Gulmarg Travel Guide
Plan your visit to Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: the best time to go, how to reach, what to see, and practical, current tips from the Way to India Travel Desk.
When to visit Gulmarg, and the ski-or-meadow choice
Gulmarg is really two places: a ski resort from about December to March and an alpine meadow from about April to October. The single thing to decide first is which Gulmarg you want, and to know the gondola can close in bad weather.
- December to March: the ski seasonDeep snow turns Gulmarg into one of Asia's higher lift-served ski and snowboard resorts. Beautiful and cold, with the gondola the way up to the slopes. Roads and the gondola can be disrupted by heavy snow, so keep some flexibility in the plan.
- April to October: the green meadowThe snow melts to a rolling alpine meadow of wildflowers, with gentle walks, pony rides, the golf course and the gondola still running for the views and any remaining snow patches up top. The most comfortable months for families and older travellers.
- The gondola is weather-dependentWhichever season you come, the gondola closes for safety in heavy snow, rain, strong wind (reported above about 40 km per hour) or poor visibility, and Phase 2 to the top is the first to shut. Treat a clear-day ride to Apharwat as a bonus, not a certainty, and keep a spare half-day if you can.
Kashmir's main tourist circuits, including Gulmarg, are open and generally calm in 2026, with stepped-up security and tourist helplines after the 22 April 2025 attack near Pahalgam. The region reopened and is reported to be functioning normally for tourism, but several western governments still advise caution on Jammu and Kashmir, and conditions can change, so check your own government's current travel advisory before you book, travel with a registered operator, and keep to the well-known destinations. We keep an eye on the latest position for your dates.
How to reach Gulmarg
Everyone reaches Gulmarg by road from Srinagar, the only practical gateway, usually as part of a wider Kashmir circuit.
- By air to Srinagar, then roadSrinagar airport (SXR) is the only practical gateway, about 50 km from Gulmarg and roughly a 2 to 3 hour drive depending on conditions. There is no airport or railway at Gulmarg itself. From Srinagar a car with a local driver brings you up, and we arrange one.
- As part of a Kashmir circuitMost trips pair Gulmarg with Srinagar (the Dal Lake houseboats), Pahalgam and Sonmarg over several days. Gulmarg is usually a day trip or an overnight from a Srinagar base, with the gondola as the highlight.
- The new train reaches the valleyKashmir now has an all-weather rail link to the valley via Srinagar, which is more reliable than flying in poor winter weather. You still finish the journey to Gulmarg by road from Srinagar, about 2 to 3 hours.
Fly into Delhi, the main international gateway, then take a short domestic flight to Srinagar and drive about 2 to 3 hours to Gulmarg. There are no international flights to Kashmir.
Fly into Delhi and connect to Srinagar by air or the new rail link, then continue by road. Some seasonal direct flights to Srinagar run from the Gulf, so ask us what is operating for your dates.
Fly or take the new train to Srinagar, then it is about a 2 to 3 hour road journey up to Gulmarg, usually within a multi-day Kashmir tour.
The gondola, the meadow, and what you actually pay
Gulmarg is the gondola first and foremost, plus the alpine meadow, the golf course in summer and the slopes in winter. The gondola ticketing has moved online, so it is worth knowing the real prices.
- The Gulmarg gondola, in two phasesAmong the world's highest cable cars, often cited as the second highest and longest. Phase 1 from Gulmarg (about 2,650 m) up to Kongdoori is about 800 rupees, and Phase 2 from Kongdoori up to Apharwat (about 3,980 m) is about 1,000 rupees, so about 1,800 rupees round trip per adult on the regular ticket. Children under about 3 ride free.
- Book the gondola online, officiallyTickets are now sold mainly online through the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal (etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com), and they sell out. A smaller pool of same-day Tatkal tickets costs more (reported around 1,110 rupees for Phase 1 and around 1,310 for Phase 2). Book ahead online and avoid touts reselling at a markup. We can arrange the slots for you.
- The chairlift to Mary's ShoulderSeparate from the two gondola phases, a chairlift runs from Kongdoori up to Mary's Shoulder for about 300 rupees. It serves the beginner ski slopes and gives an easier viewpoint than the full Apharwat ascent.
- The meadow, the church and the golf courseAround the resort, the alpine meadow, the small St Mary's church and, in the warmer months, the high golf course (promoted as the world's highest green course, though that record is disputed, so take it as a claim) make a gentle few hours off the gondola.
At Gulmarg the sledge, pony and guide rates are negotiated and often pushed hard, with short sledge rides reported quoted as high as around 1,500 rupees. Agree the price and the distance clearly before you start, ideally through your driver or a registered provider, and you avoid the most common friction of a Gulmarg day.
The Gulmarg gondola and Apharwat, phase by phase
The gondola is the reason most people come, and the way up to the skiing and the high snow at Apharwat. Here is how the two phases work, what to expect at the top, and how to handle the altitude.
- Phase 1: Gulmarg to KongdooriThe first stage lifts you from the resort at about 2,650 m to Kongdoori, a bowl-shaped valley and the main hub for the slopes and the chairlift. About 800 rupees, and enough by itself for the views and the snow play if the weather or the altitude makes you cautious about going higher.
- Phase 2: Kongdoori to ApharwatThe second stage climbs on to Apharwat at about 3,980 m for the big snow, the long ski runs and the high Himalayan views. About 1,000 rupees on top of Phase 1. This is the first part to close in bad weather, so check that it is running before you bank on it.
- Mind the altitude at the topApharwat is high enough that some visitors feel breathless, headachy or light-headed. Go up slowly, do not over-exert in the thin air, drink water, and come back down if you feel unwell, especially older travellers and anyone with a heart or lung condition. The climbing is done by the gondola, which is what makes the high snow reachable for non-skiers.
- Skiing and snowboardingIn the December to March season, Gulmarg is a serious ski and snowboard resort, with beginner slopes around Kongdoori and the chairlift, and the longer, steeper runs off Apharwat for the experienced. Hire gear and an instructor through a registered operator, and respect the avalanche and weather guidance.
- What to carry upEven in summer it is cold and bright at the top, so carry a warm windproof layer, gloves, good sunglasses and sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for the snow. The light off the snow is fierce, and the temperature drops sharply from the meadow to Apharwat.
The gondola is closed for safety in heavy snow, rain, strong wind or poor visibility, and Phase 2 shuts first. Booked tickets for cancelled days are generally refunded, but the lost time is not, so build a flexible half-day or a spare day into a Gulmarg plan, and treat a clear ride to Apharwat as a bonus rather than a fixed item on the itinerary.
Signature experiences in Gulmarg
Beyond the gondola ride, these are the experiences people remember, and how to arrange them.
- The gondola to Apharwat for the high snowThe signature Gulmarg experience: ride the two phases up to Apharwat for the snow and the Himalayan views, even in summer. Book the slot online ahead, carry a warm layer, take the altitude gently, and agree any sledge or pony price first.
- Skiing or a beginner snow lessonIn winter, take a beginner lesson on the Kongdoori slopes or ski the longer Apharwat runs if you are experienced. Hire gear and an instructor through a registered operator, and follow the avalanche and weather guidance.
- A sledge or pony in the snowFor families and those who do not ski, a sledge ride or a pony in the snow is great fun. Agree the price and the distance before you start, as the rates are negotiated and quoted high to visitors.
- The summer meadow and the golf courseFrom spring to autumn, walk the wildflower meadow, visit the small St Mary's church, and play or simply see the high golf course. A gentle, scenic counterpoint to the gondola, lovely with a cup of kahwa.
- A day from a Srinagar baseMost visitors do Gulmarg as a day trip or an overnight from Srinagar, pairing it with the Dal Lake houseboats, Pahalgam and Sonmarg over a few days. We arrange the car, the driver and the gondola slots for the whole loop.
Mistakes to avoid in Gulmarg, and a word on safety
Gulmarg is wonderful but well-touristed, so a little awareness on the gondola, the rates, the altitude and the weather keeps the day smooth.
- Do not leave the gondola ticket to chanceRegular tickets are sold online through the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal and they sell out, so book ahead rather than turning up hoping for a ticket. Same-day Tatkal tickets are limited and dearer, and touts reselling at a markup are best avoided.
- Do not agree a sledge or pony ride without a priceSledge, pony and guide rates are negotiated and pushed hard, with short sledge rides reported quoted as high as around 1,500 rupees. Settle the price and the distance before you start, ideally through your driver or a registered provider.
- Do not ignore the altitude at ApharwatThe top of Phase 2 is about 3,980 m, high enough to cause breathlessness, headache or dizziness. Go up slowly, do not over-exert, and come back down if you feel unwell, especially if you are older or have a heart or lung condition.
- Do not assume the gondola will runIt closes for safety in heavy snow, rain, strong wind or poor visibility, and Phase 2 shuts first. Keep a flexible half-day or a spare day, and have a plan B (the meadow, the chairlift, the church) for a closed day.
- Check current advisories and follow local guidanceKashmir reopened and is reported to be functioning normally for tourism in 2026 with stepped-up security after the April 2025 attack near Pahalgam. Even so, check the current official government advisories close to your travel date, stay within established tourist zones, and follow any instructions from the tourist police and your operator.
Gulmarg for every kind of traveller
Gulmarg rewards very different visitors in different ways. Here is what it offers you, and the one tip that matters for each.
- Couples and honeymoonersA classic Kashmir honeymoon stop: the gondola to the snow, the meadow in summer, and the quiet of a high resort. Book the gondola ahead, carry warm layers, and let the day be unhurried for the views and the photos.
- Families with childrenThe gondola, the snow, the sledge and pony rides delight children. Agree the sledge and pony prices first, carry warm layers, mind the altitude at the top, and keep Phase 2 optional if the little ones tire.
- Senior travellersVery doable with care, because the gondola does the climbing. Take Phase 1 to Kongdoori for the snow and the views without exertion, go gently with the altitude if you continue to Apharwat, and keep the day relaxed with the walking kept short.
- Skiers and snowboardersIn the December to March season, Gulmarg is a serious resort with beginner slopes at Kongdoori and the chairlift and longer runs off Apharwat. Hire gear and an instructor through a registered operator and respect the avalanche and weather guidance.
- PhotographersThe Apharwat snow and the Himalayan views from the top, the wildflower meadow in summer, and the chairlift line are superb. Early light and a clear day give the cleanest shots, so book an early gondola slot.
- Non-skiers and the less mobileYou do not need to ski to enjoy Gulmarg. The gondola carries you to the high snow and the views, the meadow and church are gentle, and a sledge ride is fun without any walking. Just agree the rates first and mind the altitude.
Planning Gulmarg from abroad
Gulmarg is a highlight of the classic Kashmir loop and very doable from overseas, with the gondola working just as well for non-skiers. A little planning on the route, the booking and the current situation makes it smooth.
- Check official advisories before you bookKashmir reopened and is reported to be functioning normally for tourism in 2026 with stepped-up security after the April 2025 attack near Pahalgam, but as an overseas visitor check your own government's travel advice and the Indian official advisories close to your dates, stay within established tourist zones, and follow local guidance. A reputable operator helps you plan responsibly.
- Route via Delhi to Srinagar, then roadThere are no international flights to Kashmir. Fly into Delhi, connect to Srinagar by air or the new all-weather train, then drive about 2 to 3 hours up to Gulmarg, usually within a guided Kashmir circuit.
- Book the gondola online in advanceGondola tickets are sold mainly online through the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal and sell out, so book ahead rather than relying on same-day Tatkal tickets or touts. Phase 1 is about 800 rupees, Phase 2 about 1,000 rupees, so about 1,800 round trip per adult. We can arrange the slots.
- Gentle and senior-friendly with the gondolaFor parents and grandparents, the gondola does the climbing, so the high snow and views are reachable without a hard walk. Take Phase 1 for an easy day, go gently with the altitude if you continue to Apharwat, and carry warm layers even in summer.
Tour packages that visit Gulmarg
Every journey below is private, hand-crafted and fully customizable. Tell us your dates and we tailor the itinerary, the pace and the priests or guides around you.
6D / 7NKashmir Tour Packages from Mumbai
- Mughal Gardens
- Dal Lake
7D / 6NKashmir Tour Package from Ahmedabad
- Gulmarg
- Shikara Lake
10D / 9NKashmir Ladakh Tour Package
- Shikara Ride
- River Indus and River Zanskar
5D / 4NCharismatic Kashmir Tour
- Visit Sindh Valley
- Visit Pahalgam
8D / 7NKashmir Tour Package
- Visit Sheer Scenic Beauty of this Paradise on Earth
- Visit Pristine Waters of Dal Lake with Reflections of Houseboats
8D / 7NSrinagar To Leh Tour Package
- Visit Dal lake & Nigeen lake
- Visit Shalimar Bagh
7D / 6NKashmir Tour Package from Kolkata
- Visit Dal Lake Strawberry Valley Pony Riding Chandanwari