Complete Guide to Gulmarg Snow Festival: 7 Activities to Enjoy
Gulmarg, a charming town stationed in the awe-inspiring Kashmir Valley, is celebrated for its stunning scenery, world-class skiing spots, dynamic culture, and deep-rooted traditions. The best way to capture the spirit of Gulmarg is by diving into the lively and colourful festivals like the Gulmarg Snow Festival and many others that fill the calendar year.
Many national and international tourists plan a trip to Kashmir, especially during the Gulmarg Snow Festival which is celebrated during winter, and for various other celebrations that take place year-round.
From religious customs to cultural gatherings, these festivals and events in Gulmarg offer a unique insight into the local lifestyle and provide an opportunity to engage with the friendly and warm locals.
Today, we’ll explore some of the most notable festivals and events in Gulmarg, showcasing the customs, ceremonies, and celebrations that distinguish each occasion.
About Gulmarg Snow Festival
Launched in 2003, the Gulmarg Snow Festival is a two-day extravaganza hosted annually by the Ministry of Tourism Department. This fest aims to draw in visitors from across the globe and highlight the captivating beauty, culture, and traditions of Kashmir through various sports and activities.
The festival provides the attendees with a range of attractions; including winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledging in Gulmarg, and ice skating.
Every year, the ‘Gulmarg Snow Festival’ is celebrated during January; the coldest month of the year in this area. Every inch of Gulmarg is blanketed in thick snow, turning it into a snow-beauty.
An important thing to consider is that the extreme cold could negatively impact your health, so it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly before deciding to visit the Gulmarg Snow Festival.
Top Things to do during Gulmarg Snow Festival
1. Attend Cultural Dance Shows
Cultural shows by Kashmiri folk artists are arranged to offer a spiritual journey through Kashmir’s rich traditions. Gulmarg Snow Festival not only promotes Gulmarg as a top tourist destination but also revives the forgotten traditions of the area.
Gulmarg has a rich cultural heritage and it can be seen through traditional and folk dance performances like:
- The Kashmiri Rouf Dance
The Kashmiri Rouf dance is a refined and sophisticated dance style from the Kashmir valley. Women perform this dance during various events like nuptials, and significant gatherings.
The performers don vibrant traditional Kashmiri clothing, embellished with detailed embroidery and accessories.
- Bhand Pather
Bhand Pather is an age-old folk dance-drama style from Kashmir, rooted in the rich history of Sanskrit drama. It combines theatre, dance, and music distinctively, incorporating comedy and satire.
The artists, referred to as Bhand artists, captivate the spectators with their clever conversations, funny scenes, and lively dance sequences.
- Hafiza
Hafiza, also known as Hafiz Nagma, is a classic folk dance style from Kashmir. It is carried out by female groups, accompanied by the traditional music of Kashmir.
The dancers create a circle and move together in coordination, with elegant steps and hand gestures. This dance form is popularly performed during major festivals and events in Gulmarg and all over Kashmir.
- Dhamali
Dhamali is a classic folk dance style from Kashmir, mainly done by men. It’s a dynamic dance known for quick movements, coordinated steps, and steady clapping.
Many tourists join the cultural dancers and try their hands at Dhamali at the Gulmarg snow festival.
2. Experience Thrilling Snow-Sports
The Gulmarg Winter Festival is all about celebrating the warmth of the Kashmiri culture when the whole area is engulfed in stinging winter waves. The best way to celebrate winter in Gulmarg is through snow-adventure.
These festivals offer the perfect opportunities to go for the sports you always feared trying. The most popular winter sports competitions and events held at the Gulmarg Snow Festival are
- Sledging and Ice Skating
During the colder months, Gulmarg is covered in a layer of snow, making ice skating and sledding among the favourite pastimes.
Skaters and sledders alike can cruise across the frozen lake or slide down soft hills on sleds, relishing the fresh winter breeze and stunning views.
Gulmarg stands as a top choice for those who love skiing, providing access to some of the finest slopes in the Himalayas. Skiing and Snowboarding are among the best things to do in Gulmarg.
The Pir Panjal range that surrounds it offers a breathtaking view, making it a perfect spot for skiers and snowboarders, regardless of their ability, to enjoy the soft snow from December to April.
During the Gulmarg Snow Festival, various ski competitions and matches are held and participants from all over the world compete to emerge as the winner.
- Snow-biking
The activity of snowmobiling/snow biking is expanding rapidly and is beginning to draw significant interest from visitors in Gulmarg.
In Gulmarg, snowmobiles have become widely embraced and favoured by tourists for leisure pursuits.
- Snow-Shoeing
Snowshoeing is an enjoyable and easy-to-do winter pastime that lets guests walk across the landscapes blanketed in snow in Gulmarg.
It doesn’t need any prior knowledge and is an excellent method to stay active and appreciate the winter views of Gulmarg.
Embark on a journey aboard one of the world’s most prestigious cable cars, the Gulmarg Gondola.
This dual-stage ropeway transports approximately 600 passengers every hour in both directions, connecting to Kongdoori Mountain, a smaller peak of the Apharwat Range.
3. Try Delectable Kashmiri Dishes
At the Gulmarg Snow Festival, you get a golden chance to treat yourself to authentic regional food from the food booths and stalls serving authentic Kashmiri recipes.
You may try the best delicacies in the most popular restaurants in Kashmir, but the flavours you’ll experience at the snow festival in Gulmarg will be unbeatable. Here are a few dishes you must try when attending the Gulmarg Snow Festival.
- Dum Aloo
Dum Aloo is a dish made from potatoes that are cooked in a spicy curry full of flavorful spices like cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and red chilies. It is one of the most popular vegetarian Kashmiri delicacies.
- Roghan Josh
Introduced by the Mughals, Rogan Josh stands out as one of the finest culinary delights in Gulmarg. It promises to delight your senses with its enticing scent, thanks to the use of aromatic spices.
- Yakhni
Kashmiri Yakhni, also known as Yakhni, is a culinary creation utilising mutton or lamb, spiced entirely with whole spices, served in a creamy yoghurt sauce.
- Haakh
A traditional Kashmiri food. It typically refers to the regional vegetables from the mustard family, though collard greens can be used as a suitable alternative. Try the authentic flavours of Kashmiri Haakh with Makki Ki Roti at the Gulmarg Snow Festival.
- Guchhi Pulao
A type of pulao, made with wild mushrooms and simmered in aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and bay leaf. A mouth-watering Kashmiri delicacy, not known to many.
4. Appreciate the Handcrafted Masterpieces
Kashmir is a hub of handicrafts, handloom and handmade goods. It is always a delight to go shopping in Kashmir, but the Snow Festival in Gulmarg opens new gateways to explore and buy invaluable handcrafted items. Look out for these items when attending Gulmarg Snow Festival:
- Pashmina Shawls
Popular for their craftsmanship, material and handwork, these shawls are precious souvenirs.
- Shahtoosh Shawls
Rare and one-of-a-kind, these shawls are prepared with a rare type of lamb’s wool and their cost can go upto 3-4/- INR Lakh.
- Paper Mache items
Look for cute little dolls, jewellery and decorative items made out of paper mache. They make for a great gift from the Gulmarg Snow Festival.
- Wooden Handicrafts
Do pick a few pieces of the finely crafted walnut wood handicrafts. Keychains, coasters, toys, clocks and decorative items are most commonly bought.
- Kashmiri Suits
To get a collection of finely embroidered Kashmiri suits, Phirans, Scarves and Kaftans, festivals and events in Gulmarg like the snow festival and handicraft exhibitions are the best places.
- Kashmiri Home Furnishing
For home decor lovers, Gulmarg snow festival is like a paradise! Here you can get immaculately hand embroidered bed covers, cushion covers, mats, table covers, curtains and tea cosies with hundreds of options to choose from.
- Spices and Dry Fruits
The best gifts you can take back home from the Gulmarg Snow Festival are the high-grade dry fruits like Almonds, Walnuts and Berries. Spices like Cinnamon, Garlic and Saffron, and don’t forget the organic honey.
5. Be a part of the Music Concerts
Along with sports and dances, the Gulmarg Snow Festival also hosts various local and international musical bands to perform at the event.
You can be a part of the local folk bands performing regional songs as well as jam to the music of the artists from across India and abroad.
6. Admire the Pristine Snow Carvings
Ice carving is a fresh activity that has captivated visitors and residents alike at the Gulmarg Snow Festival.
Artists from Kashmir University’s Fine Arts department as well as other skilled crafters create these sculptures, infusing them with the essence of the state’s culture and heritage.
Recently, the guests visiting the Gulmarg winter festival were fascinated by the beautifully crafted Taj Mahal snow sculpture.
Snow sculpting will be a hot topic at Gulmarg Winter Fest 2024, so watch out for some stunning pieces of art!
7. Click Memorable Photographs
Gulmarg Snow Festival is a vibrant mix of modernity and ethnicity.
Imagine walking through lanes filled with bright and multi-colored merchandise and goods, contrasting the stark snowy backdrop, making the perfect set-up for taking breathing photographs.
What’s the best time to visit for the Gulmarg Snow Festival
The Gulmarg Snow Festival takes place during peak winter months in Kashmir in January or February. The area is covered in thick layers of snow and Gulmarg takes up a new avatar. The best time to visit for the Gulmarg Snow Festival is during these months.
However, there are many other festivals and events in Gulmarg which can be enjoyed throughout the year as well.
Other Festivals and Events in Gulmarg
- Tulip Festival: Held in April
- Gulmarg Snow Jazz Festival: Held in February
- Shikara Festival: Held in July and August
- Mango Festival: Held in May
- Eid-Ul-Fitr: Held during Ramadan
What is the Gulmarg Snow Festival?
The Gulmarg Snow Festival is a fest that takes place in Gulmarg and Pahalgam every year in January and February. This festival holds various snow sports competitions, Folk dance and music events, food stalls and handicraft stalls.
What’s the best way to get to Gulmarg for the festival?
The best way to get to Gulmarg for the festival is by Gulmarg Gondola, taxi or any public transport. As it snows heavily during that time, chain-taxis are also available.
What else can visitors enjoy besides winter sports?
At the snow festival, visitors can enjoy various activities like folk dance and music performances, music concerts, shopping and trying authentic Kashmiri delicacies.
Is there accommodation available near the festival venue?
Yes, there are many great hotels, resorts and homestays near the Gulmarg Snow Festival venue, where tourists can enjoy a comfortable stay.
