With snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and crisp mountain air, Kashmir offers a unique travel experience during February. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a romantic seeking a picturesque escape, Kashmir in February has something for everyone. However, with so many amazing places to visit in Kashmir in February, planning an itinerary can become a little challenging. You don’t want to miss out on the gondola rides in Gulmarg and you also don’t want to skip out on adventure activities in Pahalgam. So, pack your bags with some warm clothes and head to Kashmir.
10 Best Places To Visit In Kashmir In February
February is the season to visit Kashmir to witness its natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kashmir in February.
1. Srinagar
When planning your vacation, it’s always ideal to kick it off with the capital city. Srinagar, with its frozen Dal Lake and snow-covered Mughal Gardens, makes for one of the best Kashmir tourist places for your exploration. Due to low temperatures, the entirety of Srinagar is usually covered in snow by the time February arrives, so be prepared to witness a sight to behold. Some parts of Srinagar often witness rainfall as well, further enhancing the beauty of the place.
Temperature: -2°C to 7°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh), Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple
Top Experiences: Shikara ride on the frozen Dal Lake, houseboat stay on Nigeen Lake, exploring the vibrant markets, witnessing the Mughal architectural marvels
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar
2. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is one of the most hyped tourist attractions in Kashmir during February. The valley, known for its lush green landscapes and meadows, is usually covered in snow. Depending on the weather and road conditions, winter trekking is a viable option for adventurists. Furthermore, the views of the dense pine forests offer breathtaking views that are bound to leave you spellbound. If time permits, explore winter adventure activities or explore the local villages to experience warm hospitality and rich culture from the local residents.
Temperature: -4°C to 5°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Baisaran meadow, Lidder River
Top Experiences: Sledding, snowboarding, scenic gondola ride, trekking to frozen waterfalls, enjoying a bonfire under the starlit sky
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
3. Gurez Valley
Photo: Abhirup Paul / Wikimedia Commons
Although not talked about enough, Gurez Valley offers a lot of breathtaking scenic beauty around it, especially with the thick blanket of white snow on the ground. Besides the snow-covered meadows, the sight of the Wular Lake is a sight you can’t miss out on. Also, there is the Razdan Pass, located at 3300 m elevation, which offers a gorgeous look into the beauty of Kashmir. Another one of the main tourist places of Kashmir is the Habba Khatoon Peak.
Temperature: May drop as low as -11°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Habba Khatoon Peak, Krishansar Lake (frozen in February), Chao Valley
Top Experiences: Sledding, snowshoeing, witnessing mesmerizing frozen landscapes, and experiencing the unique culture of the Bakarwal tribe
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Jammu
4. Kathua
Photo: Yash Raina / Wikimedia Commons
Among the best places to visit in Kashmir in February, Kathua, aka the City of Sufis, is quite an offbeat and underrated place. Given that the place is home to a lot of Sufi shrines, you do get to indulge in a lot of history there. The scenic views of the river banks of Kathua are an experience that can’t be described in words, especially with the backdrop of the white snow-covered valleys. February is also perfect to visit the Sukrala Devi Shrine, a temple dedicated to Goddess Mal Devi.
Temperature: -2°C to 12°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Basohli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shahdra Sharifa Shrine, Purmandal (historical forts and temples)
Top Experiences: Wildlife spotting, visiting historical sites, experiencing the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT)
5. Doda
Photo: Hamon JP / Wikimedia Commons
Did you know that Doda is often termed “Mini Kashmir”? With its diverse landscape and adventure activities, Doda is one of the most versatile places for Kashmir trip for you to explore. You can witness a variety of Hindu temples and shrines there, perfect for charging yourself up spiritually. The district is also home to coniferous deodar, oak, and rhododendron forests, covered in snow during February. Doda has a rich culture, which is reflected through its people and local markets. You can pick up trinkets from the local artisans or hit a local eatery and try some local Kashmiri delicacies there.
Temperature: 1°C to 10°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Bhaderwah Valley (known as “Mini Switzerland”), Sinthan Top (meadow offering panoramic views), Chanderkote (historical town)
Top Experiences: Trekking through Bhaderwah Valley, enjoying the scenic beauty Sinthan Top, and exploring the historical significance of Chanderkote
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
6. Poonch
Photo: Listen Shahid1 / Wikimedia Commons
Another good place to visit Kashmir in February that’s a little offbeat and less crowded is Poonch. The fewer crowds and laidback life make it an excellent place for tourists looking to escape their daily lives. Peer ki Gali and Drung Waterfall are some popular sightseeing spots worth visiting. Poonch viewpoint also offers panoramic views of the town underneath. Depending on the weather and road safety, you can also hike up to the Surankote Valley. The stunning views of the pristine white Himalayas is worth going an extra mile.
Temperature: -1°C to 11°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tatta Pani (natural hot springs), Surankote Fort (historical significance), Rankush Peak (trekking destination)
Top Experiences: Relaxing in the natural hot springs, exploring the historical fort, trekking to Rankush Peak for breathtaking views
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (IXJ)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT)
7. Kupwara
Photo: Idrees Lone 05 / Wikimedia Commons
Among all the places to visit in Kashmir in February, Kupwara is an option you should include in the list. This quaint district is located around 90 km from Srinagar, making it a perfect day trip choice. The place is surrounded by multiple valleys, including Surankote Valley, Baltal Valley, and Chinta Valley, offering stunning snow-covered views in February. February and snowfall make Kupwara an excellent spot for exploring winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding. You’d have to explore the best options in the local ski resorts.
Temperature: -3°C to 6°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Lolab Valley, Lolab Valley Trout Stream, Ziarat-e-Hazrat Shah Mastana Sahib
Top Experiences: Trekking through the picturesque Lolab Valley, catching trout in the pristine streams, and experiencing the spiritual significance of the shrine
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Kashmir
8. Pulwama
Photo: Angrezladka / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to explore the true beauty of nature during the peak winter months in Kashmir, Pulwama is a spot that awaits your presence. With its saffron fields, natural springs, and apple orchards, there’s beauty everywhere you look. The place is equally popular for production of milk and rice. Pulwama comprises four villages – Malikpora, Dangerapora, Chatpora and Dalipora, which are worth exploring when you visit the town in February. The locals are warm and welcoming.
Temperature: -2°C to 7°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Pahalgam (easily accessible from Pulwama), Achhabal (famous for its Mughal gardens), and Shikara ride on the tranquil Manasbal Lake
Top Experiences: Exploring the nearby Pahalgam, witnessing the beauty of the Mughal gardens in Achabal, and enjoying a serene Shikara ride on Manasbal Lake
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days (can be combined with Pahalgam visit)
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
9. Sonamarg
Photo: Mohammad lliyas Khanday / Wikimedia Commons
When visiting Sonmarg during February, you can’t skimp out on soaking in the beauty of the Thajiwas Glacier. It can get quite chilly during that time, with temperatures often falling below Srinagar. Gangabal Lake remains fully or partly frozen and is also a site worth exploring in Sonmarg in February. You can also add the historic Zoji La Pass to your itinerary to witness the snow-clad mountains and learn more about its historical significance as part of the Silk Route.
Temperature: -5°C to 4°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Thajiwas Glacier, Gagangir River, Nilagrad
Top Experiences: Sledding and skiing on the Thajiwas Glacier, enjoying the picturesque landscapes around the Gagangir River and witnessing the vast meadows of Nilagrad
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Suggested Read: Trekking In Kashmir
10. Gulmarg
Photo: Poet Shankar Gurjar/ Wikimedia Commons
No Kashmir tourist places list is complete without Gulmarg. The high altitude guarantees thick snowfall and the entire area is covered in thick sheets of snow, something that seems straight out of a movie. You can indulge in winter sports or go for the iconic Gondola ride to enjoy aerial views of the LOC and Pir Panjal range. Besides these, you can offer your prayers at the Shiva Temple or walk along the frozen Ningle Nallah. The snow-clan pine trees and the local delights in the Strawberry Valley further add to the experience.
Temperature: -6°C to -3°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Meadows
Top Experiences: Taking a scenic ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, experiencing winter sports on the Apharwat Peak, and enjoying the vast snow-covered meadows
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR)
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station
Kashmir in February is a sight to behold, offering a captivating blend of snow-clad landscapes, vibrant culture, and thrilling winter adventures. This carefully curated list contains all the best places to visit in Kashmir in February, something that will help you plan the trip even more easily with TripXL. The key is to have the dates sorted and get the bookings secured ahead of time for the best deals.
Cover Photo: Hums4r / Wikimedia Commons