Highlight
Kashmir in December is not the Kashmir of Bollywood summer songs. This is Chillai Kalan, the coldest 40 days of the valley's winter, and the reason Gulmarg gets snow that Manali and Shimla can't promise most years. You'll land in Srinagar and go straight to a houseboat on Dal Lake for a shikara ride at sunset. From there it's Gulmarg for the gondola and the snow, Sonamarg for the Thajiwas Glacier, and Pahalgam for Aru and Betaab valleys with the Lidder river running through snow covered pine. On the night of December 31st, you'll be back in Srinagar with a bonfire, music, and drinks included, counting down with a group that started the week as strangers.
This is a fixed, single batch departure, 26 December through 2 January, not the ongoing winter season. If your dates are flexible and don't need to land exactly on New Year's Eve, the Winter Kashmir Backpacking trip runs the same core circuit across a much wider October to February window, generally at a lower price.
Itinerary
Meet the group at the Delhi pickup point at 4 PM and board an AC sleeper bus for the overnight
run to Jammu. You can also join the group in Srinagar by reaching there by flight.
Arrive Jammu in the morning. Transfer in tempo traveler to reach Srinagar by evening. On the way, indulge in a delightful breakfast (own cost). Upon arrival, join our Srinagar group and Check in at hotel and enjoy enjoy an ice-breaking session. Guests arriving directly to Srinagar will enjoy the day at leisure.
After breakfast, drive to Gulmarg
(Crown of Kashmir) 2650 metres above sea level. Enroute from Tangmarg to Gulmarg, you will witness the breathtaking views of the valley. After arriving in Gulmarg, there is an option for a cable car (Gondola) ride and an ATV ride to Drung waterfall from Tangmarg (own cost). Return to Srinagar hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, start your trip to Sonamarg, the name Sonamarg is derived from two Kashmiri words "Son" & "Marg'' which means "Gold" & "Meadow". In Sonamarg you can visit Thajiwas Glacier which is around 4 kms from Sonamarg (Pony ride can be hired at own cost). Return to Srinagar hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and head out for some local sightseeing. Visit the majestic Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh and the Shankaracharya Temple. Located at a height of 1,000 feet and offers a great view of Nigeen Lake from above. In the evening, enjoy a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Dinner and an overnight stay will be in a Srinagar houseboat.
After breakfast, we will begin our journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) also famously known as Mini Switzerland. Visit Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari. After concluding ABC Valley tours, head to hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight stay.
For Srinagar guests: the cabs will be arranged for drop at the Srinagar airport. After breakfast, head to Jammu & bid farewell to the picturesque Kashmir. Transfer from tempo traveler to Sleeper bus at Jammu in the evening. Overnight drive from Jammu to Delhi. Arrive Delhi next morning by 11 AM.
Other Info
Age group, 18 to 35
Solo travellers, friend groups, and couples are all placed into one shared group trip.
This is a single fixed batch, 26 December to 2 January, unlike the standard Winter Kashmir Backpacking trip's weekly departures through the season. For a wider view of winter Kashmir beyond this exact New Year window, our Kashmir location page covers the full Chillai Kalan season and how it compares to travelling earlier.
Booking the Gulmarg Gondola in advance
The gondola is run by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation and is not included in the package price, it's an optional add on paid at your own cost on Day 3. It operates on a slot based booking system, so buying your ticket on the spot at the counter is not guaranteed, especially during a New Year batch when Gulmarg sees its heaviest footfall of the entire year.
Book directly through the official JKCCC portal at jammukashmircablecar.com. As of current pricing, Phase 1, up to Kongdoori, runs roughly Rs 740 to 810 per person, and Phase 2, continuing up to Apharwat Peak, runs roughly Rs 900 to 1,010, both subject to change closer to your travel date. If you're booking Phase 2, keep your Phase 1 transaction ID on hand, the system asks for it at checkout. A Tatkal option exists for last minute bookings at a higher rate, but given how busy the New Year window gets, booking a few days ahead through the official site rather than relying on Tatkal or a counter ticket is the safer approach.
One thing worth being direct about, ticket scams around the gondola are a known issue in peak season, agents outside the official system sometimes sell tickets that don't hold up at the gate. Book only through the JKCCC portal above, or hand this off to your trip captain once you're there, rather than any third party seller approaching you in Gulmarg itself.
New Year specific crowding
Late December is Gulmarg's single busiest stretch of the year, both for the gondola and for the town itself. Expect longer queues at the base station even with a confirmed slot, and build a little patience into your Day 3 plans. Restaurants and cafes in Gulmarg and Srinagar also get busier than usual, another reason the trip captain's local knowledge matters more on this exact batch than on a quieter October departure.
ID and documentation
Carry a valid original photo ID at all times, Aadhaar or passport both work. Given the New Year period sees higher tourist volume, security checks along the route, particularly around Srinagar and the Jammu Srinagar highway, can take a little longer than usual. This isn't specific to this trip, it's standard for the season, and it's already factored into how the itinerary is timed.
Optional activity costs, a general note
Beyond the gondola, ATV rides to Drung Waterfall and pony rides at Thajiwas Glacier are also available at your own cost on their respective days. Rates for these fluctuate more than the gondola's and are best confirmed with your trip captain on the ground, since local vendors adjust pricing seasonally in a way the official gondola portal doesn't.
- 5 nights of stay: 3 nights hotel in Srinagar, 1 night houseboat on Dal Lake, 1 night hotel in Pahalgam
- 5 breakfasts (Day 2 to Day 6) and 5 dinners (Day 1 to Day 5)
- AC sleeper bus, Delhi to Jammu and Jammu to Delhi (Delhi-Delhi package)
- Tempo traveller for all local transport within Kashmir, Jammu to Jammu
- Srinagar airport pickup and drop (Srinagar-Srinagar package)
- Complimentary 1 hour Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Union cab charges for Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari
- Trip captain with the group for the full trip
- Driver charges, toll tax and parking
- Medical kit on hand throughout
- New Year's Eve bonfire, music and drinks
- Food or drinks not listed above: alcoholic drinks, mineral water, meals or refreshments on the highway
- Personal spends: driver tips, monument entry, camera charges, laundry, phone bills
- Optional activities: Gondola ride, ATV ride to Drung waterfall, pony rides at Thajiwas Glacier
- Costs from natural causes like landslides or road closures, payable on the spot
- 5% GST, extra on all prices below
No Refund shall be made with respect to the initial booking amount for any cancellations. However,
- If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 75% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
- In the case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
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Testimonials
Smit Nagar
Kashmir with The Travel Story was an amazing experience. The team managed everything professionally, and the vibe of the group made the trip even better. Strangers turned into great friends, and the memories will last a long time. Definitely recommend TTS if you want a hassle-free trip with good people and great experiences.
Kashmir Backpacking (NY Special)
20 December, 2025
Rohan Mistry
Kashmir trip was so beautiful and mesmerizing, just like they said "Heaven on earth"???? What made it more special is the people travelling with you, who were so cooperative, open and helpful. I am really glad to meet the interesting bunch of people on the trip. I would always cherish the fun conversations and moments????
Kashmir Backpacking (NY Special)
24 December, 2024
Mansi Dang
I had experienced my trip to Kashmir with the wonderful batch of “The Travel Story”?????? The best hosts with the wonderful team and most importantly the people around (12 stranger turned family)???? Recommending you all “TTS” for the best experience and getting the wonderful fam????????
Kashmir Backpacking (NY Special)
20 December, 2025
Dr. Harsha Merlin
It's my second trip with the Travel story and all two have been fantastic. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Our tour Captain Hashim Mir was knowledgeable and passionate, making the whole trip even more enriching. He was always friendly and helpful in addressing any questions I had, especially since this was my first visit to Kashmir.
Kashmir Backpacking (NY Special)
28 December, 2025
