Take flight above snow-topped mountains and enjoy an exciting adventure on the Gulmarg Gondola, the longest and highest gondola in Asia. The gorgeous Pir Panjal Mountain range is situated within Kashmir and provides a thrilling aerial view of Kashmir from green valleys to heights of nearly 4000 meters at Apharwat Peak.

You can have an excellent time taking the ropes up into the lofty heights of Kashmir, skiing on the world-class slopes, participating in everything nature has to provide and creating lifetime experiences with your family with the Gulmarg cable car.

Asia's Highest Cable Car:
 

The Gulmarg Gandola holds the title of Asia's highest operational cable car and is the second-highest in the world. Both the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the prestigious French company Pomagalski partnered for this amazing ropeway that established world-class technology deep within the heart of the Himalayas.

Riding the gondola consists of two phases with an overall length of around five kilometres. The gondola features modern gondolas, with a total of 108 gondolas distributed throughout both phases of the trip. It allows for smooth operations throughout the day. Throughout your entire journey, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Understanding the Two-Phase Journey

The first phase of your journey - (from Gulmarg Base Station at 2650m to Kongdoori Station at 3100m) - takes approximately nine minutes to complete and climbs a vertical distance of 400m. This phase can accommodate 1,500 passengers per hour and has 72 cabins, each seating six people comfortably.

The second phase of your journey - (from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak at 3979m) - takes approximately twelve minutes to complete and climbs a vertical distance of 1330m. This phase has 36 cabins and can accommodate 600 passengers per hour. The entire gondola ride will take approximately 20-25 minutes, offering stunning views along the way.

Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Price and Booking Information

To get ready for your cable car experience in Gulmarg, you must first understand what the current ticket prices are and how to book your tickets. The official Phase 1 ticket price is ₹700 per person, from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, and the official Phase 2 ticket price is ₹900 per person from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak. If you would like the complete experience of both Phases, then purchasing a round-trip ticket will offer you that experience at ₹1,600 per person.

Smart Booking Tips

The Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Company now provides a unique system for online ticket reservations that enables visitors to save time in line while planning and securing their desired date and time to ride the cable car. During high-traffic months from December through February and again from May through June, it is ideal to reserve your cable car tickets in advance; at that time, many dates will fill up quickly. In addition to advanced bookings, the online system allows "Tatkal" booking the day before your scheduled visit for visitors who wait until the last minute to plan their visit.

Each ticket is valid for a period of three hours from the time of use, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy both the trip and explore each of the stations. If you purchase an afternoon ticket and want to ensure that you complete the trip prior to the end of the day's operations, you must ensure that all passengers have completed their trips by 3 PM on the same day; thus, evening tickets purchased after 3 PM will only be valid for two hours.

Children who are under four (4) years of age may travel without charge, provided they have valid identification proving their age; therefore, this is a good opportunity for family outings at reasonable prices.

Perfect Timing for Your Cable Car Adventure

The Gulmarg Gondola operates throughout the year from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, although these hours may be subject to change depending on weather conditions. Last boarding for passengers is usually at 4:30 PM, allowing sufficient time for everyone to make their return trip before the gondola closes at 5:00 PM. The gondola operates 7 days per week, with limited exceptions based on weather conditions and scheduled maintenance closures. 

Choosing the Right Time of Day

To get the most enjoyment out of your ride on the Gulmarg Gondola and to experience the spectacular scenery at its best, it is recommended that you take the gondola between the hours of 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. This will allow you to avoid the majority of the crowds, enjoy super-clear visibility, and enjoy the glow of the sun rising over the snow-covered peaks. The period from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM is particularly appealing to photographers and to those who enjoy nature, as the mountains look pristine and are not yet overrun with the activity of other visitors. 

The busiest time for tourists to visit is between the hours of mid-morning and noon, when the majority of people are at the gondola, and the weather has stabilised to give the best possible temperatures for enjoying the outdoors. This is also an ideal time for families with small children who want to enjoy a more social atmosphere on the mountain.

From the afternoon hours of 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the lighting begins to soften, and the crowds start to diminish as some of the visitors depart later in the day. The winter months provide an opportunity to enjoy sunset from the top of Apharwat mountain and to create wonderful golden hour photographs against the backdrop of the mountains.

Best Season to Experience Gulmarg Gondola

The best time to visit the Gulmarg gondola to experience it and the mountain range will vary depending on your interests and the type of experience you want in the mountains. Each season offers something completely different when considering the views and activities that are available at each time of the year; therefore, this section will cover the main seasons for visiting Gulmarg, detailing which one would be best for you.

Winter Wonderland Experience

The winter season of Gulmarg from December to March is known for being a "winter wonderland" and is, therefore, the most popular time of year for taking the gondola ride. During this season, all elevations are covered in pristine amounts of snowfall, creating beautiful frozen landscapes, and temperatures will generally be in the range between -2°C and +12°C. This season provides the best skiing and snowboarding experience, as well as the most unique opportunity to see the snow-covered pine trees at their most stunning, and it adds to the whole "magical snow paradise" experience.

The primary winter months of January and February have the highest rates of snowfall, primarily due to the event of Chilla Kalan, which is generally regarded as creating the most authentic "winter" experience. Skiing at Apharwat Peak is one of the best places to go for anyone interested in participating in professional skiing, and first-time skiers can enjoy the gentle downhill sloping hills that are at Kongdoori Station, where they will receive assistance and coaching from professional instructors.

Spring Blooms and Pleasant Weather

A completely different picture of Gulmarg can be seen in the Spring months (April - June) when the meadows and fields are colourful and alive with flowers. The average temperatures throughout this period range from 15-25 degrees Celsius, and wildflowers bloom throughout the Kongdoori Valley and the surrounding mountain range, with bright blue skies and an atmosphere of perfect visibility. While snow will remain at higher elevations, the lower elevations are lush with greenery.

Spring is a great time for both hikers looking for a challenge and families seeking warmer climates. One of Kashmir's most famous events occurs during this season, namely the Tulip Festival, which offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the colourful valleys from the gondola ride. Visitors to Gulmarg will find lower tourist volumes during this season compared to winter, making it an ideal time for couples looking for romantic getaways.

Lush Green Summer Escape

In Summer (June to September), weather patterns provide the most moderate weather conditions (20-30 degrees Celsius/68-86 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter's snow will have melted, leaving behind lush green meadows for visitors to explore and enjoy. Summer's extended daylight hours (up to 12-14 hrs. of daylight) provide the opportunity for more activities such as touring, hiking and enjoying fun family activities.

The cable car opens in April/May (when spring starts) and remains open throughout the entire summer; the majority of the time, the cable car does not close due to weather conditions or thunderstorms. At the apex of Apharwat Peak, there are still patches of snow even in the hottest summer months, providing spectacular imagery against the lush green valleys below.

Golden Autumn Landscape

Golden Autumn Landscapes will captivate your imagination in October through November, as this is the most beautiful time to see the colourful foliage at Gulmarg in Kashmir. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures typically ranging between 10 and 20 degrees C, allowing for comfortable outdoor activity. The brilliant hues of changing leaves provide stunning scenery, while the crystal-clear, crisp mountain air ensures excellent conditions for mountain photo taking.

You’ll enjoy fewer people visiting during this slow period of the year, as well as low prices for hotels and package deals. The combination of autumn colours and early snowfall in late November provides an exceptional time for photographers to capture some of the most stunning views of their lives, which many couples find to be extremely romantic.

The Spectacular Two-Phase Journey Experience

Phase One: Gulmarg to Kongdoori Station

 At the base station (Gulmarg Town), you will see modern gondola cabins that hold six passengers. You will enter the gondola and soon start your climb to the top, where the excitement builds as you watch the ground fall away beneath you. During the 9-minute ride to the Kongdoori cable car station, the view from the gondola will change from Gulmarg's famous meadows to several wooded valleys covered by thick coniferous trees.

The gondola will go up through the centuries-old trees of pine and fir trees; at times, you may be able to reach out and touch their branches. Below you will see the small villages of traditional Kashmir, with smoke coming from the chimneys of cottages and people going about their daily business. The gondola also traverses several small valleys and ridges that provide an opportunity to see the beautiful scenery in the surrounding landscape from different angles.

Exploring Kongdoori Station

The mountain station of Kongdoori sits at an elevation of 3100 metres in a bowl-shaped valley. The views from Kongdoori Station are spectacular and afford guests a panoramic view of the area without the need for a helicopter ride over the mountains. Surrounded by many other visitors preparing to go on their next adventure or simply taking in the spectacular views, Kongdoori Station is a bustling hub of activity. In addition to being a great place to relax and eat a traditional Kashmiri Kahwa drink, there are a number of cafeterias available for guests to choose from.

For those who wish to learn how to ski, Kongdoori is also a great location during the winter months, as the surrounding areas have gentle slopes that are ideal for newcomers to the sport. Professional instructors are available for lessons, and rentals of ski and snowboard equipment can be rented from a local rental shop. Parents enjoy taking pictures of their children sledging and building snowmen in the snow, while the parents have great opportunities to take family pictures with the snow-covered mountains in the background.

During the summer and spring seasons, visitors can take pony rides through the meadows and have the chance to ride horses that local handlers guide through valleys filled with wildflowers. The walk around Kongdoori Valley will take around thirty minutes, and is easily accessible for most families with young children, and provides many great hidden viewpoints, where they will be able to view the Himalayas stretching out endlessly in front of them. It is very common for families with young children to choose to only go during the first phase of this location, as it is easy to access with less stress or altitude than the second phase.

Phase Two: Ascending to Apharwat Peak

Phase Two of your experience at the Gulmarg Gondola is an experience worth waiting for because it is the true highlight of the experience. The second phase involves a twelve-minute ascent of 1,330 metres above sea level (approximately 4,384 ft) along a gondola system which crosses through an alpine zone and above the tree line. During this ascent, the landscape transforms from a forested slope to bare rock faces on top of which there is a permanent covering of snow and ice. In temperatures of about -10ºC (14ºF) at this elevation, the atmosphere becomes thinner and more frigid. The added chill makes this ascent all the more exciting.

About halfway through this ascent, you may find yourself feeling as though you are above most commercial airliners, since the gondola is suspended between two pylons, and at this point during the ascent, the pylons are becoming farther and farther apart from each other. Each of these factors highlights the exceptional engineering capabilities of this gondola system.

Arriving at the Summit

When you reach the summit of Apharwat Peak (3,979 metres above sea level [about 13,049 ft]), you arrive in a high-altitude paradise, and literally and figuratively. The temperature is going to drop significantly, and you will find it difficult to move quickly due to the thin air and elevation; however, the breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Himalayas that you now have access to make the effort worth it. You may see Nanga Parbat (8,126 m [26,660 ft]), one of the world's most treacherous peaks, in the distance on an unusually clear day.

In addition, up at the summit, there are small vendor stalls that sell hot beverages to keep you warm from within, which is very important at this high elevation.

Essential Preparation and Travel Tips

Dressing for the Mountain

Preparing properly for a gondola ride will guarantee the best possible experience. No matter what time of year it is, dress in layers that keep you warm, as temperatures drop considerably as you ascend in elevation. While Gulmarg town may feel very nice and warm, the temperatures at Apharwat Peak can be very different.

If you’re coming to the mountains in the winter, be sure to pack warm clothing. Bring wool, thermal underwear, a waterproof coat, heavy gloves, and sturdy waterproof footwear with good traction. Wool hats and earmuffs will help to keep the extreme cold out of your ears and head at the summit. If you’re coming to the mountains in the summer, pack light jackets or sweaters, as temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at altitude even during peak summer.

What to Carry

The best equipment to take on your gondola ride is high-quality sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, and a water bottle. The snow cover will create extreme glare and UV rays at altitude, and as the elevation increases, the intensity of the sun's rays will increase. You will want to stay well-hydrated as the mountain air is dry, and therefore, you will lose moisture faster than you think. Energy snacks such as chocolate, nuts, or energy bars are great for maintaining your energy while at the top of the mountain.

Additionally, a camera or smartphone is essential to capturing the views from the mountains, but keep in mind that battery life is reduced in colder temperatures, so have extra batteries with you. A power bank is a wise investment, as it will allow you to recharge your devices if needed.

Conclusion

With the Gulmarg Gondola, you will experience a one-of-a-kind adventure full of natural beauty, thrilling heights, and wonderful experiences. If you're looking for thrilling winter sports or an escape into the peaceful mountains, or just to take in the views of the majestic Himalayas from Asia's highest cable car, your visit to Gulmarg will provide you with a lifetime of memories. With its tremendous infrastructure, majestic views, and a wide variety of activities, Gulmarg is a must-see destination in Kashmir.

Aariz Tour and Travels provides customised Kashmir tour packages that include the Gulmarg Gondola as well as other stunning attractions throughout the valley. Our professional staff will take care of all your travel needs, accommodations, and provide you with the local insights and insider tips that are necessary to turn your visit to Kashmir into an extraordinary adventure. With years of experience in the tourism industry in Kashmir, our staff is knowledgeable about timing, seasonal weather changes, and hidden gems that will make your visit special. We will assist you in creating the best mountain escape possible, where every moment becomes a lasting memory, and every experience reflects the true magic that has made Kashmir a paradise on earth.