Top 10 Snowfall Destinations in Kashmir

North India is reckoned as a plethora of beautiful places. Kashmir, the northernmost state of India has been extended up to a vast area which was limited to the area between Kashmir Valley and the Pir Panjal Range. This princely state has been spread over an area of approximately 225,000 sq. km and is larger than almost 87 member countries of the United Nations. The unparalleled beauty of the region covered with Alpine trees and the lavishly endowed beauty of mountain ranges are much appealing to the tourists.

History

Shar Mir was the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir and after that Muslim rule lead in Kashmir for almost 5 centuries. Mughals were also the part of Muslim reign who ruled from 1526 to 1751 and then it was the reign of Afghan Durrani Empire who ruled from 1747 to 1820. After the Afghan Empire, Kashmir came under the control of Sikhism for some time. Sikhism couldn’t hold its control over Kashmir for a long time and got defeated by British, who captured over the whole country and made it a slave. As per the Indian Independence Act passed in 1947, Kashmir had to be divided into two parts India and Pakistan.

Heavy Snowfall Areas in Kashmir

During winters this beautiful city of India looks more captivating and enrapturing and seems like a realm of magical experiences.

1. Gulmarg

An exalted hill station situated in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. This majestic hill station is perched at an elevation of 2730 meters above the sea level and nestled amidst the stunning Himalayan mountain peaks. It is a striking picnic spot adorned with pristine lake, lush green meadows, beautiful gardens, and the pleasing weather. Also known as the Winter Capital Games of India, Gulmarg is the most popular skiing destination in India. Dating back to the 19th century, there was a ski club established by the British to promote adventure sports and attract foreign tourists to explore this astonishing place and since then on every Christmas and Easter, there is a skiing competition organized in Gulmarg. Although, the place looks always stunning and during winters its beauty gets more enhanced as the entire area gets glistened with pure white snow and seems like it has completely engulfed the meadows and the mountains.

2. Pangong Lake

This sparkling blue lake of Kashmir is situated near Leh-Ladakh and is nestled at an elevation of 4350 meters. This famous lake of Kashmir has been spread over an area of almost 12 km which extends from India to Tibet. Pangong Lake is not just nature’s paradise but also it acts as a geologist’s domain. It is not a habitat of aquatic animals as it contains salty water. At this pristine lake, you can spot numerous migratory words especially if you are visiting this place in summer. The impeccable blue water of this lake is very appealing to the tourists and embezzles their attention. The sparkling shades of water in different colors like blue, green, yellow, and violet appeal the tourists at their utmost. Winter is considered the ideal time to visit this lake but it is less accessible by bus during winters but you can get some army vehicles going to reach there.

3. Dal Lake

Also termed as Jewel in the crown of Kashmir, this lake is situated in the summer capital city of Kashmir. The lake cuddles numerous Mughal era gardens, beautiful parks, houseboats, and hotels.  The lake has been spread over an area of 21.1 sq. km including its floating gardens which are called as Rad in Kashmiri witness blossoming lotus during the months of July and August. Thousands of tourists including nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts visit this place every year. Water activities like water skiing, golfing, and hot air balloon are very popular activities. How can we even skip the Shikara (a traditional boat) Ride of Dal Lake and the shopping of handicrafts in the nearby area of the lake? In winter the lake gets frozen partially due to the insanely cold weather.

4. Srinagar

The largest city of Kashmir which is settled on the banks of the river Jhelum and is also known as the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The best place to witness beautiful Handicrafts of Kashmir and dried fruits. Its picturesque landscapes including serene environment, colorful gardens, beautiful houseboats, and the waterfronts make it quite inviting to the tourists. Mughal Garden of Srinagar which was created around 400 years ago by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir to show his deep love to his wife, appeals many Indian as well as foreign tourists towards itself. Also known as Heaven on Earth as it is a paragon of mesmerizing landscapes everywhere within its domain. Spending night in the beautiful houseboats and then waking up early morning with the gentle touch of cool salubrious breeze will definitely make your day refreshing.

5. Pahalgam

Settled amidst the imposing mountains, stunning glaciers, astonishing ice and water streams, densely covered forests of pine and cedar trees and accompanied by refreshing and soft whistling air blowing between the Himalayas. You can enjoy several adventure activities like trekking, skiing, mountaineering, and camping. During the Medieval period, the area was under the rule of Mughal emperors which later came under the influence of local Hindu Rulers. Pahalgam experiences heavy snowfall during winter which greets many tourists and offers them numerous adventure activities to be enjoyed. During winter the land gets completely covered and adorned with flawless white snow of 5- 8 feet high in the lanes. Skiing, sledding, and rafting are some of the most popular adventure activities in Pahalgam during winters.

6. Patnitop

This fun abundant place of Jammu and Kashmir is nestled at an altitude of 2024 meters from where you can get the stupendous view of the imposing Shivalik Range. This is the perfect holiday spot where sitting under the tall and green conifer trees in the open sun gives an exhilarating experience to you. It resembles a dreamland where you can only hear the sound of bells hanging in the goat’s neck and the rustling of leaves and twigs on the lanes. Although it can be visited throughout the year it has its own unique charm in winter which witnesses monkey brass weather but it never hinders the enthusiasm of the tourists. This is not a place where you can shop more but you can get some handicrafts to bring back with you. Every year Patnitop hosts Winter Carnival which is the major attraction of Patnitop which runs for 3 days and tourists participate in them enthusiastically.

7. Sonmarg (Sonamarg)

This beautiful city of Jammu and Kashmir is located at a distance of 90 km from Srinagar (summer capital).  Sonmarg has been blessed with extravagant beauty of nature and the unmatched landscapes where you can find snow till the month of April. The literal meaning of the name of this place is a meadow of gold which completely justifies with its beauty. When you walk on the mountains of Sonamarg it seems like that you are trapped in the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan Range. Zojila Pass and the Thajiwas glacier are its two major landmarks which are quite popular among tourists. The Thajiwas Glacier offers a pleasant sled ride and the Gangabal Lake is quite famous for trout fishing.

8. Ladakh

It is considered as one of the scantest populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir which are mostly inhabited by Indo-Aryan and Tibetans. Even the culture and the history of Ladakh are very closely related to Tibet. The landscape of this high altitude desert is described by uneven and barren ridges and plateaus. Trekking, mountaineering and river rafting are the most offered and enrapturing adventure activities in Ladakh. September is known as the festive month of the year where you can find the centuries-old cultures, folk heritage and the traditions of the area. The famous Ladakh Festival plays a vital role in witnessing the region performing arts, Archery contests, and the Ladakh Polo club. The frozen beauty of Ladakh during winter makes it a detoxification trip apart from all the barriers. The hotels in Ladakh are generally closed during winter so the only place to accommodate is traditional Ladakhi houses.

9. Anantnag

Also called as Islamabad is a beautiful city located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal Chowk of this city is the same place where Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the flag in the year 1948 when India attained Jammu and Kashmir as a state. Anantnag is called as the financial and the commercial capital of Kashmir Valley. Your vacation to Anantnag is never completed if you miss the chance to visit Kokernag whose enormous beauty filled with colorful gardens, freshwater springs, varieties of flowers and snow. If you want to enjoy the beauty of this wide-ranging destination and the snowfall in India then you must plan your visit to Kashmir during winter.

10. Kargil

The second largest state in Ladakh after Leh, Kargil is settled on the banks of the beautiful Suru River and is also known as the land of the bravery of Indian Army. Srinagar and Drass lie to the west of Ladakh which is located at a distance of 60 km and 204 km respectively. The entire ambiance of this land of bravery is filled with divinity and spirituality of Buddhism. The popular Kargil-Zanskar Festival which gets celebrated during the month of June and is the time to witness the unique mixture of cultures. The entire area of Kargil gets covered with snow during winters and the temperature ranges from -15 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius. Some of the roads are generally blocked during winters but that doesn’t deny the beautiful makeover of Kargil.

Specialty

Kahwa is the special drink served in Kashmir. It is a traditional green tea made by herbs and saffron and is usually taken with a traditional bread of Kashmir called Girda.