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Gulmarg

Gulmarg

hill station · Jammu & Kashmir

Gulmarg is a bowl of meadow at 2,650 metres in the Pir Panjal, and it does two completely different jobs depending on the month.

State
Jammu & Kashmir
Type
Hill Station
Best season
Winter
Things to do
3+

Gulmarg is a bowl of meadow at 2,650 metres in the Pir Panjal, and it does two completely different jobs depending on the month. December to March it is the only serious ski resort in India. The Apharwat face has real off-piste terrain and the snow is dry enough to justify the trip. May to September the snow is gone and it is a meadow full of wildflowers with a golf course on it, one of the highest anywhere. The gondola climbs in two stages. The first, to Kongdoori, almost always runs. The second, up to just under four thousand metres on Apharwat, is frequently closed for wind and its tickets are capped daily — buy both stages early or accept that you may only get the first. If you are skiing off-piste, a guide is not optional. This is avalanche terrain and it has killed people.

When to go

The peak skiing season runs from January to February for deep snow, while May to June is good for exploring lush green alpine meadows.

Why visit

The gondola climbs in two stages to Apharwat at nearly four thousand metres, and the second stage is often shut for wind, so check before you pay. Skiing runs January to March; the rest of the year this is a meadow with a very high golf course on it.

Cultural notes

Originally named Gaurimarg by indigenous cattle herders, it was renamed Gulmarg by Yousuf Shah Chak, the ruler of the Chak dynasty in the 16th century, who regularly frequented the valley with his queen. Emperor Jehangir later gathered rare botanical specimens here for his royal gardens.

How to reach

The closest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, situated 56 km away. Gulmarg is reached via a well-maintained alpine highway from Srinagar through Tangmarg. In deep winter the approach can need chains or a four-wheel drive, and the road closes in heavy snow. Local taxis run when it is open.

2 days in Gulmarg

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Gulmarg GondolaDay 1

Day 1

Gulmarg Gondola

Two stages: Kongdoori first, then Apharwat. Buy both together and buy early — phase-two tickets are capped daily and go quickly in season. Phase two also shuts often for wind, regardless of what you have paid for.

Apharwat Peak

Day 1

Apharwat Peak

The gondola's upper station sits just under four thousand metres and the ridge above it is where the off-piste skiing is. There is snow on the north face even in summer, and the peak is close enough to the Line of Control that the army is present.

Day 1

Meadow walk

Meadow walk

St. Mary's Church

Day 1

St. Mary's Church

A small grey stone church from 1902 with a green roof, standing out in the meadow. It is usually locked, so this is a five-minute stop on a walk rather than somewhere to go.

Day 2

Day 2

Skiing / snow activities (winter)

Skiing / snow activities (winter)

Day 2

Golf or pony ride (summer)

Golf or pony ride (summer)

Day 2

Strawberry Valley

Strawberry Valley

Day 2

Drung waterfall nearby

Drung waterfall nearby

Suggested Itinerary

Day-by-day plans other travellers have published for Gulmarg

Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam

Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg & Pahalgam

5 days 11 stopsCityDekho Editorial

Gulmarg guide & itineraries

Gulmarg is perfect for

natureadventurecouplesfamily

What & where to eat

Kahwa

Kahwa

Warming saffron tea

Nadru Monje

Fried lotus-stem snack

Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh

Kashmiri lamb curry

Maggi

Slope-side favourites

hot snacks

Slope-side favourites

Wazwan dishes

Kashmiri feast items

Nearby getaways

Srinagar

~2 hrs

Tangmarg

~30 min

Frequently asked questions

What is Gulmarg famous for?
Its gondola (one of the world's highest), skiing in winter, and flower-filled meadows in summer.
Best time for Gulmarg?
December to February for snow and skiing; May to September for green meadows.

Things to do

How to spend your time in Gulmarg.

Gulmarg Gondola

One of the world's highest cable cars, to Apharwat

Skiing & snowboarding

Winter-sports slopes

Apharwat Peak

Snow and views at the top station

Gulmarg golf course

Among the world's highest golf courses

St. Marys Church & meadow walks

Meadow of flowers in summer

Reviews & ratings

What travellers say about Gulmarg

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