Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam
Srinagar and Dal Lake · Gulmarg · Sonmarg
From₹21,500View→
The place
About Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a bowl of high meadow ringed by fir forest, with the Apharwat ridge rising behind it to just over 4,000 metres. The drive up from Srinagar climbs through paddy fields and pine in under two hours. In summer it is green and open, good for walking and for the gondola. In winter the same slope becomes one of the higher lift-served ski areas anywhere, and the whole town runs on snow.
It works as a day trip from Srinagar, but a night here lets you catch the meadow early and gives the weather a second chance if the gondola is shut when you arrive.
What to do in Gulmarg
The gondola
Two stages. The first runs to Kongdoori at around 3,050 m, the second to near the top of Apharwat at about 3,950 m. The second stage closes often for wind and weather, sometimes at short notice. Buy tickets at the station and go early.
Walk to Khilanmarg
A gentle climb of about an hour through the forest from the edge of the meadow to a smaller meadow with a view across the valley. Best in June and July when the wildflowers are out.
Ski or snowboard in winter
The lower slopes around Kongdoori suit lessons and easy runs. The terrain off the top gondola is serious, avalanche-prone, and for experienced skiers with a guide only.
The outer circle walk
A flat loop around the meadow past the old church and the golf course, which is the highest in the world when it is not under snow. An easy hour.
Ride up to Baba Reshi
A wooden shrine in the forest below Gulmarg, worth the short detour on the way up or down for the building itself and the quiet.
Getting there
The only practical way is by road from Srinagar, about 50 km and usually under two hours. The last stretch above Tangmarg is steep and can be slow after snow, when vehicles sometimes need chains and the road is occasionally closed for clearing. There is no rail or air link.
Where to stay
Gulmarg has a spread of hotels from simple to expensive, most within walking distance of the gondola. Rooms are limited and in winter, especially January and February, they book out months ahead. If Gulmarg is full or you want more choice of food, Tangmarg lower down the hill is a fallback, though you lose the early-morning meadow.
Worth knowing before you go
- The second stage of the gondola is weather-dependent and unreliable. Plan for the chance it does not run.
- Even in June the mornings are cold and the ground can be wet. Bring a warm layer and shoes with grip.
- Winter rooms are scarce and expensive. Book well ahead if snow is the point of the trip.
Trips
Itineraries that include Gulmarg
Gulmarg: common questions
Is the Gulmarg gondola worth it?
The first stage almost always runs and gives you the meadow from above and a short walk in alpine scenery. The second stage, when it is open, adds a big view toward Nanga Parbat. Because the second stage is often shut, treat it as a bonus rather than the reason for the trip.
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?
Yes, on the lower slopes, with an instructor. We can arrange lessons and gear through people we work with. The famous off-piste terrain higher up is not beginner ground.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip works and is what most people do. An overnight is better if you want the meadow before the crowds, or if you are skiing, or if you want the weather to have more than one chance to cooperate.
Plan my trip
Build a trip around Gulmarg
Tell us how many days you have and what else you want to see. We will put together a route with this at its centre.
Plan my trip
or call +91 91496 30287