Why visit Gulmarg?
This bowl-shaped meadow sits at about 2,650 m, ringed by pine forest and the Pir Panjal range.
In winter it's one of Asia's best-known ski resorts. In summer it turns into a carpet of wildflowers with one of the world's highest golf courses.
How far is Gulmarg from Srinagar?
Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50 km, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive through apple orchards and the town of Tangmarg.
The drive from Gulmarg to Srinagar in the evening takes about the same time. In heavy snow, the last stretch may need a snow-chain vehicle.
How do you book the Gulmarg Gondola?
Book online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation's official website, which opens bookings up to 120 days in advance.
Phase 1 goes to Kongdoori; Phase 2 continues towards Mt. Apharwat and depends on the weather. Carry the photo ID you booked with.
Can you combine Gulmarg with Sonamarg and Pahalgam?
Yes, but not by driving directly between them. Gulmarg to Pahalgam is about 140 km and Gulmarg to Sonamarg about 135 km, both via Srinagar.
So whether you're planning a Gulmarg Sonmarg trip (Sonamarg is often spelled Sonmarg) or a Gulmarg Pahalgam combination, the easy way is to stay in Srinagar and visit each on its own day.
What are the top sights in Gulmarg?
These are the places our guests enjoy most in Gulmarg:
Gulmarg Gondola
A two-phase cable car towards Mt. Apharwat with sweeping views.Kongdoori
The first gondola stop, popular for snow play and pony rides.Alpather Lake
A high-altitude lake that stays frozen into early summer.St. Mary's Church
A charming old stone church in the middle of the meadow.Drung Waterfall
A waterfall on the way to Gulmarg that freezes in winter.What are the best things to do in Gulmarg?
- Ride both phases of the gondola
- Ski or snowboard with an instructor
- Sledge rides in winter
- Play golf in summer
When is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
December – March for snow; May – September for meadows.
Read our best time to visit Kashmir guide for a month-by-month breakdown.
How far is Gulmarg from other places in Kashmir?
| From | To | Distance (approx.) | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | Gulmarg | 50 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs |
| Srinagar | Sonamarg | 80 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs |
| Srinagar | Pahalgam | 95 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs |
| Srinagar | Doodhpathri | 42 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Gulmarg | Pahalgam | 140 km | 4 – 4.5 hrs |
| Gulmarg | Sonamarg | 135 km | 4 hrs |
| Sonamarg | Pahalgam | 170 km | 5 hrs |
| Jammu | Srinagar | 250 km | 6 – 8 hrs |
| Katra | Srinagar | 240 km | 6 – 7 hrs (train: about 3 hrs) |
Gulmarg FAQs
Is there snow in Gulmarg in summer?
The main meadow is green in summer, but there's usually snow near the top of Gondola Phase 2 on Mt. Apharwat for much of the year.
Can I stay overnight in Gulmarg?
Yes. Staying a night is great for skiers and for an early gondola start; most sightseeing visitors do it as a day trip from Srinagar.
We currently have 14 Kashmir packages that include Gulmarg; you'll find them below. Not sure which one is right for you? Ask our Kashmir team and we'll suggest the best fit.
Official information: J&K Cable Car Corporation (official Gulmarg Gondola bookings)
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