Kashmir · Tourism Guide 2026
Gulmarg
Meadow of Flowers — Asia's premier ski resort and home of the world's second-highest gondola
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2,650 m
Altitude
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Dec–Feb (ski) / Apr–Jun
Best time
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52 km / ~2 hrs
From Srinagar
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No
Permit needed
About Gulmarg
Why visit Gulmarg?
Gulmarg is Kashmir\'s most photogenic hill station — a broad alpine meadow rimmed by pine forests and Himalayan peaks that turns into a full-blown ski resort every winter. At 2,650 m it is high enough to hold snow from December through early March, yet low enough that summer meadows erupt with wildflowers and grazing ponies.
The headline attraction is the Gulmarg Gondola, the world\'s second-highest operating cable car. Phase 1 climbs to Kongdoori (3,080 m); Phase 2 continues to Apharwat Peak (3,980 m), where the views stretch across the Pir Panjal and surrounding high ridgelines on clear days. In winter this is also Asia\'s highest lift-served skiing and snowboarding, drawing skiers from Europe, Japan and Australia.
Beyond the gondola, Gulmarg is a slower kind of place. The Strawberry Valley, Alpather Lake trek, and the 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Course (the highest green golf course in the world) fill summer days. Winter mornings begin with hot kehwa, mittens and a cable car queue.
Top things to do
Must-see places in Gulmarg
Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1 & 2)
Asia's highest cable car. Phase 1 to Kongdoori; Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak (3,980 m). Read the Gulmarg Gondola ticket and timing guide before booking.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Beginner slopes at Kongdoori with local instructors; advanced off-piste and bowl skiing from Apharwat. See the Gulmarg skiing and snowboarding guide for season, rental and safety details.
Khilanmarg Meadow
A 4-km uphill walk (or pony ride) from Gulmarg. Wildflower-filled meadow in summer, snowfield in winter, with Mt. Nanga Parbat visible on clear days.
Alpather Lake Trek
A 13-km day trek (one-way) to a glacier-fed alpine lake at the foot of Apharwat. Ice floes survive well into July. Strenuous but rewarding; start by 7 am.
Gulmarg Golf Course
The world's highest 18-hole green golf course (2,650 m). Clubs and carts available on rent from May to October. Worth a few holes even for non-golfers — the views are extraordinary.
Maharani Temple & St. Mary's Church
Two century-old landmarks on the hilltop above the main meadow — a small Shiva temple and a British-era church built in 1902. If you are driving from Srinagar, add Drung Waterfall near Tangmarg as a short side stop.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit Gulmarg
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Prime skiing and heavy snowfall. Book accommodation 6+ weeks ahead. Expect –10°C to 2°C.
Spring (Mar–Apr)
Receding snow, early blossoms. Gondola runs; ski season winds down mid-March.
Summer (May–Aug)
Green meadows, 15–22°C days. Perfect for golf, hiking and families with children.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Golden larches, crisp air, thin crowds. First snow typically late October.
Getting there
How to reach Gulmarg
From Srinagar: 52 km / ~2 hours by car along a scenic route through Tangmarg. Our ATARA drivers make the trip daily; private cabs cost around ₹2,500–3,500 return. Shared taxis also run from Batamaloo stand in Srinagar.
From Srinagar Airport (SXR): ~50 km, 2 hrs. ATARA airport-to-Gulmarg transfer is included in all Kashmir packages featuring a Gulmarg night.
Inside Gulmarg: Once at the meadow, walking and pony rides are the main modes. Vehicles are not permitted on the upper trails; the gondola base is a 10-minute walk from most hotels.
Tour packages
Gulmarg tour packages
Read before you go
Gulmarg travel guides
Frequently asked
Gulmarg — FAQ
One full day covers the gondola and Khilanmarg. For skiing, the Alpather trek or a relaxed break, plan 2 nights. Many travellers day-trip from Srinagar, but staying overnight lets you catch early-morning gondola rides before the queues build up.
Yes — arguably the best time for a first visit. Green meadows, 15–22°C weather, working golf course, and patches of snow still visible on Apharwat. Summer Gulmarg is also significantly cheaper than winter.
Gulmarg Gondola rates are revised periodically by JKCCC. Use the Gulmarg Gondola guide for planning figures, then verify the latest fare on the official portal before booking.
Yes. Kongdoori has gentle slopes and many certified local instructors. Group lessons run ₹1,500–2,500 per half-day with equipment included. Apharwat is for advanced skiers only.
In peak winter (Dec–Feb) and peak summer weekends — yes, book online a day ahead. ATARA packages include pre-booking as part of the service.
Thermals, insulated waterproof jacket, snow boots, gloves, beanie, sunglasses (snow glare is intense), sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm. Rental ski-wear is widely available at the base.
Plan your Gulmarg trip
Let ATARA DMC craft your Gulmarg itinerary
Speak to a local expert for the best hotels, transfers and sightseeing — customised to your dates and budget.
How to enquire: To request current seasonal pricing, hotel category options, vehicle availability or a formal itinerary quote for Gulmarg itinerary, use Request Callback, WhatsApp or the contact form. Share travel dates, traveller count, pickup city and preferred stay category so ATARA can respond with route-wise options.