shikara rides. When covered in snow, the Mughal Garden becomes a view captured in a postcard. Explore the local markets to buy some Pashmina shawls and souvenirs for your loved ones. Visiting Shankaracharya Temple to inhale spiritual solace and staying in a houseboat should be included in your itinerary.
Temperature: -2°C to 7°C
Top Attractions: Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Nagin Lake, Mughal Garden
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
3. Sonmarg
Photo: Praneet Kumar / Unsplash
Sonmarg, popularly known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’ is a beautiful valley in Kashmir surrounded by rugged glaciers, mountains, and water streams. Thajiwas Glacier, apt for trekking and a frozen lake nestled amidst the mountains are a few striking spots found here. You can also visit Zero Point, a snow paradise in Zojila Pass where you can indulge in various adventurous activities like skiing, trekking, fishing, hiking, river, rafting, and more. Enjoy some piping hot Kahwa and keep yourself warm to sustain the dropping temperature while you enjoy your vacation in this heaven.
Temperature: -5°C to 5°C
Top Attractions: Thajiwas Glacier, Nichani Lake
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Sonmarg In July
4. Dal Lake
Photo: Nicor / Wikimedia Commons
In the middle of the snow-kissed landscape, you will find Dal Lake, a captivating gem of Kashmir. This is the second-largest lake in the Kashmir valley. Originally, Dal Lake was a swamp, which was later transformed into a beautiful waterbody by the Mughal emperors. Covered in thick layers of ice, Dal Lake offers an impeccable Shikara ride experience. You can try riding a Shikara in January when the air is crisp and the snow paints a scenic vista. While you are rowing in the chilly weather, don’t forget to buy some snacks sold by the locals on the floating boats.
Temperature: -2°C to 7°C
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
5. Yusmarg
Located at 2,390 metres of elevation, Yusmarg is the perfect destination to visit in Kashmir in January, for family holidays. It primarily serves as the base for many thrilling treks. If you possess a zeal for adventure, you should try Nilnag Trek and Doodhganga Trek. These are moderately-difficult short treks to explore in Yusmarg. In January, Yusmarg is relatively less crowded and becomes a secluded place in Kashmir. You can opt for short treks, take nature walks or rest for a while in camps to recharge yourself.
Temperature: -8°C to 2°C
Top attractions: The Alpine Lake, Nilang Trek, Doodhganga
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Kishtwar National Park
6. Kupwara
Photo: Afghan Thug / Wikipedia
Kupwara stands out as one of the best places to see in Kashmir in January because of its shimmering lakes, stunning valleys, and rocky hillsides Popularly known as the ‘Crown of Kashmir’, it is located at a height of 1,577 metres. This town shelters a diverse wildlife and rich flora and fauna. Winter months call for some adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding. Adventure enthusiasts flock to this place to enjoy high-altitude trekking in Krishansar and Kausar Nag Lake. You can also explore Dranyari, Rangwar Lalpora, and Keran Valley.
Temperature: -3°C to 8°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Lolab Valley, Prakash Akhoon Shrine, Bungus Valley, Baba Fateh Ullah Shrine
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
7. Pulwama
Photo: Aaron Burden / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This town hardly gets recognized as a place for vacation amongst tourists, but now it’s high time, it should get its due recognition. Earlier, this place was ruled by famous dynasties like Sikhs, Mughals, and Dogras. It is now enriched with verdant valleys, tranquil attractions, and historical sites. The natural hot springs of Achabal and apple orchards are some other reasons to visit this small yet peaceful town. Explore the frozen Aharbal waterfall, Marsar Lake, and alpine forest which are beautifully blanketed by the snow.
Temperature: -3°C to 7°C
Top Attractions: Marsar Lake, Tarsar, Aharbal Waterfall, Kounsarnag Lake
Top Experiences: Trekking, hot water baths
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar In Summer
8. Anantnag
Photo: Normah Mammad / Unsplash
Among the top 10 districts which make up the Kashmir Valley, Anantnag is one of them. From a distance of 53 km from Srinagar, Anantnag is located 1,600 metres above sea level. This place has frozen rivers, beautiful alpine villages, and snow-clad mountains, making it a winter paradise. You can also participate in adventurous activities like snowboarding, skiing, and trekking on the trails and slopes of Anantnag. This place holds a rich heritage of Kashmir, which you can witness in the forms of ancient temples, historical sites, and mosques.
Temperature: -2°C to 10°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Martand Temple, Majid Baba Dawood Khaki, Amarnath Cave, Achabal Bypass
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi
9. Kargil
Photo: Pawanmandawat / Wikimedia Commons
Kargil holds the reputation of being the battleground of the India-Pakistan Kargil War in 1999. This rocky terrain attracts tourists for its breathtaking scenery and historical sites. Apart from the battle history, Kargil has beautiful temples and monasteries making it one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in January. The high-rise hills and rocky terrain offer the tourists different types of activities like hiking and trekking. You can also shop from the locals and take souvenirs for your loved ones.
Temperature: -8°C to 8°C
Top Attractions: Mukbekh Monastery, Dras War Memorial, Drang-Drung Glacier, Hunderman Village
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Leh Airport (IXL)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
10. Leh Ladakh
Photo: Always urs0509 / Wikimedia Commons
People visiting Kashmir often opt to visit Leh Ladakh to extend their vacation. Leh Ladakh’s breathtaking vistas and beautiful surroundings attract a large number of tourists. For every biker, Leh Ladakh is no less than a pilgrimage. It serves as a dreamy destination for adventure seekers from all over the world. A thick layer of ice covers the famous Pangong Lake, which adds to its beauty. With monasteries located at the highest altitude, people come here to explore the roads leading to adventures. Home to many ancient monasteries and architecture, Leh Ladakh can become your ideal tourist spot in January.
Temperature: -15°C to -3°C
Top Attractions: Thiksey Monastery, Pangong Lake, Pangong Tso
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
In January, the landscape of Kashmir looks ethereal as it is covered under a pristine layer of snow. If you want to indulge in immersive and exciting winter activities, then Kashmir promises to satisfy your adventurous soul. Plan and book your trip with TripXL and don’t forget to include the above-mentioned places to visit in Kashmir in January in your itinerary.
Cover Photo: Muntazir Hassan / Pexels
