Kashmir Winter Photography: 10 Snow Spots and How to Shoot Them

Snow turns Kashmir into a monochrome masterpiece with splashes of colour: a yellow shikara, a red pheran, a blue houseboat. Here are our favourite winter spots, chosen with help from drivers who have stopped for a few thousand photographers.

10 winter spots

1. Dal Lake at dawn: mist, frost and silhouetted shikaras. See does Dal Lake freeze.
2. Boulevard Road promenade: snow-laden chinars and houseboats.
3. Old city bridges: snow on the rooftops along the Jhelum. See our old city walk.
4. Hari Parbat: views over a white Srinagar. See Hari Parbat.
5. St Mary's Church, Gulmarg: a classic winter frame.
6. Gulmarg meadow at blue hour: chalet lights and moonrise.
7. Gondola phase 1 and 2: peaks and skiers from above, weather permitting.
8. Pahalgam: the Lidder river running between snowy banks. See Pahalgam in winter.
9. Sonamarg: snowfields and peaks. See Sonamarg in winter.
10. Snowfall in the old city: people in pherans, steam from harissa shops (ask before photographing people).

Camera tips for snow

• Overexpose by about +1 stop so snow looks white, not grey.
• Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket; cold drains them fast.
• Put your camera in a bag before coming indoors to avoid condensation.
• Use a lens hood and wipe snowflakes off often.
• Ask permission before photographing people, especially women, and at shrines.
• Drones need permission and are restricted in many areas; check rules first.

Plan a photo trip

We can schedule early starts, blue-hour stops and a Gulmarg overnight for night shots. Ask through Get My Travel Plan, or see the Gulmarg in winter guide.