Gulmarg in January: deep snow, the coldest weeks and the ski season
How cold it gets, how much snow to expect, skiing and the Gondola, and the road up from Tangmarg — with a live forecast for Gulmarg, Srinagar and Sonamarg.
- 0.7° / −7.7 °C January average (IMD)
- ~161 mm January snow and rain
- To ~30 Jan Chillai Kalan
- ~50 km from Srinagar
Photo: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
January is Gulmarg’s coldest month and one of its snowiest. Days average about 0.7 °C and nights about −7.7 °C, with about 161 mm of precipitation, almost all of it as snow (IMD 1991–2020 normals). The meadow is deep in snow most years, the ski season is in full swing at Kongdoori and Apharwat, and the first part of the month falls in Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s 40 coldest days, which run to about 30 January. The road from Tangmarg needs snow chains after heavy falls, and Gondola Phase 2 often stops in wind or heavy snow — book the Gondola early and keep a spare day.
- WeatherAbout 0.7° / −7.7 °C; ~161 mm, mostly snow (IMD 1991–2020).
- SnowDeep on the meadow most years; best ski conditions begin.
- Chillai Kalan21 December to about 30 January.
- GondolaBook early; Phase 2 often stops in wind or heavy snow.
- RoadChains fitted at Tangmarg after snow; travel in daylight.
Gulmarg, Srinagar and Sonamarg weather today
Gulmarg (about 2,650 m), Srinagar (about 1,585 m) and Sonamarg (about 2,740 m) — current temperature and the next days’ high, low and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
What is the weather like in Gulmarg in January?
January brings Gulmarg’s lowest temperatures: about 0.7 °C by day and −7.7 °C at night on average, colder at Kongdoori and far colder at Apharwat, and colder still on clear nights after fresh snow. Western disturbances bring heavy snow every few days in a normal winter, followed by bright, freezing days.
The snow is usually dry and powdery in January, which is why it is a favourite month for skiers. For non-skiers it means snow play on the meadow, sledging, and the Gondola to Kongdoori for views over the Pir Panjal.
| Month | Gulmarg day / night (IMD) | Precipitation | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 4.6° / −4.8 °C | 74 mm | The meadow turns white |
| January | 0.7° / −7.7 °C | 161 mm | Bitter cold, powder snow; skiing |
| February | 1.8° / −6.4 °C | 208 mm | Deepest snow |
Snow guide: Gulmarg snowfall 2026-27 · Gondola: Gulmarg Gondola guide · in Hindi: गुलमर्ग का मौसम · the whole valley: Kashmir in January.
Gulmarg in the snow
The Gondola, the snowed-in meadow and huts, and Kongdoori in winter — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Things to do in Gulmarg in January
From the meadow up to the top of the Gondola.
The meadow
Snow play, sledging and pony rides on the snow; easy walking from the hotels.
Kongdoori (Gondola Phase 1)
Beginner slopes, ski lessons and snow play in the bowl above the meadow.
Apharwat (Gondola Phase 2)
Big views of the Pir Panjal; for confident skiers off the top. Often stops in wind or heavy snow.
Skiing lessons
Lessons and equipment hire are available in season; book ahead for January weekends.
Drung and Tangmarg
Snowy pine forest and the frozen Drung waterfall on the way in.
Srinagar
Dal Lake and the old city in winter, a base for day trips. Kashmir in January →
Gulmarg in January: road, Gondola and packing
Road: Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar. After heavy snow, chains are fitted at Tangmarg and the last stretch is sometimes open only to 4x4s for a few hours until it is cleared — travel up in daylight and keep a spare day.
Gondola: tickets sell out quickly in January, so book on the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal as soon as your dates are fixed. Plan Phase 2 for the morning; it often stops in wind or heavy snow.
Flights: winter fog and snow can delay flights into Srinagar — avoid tight connections on the way out.
Packing: thermals, a down jacket, waterproof gloves, a woollen cap, sunglasses and snow boots with grip. Nights fall well below freezing.
Our Kashmir snow trips
Hotels, meals and a private car from Srinagar, in one quote.
Planning Gulmarg in January?
Tell us your dates and group. We watch the forecast and the road, help with Gondola timing, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private car from Srinagar. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and plans trips across north India.
Gulmarg in January: frequently asked questions
Is there snow in Gulmarg in January?
Yes, in a normal winter the meadow is deep in snow in January, and the ski slopes at Kongdoori and Apharwat are in season.
How cold is Gulmarg in January?
About 0.7 °C by day and −7.7 °C at night on average (IMD 1991–2020 normals), colder higher up and after fresh snow.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola open in January?
Yes, in season; Phase 2 to Apharwat often stops in wind or heavy snow, so plan it for the morning and keep a spare day.
What is Chillai Kalan?
The 40 coldest days of the Kashmir winter, from 21 December to about 30 January.
Can the road to Gulmarg close in January?
After heavy snow, chains are needed from Tangmarg and the road may be open only to 4x4s for a few hours until cleared.
How far is Gulmarg from Srinagar?
About 50 km by road.
Sources
- India Meteorological Department — Gulmarg climatological normals 1991–2020
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
The Gulmarg meadow under snow — Photo: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The Gondola base station in winter — Photo: Vikas Yadav (Thevikasin), Public domain · The Gondola over snowed-in huts — Photo: Skywayman9, CC BY-SA 3.0 · A snow-clad hut — Photo: Zahoor Bhat, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Walking the snow near Kongdoori — Photo: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snow on an old hotel — Photo: Mohamad Talib Bhat, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Kongdoori in winter — Photo: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Gulmarg in early winter — Photo: Mutahir Showkat, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Apharwat peak — Photo: Malikjavid, CC BY-SA 4.0
