Gulmarg Gondola Reviews

The Gulmarg Gondola consistently earns some of the highest praise of any attraction in Kashmir — and after riding it myself and speaking with hundreds of visitors over the years, I can tell you that the reviews are well-deserved. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 across more than 8,135 reviews, this cable car delivers an experience that stays with you long after you return to the valley below.

What Is the Gulmarg Gondola?

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest and longest cable car systems in the world, running from the meadows of Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir up to the snow-dusted ridge of Apharwat Peak. It operates in two phases: Phase 1 climbs from Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori (3,088 m), and Phase 2 continues from Kongdoori all the way to Apharwat Peak (3,979 m). Together, the two phases grant you a bird’s-eye view of the Pir Panjal range, pine forests that look like green velvet, and — on a clear day — glimpses of Nanga Parbat shimmering on the horizon.

The gondola is operated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation and runs year-round, subject to weather conditions. Phase 2 may remain closed during heavy snowfall or off-season maintenance, so it is always wise to check current status before you travel.

Gulmarg Gondola Reviews: What Visitors Are Saying

With 8,135 reviews and an average rating of 4.4 stars, the Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most reviewed attractions in all of Kashmir. The feedback is remarkably consistent across platforms: visitors are overwhelmed by the scenery, impressed by the altitude, and — once they get past the ticket queues — thrilled by the ride itself. Below is an honest summary of what real travellers report, drawn from the patterns I see season after season.

The Views: Unanimously Five Stars

If there is one thing every review agrees on, it is this: the views from the gondola cabin are jaw-dropping. As the cabin lifts off the ground and the meadow of Gulmarg shrinks beneath you, the Himalayan panorama unfolds in every direction. Visitors from the plains of India frequently describe it as the most dramatic landscape they have ever seen. Travellers from Europe and North America note that it rivals cable-car experiences in the Alps — at a fraction of the cost.

The views improve dramatically at Phase 2. At Apharwat Peak, you stand at 3,979 metres above sea level. The air is thin, the sky is a deeper shade of blue, and the ridgeline drops away sharply on both sides. In winter, the slopes are blanketed in powder snow — a scene that draws skiers from across Asia. In summer, alpine wildflowers carpet the hillsides between patches of ice.

The Ride Itself: Smooth, Spacious, and Well-Maintained

The gondola cabins are modern and enclosed, each holding around six to eight passengers. Reviewers consistently describe the ride as smooth — a reassuring quality when you are swinging above a pine forest at altitude. The cables are maintained regularly; the system shuts for preventive maintenance on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month, which is a good sign of how seriously the operators take safety.

Phase 1 takes roughly 15 minutes. Phase 2 takes another 12–15 minutes from Kongdoori. Most visitors recommend doing both phases on the same day, and the combined ticket makes this easy.

Where Reviews Get Honest: The Queue

Almost every review that is not a perfect five stars mentions one thing: the waiting time. On peak days — particularly in December and January for skiing season, and in July and August for summer tourism — the queue for tickets can stretch to two or three hours. This is not a reflection of the gondola’s quality; it is simply a sign of how popular it has become.

The practical advice from frequent visitors (and from my own experience escorting guests) is to arrive by 8:30 AM, before the ticket counters open at 9:00 AM. Get in the queue early, and you will be on one of the first gondolas of the day — with the freshest morning light and the shortest wait.

Altitude and Physical Comfort

A recurring thread in reviews — particularly from those who did both phases — is the effect of altitude at Apharwat Peak. At 3,979 m, some visitors experience mild breathlessness or light-headedness, especially if they have come directly from Srinagar the same day. Most reviewers say it passed within 20–30 minutes of acclimatising on the peak. A small number recommend spending at least one night in Gulmarg before attempting Phase 2, which is sensible advice for anyone who is not used to high altitudes.

Ticket Prices at a Glance

One of the things that surprises visitors — in a very pleasant way — is how affordable the Gulmarg Gondola is for the experience it delivers. Here are the current ticket prices:

Tickets can be booked online through the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation website at jammukashmircablecar.com. Online booking is strongly recommended during peak season, as walk-up ticket availability can be limited on busy days.

Operating Hours: Plan Your Day Around These

The gondola does not run all day, and the operating windows for each phase are different. Keep these times in mind when planning your visit:

• Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori): 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak): 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Kongdoori Chairlift (Mary’s Shoulder): 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Note that the gondola remains closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for preventive maintenance. If your Kashmir itinerary is tight, check the calendar before fixing your Gulmarg day. Missing the gondola on a maintenance Monday is one of the most common avoidable disappointments I hear about from visitors.

Phase 1 vs Phase 2: Which Should You Choose?

This is the question I am asked most often by first-time visitors, and the reviews reflect a clear pattern in the responses.

If You Have One Hour: Choose Phase 1

Phase 1 alone — the ride from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and back — is a complete and satisfying experience. The views of the meadow and the surrounding peaks are stunning. Kongdoori itself has open slopes, a few small food stalls, and enough space to simply sit and absorb the Himalayan silence. At ₹800 for a return ticket, it is exceptional value.

If You Have Half a Day: Do Both Phases

The combined Phase 1 + Phase 2 ticket at ₹1,800 is what most reviewers recommend for anyone who is physically comfortable at altitude. Apharwat Peak is a genuinely different world from Kongdoori — the elevation difference of nearly 900 metres is perceptible in every way, from the thinness of the air to the starkness of the landscape. In winter, this is where the serious skiing happens. In summer, trekking routes fan out across the ridge. The majority of five-star reviews come from visitors who did both phases.

The Kongdoori Chairlift: A Hidden Gem in the Reviews

Fewer visitors write about the Kongdoori Chairlift — also known as the Mary’s Shoulder chairlift — but those who do tend to be enthusiastic about it. Operating from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, it offers an open-air ride across a different section of the Kongdoori bowl, with an unobstructed view that the enclosed gondola cabin cannot match. At ₹400 one way or ₹600 return, it is an affordable addition to the day. In winter, this is a popular access route for intermediate skiers. In summer, it gives hikers a head start on the upper slopes.

Seasonal Differences: What Reviews Say About Summer vs Winter

Winter (December to February)

Winter reviews are electric in their enthusiasm. The snow transforms Gulmarg into something that looks like a dream sequence — and at Apharwat Peak, the skiing is genuinely world-class. Reviewers who ski describe the powder conditions as comparable to Himalayan resorts that cost ten times as much to reach. The trade-off is cold: temperatures at the peak can drop to -15°C or lower, and Phase 2 may be closed on days of heavy snowfall. Dress in proper layers, not just a warm jacket.

Summer (June to September)

Summer reviews emphasise the lushness of the meadow and the dramatic contrast between the green lower slopes and the icy ridgeline above. Wildflowers are in bloom, the sky is clear, and the altitude brings welcome relief from the heat of the plains. Phase 2 is reliably open through most of the summer season, making this the best time for visitors who want to guarantee the full experience. The gondola is also less crowded in early June and in September compared to the July–August peak.

Spring and Autumn

These shoulder seasons receive strong reviews from travellers who value fewer crowds and softer light. Phase 2 availability is less predictable in April and November due to maintenance and variable snow conditions, but Phase 1 is almost always running. Photographers in particular rave about the autumn colours from the gondola cabin as the deciduous trees below turn gold.

Practical Tips From Visitors (And From Us)

• Arrive early. Be at the ticket counter by 8:30 AM. On peak days, this is the single most important thing you can do.
• Book online when possible. The official portal at jammukashmircablecar.com accepts advance bookings. This can save hours in the queue.
• Check the maintenance calendar. Avoid the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month.
• Dress in layers. Even in summer, Apharwat Peak is cold. Carry a windproof jacket regardless of the temperature in Gulmarg village.
• Carry snacks and water. Food options at Kongdoori and the peak are limited and overpriced. A small backpack with provisions makes the experience more comfortable.
• Take your time at the top. Many visitors rush back to the gondola immediately. Give yourself 30–45 minutes at Apharwat Peak to acclimatise, look around, and breathe the air. The reviews that mention a negative experience at altitude almost always come from visitors who rushed.
• Carry cash. While online booking exists, on-site food vendors and local guides typically accept cash only.

Is the Gulmarg Gondola Worth It?

Based on more than 8,135 reviews and a 4.4-star average, the answer is an unambiguous yes. The Gulmarg Gondola is not just a tourist attraction — it is a genuine encounter with the high Himalayas, made accessible to people who are not mountaineers or trekkers. At ₹1,800 for both phases combined, it offers a level of scenery and altitude that would cost several times as much in any other mountain destination in the world.

The criticisms in reviews are real but solvable: arrive early to beat the queue, check the maintenance schedule, and dress appropriately for the altitude. Do those three things, and the probability of walking away with a five-star experience of your own is very high indeed.

Plan Your Gulmarg Visit With Expert Help

If you are planning a trip to Kashmir and want to make sure your Gulmarg day goes smoothly — from the hotel transfer to the gondola queue strategy — the team at Kashmir Tour Packages Taxi is ready to help. Call us at 9149531004 to book a cab to Gulmarg, get advice on the best time to visit, or build a complete Kashmir itinerary around the gondola experience. We have been on this route more times than we can count, and we love sharing what we know.

Last updated: June 2026