The Gondola Ride in Gulmarg is a two-phase cable car that lifts you from the Gulmarg meadow to Kongdori and then on to the shoulder of Apharwat mountain. Phase one climbs to Kongdori; phase two carries on to the snow line on Apharwat, high above the treeline. It is the single most booked activity in Kashmir, and in winter it is also the ski lift.
Duke Kashmir Travels is a Srinagar travel agency, registered with the J&K Department of Tourism as JKTA00003978 since 2011. We plan the Gulmarg day around the gondola queue rather than against it; Kashmir packages start near ₹6,350 per person, two sharing a room.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Two phases: Gulmarg to Kongdori, then Kongdori to the Apharwat shoulder.
- Phase two ends near the snow line, so warm clothing is needed even in summer.
- Tickets are sold by the J&K Cable Car Corporation and are not included in package rates.
- Queues are longest between 10am and 1pm in peak season; go early.
- Weather or wind closes phase two more often than phase one.
- In winter the same lift serves skiers on Apharwat.
What are the two phases?
Phase one lifts you from the Gulmarg meadow to Kongdori. Phase two continues from Kongdori to the shoulder of Apharwat, well above the treeline.
Most visitors ride both. If time or weather is short, phase one alone still gives the meadow, the pine forest and a view back across the valley; phase two is the one that puts you in snow at any time of year.
How do tickets work?
They are issued by the J&K Cable Car Corporation at Gulmarg, priced separately for each phase, and they are not part of any package price.
Book as early in the day as you can, and treat phase two as conditional: high wind or poor visibility closes it, sometimes at short notice. Ponies and sledges around the base station are also charged locally, agreed on the spot.
What should you wear and carry?
Warm layers, gloves, sunglasses and covered shoes, even in June. The top station sits in snow for most of the year.
Boots, coats and gloves can be hired near the base if you have not brought your own. Altitude is felt by some visitors at the upper station, so climb slowly and give yourself a moment before walking about.
When is the best time to ride?
December to March for snow and skiing, April to October for green meadows below and snow above. Early morning in any season.
Peak-season queues build sharply from mid-morning. Our drivers leave Srinagar early so guests reach the counter before the coaches arrive. See Kashmir tour ideas for Gulmarg day plans.
Booking this with us
The agency behind this guide, Duke Kashmir Travels, was registered with the J&K Department of Tourism in March 2011 (JKTA00003978) and joined IATO in 2016. More on the paperwork is on our About Us page.
Tell us when you are travelling and how many of you there are, and a costed itinerary follows. Reach us on +91 9018 44 0000, at info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or through the contact page.
About the founder
The agency was started in Srinagar in 2011 by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, who owns it to this day, helped found the JK Tourism Council, and reads every destination guide before it goes up. His LinkedIn profile is here.