The Gulmarg Gondola is widely regarded as the best high-altitude cable car experience in India, carrying visitors from the meadows of Gulmarg up to the snow-dusted ridges of Apharwat Peak. Whether you ride Phase 1, Phase 2, or both, each option delivers breathtaking Himalayan panoramas and a completely different perspective on this legendary hill station.
What Is the Gulmarg Gondola?
Situated in the Pir Panjal range of Jammu & Kashmir, the Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest and longest cable car systems in the world. It operates in two distinct phases, each ascending to a progressively higher altitude and offering a markedly different landscape. Phase 1 lifts you from Gulmarg at 2,650 metres above sea level to the intermediate station at Kongdoori at 3,088 metres. Phase 2 then carries you onward to Apharwat Peak at a dramatic 3,979 metres, where glaciers, barren ridgelines, and unobstructed views of Nanga Parbat greet every visitor.
In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock here for some of the finest off-piste terrain in Asia. In summer and autumn, trekkers, photographers, and families arrive for the wildflower meadows, alpine air, and sheer spectacle. The gondola is managed by Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, which handles bookings, safety oversight, and daily operations.
At a Glance: Gulmarg Gondola Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Alambal Road, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir – 193403 |
| Phase 1 Altitude | Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori (3,088 m) |
| Phase 2 Altitude | Kongdoori (3,088 m) to Apharwat Peak (3,979 m) |
| Availability | Year-round, subject to weather; Phase 2 may close during heavy snowfall or maintenance |
| Average Rating | 4.4 / 5 (based on 8,135 reviews) |
| Ride Duration | Approximately 2 hours (both phases combined) |
| Closure Notice | Closed every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month for preventive maintenance |
Comparing All Gulmarg Gondola Options: Which Is Best for You?
The gondola offers three distinct ride options plus a chairlift, so it is worth understanding exactly what each covers before you queue at the ticket window. The right choice depends entirely on your fitness level, your budget, your available time, and the kind of scenery you are after.
Phase 1 – Gulmarg to Kongdoori (Return)
Ticket price: ₹800 per person
Phase 1 is the most accessible option and a fantastic experience in its own right. The cabins ascend steadily through dense fir forests before emerging into open alpine meadows at Kongdoori. From here you get sweeping views back over the golf course and the Gulmarg bowl. This phase is ideal for families with young children, senior travellers, or anyone who simply wants a taste of the gondola without committing to the higher altitude of Apharwat Peak.
Operating time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phase 2 – Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak (Return)
Ticket price: ₹1,000 per person
Phase 2 is where the drama truly begins. The cabins push beyond the treeline into a stark, exhilarating world of glaciers, boulders, and perpetual snow. On a clear day, the view from Apharwat Peak stretches across multiple Himalayan ranges, with Nanga Parbat visible in the distance. In winter this is the gateway to world-class skiing. In summer it is a gateway to short treks along the ridge. Note that Phase 2 tickets can only be purchased after you have reached Kongdoori, and availability is sometimes limited, so an early start is strongly recommended.
Operating time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Phase 1 + Phase 2 Combined (Return)
Ticket price: ₹1,800 per person
Buying the combined ticket is the most convenient approach if you plan to do both phases in a single visit. It saves you from queuing twice and ensures continuity of your ascent. For most visitors who have made the journey to Gulmarg specifically for the gondola, this is unequivocally the best value option. The combined fare of ₹1,800 covers the full round trip from the base station all the way to Apharwat Peak and back.
Kongdoori Chairlift (Mary’s Shoulder)
One-way ticket: ₹400 | Return ticket: ₹600
Separate from the main gondola, the Kongdoori Chairlift — often called the Mary’s Shoulder chairlift — operates from the Kongdoori plateau and provides a shorter but scenic lift to a different vantage point on the shoulder of the mountain. It is particularly popular with skiers who want to access specific runs without ascending all the way to Apharwat. Non-skiers will enjoy the exposed, open-air chairlift experience and the views it offers over the Kongdoori bowl.
Operating time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Side-by-Side Ticket Price Comparison
| Option | Price (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Return (Gulmarg to Kongdoori) | ₹800 | Families, first-timers, senior travellers |
| Phase 2 Return (Kongdoori to Apharwat) | ₹1,000 | Adventure seekers, skiers, trekkers |
| Phase 1 + Phase 2 Combined Return | ₹1,800 | Anyone wanting the full experience |
| Kongdoori Chairlift One Way | ₹400 | Skiers, quick side-trip visitors |
| Kongdoori Chairlift Return | ₹600 | Those who want a round trip on the chairlift |
Operating Hours at a Glance
- Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori): 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat): 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Kongdoori Chairlift (Mary’s Shoulder): 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Phase 2 has shorter operating hours than Phase 1, so if you intend to ride both phases, aim to arrive at the Gulmarg base station no later than 10:00 AM. Queues can be substantial during peak season, and the Phase 2 window closes well before Phase 1 does.
How to Book the Gulmarg Gondola
Tickets can be purchased in two ways. The most reliable method in 2026 is online booking through the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation portal at jammukashmircablecar.com. Online booking allows you to choose a specific date and time slot, which significantly reduces wait times at the base station — a particularly valuable advantage during the busy winter ski season and the summer school holiday rush.
Alternatively, tickets are sold on-site at the Gulmarg base station on Alambal Road. Walk-in availability is not guaranteed during peak periods, and seats on Phase 2 in particular can sell out by mid-morning on busy days. If you are visiting during December to February or during the Eid holidays, pre-booking is essentially non-negotiable.
Step-by-Step: How to Ride the Gondola
- Book your tickets online in advance or arrive at the base station by 9:00 AM.
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID for each passenger — it is checked at the ticket counter.
- Collect your boarding pass and proceed to the Phase 1 departure platform.
- Ride Phase 1 to Kongdoori. Spend time exploring the meadow or grab a quick snack from the stalls there.
- If you hold a Phase 2 ticket, queue at the Kongdoori platform — it opens at 10:00 AM.
- Ride Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak. Spend time at the summit; do not rush the descent if conditions allow.
- Return on the same gondola system; your ticket covers the full return journey.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg Gondola
The gondola operates year-round, but the experience differs dramatically by season, and each has its devotees.
Winter (December to March)
This is peak ski season. Apharwat’s slopes receive some of the deepest powder in Asia, and the gondola is the only lift system accessing this terrain. Expect the heaviest crowds, the need to book weeks in advance, and the possibility of Phase 2 temporary closure during extreme snowfall. Dress in full winter layers — temperatures at the peak can drop below −15°C.
Spring (April to May)
A beautiful transitional window. The lower meadows bloom with wildflowers while the peak still holds snow. Crowds thin out compared to December and January, and Phase 2 becomes more reliably open. This is arguably the finest photographic window of the year.
Summer (June to August)
The most family-friendly season. Both phases run smoothly, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the alpine scenery is lush and green at lower elevations. This is when the bulk of domestic tourists visit Gulmarg, so early-morning starts are still advisable.
Autumn (September to November)
Crowds ease considerably and the landscape turns golden. The air is crystal clear, making for excellent visibility from Apharwat. Phase 2 may begin experiencing early-season snow closures from late October onward, so check conditions before travelling.
Important Practical Tips
- Maintenance closure: The gondola is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for scheduled preventive maintenance. Always verify your travel date against this schedule before booking accommodation or transportation.
- Altitude sickness: Apharwat Peak sits at nearly 4,000 metres. If you are not acclimatised, ascend slowly and stay hydrated. Avoid vigorous activity immediately after reaching the summit.
- Warm clothing: Even in summer, carry a fleece or light jacket. Wind chill at Apharwat can be significant year-round.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes or trekking shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are impractical at Kongdoori and dangerous at the peak.
- Photography: Early morning light between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM offers the best conditions on both phases. Afternoon haze can reduce visibility, especially in summer.
- Food and water: Carry snacks and a water bottle. While there are small stalls at Kongdoori, options at Apharwat are limited and priced accordingly.
- Children: Phase 1 is very suitable for children of all ages. Phase 2 is appropriate for older children and teenagers who are comfortable with heights and cooler temperatures.
What You Will See: The Views Explained
From the Phase 1 cabin as it ascends through the fir forest, you get progressively expanding views back over the Gulmarg meadow — the famous golf course, the old British-era church, and the ring of surrounding peaks. This vista alone is worth the ₹800 fare.
At Kongdoori the landscape opens into a high-altitude plateau where, in winter, skiers traverse groomed runs in every direction. In summer it is a sweeping green bowl ideal for short walks and picnics.
From Phase 2, as the cabin clears the ridgeline and climbs toward Apharwat, the world drops away dramatically on all sides. On a clear day you can see well into Pakistan-administered territory, with the great bulk of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) anchoring the northwest horizon. This is a genuinely awe-inspiring sight that photographs cannot fully replicate.
Gulmarg Gondola vs Other Activities in Gulmarg
Gulmarg offers pony rides, skiing, golf, and trekking, but none of these rival the gondola for sheer accessibility combined with extraordinary altitude gain. The pony ride up to Khilanmarg is a charming experience, but it reaches nowhere near the elevation of Kongdoori and is weather-dependent in its own right. For visitors who have limited time and want the defining Gulmarg moment, the gondola — specifically the Phase 1 + Phase 2 combined ride — delivers the most comprehensive experience in the shortest time.
Getting to Gulmarg
Gulmarg is located approximately 56 kilometres from Srinagar. The most practical way to reach the base station is by road — the drive takes roughly 90 minutes from Srinagar city centre under normal traffic conditions. A taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg is thestandard choice for most visitors, offering door-to-door convenience and the flexibility to set your own departure time. Shared sumo jeeps are also available from Sopore and Tangmarg for budget-conscious travellers, but private taxis remain far more comfortable and reliable, particularly during winter when road conditions can be challenging.
Book Your Gulmarg Trip with Kashmir Tour Packages Taxi
Planning a visit to the Gulmarg Gondola is straightforward when you have the right support on the ground. Kashmir Tour Packages Taxi handles everything from Srinagar airport pickups to comfortable hotel transfers and dedicated Gulmarg day trips. Call us at 9149531004 to speak directly with our team about gondola tickets, taxi bookings, and customised Kashmir tour packages. We are happy to help you plan the perfect itinerary around the gondola’s operating schedule and maintenance calendar so you do not miss a single moment of this extraordinary experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Gulmarg Gondola tickets online?
Yes. Tickets are available through the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation website at jammukashmircablecar.com. Online booking is strongly recommended during peak season as slots fill up quickly, especially for Phase 2.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola open all year?
The gondola is available year-round, subject to weather conditions. Phase 2 may be temporarily closed during periods of heavy snowfall or scheduled off-season maintenance. Additionally, the gondola remains closed every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month for preventive maintenance, so always verify your intended travel date before finalising plans.
How much do Gulmarg Gondola tickets cost?
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori, return) costs ₹800 per person. Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak, return) costs ₹1,000 per person. The combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 return ticket is priced at ₹1,800 per person. The Kongdoori Chairlift costs ₹400 one way or ₹600 for a return.
What is the best gondola option for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, the combined Phase 1 + Phase 2 ticket at ₹1,800 offers the most complete and memorable experience. If you are travelling with very young children or have concerns about altitude, Phase 1 alone at ₹800 is an excellent and more accessible alternative.
How long does the full gondola ride take?
Riding both phases, including time spent at Kongdoori and at Apharwat Peak, typically takes around two hours in total. Allow additional time for queuing, especially during peak season, and factor in at least half a day for the full experience including travel to and from the base station.
Is Phase 2 suitable for children?
Phase 2 reaches an altitude of 3,979 metres, and temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than at the base. Older children and teenagers who are comfortable with heights and cold temperatures generally enjoy Phase 2 very much. For toddlers and very young children, Phase 1 is the more practical and comfortable choice.
What should I wear on the Gulmarg Gondola?
Dress in layers regardless of the season. At Apharwat Peak, temperatures are considerably lower than in Gulmarg town even during summer. A warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all recommended. In winter, full thermal and waterproof gear is essential.
Are there restaurants or cafes at Kongdoori or Apharwat?
There are small food stalls and basic refreshment options at Kongdoori. Facilities at Apharwat Peak are very limited, and pricing reflects the remoteness of the location. Carrying your own snacks, water, and any required medications is always the safest approach.
A Final Word on the Gulmarg Gondola Experience
Few experiences in India compress so much natural grandeur into such a short window of time. Within the span of a single morning, the Gulmarg Gondola takes you from a green Himalayan meadow to the edge of a glacier at nearly 4,000 metres, with jaw-dropping views at every stage of the ascent. Whether you opt for Phase 1, Phase 2, or the full combined journey, you will carry the memory of those panoramas long after you have returned to the valley below. For anyone visiting Kashmir in 2026, riding the gondola is not merely recommended — it is essential.
Information current as of 2026. Ticket prices, operating hours, and availability are subject to change at the discretion of the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation. Always verify details at jammukashmircablecar.com before your visit.
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I'm Suhail Ahmad, born and raised in Srinagar. In 2020 I founded Kashmir Tour Packages Taxi — a licensed taxi and tour operator registered with the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department — because I saw too many visitors arrive in Kashmir with bad information, unreliable drivers, and no idea what was actually worth seeing.
Every article I write comes from personal experience on these routes: the correct season to visit Thajiwas Glacier, the checkpoints you'll cross on the way to Gulmarg, where the road to Betaab Valley gets narrow, what Amarnath Yatra pilgrims actually need to know before they book a taxi. I don't write from Wikipedia. I write from having driven these roads myself, with guests in the back seat.
Our fleet covers Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Amarnath, and long-haul routes to Leh and Jammu under All India Tourist Vehicle Permits. If something I've written about a route, price, or season seems off — call me directly on +91 9149531004. I answer that number myself.
- J&K Tourism Dept — Registered Tour Operator
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