Gulmarg turns white as winter arrives in Kashmir Valley, season expected to be colder this year

The onset of winter has begun in the Kashmir valley, and Gulmarg, the hill resort known for its pristine beauty and rolling slopes, has turned into a picture-perfect white landscape after a fresh spell of snowfall this week. With pine forests, meadows and rooftops now covered in snow, the region has officially stepped into its winter season, drawing travellers eager to witness the first flakes of the year.

Gulmarg, often described as one of the most picturesque winter destinations in India, is known for its snow-capped peaks, ski slopes and the Gulmarg gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars. As temperatures begin to dip, tourism operators say inquiries and advance bookings have already increased, signalling a busy start to the season.

“Once Gulmarg gets its first snow, there’s a shift in the valley’s rhythm. The air becomes sharper, the mornings slower, and the landscape turns surreal,” a local tour guide said, adding that the resort becomes especially popular with photographers, honeymooners and winter sports enthusiasts during this time.

Colder winter expected

Meteorologists say this winter may be colder than usual. Early snowfall in upper reaches, active western disturbances and dropping night temperatures are being read as early signs of a more intense cold season.

According to the regional meteorological centre, the minimum temperature in Gulmarg dipped to -2°C this week, while daytime temperatures hovered around 10°C. Forecasts suggest clear skies in the coming days, with night temperatures expected to stay near or below freezing. Across the wider valley, the winter period from November to February is expected to bring colder-than-average nights, particularly during December and January, when the region enters ‘Chillai Kalan’, the harshest phase of Kashmir’s winter.

Tourism sector prepares

Local hoteliers, ski instructors and tour operators say they are preparing for increased tourist arrivals. The upcoming winter sports season, including skiing, snowboarding and trekking, attracts visitors from across the country and abroad.

“Gulmarg has a charm no other winter destination can match, the stillness, the white slopes, the mountains brushing the clouds. It feels magical, especially after fresh snow,” a hotel manager said while overseeing preparations for the season.

As the cold deepens and more snowfall is expected across the valley, Gulmarg is set to remain at the centre of winter tourism, a serene, snow-covered landscape where the season unfolds gradually and beautifully.