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Located in the Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, Lolab Valley is one of the most picturesque tourist attractions. The valley is named after Maharaja LOLO and houses stunning natural water streams like Lalkul. Besides green pastures, meadows lined with wildflowers and lush green forests, Lolab Valley is known for the Sat Barran (Seven doors) and a cave in the jungles of Madmadav. If you are planning a visit to Lolab Valley in winter, prepare yourself to witness thick snow-covered landscapes and the enchanting beauty of the frosty mornings.
Weather In Lolab Valley In Winter
Photo: J WEN / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Winter in Lolab Valley starts in November and stretches until the end of February. With crisp, dry air and significant snowfall, the surrounding green pastures turn into a blanket of white snow. During peak winter, temperatures can drop to as low as -6°C at night, which explains why you need to plan and prepare for such drastic weather conditions. The valley receives occasional snowfall throughout the season, with the heaviest snowfall typically occurring in December and January. Ensure to pack thermals, a waterproof winter jacket, woollen gloves, a woollen cap, and sturdy snow boots for the trip.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar In Winter
How To Reach Lolab Valley In Winter
Photo: Pritam Laskar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Air: If you are travelling via air, the nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR) from Lolab Valley. From the airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi to reach Lolab Valley, which takes around 4-5 hours to cover the 115 km distance. Excessive snowfall might lead to road closures too.
Rail: The nearest railway station from Lolab Valley is Srinagar Railway Station, located 130 km away. You’d need to hire a taxi from the station to reach Kupwara town and then Lolab Valley.
Roadways: Reaching Lolab Valley by road during winter throws a challenge. The National Highway 1A, the primary route connecting Srinagar to Lolab Valley, is prone to closures due to heavy snowfall. So, before planning your trip, ensure to have a thorough update about the road conditions so you don’t get stuck somewhere.
Things To Do In Lolab Valley In Winter
When it comes to the activities in this valley, there are quite a few different ones that you can explore during your visit.
1. Snow Trekking
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For adventure enthusiasts who genuinely love exploring the beauty of nature around, snow trekking is one of the most popular activities you can opt for. The valley is home to trails that wind through the dense forests, snow-capped mountains and the lush green meadows around. Some popular spots you can trek to from Lolab Valley include Chandigam, Varnow, and Kalaroos. Ensure to have proper winter gear on since the weather can reach sub-zero temperatures.
Suggested Read: National Parks In Jammu And Kashmir
2. Explore the Surrounding Villages
Photo: Shabi.xh / Wikimedia Commons
Lolab Valley is surrounded by many villages, most of which are part of the Kupwara district in Kashmir. Among them lies the historical village of Varnow where Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri was born. You must add that to your itinerary without fail. Some of the other nearby villages that you can travel to from Lolab Valley are Sogam, Kalaroos, etc. You can interact with the locals, learn about their way of living, and their local customs and even try some home-cooked Kashmiri food.
3. Camping
Photo: Surdu Horia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Camping in Lolab Valley during the peak winter months might sound crazy but it’s an activity that you can indulge in nevertheless. You can set up a camp on the meadows in the valley and even light up a bonfire to keep yourself warm and toasty during the nighttime when temperatures fall below zero degrees Celsius. You can enjoy camping under the night sky, truly enraptured in the beauty of the stargazing experience too.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
4. Visit The Nearby Apple Orchards
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Lolab Valley is known for its apple orchards. While you might not get to witness any apples on the tree during the winter months, witnessing the trees and the orchards covered in snow is truly a mesmerising experience. One of the most beautiful and expansive apple orchards in Lolab is located in Sopore, so you can add that particular spot to your travel plans.
5. Exploring the Kalaroos Caves
Photo: Ovaisrasool912 / Wikimedia Commons
Now, this experience is subject to availability, depending on the weather conditions. Kalaroos is a quaint yet popular village located in Lolab Valley. One of the highlights of Kalaroos is the unique cave that lies inside. You have to trek through dense forests to reach the caves that feature seven arched niches in the stone. Many people suggest that the structures in the cave look like they were used as meditation places for Buddhist monks but there is no concrete backstory available. The locals called these caves “Satbern or Satbaran.”
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kashmir
Places To Visit Around Lolab Valley In Winter
The beauty of Lolab Valley in winter is enchanting, however, there’s a lot more to this place. With so many nearby sightseeing spots, you must explore each one of them.
1. Kupwara
Photo: Umar Bin Ilyass / Wikimedia Commons
The main attraction of Lolab Valley is exploring the nearby Kupwara town. During the winter months, the entire town is covered in snow, adding to the beauty of this place. There’s not a lot to do in the town besides exploring the town, the markets and trying out the local Kashmiri cuisine. You can interact with the locals to learn about the town’s history and nearby sightseeing spots like Bangus Valley, Keran Valley, Jabdi, etc.
Distance from Lolab Valley: 15 km
2. Chandigam
Photo: Syed Qaarif Andrabi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Among the nearby villages from Lolab Valley, Chandigam is one you can’t skip out on. Chandigam is surrounded by dense forests and offers excellent trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. You can visit nearby viewpoints, explore the nature trails and even indulge in wildlife spotting in the dense forests in the surroundings.
Distance from Lolab Valley: 10 km
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3. Bangus Valley
Photo: Sachin aadi / Wikimedia Commons
Often termed as the “hidden paradise” in Kupwara district, Bangus Valley is located near Lolab. The expansive meadows located around 10,000 feet above sea level are truly a treat to the eyes. There are two parts of Bangus Valley – Bodh Bangus and Lokut Bangus. During winter months, the meadows are covered in white snow and you can embark on trekking expeditions from there.
Distance from Lolab Valley: 50 km
4. Wular Lake
Photo: Imad Clicks / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Crowned as one of the most expensive freshwater lakes in Asia, Wular Lake is a beauty you can’t miss out on when you are visiting Lolab Valley. You can witness migratory birds like Siberian cranes and spot local fishermen practising traditional fishing techniques. Also, you can’t indulge in boating experiences on this lake but there is a pier and vantage point you can walk down to soak in the views of the lake.
Distance from Lolab Valley: 65 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Jammu
Lolab Valley in winter offers a beautiful snowy escape where you can relax, unwind and truly engage yourself in a variety of exhilarating winter sports like trekking and hiking. The valley has something to offer to every tourist, despite varying interests. So, plan your next trip to Kashmir with TripXL and secure attractive deals and discounts for a well-rounded experience.
Cover Photo: Eshankaul007 / Wikimedia Commons
