Gulmarg Gondola Ride

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Location

Gulmarg

Duration

2 to 4 hours

From

₹810 / person

Difficulty

Very Easy

About this experience

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest-operating cable car systems in Asia, climbing from the alpine meadow of Gulmarg through pine forests and open snowfields to the high ridges of Mt. Apharwat. Built in two phases, it carries visitors from the resort base up to Kongdori and then further to the shoulder of Apharwat Peak, offering some of the most dramatic mountain views in the Pir Panjal range. Unlike a typical sightseeing ride, the Gondola is the gateway to Gulmarg's high-altitude terrain — the same cable car used by skiers and snowboarders to reach the world-class powder bowls of Phase 2, and by summer visitors to see snow patches even in the middle of the warm season.

Why Experience Gulmarg Gondola Ride

Riding the Gulmarg Gondola is the single most efficient way to go from a green alpine meadow to a genuinely high-altitude Himalayan ridge in under half an hour. Phase 1 lifts you from the Gulmarg base to Kongdori (8,530 ft), gliding over pine forests and gentle meadow slopes. Phase 2 continues from Kongdori to the shoulder of Mt. Apharwat (13,780 ft), where the tree line disappears and the cabin climbs over open, wind-scoured snowfields.

At the top, the air is thin and cold, the Pir Panjal peaks stretch out in every direction, and — depending on the season — you are either standing on genuine snow in the height of summer or looking out over one of the best ski descents in the country.

Activity Highlights

Phase 1 — Gulmarg to Kongdori

A scenic 4 km cable car ride over pine forests to the mid-station at Kongdori (8,530 ft), with sweeping views back over the Gulmarg meadow.

Phase 2 — Kongdori to Apharwat

The higher, more dramatic leg up to the shoulder of Mt. Apharwat (13,780 ft), crossing the tree line into open snowfields.

Panoramic Pir Panjal Views

From the Apharwat ridge, uninterrupted views of the Pir Panjal range on a clear day.

Summer Snow at the Top

Snow patches near Apharwat Peak persist well into summer.

Access to Ski & Snowboard Terrain

In winter, the same Gondola serves as the lift system for Gulmarg's renowned backcountry skiing on Phase 2.

Best Time

December to March (Winter): the classic Gondola season — snow-covered slopes at both stations.

April to June (Spring/Early Summer): green meadows at the base with lingering snow near the top.

Morning rides (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM): generally the clearest visibility.

Difficulty Level

Very Easy

Pricing Guide

Gondola tickets are issued and regulated by the official J&K Cable Car Corporation and must be purchased for each phase separately.

What is Included

Return cable car ride for the phase(s) booked
Access to the mid-station (Kongdori) and/or summit station (Apharwat) viewing areas

What is NOT Included

Transport from Srinagar or your hotel to the Gulmarg base station
Winter gear rental at Tangmarg or Gulmarg
Food and refreshments at the mid-station cafes

Phase 2 tickets are limited per day — book online in advance, especially during peak winter and summer weeks.

Safety Tips

Book Phase 2 tickets online in advance — daily slots are limited.
Dress for sub-zero wind chill at the top even on a warm day at the base.
Operations can pause temporarily during high winds or poor visibility — build a buffer into your day.
Acclimatize before Phase 2 if you arrived in Kashmir very recently — 13,780 ft can cause breathlessness for some.
Keep young children close at both stations — platforms are elevated and can be crowded.

What to Carry

Heavy winter jacket or windproof layer (even in summer)
Gloves and a warm cap
Sunglasses or snow goggles
Sunscreen for high-altitude UV exposure
Valid photo ID

✦ Tour can be customized as per requirements

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Where to Experience This

₹2,000

per person

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