If you have ever watched snow fall silently over Kashmir, you know it does something to your sense of scale. Mountains feel closer. Time slows. Sounds soften. Driving from Srinagar to Gulmarg in January is not just a road trip, it is an emotional experience. And it also raises one very practical, slightly nerve-wracking question.
Do you really need snow chains?
I asked the same thing before my first winter drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg. Locals gave mixed answers. Taxi drivers shrugged. Online forums were dramatic and contradictory. Some said chains were mandatory, others said they never used them once. I reached srinagar by train and you know what, now flights also started from major providers like Air India, which I covered in another blog.
After doing this drive in peak winter conditions, talking to drivers, and watching several cars get stuck within the last few kilometers, here is the honest, no-drama answer.
Sometimes yes. Sometimes absolutely not. And sometimes, even snow chains will not save you. Let me explain.
Quick Answer: Do You Need Snow Chains for Srinagar to Gulmarg in January?
Yes, you should carry snow chains if you are driving yourself in January 2026, but you will not always need to install them.
Snow chains become essential if:
- There is fresh snowfall within 24 to 48 hours
- The final stretch from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is icy or slushy
- You are driving a 2WD car without winter tires
Snow chains are usually not needed if:
- Roads have been recently cleared
- You are driving an AWD or 4×4 vehicle
- Conditions are dry, compacted snow only
The mistake most people make is thinking this is a black-and-white answer. In Kashmir winter, conditions change hour by hour.
The Srinagar to Gulmarg Drive in Winter: What It’s Really Like?
The distance from Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50 kilometers, and on paper, it looks easy. In summer, it takes around 1.5 hours. In January, you should mentally prepare for 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on weather.
The drive breaks into three emotional phases.
Srinagar to Tangmarg: Deceptively Easy
Leaving Srinagar in January feels calm. Roads are usually clear, especially early morning. Traffic moves slowly but steadily. You might even start questioning why you worried so much.
This is where false confidence builds.
Snow here is often wet and manageable. Even small hatchbacks move without trouble. This is also where many travelers decide snow chains are unnecessary and leave them unused in the trunk.
Do not make that decision yet.
Tangmarg to Gulmarg: The Real Test Begins
From Tangmarg onward, everything changes.
The road narrows. Pine forests close in. Sunlight becomes inconsistent. Snow lingers longer in shaded bends. And if there has been fresh snowfall, this is where vehicles start struggling.
This stretch is where:
- Cars slide while braking
- Tires spin on icy curves
- Drivers stop suddenly to fit chains
- Police checkpoints check road clearance
I have personally watched at least four cars abandon the drive here on one January afternoon.
This last 10 kilometer stretch is exactly why snow chains matter.
January Weather in Gulmarg
January is peak winter in Gulmarg. Expect:
- Daytime Gulmarg temperature stay between -5°C to 2°C
- Night temperatures dropping to -10°C or lower
- Frequent snowfall
- Black ice forming overnight even after clear days
A road that looks fine at 11 am can become dangerously slick by 3 pm when shadows return and temperatures dip.
Snow chains are not about snow alone. They are about ice, which is far more dangerous.
Snow Chains vs 4×4 vs Local Taxis
Let’s clear a few myths.
“I Have a 4×4, So I Don’t Need Snow Chains”
Not entirely true.
A 4×4 helps you move forward. It does not help you stop. On black ice, even SUVs slide like toys. Many local drivers with 4x4s still carry chains and use them when needed.
“Local Taxi Drivers Don’t Use Chains”
Some do. Some do not. The difference is experience.
Local drivers know:
- Which bends freeze first
- When to slow down without braking
- How to feel grip through the steering wheel
As a visitor driving yourself, you do not have that muscle memory. Snow chains are your backup plan.
The “Taxi Union” Issue
Even if you have chains, the local taxi union in Tangmarg often stops private cars (especially non-JK plates) and forces them to hire a local “chained taxi.
Important Warning: If you are driving a private car (especially from outside J&K), the Tangmarg Taxi Union may stop you and insist you hire their local cab for the final 13km. Be prepared to negotiate or show your chains confidently.
“Chains Will Damage My Car”
Only if installed incorrectly or driven on dry roads for long distances. On snow or ice, chains protect your tires and improve control.
Are Snow Chains Mandatory by Law?
As of recent winters, snow chains are not legally mandatory at all times, but police checkpoints may:
- Stop vehicles during heavy snowfall
- Ask if you have chains
- Turn back vehicles deemed unsafe
In extreme conditions, authorities may temporarily restrict private vehicles beyond Tangmarg.
Having chains avoids arguments and delays. Even if you never use them, carrying them gives peace of mind.
The Biggest Mistake People Make
Waiting until the car is already stuck to install chains.
Installing chains in snowfall, on a slope, with cold fingers and traffic waiting behind you is stressful. I learned this the hard way.
If the road looks questionable, stop early, preferably on a flat stretch, and install chains calmly. You can always remove them later.
Renting a Car vs Hiring a Local Driver in January
If you are debating between self-driving and hiring a taxi, here is the honest breakdown.
Self-Driving Pros
- Flexibility to stop anywhere
- Lower cost if traveling with family
- More independence
Self-Driving Cons
- Stress in snow conditions
- Responsibility if road closes
- Risk of getting stuck
Hiring a Local Taxi Pros
- Drivers know winter roads instinctively
- Many vehicles are already winter-prepped
- Less mental load
Hiring a Taxi Cons
- Less freedom
- Higher peak-season rates
If you are not confident driving on snow or ice, hire a local driver. Gulmarg in January is not the place to test winter driving skills.
What Kind of Snow Chains Should You Carry?
For January 2026, carry:
- Metal ladder-style chains for maximum grip
- Chains that fit your exact tire size
- A pair, not just one
Avoid cheap plastic alternatives. They fail quickly in Gulmarg conditions.
Also pack:
- Waterproof gloves
- A small torch or headlamp
- A mat or cloth to kneel on
These small things make a big difference when installing chains in snow.
When You Absolutely Should Not Drive Yourself
Even with snow chains, there are days when driving makes no sense.
Do not self-drive if:
- Heavy snowfall is ongoing
- Visibility is near zero
- Authorities advise against travel
- You are unfamiliar with mountain driving
Gulmarg will still be there tomorrow. Kashmir winters reward patience.
My Personal Take After Doing This Drive
Driving to Gulmarg in January is unforgettable. The silence of snow-covered forests, the crunch beneath tires, the way the world feels smaller and more intimate, it stays with you.
But winter here does not care about your itinerary.
Snow chains are not about bravado or fear. They are about respecting the mountain.
Carry them. Know how to use them. Hope you do not need them. That is the right mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can small cars drive to Gulmarg in January?
Yes, if roads are clear and chains are available. Many do.
Is Tangmarg always open in winter?
Usually yes, but closures happen during heavy snowfall.
Can I buy snow chains in Srinagar?
Yes, but quality varies. Buy in advance if possible.
Are winter tires better than chains?
Winter tires help but do not replace chains in deep snow or ice.
My Final Advice
If you are driving from Srinagar to Gulmarg in January 2026, carry snow chains even if you hope not to use them. Conditions change fast, and the final stretch can surprise even confident drivers. Respect the weather, plan extra time, and choose safety over speed. Gulmarg is at its most magical when you arrive calmly, not stressed.