Pony ride in Kashmir, explained by locals: the official government rates for Gulmarg and Pahalgam, how the Sonamarg glacier ride works, waiting charges, and how to ride without being overcharged.
Planning Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonamarg?
Tell us your dates. We plan the days, hotels and cab so you reach each meadow early.
In This Article
Quick Answer: A pony ride in Kashmir runs on routes and rates fixed by the Tourism Department. In Gulmarg, a return ride to Khilanmarg is listed at ₹1,450. In Pahalgam, Betaab Valley is ₹1,850 return. Free riding costs ₹550 for the first hour. You pay the pony owner directly, and should agree the route first.
Last updated: 14 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
A pony ride in Kashmir is how most visitors reach the meadows, glaciers and viewpoints that cars cannot. Ponies work from fixed stands in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg and Doodhpathri. The handler walks beside the pony and leads it, so no riding experience is needed. This guide gives the official rates where the government has published them, and the rules that protect you.
At a Glance
Who sets the price: the Tourism Department's notified rate list
Who you pay: the pony owner, directly, in cash
Waiting: one hour is included on return rides, then ₹250 an hour
Free riding: ₹550 for the first hour, ₹400 for each hour after
Season: mainly April to October
Pony ride in Kashmir: official rates by place
These are the rates printed in the government lists, for one pony. They are revised each year from April, so check the board at the stand on your day.
| Route | Rate (one pony) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg market to Children's Park | ₹350 drop, ₹550 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Gulmarg market to Maharaja Palace and viewpoint | ₹350 drop, ₹550 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Gulmarg market to the Gondola | ₹200 drop | - |
| Gulmarg market to Khilanmarg | ₹1,450 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Gulmarg to Botapathri up to Ningli Nallah bridge | ₹2,000 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Pahalgam parking to Dabiyan Valley (7 km) | ₹1,500 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Pahalgam parking to Kani Mull valley (8 km) | ₹2,000 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Pahalgam parking to Betaab Valley (8 km) | ₹1,850 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Pahalgam parking to Old Shikargah (7 km) | ₹1,850 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Pahalgam parking to Daniwani valley (11 km) | ₹1,850 return | 1 hour waiting |
| Pahalgam to Tulian Lake (16 km) | ₹2,700 to and fro | ₹1,450 extra for an overnight stay |
| Free riding, Gulmarg or Pahalgam | ₹550 first hour, ₹400 each hour after | - |
Sources: the Gulmarg rates are from the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir, notification 06/DTK of 2025, for 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, the latest Gulmarg list we could find published. The Pahalgam rates are from the Pahalgam tourism services rate list issued in March 2026. Both are hosted by the government's J&K Cable Car Corporation. On return rides, waiting beyond the first hour is ₹250 an hour.
Gulmarg: Khilanmarg and the meadow points
Gulmarg's pony stand is in the market area, and most short rides go to the meadow points: Children's Park, the Maharaja Palace and the viewpoint. The longer ride climbs to Khilanmarg, a higher meadow about 3 km above the gondola base that takes about an hour on foot. The Gulmarg Development Authority allows only registered pony owners, one pony each, entering through set points, so ride only from the official stand.
Many families take the Gulmarg gondola first, then ride on the meadow later in the morning. See things to do in Gulmarg to plan the day.
Related reading: Sonamarg Weather Month by Month: Temperature, Snow and Rain
Pahalgam: Betaab Valley and the other valley rides
Pahalgam has the longest list of pony routes in Kashmir, all starting from the main parking. Baisaran is on the list at ₹1,500 return but has stayed closed to visitors since April 2025, so ask at the stand which points are open. Betaab Valley can also be reached by the local union taxi; compare both in our Aru, Betaab and Chandanwari guide.
The full-day ride, covering several valley points, is listed at ₹2,700. For the longest ride, read our Tulian Lake guide. Route by route details are on horse riding in Pahalgam.
Sonamarg: the ride to Thajiwas Glacier
In Sonamarg, almost every pony ride goes to Thajiwas Glacier, about 3 to 4 km above the main meadow. The pony takes 30 to 45 minutes each way; on foot it is 60 to 90 minutes. We could not find a published government list for Sonamarg, so read the board at the stand and agree the price, the return and the waiting time before you mount. Read our Thajiwas Glacier guide for what the walk is like.
Related reading: Gulmarg in January: Snow, Skiing and How to Plan the Trip
Yusmarg and Doodhpathri
In Yusmarg, ponies wait at the edge of the meadow for the ride to Sang-e-Safi, a smaller meadow about 3 km into the forest, about 45 minutes each way; see our Yusmarg guide. Doodhpathri also has ponies for rides along its streams. Neither has a published rate list we could find, so agree the price first.
Book for this trip
How to ride without being overcharged
- Ride only from the official stand. In Pahalgam and Gulmarg (near the TRC), the Tourism Department opened pre-paid pony counters in 2022; where one is open, use it.
- Agree the route, the return and the waiting time before you mount. Rates are for a named point, not a vague tour.
- Ask to see the rate board, and take a photo of it.
- Carry cash in small notes. Pay at the end, as agreed.
- Keep the handler leading the pony, especially for children, and walk any steep downhill you are not comfortable riding.
Via Kashmir does not book ponies or take a cut. They are paid on the spot to the pony owner, like the Pahalgam union taxi.
Planning the days around the rides
Reach each meadow early: queues and crowds build from late morning in summer. Ponies work mainly from April to October; in winter fewer routes run. Our drivers start early on Kashmir cabs, and Kashmir packages include the cab and hotels, with live prices; ponies stay outside every package. Stay near the meadows with verified Kashmir hotels, or in Srinagar on one of the Dal Lake houseboats. For older travellers, read our Kashmir trip with elderly parents guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a pony ride in Gulmarg?
The official list gives ₹1,450 return to Khilanmarg, ₹550 return to Children's Park or the Maharaja Palace, and ₹200 one way to the gondola. Free riding is ₹550 for the first hour.
How much is a pony ride in Pahalgam?
Return rides from the main parking are ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per point, such as ₹1,850 to Betaab Valley. A full day is ₹2,700.
What is the pony rate to Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg?
We could not find a published government rate for Sonamarg. Check the board at the stand and agree the return price and waiting time before you start.
Is the rate per person or per pony?
Per pony. Each rider needs their own pony, with its handler.
Can children ride ponies in Kashmir?
Yes, with the handler leading the pony at a walk. Many families keep rides short and stay on the flatter meadow points.
Does Via Kashmir book pony rides?
No. Ponies are paid directly to the pony owner at the stand. We plan the trip, hotels and cab around the days you want to ride.
Planning a trip to Kashmir? Via Kashmir offers custom itineraries, verified hotels, and local cab services, planned by people who live here.
Planning more than this? Get a full itemised Kashmir quote