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Route · Kashmir
Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50–56 km west through Magam and Tangmarg, the last 13 km climbing hairpins through pine forest. It takes 1 h 30 min to 2 h by car. Budget travellers use shared Sumos to Tangmarg and a shared taxi up.
Photo: Skywayman9 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsEvery way to go
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Sumo via Tangmarg | 2 h 30 min–3 h | ₹150–250 to Tangmarg, then ₹50–100 a seat |
| JKSRTC bus | 2 h 30 min–3 h 30 min | ₹100–300 depending on service |
| Private car | 1 h 30 min–2 h | ₹2,500–3,500 day return |
Shared Sumos to Tangmarg leave from Srinagar's taxi stands through the morning and fill before departing. At Tangmarg, change to a shared taxi for the climb to Gulmarg. It is cheap and reliable in daylight, but afternoon returns can mean a wait. Keep small notes and ask locals which stand serves Tangmarg that day.
JKSRTC runs local buses towards Tangmarg and has operated seasonal tourist services from the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar. Buses are slower than Sumos, with frequent stops, but very cheap. Timetables change by season, so ask at the TRC the day before and check current status before you travel.
A private taxi from Srinagar is the easiest option, especially for families with luggage. Srinagar taxis can drive to Gulmarg. In heavy snow, police may allow only four-wheel drives or vehicles with chains above Tangmarg, and you may need to switch to a local vehicle. Agree waiting time and return in advance.
At each end
Photo: Fulvio Spada from Torino, Italy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Houseboats, Mughal gardens and an old city of craftsmen
Photo: Skywayman9 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
A ski meadow at 2,650 m with a gondola to Apharwat
Questions
About 1 h 30 min to 2 h by private car for 50–56 km, longer in winter or on weekends. By shared Sumo with a change at Tangmarg, allow 2 h 30 min to 3 h. Snow and traffic at Tangmarg can add time.
Yes, but not always directly. Local buses and shared Sumos run to Tangmarg, and shared taxis climb the last 13 km. JKSRTC has run seasonal tourist buses from the TRC; check current status before you travel.
After fresh snow, police often require chains or four-wheel drive above Tangmarg. Chains can be hired at Tangmarg, and local 4x4 taxis run the climb. Your Srinagar driver will know the rules on the day.
The drive passes rice fields and apple orchards around Magam, then pine forest above Tangmarg. In winter, a short detour to Drung waterfall near Tangmarg shows it frozen. In summer, roadside stalls sell fresh fruit.
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