The Gulmarg Gondola is Asia’s highest and longest cable car, ascending from the meadows of Gulmarg to the snow-covered summit of Apharwat Peak at 4,200 metres. Built in collaboration between the Jammu & Kashmir Government and French engineering company Pomagalski, it operates in two phases and is the single most iconic experience in Kashmir. Whether you are planning a winter ski trip or a summer sightseeing visit, this guide covers everything — ticket prices, phase details, timings, best time to visit, what to carry, and how to book.

Gulmarg Gondola Quick Facts

Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Price 2026

The ticket prices for the Gulmarg Gondola are set and regulated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCC). Here is the complete 2026 pricing breakdown:

Important: Prices are subject to revision by the JKCC without prior notice. Always verify the latest rates at the official ticket counter or the JKCC online portal before your visit. Tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the date of booking.

Is the Gulmarg Gondola worth the price? Absolutely. At ₹2,300 for both phases, you are ascending to 4,200 metres above sea level on Asia’s highest cable car, with panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range, the Harmukh peak, and snow-covered valleys stretching to the horizon. There is no other way to reach Apharwat Peak without a multi-hour trek. For the experience it delivers, it is among the best-value adventure activities in India.

Gulmarg Gondola Phases — Phase 1 vs Phase 2

The gondola operates in two distinct phases. You can ride Phase 1 only, Phase 2 only (if you start from Kongdori), or both phases end-to-end for the full experience.

Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdori (2,650m → 3,050m)

• Altitude gain: 2,650m to 3,050m (400m ascent)
• Horizontal distance: 2,091 metres
• Ride duration: Approx. 10 minutes
• Cabin capacity: Up to 6 passengers per cabin
• Hourly capacity: 1,500 passengers per hour (72 cabins)
• Ticket price: ₹800 per adult (return)
• What you see: Dense Himalayan pine forests, the bowl-shaped Kongdori Valley, Gulmarg meadows below
• Activities at Kongdori: Skiing, snowboarding, sledding (winter); meadow walks, photography (summer)

Phase 2: Kongdori to Apharwat Peak (3,050m → 4,200m)

• Altitude gain: 3,050m to 4,200m (1,150m ascent)
• Horizontal distance: 2,540 metres
• Ride duration: Approx. 12–15 minutes
• Cabin capacity: Up to 6 passengers per cabin
• Hourly capacity: 600 passengers per hour (34 cabins)
• Ticket price: ₹1,500 per adult (return)
• What you see: Snow-covered Pir Panjal range, Nanga Parbat (visible on clear days), Harmukh peak, glaciers
• Activities at Apharwat: Advanced skiing, off-piste skiing, trekking routes, summit views

Gulmarg Gondola Timings

The Gulmarg Gondola operates daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last boarding for Phase 2 is around 3:00 PM to allow sufficient time for the return descent before closing. These timings are subject to weather conditions — the gondola can be suspended at short notice during heavy snowfall, strong winds, or poor visibility.

Best Time to Visit the Gulmarg Gondola

The Gulmarg Gondola is open year-round, but each season offers a completely different experience. Here is exactly what to expect in each season:

December to February — Snow Season (Best for Winter Sports)

Gulmarg transforms into a deep-snow alpine paradise. Apharwat Peak receives some of the deepest powder snow in Asia, making it one of the continent’s best ski destinations. The gondola ride itself is breathtaking — you ascend through snow-laden pine forests and arrive at a completely white summit. Book tickets well in advance — this is peak season and slots sell out daily.

March to April — Spring Transition

Lower slopes are beginning to thaw, wildflowers start emerging in the meadows, and Phase 1 offers a beautiful contrast of snow above and green below. Phase 2 still has significant snow at the summit. Crowds are moderate. A good window if you want snow without the peak-season rush.

May to June — Summer Peak (Best for Sightseeing)

Gulmarg meadows are lush green, wildflowers are in full bloom, and the views from Apharwat are crystal clear. This is the second peak season — book tickets online at least a week in advance. Temperatures at the base are pleasant (12–20°C) but carry a jacket for Apharwat where it remains near 5–10°C.

July to September — Monsoon Season

The Kashmir valley receives light monsoon rainfall. Gulmarg and higher altitudes remain relatively clear. Lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower ticket availability pressure. The gondola runs normally unless there is heavy rain or strong winds.

October to November — Autumn

Foliage turns golden and amber across the lower slopes. Early snowfall begins at Apharwat in November. Crowd levels are low, making it a relaxed time to visit. Carry warm clothing — temperatures drop sharply after sunset.

How to Reach the Gulmarg Gondola

The Gulmarg Gondola station is located at the edge of the Gulmarg meadow, approximately 1.5 km from the main market. From Srinagar (50 km away), you have the following options:

• Private Taxi from Srinagar: The most convenient option. Book a Srinagar to Gulmarg taxi for a direct, comfortable ride. The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours depending on road conditions.
• Shared Taxi / Sumo: Available from Batmaloo Bus Stand in Srinagar. More economical but less flexible on timing.
• From Gulmarg Market to Gondola Station: Walk (1.5 km uphill, 20–25 minutes), hire a horse (available near the bus stand), or take a short local taxi ride.

What to Carry for the Gulmarg Gondola Ride

• Valid Photo ID: Aadhaar card is mandatory. PAN card is not accepted as ID proof.
• Warm Jacket: Even in May–June, Apharwat Peak is near 5°C. In winter, temperatures drop to -10°C or below.
• Thermal Innerwear: Essential in December–March.
• Waterproof Boots or Snow Boots: The summit is snow-covered for most of the year. Regular shoes will get wet.
• Gloves and Woollen Cap: Mandatory in winter; advisable in all other seasons at Apharwat.
• Sunscreen SPF 40+: UV radiation is significantly stronger above 3,000m.
• Light Snacks and Water: Food stalls are available at Gulmarg base and Kongdori, but limited at Apharwat Peak.
• Printed or Digital Ticket: If booked online, carry a PDF copy on your phone.
• Camera or Smartphone: Photography is freely permitted everywhere on the gondola and at all stations.

Gulmarg Gondola — Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Ahmad Suhail

Founder & Kashmir Travel Expert

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

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.

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