Gulmarg Travel Guide – Gondola, Skiing & the MeadowDuke Kashmir Travels
Gulmarg is a ski resort and alpine meadow in the Pir Panjal range of Kashmir, India. It lies 50 km west of Srinagar at 2,650 m (8,700 ft), and it is home to the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world.
Almost everyone comes for two things: the Gondola and the snow. Beyond those, the meadow holds a 18-hole golf course, the shrine of Baba Reshi, and walking routes towards Alpather Lake and Khilanmarg.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Distance: 50 km from Srinagar, about 1.5 hours by road.
- Altitude: 2,650 m (8,700 ft) at the meadow; the Gondola climbs to 3,050 m (10,000 ft) and then 3,980 m (13,060 ft).
- Best time: December to March for snow and skiing; May to September for the meadow, golf and walks.
- Time needed: a full day trip from Srinagar, or one night to ski two days.
- Book ahead: Gondola tickets sell out in the snow weeks and in the May-June holidays.
What is Gulmarg known for?
Skiing in winter and the Gondola all year. Gulmarg has the longest ski season in India, with runs from Kongdoori and off-piste descents from Apharwat that draw skiers from across the world. In summer the same slopes are meadow, and the resort turns to golf, pony rides and walking.
The 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Course is among the highest green courses anywhere, playable from April to October. The wooden shrine of Baba Reshi sits below the meadow on the Tangmarg road, and Alpather Lake, frozen until June, is a walk or pony ride beyond Apharwat.
How does the Gulmarg Gondola work?
It runs in two phases, ticketed separately. Phase 1 climbs from the meadow to Kongdoori at about 3,050 m (10,000 ft). Phase 2 continues to Apharwat at about 3,980 m (13,060 ft), where the snow lasts longest. A separate chair lift runs from Kongdoori.
Book online in advance through the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, the official operator. Counter tickets on the day frequently sell out in peak weeks, and Phase 2 closes at short notice in high wind or poor visibility. Refunds and rescheduling are handled by the corporation, not by us, and Gondola tickets are not included in package prices.
When is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
January and February for deep snow, June for the meadow in flower.
Gulmarg through the year.| Season | Months | What it is like |
|---|
| Ski season | December – March | Heavy snow, both Gondola phases running, ski schools and equipment hire open |
| Spring | April – May | Snow retreating to Apharwat, meadow greening, fewer crowds |
| Summer | June – August | Wildflowers, golf, pony rides to Khilanmarg, coolest escape from the valley heat |
| Autumn | September – November | Clear air, gold larch and chinar on the drive up, quietest months |
How do you get to Gulmarg from Srinagar?
One road, 50 km, about 90 minutes through Tangmarg. The drive climbs steadily after Tangmarg with switchbacks through pine forest, and in heavy snow the last stretch may need chains or a transfer at Tangmarg.
Your vehicle from Srinagar stays with you for the day and parks at the main stand. Gulmarg itself is walked or taken by Gondola, so there is little local transport to arrange, but ponies and sledges are run by their own union at rates agreed on the spot. The Kashmir travel guide explains how that works across the hill stations.
What else is nearby?
Drang, Tangmarg and the Ferozepur nallah, all within half an hour. Drang, 3 km off the Tangmarg road, is a trout stream and picnic spot most visitors drive past. Further out, Srinagar is 50 km back, and Sonmarg and Pahalgam are the other two hill stations on a standard Kashmir itinerary.
Book Gulmarg with Duke Kashmir Travels
We are a J&K Tourism-registered agency (JKTA00003978) running our own vehicles and drivers in Kashmir since 2011. Gulmarg appears in most of our itineraries as a day trip from Srinagar or a one-night stay for skiers. Ready-made trips are on the Kashmir tour ideas page; send us your dates and we will build one around them.
Insider tip from our local team
Buy Gondola Phase 1 and Phase 2 as separate online tickets for the earliest slot of the day. Wind closes Phase 2 more often in the afternoon than the morning, and if the upper stage is shut you have still used your Phase 1 slot rather than queued twice. Carry gloves even in June — there is snow at Apharwat long after the meadow is green.