Gulmarg Gondola in July 2026: Phase 1, Phase 2, and What You Actually Need to Know

The Gulmarg Gondola is the most-searched activity in the Kashmir valley in July. It is also the one most people approach without enough specific information -- they arrive at 10am, find Phase 2 sold out, and spend the rest of the day at Kongdori wondering what the summit looks like. The practical information below is based on how the gondola actually runs in peak summer.

At a Glance: Gulmarg Gondola July 2026

Is the Gulmarg Gondola Worth It in July?

Yes, and specifically Phase 2. Phase 1 lifts you from Gulmarg meadow level (2,650m) to the first mountain ridge above town. The view opening as you rise -- the flat green oval of the golf course, the Strawberry Valley tree line, and then the Kashmir valley floor appearing below the Pir Panjal ridge -- is the clearest panoramic view of Gulmarg's actual position in the landscape. At Kongdori the Khilanmarg meadow walk starts: a 2km path to an open plateau at 3,200-3,400m at peak wildflower condition in July. Phase 1 and the meadow walk together are worth the day even without Phase 2.

Phase 2 from Kongdori to Apharwat is a different experience. The ride climbs past the snowline -- in July there are still substantial snowfields on the north-facing slopes below Apharwat -- and arrives at a bare, rocky summit plateau at 3,979m with views across to the Himalayan peaks on the Pakistan border. The July sky from Apharwat summit is clear and specific in a way that the lower gondola station does not prepare you for. The summit at Apharwat is cold and exposed; a jacket is essential even on the hottest July day below.

How to Beat the Gulmarg Phase 2 Queue in July

• ✓Arrive in Gulmarg from Srinagar by 8am. The drive is 55km and takes 1.5 hours; departing Srinagar by 6:30am is the right timing. Via Kashmir cab bookings at viakashmir.in/cabs cover the Srinagar-Gulmarg route with drivers who know the July timing.
• ✓Go directly to the cable car booking office on arrival, not to a tea stall or the Gulmarg market. The Phase 2 counter opens around 8:30am and the daily quota starts moving immediately.
• ✓Buy Phase 1 and Phase 2 tickets together at the base. Some visitors buy only Phase 1 at the base and try to upgrade at Kongdori; the Kongdori counter also has limited Phase 2 availability and often runs out first on busy days.
• ✓If Phase 2 is sold out by the time you arrive, the Khilanmarg meadow walk from Kongdori is its own worthwhile morning. The meadow in July at peak wildflower season is not a consolation prize -- it is a different and quieter experience than the summit.

What the Gulmarg Gondola Looks Like Phase by Phase

Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdori

The gondola cabin seats 8 and the ride takes approximately 10 minutes. The view opening as you rise above the Gulmarg meadow is the clearest panoramic view of the valley's geography -- the flat green oval of the golf course, the Strawberry Valley tree line, the Kashmir valley floor below the Pir Panjal ridge, and the snow-capped peaks forming the Pakistan border range across the horizon. In July the meadow is at peak green and snow has cleared to the permanent snowfields above 4,000m. The summer grazing: Gujjar and Bakarwal families with their buffalo herds are visible in the lower pastures from the gondola window.

Phase 2: Kongdori to Apharwat

The Phase 2 ride takes approximately 12 minutes. The cable rises above the summer pastures and into the permanent snowfield zone. By the time the cabin reaches Apharwat at 3,979m, the Kashmir valley floor is no longer visible -- just peaks, snow, and the far Himalayan range. The summit platform has tea stalls and food sellers. The snow near the Phase 2 station is hard-packed; in July the snowfields on the north-facing slopes below are still significant and accessible on foot from the platform. Gloves and a windproof outer layer are the practical requirement at 3,979m in July.

Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 vs Khilanmarg Walk: Two Different Experiences

Via Kashmir is the local platform most travellers use for Gulmarg arrangements -- viakashmir.in/packages includes Gulmarg-specific itineraries with gondola and meadow options, and viakashmir.in/cabs covers Srinagar-to-Gulmarg bookings with drivers who know the July road timing.

Is a Gulmarg Overnight Worth It in July?

Gulmarg in July is typically done as a day trip from Srinagar. The overnight version changes the experience: an early morning walk on the main meadow before the day-visitor crowd arrives (from 9am when the cable cars start) gives 2 hours of quiet that the day-trip schedule cannot provide. The Gulmarg meadow at 7am -- the dew on the grass, the Golf Club course empty, the sound of the Ferozpore Nullah stream below the treeline -- is not the same place as the same meadow at 11am with the gondola queue visible from the road. Via Kashmir's hotel listings at viakashmir.in/hotels include Gulmarg properties near the gondola base and the main meadow. Advance booking 2-3 weeks ahead is advisable for July.

Frequently Asked Questions: Gulmarg Gondola July 2026

Is the Gulmarg Gondola open in July 2026?

Yes. The Gulmarg Gondola operates both Phase 1 and Phase 2 in July 2026. July is peak season; the gondola runs daily weather permitting. Occasional closures due to high wind or maintenance do happen -- the J&K Cable Car Corporation posts operational status. Via Kashmir's team can confirm gondola availability for specific travel dates at viakashmir.in/enquire/general.

How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at the cable car booking office in Gulmarg (a short walk from the main market) or online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation website. Online booking is recommended in July to avoid the counter queue. Phase 2 tickets specifically have a daily cap; buying online in advance secures the slot. Via Kashmir's Gulmarg packages at viakashmir.in/packages include gondola ticket logistics for guests.

How cold is it at Phase 2 in July?

At the Apharwat summit (3,979m), July temperatures run 8-14 degrees C in clear weather and drop below 5 degrees C in cloud or in the afternoon shade. A fleece jacket and a windproof outer layer are essential regardless of the temperature in Gulmarg town below. At Kongdori (3,099m) a light jacket is usually sufficient; by Apharwat the temperature difference from the base is significant and the wind chill on the gondola ride is real.

Is there snow at Gulmarg in July?

Yes. At Kongdori (Phase 1 terminus, 3,099m), snow has typically cleared from the immediate station area by July but patches remain on north-facing slopes. At Apharwat (Phase 2 terminus, 3,979m), there are significant snowfields visible from the station and accessible on foot from the summit platform. The snow at Apharwat in July is hard-packed permanent seasonal snow, not winter powder.

How long does the full Gulmarg Gondola experience take?

Allowing for queue time, both gondola rides, time at Apharwat, the return Phase 2 descent, and the Khilanmarg meadow walk from Kongdori, the full experience takes 4-5 hours. Departing Gulmarg by 1:30pm allows a 3:30pm return to Srinagar and a full evening. Day trips from Srinagar that include the full gondola circuit comfortably fit in a Gulmarg arrival by 8:30am and departure by 2pm.

Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel -- written by locals, not agencies.

Kashmir Pulse Editorial

Travel Writer

Writing about Kashmir from the inside - hotels, culture, seasonal travel, and the stories that don't make it into guidebooks.