Hill Stations in Jammu and Kashmir: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and More

Kashmir's hill resorts, known locally as margs (meadows), sit around the Srinagar valley: Gulmarg to the west, Pahalgam to the east in the Lidder valley, and Sonamarg on the road to Ladakh. Quieter meadows such as Doodhpathri and Yusmarg, and the remote Gurez valley, reward those with more time. In the Jammu region, Patnitop and Bhaderwah are forested hill resorts.

Tourist destinations closed after the April 2025 Pahalgam attack were progressively reopened from early 2026. Always check current official advisories before planning a trip.

At a glance

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg

Gulmarg

A high meadow resort with India's best-known ski slopes and the gondola towards Apharwat.

Gulmarg guide · Things to do in Gulmarg

Pahalgam

Riverside town in the Lidder valley, with Betaab and Aru valleys; Baisaran meadow has been closed to tourists since April 2025.

Pahalgam guide · Things to do in Pahalgam

Quieter meadows and the Jammu hills

Srinagar

Most trips are built around Srinagar: houseboats and shikaras on Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashme Shahi) and the old city. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden usually blooms for a few weeks in April.

Getting there

• Srinagar airport has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other cities.
• Trains now run from Katra, below Vaishno Devi, to Srinagar; check current schedules and connections from Jammu.
• The Jammu-Srinagar highway can close after snow or landslides.
• Hire local taxis for the resorts; some areas have union rules on local transport.

Snow and skiing

Gulmarg is the centre of skiing in India, with the gondola giving access to high slopes and a ski school run by the state. The season usually runs from December to March, depending on snowfall, and the area is avalanche-prone, so heed official warnings and ski only with registered instructors or guides. Pahalgam and Sonamarg are snowbound in mid-winter, and Sonamarg's road can close after heavy snow.

Where to stay

Many visitors stay on a Dal Lake houseboat or in Srinagar and make day trips, but a night in Gulmarg or Pahalgam lets you see the meadows early and late in the day. Winter stays need proper heating; ask about it before you book. Use registered houseboats and hotels, which the tourism department lists.

Travelling respectfully

• Dress modestly, particularly around shrines and in the old city of Srinagar.
• Agree pony and sledge rates before setting off, and use registered operators.
• Follow instructions at security checkpoints and carry ID.

When to go

• March to April: spring, and the tulip garden in April.
• May to June: green meadows and pleasant days; the busiest season.
• July to August: warm in Srinagar; the Amarnath Yatra brings traffic around Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
• September to November: autumn colours and clear skies.
• December to March: snow, skiing at Gulmarg and cold nights; some roads close after heavy snowfall.

Safety

• Check current official advisories and use registered guides, drivers and stays.
• Mountain roads close or slow down after heavy rain, snow or landslides; check road and weather updates, and avoid driving after dark.
• Permits, e-passes, ropeways and pass openings change; check official portals before you travel.
• Carry warm layers even in summer; nights in the hills are cool.

What to pack

• Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
• Walking shoes with grip
• Motion-sickness tablets for winding roads
• Cash for small towns

FAQs

Related reading

• Things to do in Kashmir: the valley
• Spiritual tourism in Jammu and Kashmir: shrines and Amarnath
• Hill stations for couples: romantic hills