Ranking at the top of the list of places that you must visit in Kashmir during December is Gulmarg, a quaint hill station and skiing destination in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Also known as the Meadow of Flowers, the hill station remains covered in thick blankets of snow during December, making up for a very beautiful sight.

In addition to witnessing snowfall on a daily basis here, you can also enjoy watching the snow-capped mountains from Gulmarg or indulging in various activities, from mountain biking and trekking, to skiing as well as some of the best gondola rides over the valley. You can also enjoy a stay in one of the many cozy resorts or cottages here, and wake up to scintillating views of snow all around.

Location: Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir

The small district of Kupwara is another popular place to visit in Kashmir in December. Located around 90 kilometers from Srinagar, Kupwara is the abode of some of the finest views of nature, verdant meadows, alpine mountains as well as crystal clear rivers.

In December, this district experiences serene snowfall and turns completely white. One can also enjoy exciting trekking adventures here during December, in addition to soaking in views of the surrounding mountain ranges of Bulbeer, Feshiltong, and Dajalongun. Besides that, you can also go for sightseeing to see the many attractions of Kupwara, all of which remain decked with fresh snow, and look extremely beautiful.

Location: Kashmir Valley

Pulwama also named the Rice Bowl of Kashmir, ranks at the top on the list of Places to Visit in Kashmir in December. A quaint village, Pulwama is located around 40 kilometers from Srinagar and is a place where you can see nature’s wonders at their best.

The cozy houses and cottages, fragrant saffron fields, and apple orchards remain decked in snow during the cold month of December. However, you can still find some gushing waterfalls that are partially frozen here, along with the snowclad valleys and forests. In December, you can also enjoy a wide array of adventure activities in Pulwama, including trekking, mountaineering, snowboarding as well as skiing.

Location: Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir

Also known as Yusmarg, or Yousmarg, Yashmarg is a rather offbeat place to explore in December. Boasting immense ethereal beauty, this little town has often been called the Meadow of Jesus and is home to vast stretches of green pastures, lush meadows, and some of the highest peaks of the Pir Panjal Mountain ranges.

While the pastures and meadows remain under a blanket of snow in December, you can still enjoy unparalleled views of the mountains, such as the Tattakutti Peak and Sunset Point from Yashmarg. The town also becomes a hotspot for snow sports like skiing and trekking in December. Besides that, the frozen streams, snowy pine forests and trails, and the overall peaceful ambiance surely make it a great place to be.

Location: Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Located in the Kargil district of the Ladakh region, Kargil is undoubtedly one of the best Places to Visit in Kashmir in December. Amongst the coldest parts of the country, Kargil has an unmatched beauty about itself, which is sure to mesmerize everyone who visits this small town.

In addition to the long spine-chilling history associated with it, Kargil also boasts of scintillating views of the Nun Mountains. Covered in thick layers of snow in December, Kargil offers a lot of activities that one can indulge in, including trekking to the Suru Valley, and exploring popular attractions here, such as the Mulbek Gompa, Shergol, Urgyen Dzong, Wakha Royal, and more.

Location: Kargil, ‎Jammu and Kashmir

Amongst the more offbeat and unexplored places that you can visit in Kashmir during December is the village of Poonch. Home to the 18th century Poonch Fort, as well as snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys and meadows, and phenomenal natural vistas, Poonch becomes a panoramic sight in December, when it experiences a lot of snowfall.

With the seven lakes of Girgan Dhok being partially frozen, and the snow covering most of the other places, one of the best things that you can do in this village during the month of December, besides trekking and sightseeing, is simply relaxing in your hotel or cottage and sipping on some freshly brewed tea.

Location: Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir

Of all the places to cisit in Kashmir in December, Nishat Garden probably remains one of the most popular. Considered to be amongst the largest Mughal Gardens located on the shores of the Dal Lake, this garden is also popularly known as the Garden of Bliss.

With the majestic Zabarwan Mountains acting as a backdrop, the garden dates back to the 17th century. It was designed by Asaf Khan, who was Noor Jahan’s brother and has 12 terraces, all of which are tucked amidst magnificent Chinar trees. You can also find a central water channel and several stunning fountains here. In the month of December, you can not only enjoy panoramic views of the partially frozen Dal Lake but also simply stroll along the paths, while watching the mountains.

Location: Srinagar, ‎Jammu and Kashmir

Aru Valley is another one of the best places to visit in Kashmir in December. Located around 12 kilometers from Pahalgam, the Aru Valley is surrounded by the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, and also serves as the base camp for numerous treks in the area, including the ones to the Tarsar Lake and Kolahoi Glacier.

Home to the Aru River, the entire valley gets covered in snow in the month of December, thereafter becoming a very beautiful sight to witness. Besides trekking, you can also enjoy other adventure activities in Aru Valley in December, such as hiking, horse riding, and more. The snow-covered meadows, frozen ice spots in the lakes and rivers, as well as the rolling mountainsides also make Aru Valley a great place to indulge in Heli skiing and skiing.

Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir

Dating back to 1632 AD, Chashma Shahi is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens in Kashmir. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan for his elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh, this garden, just like the others, offers picturesque views of the Dal Lake, along with the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

It also becomes a great place to enjoy picnics, especially during the cold winter month of December. On rare occasions, you can also see the terraced freshwater spring of the garden partially frozen during this month. Boasting the Iranian design and a more Persian style of architecture, the Chashma Shahi Garden also has verdant lawns, and rows of chinar trees, which add to its beauty.

Location: Srinagar, ‎Jammu and Kashmir

Amongst the top Places to Visit in Kashmir in December, Anantnag is home to lush gardens and freshwater springs. A beautiful blend of the comforts of a modern city, along with the serenity of a countryside town, Anantnag is sure to be a place where you can relax and enjoy the Kashmir winters.

This town is also the commercial and financial capital of Kashmir, in addition to being the place of confluence of the three streams of Brengi, Sandran, and Arapath. Besides stunning natural vistas, all covered in snow during December, you can also visit numerous temples and religious spots in Anantnag, such as the Martand Sun Temple, Ishmuqam Shrine, Kheer Bhawani Asthapan, and more.

Location: Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir