Gulmarg

About Gulmarg — The Meadow of Flowers

Gulmarg’s gondola — the world’s second-highest cable car — climbs to over 13,000 ft (3,950 m), offering Himalayan skiing in winter and emerald meadows in summer. Sitting at 2,650 m in the Pir Panjal range, Gulmarg (“Meadow of Flowers”) was developed by the British in 1927 as one of Asia’s most loved hill resorts. Today it’s home to Asia’s longest cable car, the world’s highest 18-hole golf course, the famous Gulmarg Ski Resort and the route to legendary backcountry powder skiing.

Best Time to Visit

• December – February — peak ski season. Heavy snow, world-class powder. Below -5 °C.
• March – April — late ski season, slushier but quieter. Apricot blossoms.
• May – August — emerald meadow flowers (15–20 °C), golfing, gondola operates.
• September – November — clear post-monsoon, golden meadows.

Top Attractions

Gulmarg Gondola (Cable Car)

The defining experience. Two phases:

• Phase 1 — Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori (3,080 m). 8 minutes. ₹740. Open year-round.
• Phase 2 — Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak (3,950 m). 12 minutes. ₹950. The high-altitude experience — snow even in summer. Closes in extreme weather.
• Combined ticket ₹1,500 per person
• One of the world’s highest cable cars

Apharwat Peak

3,950 m — the top of the gondola line. Spectacular Himalayan views in clear weather: K2, Nanga Parbat (on perfect days), the Pir Panjal range. Snow year-round. The frozen Alpather Lake is a 90-min trek from here (May–Aug).

Gulmarg Ski Resort

One of Asia’s premier ski resorts — and a favourite of international heli-skiers and powder hunters.

• Beginner slopes at Kongdoori (Phase 1 area)
• Advanced runs from Apharwat (Phase 2) — 5 km descent
• Backcountry & off-piste skiing from Apharwat — world-class powder
• Heli-skiing available with international tour operators
• Equipment rental (₹1,000–2,000/day) and private instructors at the base
• Snowboarding equally popular

Gulmarg Golf Course

The world’s highest 18-hole golf course at 2,650 m — designed by Sir Cyril Howson for the British in 1911. Beautiful when emerald in summer (Apr–Sept).

St Mary’s Church

Built 1902, the small grey-stone Victorian-era church survives intact in the centre of Gulmarg. Active Sunday services.

Maharani Temple

Hindu shrine on a hilltop with sweeping meadow views. 30-min walk up.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Forest area with rich flora — 1,000+ Himalayan plant species. Trail walks for nature enthusiasts.

Strawberry & Apple Trails (summer)

The meadows around Gulmarg in summer are dotted with wild strawberries, raspberries and apple orchards — pony rides take you on village trails.

Khilanmarg (Day Hike)

4-km hike from Gulmarg through pine forest to a high meadow with stunning panoramic views. Best in summer.

Things to Do

• Gondola to Apharwat (Phase 2) — must-do
• Skiing in winter (Dec–Mar)
• Snowboarding
• Heli-skiing (advanced bookings via tour operators)
• Pony ride to Khilanmarg or Children’s Park
• Gulmarg Golf Course (May–Sept)
• Snow sledging (rentals at the gondola base)
• Photography of the Pir Panjal sunrise/sunset
• Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve nature walks
• Strawberry picking in summer
• Stay at the iconic Khyber Himalayan Resort or the Highlands Park

Local Food

• Most travellers eat at their hotel — limited dining outside resorts
• Wazwan (Kashmiri feast) at Khyber, Highlands Park, Hotel Hilltop
• Kashmiri pulao, Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gushtaba
• Kahwa — saffron green tea (essential after a cold day)
• Hot Maggi noodles & bun-omelette at the gondola base & Apharwat
• Khyber’s L’Etage French restaurant for fine dining

How to Reach

By Air

Closest airport: Srinagar (SXR) — 56 km / 1.5 hr drive.

By Rail

Closest station: Jammu Tawi (JAT) 290 km / 8 hr. Banihal Station (BAHL) closer at 80 km.

By Road

Srinagar 56 km (1.5 hr by NH1). Jammu 290 km (8 hr). Pahalgam 130 km (4 hr). Snow chains required Dec–Feb.

Travel Tips

• 2 days minimum — 1 for gondola/sightseeing, 1 for skiing or golf
• Stay at Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa for ultra-luxury, or Highlands Park, Hotel Affarwat for mid-range
• Pre-book gondola tickets at gondola.kashmir.in — sells out in peak weeks
• Phase 2 closes if winds > 60 km/hr or visibility low — check weather
• For skiing: Book through ski schools (Kashmir Ski School, Snow Sports Mountain) for instructors and equipment
• Carry extreme winter gear Dec–Mar — minus 10 °C with wind chill at Apharwat
• Sunglasses essential year-round (snow glare)
• Combine with Srinagar + Pahalgam for a 6-day Kashmir circuit
• Avoid Saturdays/Sundays in peak ski season — gondola lines are 2+ hours

Ready for the Meadow of Flowers? Use the booking card or message Prithvi on WhatsApp — we’ll plan your Kashmir trip with a Khyber Himalayan stay, gondola tickets, ski instruction (winter) or summer golf.