Fresh snow fell on Gulmarg's Apharwat ridge on the night of 6 October 2026, after a first dusting on 23 September. The meadow town is still green. Here is where the snow actually is, how to reach it by Gondola, whether the town will turn white this month, and how to time an October snow trip.
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Quick Answer: Gulmarg's upper reaches got fresh snow on the night of Tuesday 6 October 2026, in the Afarwat (Apharwat) belt reached by Gondola Phase 2 at about 3,980 m, after the season's first dusting on 23 September. Gulmarg town (2,650 m) is still snow-free: on 9 October it was 13°C and clear. Forecast models show the next snow on Apharwat around 13 October. In seven of the last ten years the town had its first snow in October, so a white meadow later this month is likely but not guaranteed. For today's numbers, see our live Gulmarg snowfall page.
Every October the same question floods our WhatsApp: has it snowed in Gulmarg yet? This year the answer is yes, but with a catch that matters for your plans. The snow is on the mountain, not in the meadow. This post sets out what actually fell, where you can stand in it, and how to time an October or November trip around it.
What fell, and where
- ✓23 September 2026: The first dusting of the season landed on the upper reaches of Gulmarg, including Affarwat peak, on the afternoon of 23 September. Gulmarg recorded 3.4 mm of precipitation that day, with a high of 21.2°C and a low of 7.5°C (IMD figures reported by The Kashmir Images).
- ✓Night of 6 October 2026: A fresh western disturbance brought snow to the higher reaches of Kashmir, including the Afarwat-Gulmarg belt and the area towards Zojila, while lower areas had rain and drizzle and Rajouri saw a heavy hailstorm (KNT, 8 October).
- ✓9 October 2026: Clear skies over Gulmarg town, 13°C at 10 am, no snow on the meadow. Apharwat stays below freezing at night, so the fresh snow up top is holding.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar advised farmers to store harvested apple and paddy between 8 and 10 October because of unsettled weather. That is the pattern of an autumn in which the season is turning: short wet spells in the valley, each one leaving the peaks a little whiter.
Can you see snow in Gulmarg this week?
Yes, if you ride up to it. The Gulmarg Gondola runs in two stages: Phase 1 from the meadow to Kongdori at about 3,080 m, and Phase 2 from Kongdori to Apharwat at about 3,980 m. In early October the fresh snow is on Apharwat, so a Phase 1 ticket alone usually shows you snow from a distance, while Phase 2 puts you in it.
| Stage | Altitude | Snow in early October? | Sightseeing fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg town (meadow) | 2,650 m | No, still green or golden | Free |
| Phase 1: Kongdori | about 3,080 m | Light, only after bigger spells | About ₹800 per person |
| Phase 2: Apharwat | about 3,980 m | Yes, fresh snow from 6 October | About ₹1,000 per person |
Fares are the J&K Cable Car Corporation's published sightseeing rates as listed on our Gondola ticket guide; they are revised periodically, so confirm at the counter. Phase 2 is the first stage to pause in high wind or a storm, which is exactly the weather that brings fresh snow.
- ✓Go early. Take the first Phase 1 slot you can. Queues build after Srinagar day-trippers arrive around late morning.
- ✓Ride the morning after a wet day. When Srinagar has cloud and rain, Apharwat is usually getting snow. The clear morning after is the best window.
- ✓Dress for minus temperatures. Apharwat runs about 10 to 12°C colder than the town and drops below freezing at night. A warm jacket, gloves and proper shoes, not trainers.
- ✓Keep a buffer day. If Phase 2 is paused, a second Gulmarg morning saves the trip.
Related reading: Sonamarg in Winter 2026-27: The New Tunnel Changes Everything
Will Gulmarg town get snow in October 2026?
Probably, but not on a fixed date. In a ten-year model record (Open-Meteo's ERA5 archive for Gulmarg town, 2016 to 2025), the first day with at least 1 cm of snow fell in October in seven of ten years:
| Season | First snow in Gulmarg town |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 October |
| 2024 | 16 November |
| 2023 | 16 October |
| 2022 | 20 October |
| 2021 | 23 October |
| 2020 | 25 October |
| 2019 | 19 October |
| 2018 | 9 October |
| 2017 | 14 November |
| 2016 | 10 December |
Most first snows in the town land between mid and late October. As of 9 October 2026, the 16-day forecast shows snow on Apharwat around 13 October but rain rather than snow in the town. Forecasts more than five to seven days out shift often in the mountains, so our live Gulmarg snowfall page updates the outlook every 30 minutes.
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What the early snow means for travellers
Early snow on Apharwat changes the shape of the season. Travellers who want to see snow no longer have to wait for December prices and crowds. October gives you autumn colour in the meadow, snow on the ridge above, mild days around 13°C in town, and lower hotel rates than peak winter.
Last year (2025) the first snow on Gulmarg's upper reaches arrived in early October and was widely reported as a lift for Kashmir tourism after a difficult season. We see the same pattern every year on our own desk: enquiries for Gulmarg jump within a day of the first snow photos from Phase 2 appearing online. If you are planning late October or November, book your Gulmarg night early; the village has a limited number of rooms and the first-snow weekends fill fast.
Planning an October or November snow trip? We match your dates to the forecast, book Gondola-friendly Gulmarg stays and keep a buffer day in the plan.
Plan My Gulmarg Trip →How to plan an October snow trip to Gulmarg
- ✓Stay a night in Gulmarg rather than doing a day trip from Srinagar. You get the first Gondola slot, the evening light on the snowline, and a second chance if Phase 2 is paused. See Gulmarg hotels.
- ✓Put Gulmarg in the middle of your trip, not the first day, so you can shift it a day either way around the weather.
- ✓Pair it with Srinagar's autumn, when the chinars turn red and gold in late October and early November.
- ✓Watch the forecast 48 hours out, then commit to your Gulmarg day.
Our Gulmarg tour packages include Gondola planning and heated stays, and the Kashmir winter packages start at ₹10,705 per person for 4 nights. For a deeper look at the month itself, read our Gulmarg in October 2026 guide; for the coming ski season, see Gulmarg skiing 2026-27.
Frequently asked questions
When was the last snowfall in Gulmarg? The most recent fresh snowfall fell on the night of Tuesday 6 October 2026 on the Apharwat belt above Gulmarg. The meadow town had not had settled snow as of 9 October.
Is there snow in Gulmarg right now? There is snow on Apharwat, reached by Gondola Phase 2, but not in Gulmarg town. Our live Gulmarg snowfall page shows current conditions for both, refreshed every 30 minutes.
When does Gulmarg get its first snowfall? The Apharwat ridge usually turns white from late September or early October. Gulmarg town typically gets its first snow between mid-October and mid-November; in seven of the last ten years it was in October.
Is October a good time to visit Gulmarg for snow? Yes, if you are happy to find the snow by Gondola. October offers snow on Apharwat, autumn colour in the meadow, mild days and lower prices. For deep snow everywhere and skiing, come from late December to March.
Does Gulmarg Phase 2 run in October? Phase 2 operates in October subject to weather; it pauses in high wind or storms. Ride early in the day and keep a spare morning in your plan.
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