What to do in Gulmarg in summer and winter: the two gondola phases and what each one is for, Khilanmarg and Alpather walks, golf at 2,650 m, St Mary's Church, ATV and zorbing, skiing from December, with fares, altitudes and timings.
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In This Article
Quick Answer: The top thing to do in Gulmarg is the gondola: Phase 1 to Kongdori (about 3,080 m) suits everyone, Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,980 m) is for snow views and skiers and depends on weather. In summer add the Khilanmarg walk, a round of golf, St Mary's Church and ATV or pony rides on the meadow. From December to March Gulmarg is India's main ski resort, with ski lessons, sledging and snowmobiles. A day trip from Srinagar works; a night lets you ride the gondola before the queues.
Gulmarg is a high meadow ringed by pine forest about 50 km from Srinagar, at around 2,650 m. Most visitors come for one thing, the gondola, and leave by 4 pm. Stay a night and the place changes: early gondola rides with no queue, an empty meadow at dusk, and a night sky without city light. Here is everything worth doing, sorted by season, with the altitudes and fares that matter for planning.
For hotels, getting there and the town layout, see our Gulmarg travel guide. For today's snow, see our live Gulmarg snowfall page.
Gulmarg at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Meadow about 2,650 m; Kongdori about 3,080 m; Apharwat top station about 3,980 m |
| From Srinagar | About 50 km, 1.5 hours; from ₹2,400 one way by sedan on our fare guide, plus 5% GST |
| Time needed | One long day; two days if you want both gondola phases and a walk |
| Summer season | May to October: meadows, flowers, golf, walks |
| Snow season | Late December to March: skiing, sledging, snowmobiles |
The gondola: what each phase is for
1. Phase 1 to Kongdori
A short cabin ride from the base station to Kongdori at about 3,080 m, over the forest. At the top there is a meadow in summer and the beginner and intermediate ski slopes in winter, with pony rides and sledging. It is the phase most families, children and older travellers enjoy. Fares were about ₹800 for Phase 1 in 2025-26.
2. Phase 2 to Apharwat
From Kongdori the second cabin climbs to the Apharwat top station at about 3,980 m. In summer there is snow even in June and views towards the Line of Control and, on clear days, Nanga Parbat. In winter it carries skiers to the high off-piste runs. It closes in high wind or poor visibility, so keep it flexible. Fares were about ₹1,000 for Phase 2. At this height the air is thin and cold: walk slowly, keep children warm, and skip it if anyone has a heart or breathing condition.
3. How to avoid the gondola queue
Tickets are sold online through the official cable car corporation portal and sell out in peak weeks. Book a few days ahead, be at the base station before 9 am, and if you are on a day trip, leave Srinagar by 7 am. Our Gulmarg gondola ticket guide explains the phases, timings and booking in detail.
4. The Kongdori chairlift
In winter a chairlift runs from Kongdori towards Mary's Shoulder, mostly for skiers, though non-skiers can ride it for the view. It runs only in the snow season and in good weather.
Summer: May to October
5. Walk to Khilanmarg
A trail climbs from the meadow through pine forest to Khilanmarg, an open meadow with wildflowers in June and July and a wide view of the Himalaya. It is a half-day round trip at an easy pace. Our Khilanmarg guide has the route.
6. Trek to Alpather Lake
A high lake below Apharwat that stays frozen into early summer, reached on foot or by pony from Kongdori. It is a full, demanding day at altitude and best with a local guide. See our Alpather Lake guide.
7. Play golf at 2,650 m
Gulmarg's 18-hole course spreads across the meadow and is one of the highest green courses in the world. It opens once the snow melts, roughly April to October. Green fees start from about ₹1,500; see golf in Gulmarg.
8. St Mary's Church and the Maharani Temple
St Mary's is a small stone church from the British era, built in 1902, standing on its own on the meadow. Across the meadow on a low hill, the Maharani Temple (Mohineshwar Shivalaya) was built by the royal family of Kashmir and is visible from much of Gulmarg. Both are short walks from the main road.
9. ATV rides, zorbing and ponies
Quick, simple fun for families on the meadow: ATV loops from about ₹500 a ride and zorbing from about ₹300 a ride. Pony rides use union-fixed rates per point; agree the route and price before you set off. See ATV rides and zorbing in Gulmarg.
10. Strawberry fields, picnics and the forest road
The outer circle road around the meadow is a good walk or drive in summer, past forest, meadows and views of the valley. Ningle Nallah, a stream gorge a few kilometres away, is a favourite local picnic spot.
11. Drung waterfall on the way up
A short detour near Tangmarg on the Srinagar road leads to Drung, a waterfall that freezes solid in mid-winter. Combine it with a stop at Baba Reshi, a Sufi shrine on the hillside nearby.
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Winter: December to March
12. Learn to ski or snowboard
Gulmarg is where most Indians learn to ski. Group lessons run from about ₹800 to ₹1,200 a session, private instructors cost more, and the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering runs 14-day courses. See skiing courses, snowboarding and our Gulmarg Skiing Package with Private Coach 6N7D (from ₹45,000 per person).
13. Sledging and snowmobiles
Sledges are pulled by local sledge-pullers on the lower slopes and at Kongdori; snowmobile rides run on set routes. Prices are agreed on the spot and vary with the distance, so settle the route and price before you start.
14. Ride the gondola in snow
Even if you do not ski, the gondola in winter is spectacular: snow-loaded pines below the cabin and white slopes at the top. Phase 2 closes more often in winter weather.
15. Snowshoe walks
Guided snowshoe walks through the forest are a quiet way to see Gulmarg in winter. See snow treks in Kashmir.
16. Watch the winter games
Gulmarg hosts national snow sports events, including the Khelo India Winter Games, held there from 23 to 26 February 2026. Dates move with the snow, so check before you plan around them.
A one-day Gulmarg plan from Srinagar
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Leave Srinagar |
| 8:30 am | Gondola base station; Phase 1, then Phase 2 if it is open and everyone is well |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch in Gulmarg |
| 1:30 pm | Summer: St Mary's Church, the meadow, ATV or a short walk. Winter: sledging at the base |
| 4:00 pm | Drive back, with a stop at Drung or Tangmarg |
Prefer to stay? Our Gulmarg Meadow Stay 3N4D (from ₹15,404 per person) gives you three nights on the meadow with the gondola included, and Gulmarg and Srinagar 4N5D (from ₹13,245 per person) adds Srinagar.
Tell us your dates and we will book the gondola and plan your Gulmarg day around the weather.
Plan my Gulmarg trip →Frequently asked questions
What is Gulmarg famous for?
Its gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, its ski slopes in winter, and its open flower meadow in summer, at about 2,650 m.
Should I do gondola Phase 1 or Phase 2?
Phase 1 to Kongdori suits everyone. Phase 2 to Apharwat at about 3,980 m is for snow views and skiers; it is colder, the air is thin and it closes in bad weather.
How much is the Gulmarg gondola ticket?
In 2025-26 fares were about ₹800 for Phase 1 and ₹1,000 for Phase 2 per person. Check the official booking portal for current rates before you go.
Is one day enough for Gulmarg?
Yes for the gondola and the meadow. Stay a night if you want both gondola phases without queues, a walk to Khilanmarg, or skiing.
When is there snow in Gulmarg?
Usually from late December to March, sometimes earlier. The Apharwat slopes can hold snow well into June. Snow on a specific date is never guaranteed.
What can non-skiers do in Gulmarg in winter?
Ride the gondola, sledge, take a snowmobile ride, go on a snowshoe walk, or simply enjoy the snow-covered meadow.
Is Gulmarg good for kids?
Yes. The meadow, Phase 1, ATV rides, zorbing and sledging all suit children. Keep them warm and avoid Phase 2 with very young children.
Can I play golf in Gulmarg?
Yes, from roughly April to October. The 18-hole course is on the meadow and clubs and caddies can be hired.
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