Gulmarg Snowfall 2026: Latest Update and Best Time to See Snow

Gulmarg snowfall 2026 has begun on the high slopes, but the meadow itself is still waiting. Snow already covers the ground near Gondola Phase 2 and Apharwat Peak, while the market and main meadow stay largely bare in mid-October.

If you plan a snow trip, this guide shows what has fallen so far, when snow usually reaches the resort, and which dates give you the best chance of a white Gulmarg. We update it as the season builds.

“Short answer: Snow has fallen on the upper slopes of Gulmarg since mid-September 2026. Expect dependable snow in the meadow from late December, and the deepest cover from mid-January to mid-February. No date guarantees snow, so keep your plans flexible.”

Gulmarg Snowfall 2026 at a Glance

Question	Answer
Snow on the upper slopes now?	Yes. Local operators and news reports confirm snow near Gondola Phase 2 and Apharwat Peak.
Snow in the main meadow and market?	Not yet, according to mid-October reports.
When does resort-level snow usually arrive?	Late November to December. Snow that lasts usually comes late in December.
Heaviest snowfall	January
Deepest, most settled snow	Mid-January to mid-February
Ski season	December to March
Location	Pir Panjal range, Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir
Elevation	Resort: about 2,650 m. Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori): about 3,080 m. Phase 2 (Apharwat ridge): about 3,980 m
Distance from Srinagar	About 56 km by road, with Tangmarg on the way

Gulmarg Snowfall 2026 So Far: What Has Happened

Three spells have dusted the high ground since mid-September, according to local operators and news reports.

Date	What fell	Where
17 September	First overnight snow of the season	Upper area near Gondola Phase 2
28 September	A fresh spell. The ground turned white at Phase 2 while rain hit the market	Phase 2 and the ridges above the market
Early October	Fresh snow, covered by national news outlets and travel sites	Apharwat Peak slopes

What does this mean for your trip? Snow arrives on the peaks first. On 28 September, the market got rain while the ridge turned white. You can see this early snow from the gondola, but you cannot yet walk through it in the meadow.

Is There Snow in Gulmarg Right Now?

It depends on where you stand.

Place	Snow status (mid-October reports)	What you can do
Apharwat Peak and Gondola Phase 2	Snow on the ground in recent reports	Ride Phase 2 for snow views on a clear day
Kongdoori (Phase 1)	Varies with each spell	Check conditions on the day
Gulmarg meadow and market	Largely snow-free	Walk, photograph the white ridges above
Tangmarg	Lower than Gulmarg, so snow arrives later and melts sooner	Use it as a warm base below the climb

Want to see snow today? Take the gondola to Phase 2 on a clear day. Book only on the official J&K Cable Car portal. Wind and cloud can pause rides, so check the status on the morning you travel.

When Does Gulmarg Get Snow? A Month-by-Month Guide

Weather changes every year. Treat this table as a guide, not a promise.

Month	What to expect	Good for
October	Snow on the upper slopes only. The meadow stays bare and the days feel crisp.	Gondola views, quiet walks
November	Colder days. A first dusting may reach the resort late in the month, though it often melts.	Early-season trips with flexible plans
December	The season opens. Early snow tends to melt, and snow that stays usually arrives late in the month.	Christmas and New Year snow, first lessons
January	The coldest and snowiest month. IMD averages show highs near 4 °C and lows near −5 °C.	Deep snow, sledging, skiing
February	Deep, settled snow. Rooms fill early.	Skiing, snow photography
March	Snowfall drops and the meadow starts to thaw. The upper slopes keep their snow.	Quieter ski days, gondola views
April onwards	Snow retreats to the highest ground.	Spring meadows, not snow

What Happened Last Winter?

Last year gives a useful pattern.

• 2–3 October 2025: The first snow of the season covered Apharwat Peak.
• 21 December 2025: A light spell covered the main market and both gondola phases. Gulmarg's minimum temperature dropped to about −1 °C.

The peaks turned white in early October, and the meadow followed in late December. Winter 2026–27 may follow a similar pattern, but nobody can promise it.

What Is the Best Time to See Snow in Gulmarg?

Pick your dates by what you want from the trip.

• You want deep snow: Come between mid-January and mid-February. Nothing guarantees snow, but this window gives you the best chance.
• You want to ski or snowboard: Aim for late January to February, when the base runs deepest. Beginners can start lessons in December, once lifts and slopes open.
• You want to play in snow in the meadow: Choose late December to February.
• You want snow views from the gondola: Go now. Snow already covers the high ground.
• Your dates are fixed: Stay at least three nights and keep one day free. Weather can shift your plans.

How to Check Gulmarg Snow Before You Travel

1. Check the gondola status. Open the official J&K Cable Car portal on your travel morning. It shows whether rides are running.
2. Read the forecast. Follow the India Meteorological Department's Srinagar forecasts for snow alerts.
3. Ask someone on the ground. Message us on WhatsApp the day before you drive up. We will tell you how the road and the market look.

How to Plan Your Trip Around Snow

• Expect a slower drive. Srinagar to Gulmarg covers about 56 km, and the climb begins after Tangmarg. Fresh snow can slow traffic or call for snow chains.
• Follow traffic advisories. Never push on when authorities restrict the road.
• Check gondola closures. The corporation closes the gondola for scheduled maintenance from time to time, and weather can also pause it.
• Leave a buffer on your return day. Do not schedule a tight flight out of Srinagar after a snowfall.
• Take it slow at altitude. Drink water, rest on arrival, and stop climbing if you feel unwell.

What to Pack for Gulmarg Snow

• Thermal base layers and a fleece
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Insulated gloves and a wool cap
• Waterproof shoes with good grip
• Sunglasses or snow goggles, plus sunscreen
• A power bank and your regular medicines

Where to Stay: Why Tangmarg Works for a Snow Trip

Hotel Gulmarg House sits in Tangmarg Qazipora, where the road to Gulmarg starts to climb. Tangmarg lies lower than the meadow, so it usually gets less snow. You reach the snow on a drive, then return to a warm room.

Every one of our 23 AC Deluxe rooms includes:

• Heating and hot water around the clock
• Power backup
• Lift access and parking
• In-house vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining
• A 24-hour front desk

Rates change with the season and your dates. Message us on WhatsApp or call +91 8899004526 for today's best rate. You can also plan your snow day with our Gulmarg Gondola guide.

Gulmarg Snowfall FAQs

Has Gulmarg received snow in 2026?

Yes. Snow has fallen on the high slopes since mid-September 2026, with fresh spells around Gondola Phase 2 and Apharwat Peak in late September and early October. The main meadow and market stayed largely snow-free in mid-October reports.

Does Gulmarg get snow in October?

Yes, but only on the upper slopes. Apharwat Peak and Gondola Phase 2 often turn white in October, while the meadow usually stays bare. In 2025, the first snow reached Apharwat on the night of 2–3 October.

When does Gulmarg town get snow?

Snow that settles in the meadow usually arrives between late November and December, and the first covering often melts. Last year, a light spell covered the main market on 21 December 2025. Dependable cover tends to build from late December through January.

Which month has the heaviest snowfall in Gulmarg?

January. Snowfall is most likely in January, and it is also the coldest month, with IMD averages of roughly 4 °C by day and −5 °C at night. February keeps the snow deep and settled, while March brings the thaw.

When does the Gulmarg ski season start?

Gulmarg's skiing and snowboarding season usually runs from December to March. Actual opening depends on snow depth, slope safety and lift operations, so confirm conditions before you book lessons.

Is the Gulmarg Gondola open when it snows?

Often yes, but weather decides. Heavy snow, wind and low visibility can pause rides, and the corporation also closes the gondola for scheduled maintenance. Check the official booking portal on your travel morning.

What is the best time to see snow in Gulmarg?

Mid-January to mid-February gives the deepest, most settled snow. Late December to early January works well too, though early-season snow can melt. If you only want snow views, ride the gondola to Phase 2 now.

Can I see snow from Tangmarg?

Rarely early in the season. Tangmarg sits lower than Gulmarg, so snow arrives later and melts sooner. Most visitors stay in Tangmarg and drive up to the snow, then return to a warm room.

Is it safe to drive to Gulmarg after snowfall?

It can be, with care. Fresh snow can slow the final stretch above Tangmarg or call for snow chains. Check local traffic advisories, hire an experienced local driver, and never push on when authorities restrict the road.