Adventure · Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gondola to the Apharwat ridge
The Gulmarg Gondola climbs in two phases from the meadow to Kongdori and then to the Apharwat ridge close to 4,000 m. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world and the reason Gulmarg is a ski resort. In summer it gives snow and views of the Pir Panjal.
Photo: Arup1981 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsPhase 1 runs from the base station on the meadow to Kongdori, a shoulder above the tree line with a cafe, pony trails and, in winter, ski runs back down through the forest. Phase 2 continues to the Apharwat station near the top of the ridge. The ride is short, but the change is dramatic: you leave fir forest and arrive on open, often snowy slopes above 3,900 m.
Tickets are sold for fixed time slots through the official online portal of the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation. In 2025 each phase cost about ₹900 for Indian adults. Phase 2 closes in high wind and during avalanche control, so keep the day flexible and check at the counter before buying. Queues are longest from 10 am to 2 pm in May, June and over Christmas.
At the top, move slowly. The air is thin, and visitors arriving from sea level in one morning often feel breathless or headachy. Spend no more than an hour or two, drink water, and come down if you feel unwell. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, because snow glare is strong, and carry a jacket and gloves in every month.
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Trips through Gulmarg
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Gulmarg. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Comfort
Classic Kashmir: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam
Private car with driver
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Signature
Signature Kashmir: palace, meadow and river
Private car with driver and a private guide
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Signature
Kashmir in winter: Gulmarg snow and Srinagar
Private 4x4 with driver and snow chains
Sleep nearby
Stays in Gulmarg
Photo: Skywayman9 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Luxury
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Gulmarg's top resort, opened in December 2012, with rooms and private cottages looking over the meadow and pine fo…
Photo: Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Hotel Highlands Park
A heritage hotel from the early 1960s on a rise above the Gulmarg meadow, with a main lodge and separate cottage-s…
Questions
Before you book
How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets?
Book online on the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation's official portal for a fixed date and time slot, and carry the ID used for booking. Phase 2 tickets are subject to weather. Counter sales exist but sell out in peak season. Check current fares and rules before you travel.
Is Phase 2 of the Gulmarg Gondola safe for children and seniors?
The ride itself is easy, but the top station is close to 4,000 m. Healthy children and seniors usually manage a short visit. People with heart or lung conditions, and pregnant women, should talk to their doctor first. Keep the visit short and descend if anyone feels unwell.
Will there be snow at the Gulmarg Gondola top in summer?
Usually yes on Apharwat until late May or June, with patches into July in some years. From August to October the ridge is mostly bare rock and grass. Phase 1 at Kongdori has no snow in summer. For snow on the meadow itself, come from mid-December to March.