Gulmarg in January 2027: Deep Snow, Skiing and Coldest Weeks

Quick answer: January is Gulmarg’s most dependable snow month and its coldest: daytime temperatures around 0 C, nights often minus 5 to minus 10 C, and heavy snow spells followed by brilliant blue-sky days. It is peak ski season. Expect some delays on the Tangmarg road and occasional Gondola pauses in wind, so stay at least one night and keep a spare day.

Why January is the best snow month

By January the meadow, Kongdoori and Apharwat all have deep, settled snow, and fresh spells keep topping it up. Skiers get the best conditions, and families get guaranteed snow play. It is also Chillai Kalan, the coldest stretch of the Kashmir winter, so plan for real cold.

Skiing and snow activities in January

• Beginner lessons near the village and at Kongdoori; see ski course.
• Apharwat for experienced skiers with a guide, when Phase 2 runs.
• Sledging, snow ATV and snowshoe walks; see snow activities and prices.

Staying warm in Gulmarg in January

Choose a hotel with proper heating and hot water, layer thermals under a waterproof jacket, and rent snow boots in Tangmarg or Gulmarg. Read what to wear in Gulmarg in winter.

Plan for weather days

Heavy snow can slow the road and wind can pause the Gondola, especially Phase 2. Leave Srinagar early, stay a night in Gulmarg, and keep one flexible day. Anti-skid chains or a 4×4 are required on the Tangmarg to Gulmarg road whenever the administration’s snow advisory is in force.

A 4 day plan with Gulmarg in January

Costs, crowds and booking in January

After the New Year rush, mid and late January is good value: snow is deep while hotel rates ease. Budget for room heating, daily gear rental if you ski, and Gondola tickets. Keep one spare day in case snow slows the road.

Winter packages that include Gulmarg

Winter packages from Srinagar with private cab, heated hotel, breakfast and dinner. Per person on twin sharing; honeymoon retreat per couple.

Send your dates on WhatsApp (+91 94192 44962) and we reply with a written plan, a heated hotel and one fixed price.

Written and checked by the Happy Jacks Tours and Travels planning team in Srinagar, who run these trips, drive these roads and operate our own Pahalgam hotels and cab fleet. Package prices on this page are read live from our published rates. Updated 17 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January the best time for snow in Gulmarg?

Yes. It is the most dependable month for snow, and peak ski season.

How cold is Gulmarg in January?

Around 0 C by day and often minus 5 to minus 10 C at night.

Does the Gulmarg Gondola run in January?

Yes, but it pauses in strong wind or heavy snowfall, Phase 2 more often than Phase 1.

Is January crowded in Gulmarg?

The first few days after New Year are busy; mid and late January are calmer and better value.

What should I wear in Gulmarg in January?

Thermals, a fleece, a waterproof jacket and trousers, waterproof gloves and rented snow boots.

Related Gulmarg winter guides

• Gulmarg snowfall
• Gulmarg in winter
• Snow activities and prices
• What to wear in Gulmarg in winter
• Kashmir in January

Written by Happy Jacks Tours and Travels

Happy Jacks Tours and Travels is a Srinagar based, locally run Kashmir travel company. Our team plans and personally drives the routes we write about, runs our own hotels in Pahalgam, and answers every trip question on WhatsApp.