Best months
Per-day budget
₹2,850–5,200/day
Getting there
Gulmarg is a town and ski resort in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, set at 2,650 m in the Pir Panjal range. The name means Meadow of Flowers — in summer, the meadows are covered with wildflowers. Gulmarg is best known for the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, which takes visitors to Apharwat Peak at 3,980 m. In winter (December-March), Gulmarg is India's premier skiing destination with the highest ski slopes in the country. The town has a single main road with hotels, restaurants and skiing equipment rental shops. Gulmarg is 52 km from Srinagar and is a popular day trip and weekend destination. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip.
Plan your trip to Gulmarg Travel Guide — Skiing and Gondola on a Budget
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
The Gulmarg Gondola is the main attraction — the cable car runs in two phases: Phase 1 from Gulmarg to Kongdoori (2,800 m) and Phase 2 from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak (3,980 m). The Phase 2 ride offers panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range and the Kashmir Valley. In winter (January-March), the slopes of Apharwat Peak offer skiing from December to March. Skiing equipment can be rented in Gulmarg and ski instructors are available. The Gulmarg Ski School offers lessons for beginners. In summer, the meadows offer trekking routes to surrounding peaks.
The Gulmarg meadow itself is a large grassy expanse surrounded by pine-covered slopes — perfect for walking, picnics and horse riding. The Gulmarg Golf Course, at 2,650 m, is one of the highest golf courses in the world. The St. Mary's Church, built in 1902, is a small wooden church in the middle of the meadow. The Maharaja's Palace (now a hotel) overlooks the meadow. In summer, the ground is covered with yellow buttercups, blue forget-me-nots, and white daisies.
How to reach
The nearest major city is Srinagar, 52 km from Gulmarg. From Srinagar, shared taxis to Gulmarg take about 1.5-2 hours (₹300-500 per person). Rates vary by season and may have increased — check current timings and fares with JKSRTC (jksrtc.co.in) for buses and IRCTC/NTES (enquiry.indianrail.gov.in) for trains before travel. The nearest airport is Srinagar. The nearest railway station is Srinagar. Private buses from Srinagar to Gulmarg operate during the tourist season. Gulmarg town is walkable — most hotels, the gondola base station and the meadow are within 1-2 km.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel (off-season) | ₹800–1,500 |
| Food (Kashmiri thali) | ₹250–500 |
| Gondola Phase 1 + 2 (return) | ₹800–1,200 |
| Skiing equipment rental (per day) | ₹1,000–2,000 |
When to go
December to March is the skiing season. January is the peak for snow and ski conditions. May to October is the summer season — the meadows are green, the wildflowers are in bloom (June-July), and the gondola operates for sightseeing. The best period for the meadow views is June to September. October offers autumn colours. For skiing, January-February is best. For gondola rides without skiing, May-October is ideal. The off-season (April and November) is quiet with fewer services operating.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar to Gulmarg
Arrive in Gulmarg from Srinagar by midday. Check into a hotel near the meadow. Walk the Gulmarg meadow in the afternoon. Visit St. Mary's Church. Evening at the meadow for sunset.
Day 2: Gondola to Apharwat Peak
Take the gondola to Kongdoori (Phase 1) in the morning. If the weather is clear, continue to Apharwat Peak (Phase 2, ₹800-1,200 return). Spend time at the peak viewing the Pir Panjal range. Return to Gulmarg by afternoon. Horse riding on the meadow in the evening.
Day 3: Return to Srinagar
If you are visiting in winter, try a morning ski session. Otherwise, catch a shared taxi back to Srinagar.
Student hacks
- ▸The gondola ticket is ₹800-1,200 for both phases — the Phase 1 ride alone is cheaper but the Phase 2 view is worth the extra cost.
- ▸Visit on a weekday — weekends are crowded with Srinagar visitors and the gondola queue can be 2-3 hours long.
- ▸Stay in a budget hotel on the edge of the meadow rather than near the gondola base — ₹200-300 cheaper per night.
- ▸Carry a packed lunch — the restaurants at Apharwat Peak charge high prices for basic food.
- ▸Gulmarg is expensive compared to Srinagar — a day trip from Srinagar (₹500 shared taxi, ₹1,000 gondola) is the most budget-friendly approach.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Gulmarg. The gondola ride is safe and well maintained. Skiing on the Apharwat slopes requires proper equipment — rental gear is available but inspect before renting. Ski lessons are recommended for beginners. The weather on the Apharwat Peak can change rapidly — carry warm clothing even in summer. The altitude at Apharwat Peak (3,980 m) can cause mild breathing difficulty — take the gondola ride at a relaxed pace. ATMs are limited in Gulmarg — carry cash from Srinagar. Mobile coverage from BSNL and Jio is available on the meadow but patchy at higher altitudes.
FAQs
How do I reach Gulmarg from Delhi?
Fly to Srinagar (1.5 hours, ₹3,000-6,000), then take a shared taxi to Gulmarg (52 km, 1.5-2 hours, ₹300-500).
What is Gulmarg known for?
Gulmarg is known for the Gulmarg Gondola (one of the world's highest cable cars), skiing, and its flower-covered summer meadow.
Is Gulmarg safe?
Yes. Gulmarg is a safe tourist destination with a visible security presence.
Do I need a permit for Gulmarg?
No. Permits are not required for Gulmarg.
How many days do I need?
2-3 days — one for the meadow and gondola, one for skiing or trekking, one for the return.