Jammu & Kashmir · India
Gulmarg
A 'meadow of flowers' turned world-class ski resort — high in the Pir Panjal, with one of the world's highest cable cars, powder slopes in winter and wildflower meadows in summer.
Gulmarg is alpine Kashmir: the Gulmarg Gondola to Apharwat, ski and snowboard slopes, the world's highest golf course, a tiny wooden church, and Wazwan feasts and kahwa.
Plan your trip
Gulmarg Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Gulmarg Photo Spots
High crowdEntry Gondola ticket
Apharwat Peak
- Best timeMorning for clear skies and crisp snow; midday in winter only if the sky stays blue.
- ColorsRedBlackWhite
Medium crowdEntry Green fee (summer)
Gulmarg Golf Course
- Best timeEarly morning for still air, green fairways and clear peaks; late afternoon for long shadows across the greens.
- ColorsWhiteGreenCream
High crowdEntry Gondola ticket
Gulmarg Gondola
- Best timeEarly morning for clear peaks and short queues; late morning in winter for bright sun on fresh snow.
- ColorsRedBlackWhite
High crowdEntry Free
Gulmarg Meadow
- Best timeMorning for clear peaks and dew on the grass; late afternoon for long shadows across the bowl.
- ColorsRedCreamForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
St Mary's Church
- Best timeMorning after fresh snow for a clean white scene; late afternoon in summer for warm light on the grey stone.
- ColorsCreamMaroonForest green
For the feed
Trending Wear in Gulmarg
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Gulmarg Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Gulmarg
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Gulmarg
A meadow at 2,650 m
Gulmarg is a high meadow in the Pir Panjal range, about 50 km west of Srinagar. The name means meadow of flowers, and in summer that is what it is: a wide green bowl ringed by pine forest, with wildflowers, ponies and a golf course. From December it becomes India's best-known ski resort, under some of the deepest snow in the Himalayan foothills. The town itself is small, a scatter of hotels, huts and a single market around the meadow.
The gondola and the peak
Most people come for the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Phase 1 climbs from the village to Kongdoori at about 3,080 m. Phase 2 continues to the shoulder of Apharwat Peak, close to 4,000 m, where snow lingers into early summer. Book tickets online on the official cable car corporation's site well ahead, as daily numbers are limited. Phase 2 often stops for wind or fresh snow, so treat it as a bonus rather than a promise.
In the meadow
The Gulmarg Meadow is the town's centre. Around it are the grey stone St Mary's Church, built in 1902, the Maharani temple on its small hillock, and the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest green golf courses in the world. Walks lead up through the forest to Khilanmarg, a smaller meadow above town with views across to Nanga Parbat on a clear day.
Snow season
Skiing runs roughly from December to March, depending on snowfall. The slopes below Kongdoori suit beginners; the open bowls off Apharwat are for experienced skiers only, and off-piste skiing there needs a local guide and avalanche gear. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering runs courses in Gulmarg. In February 2026 the town hosted the snow events of the Khelo India Winter Games.
Getting there
The road from Srinagar climbs through Tangmarg, the last town below the meadow. It takes about one and a half to two hours in good conditions. In heavy snow, the final stretch may need snow chains or a local taxi from Tangmarg. Srinagar has the nearest airport and railway station.
Planning a visit
A day trip from Srinagar is possible, but a night lets you catch the first gondola and the quiet evening meadow. It is cold here in every month; bring layers even in July. The best time to visit page explains the snow and meadow seasons.
Questions
Gulmarg — FAQ
Is Gulmarg worth it as a day trip from Srinagar?
Yes, if you leave early and have a gondola booking. A night in Gulmarg is better, as it lets you take the first cable car before queues and clouds build.
Is there snow in Gulmarg in summer?
Not in the meadow. From late spring into early summer, snow usually remains near the top of the gondola's second phase on Apharwat.
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?
Yes. Gentle slopes near the village and below Kongdoori suit beginners, with instructors and rental shops in town. Leave the upper Apharwat bowls to experts.
How cold does Gulmarg get?
Winter nights fall well below freezing, and daytime at the top of the gondola is colder still. Even summer evenings need a warm jacket.
Do mobile phones work in Gulmarg?
Postpaid connections usually work in the village. Coverage is patchy on the upper slopes, and prepaid SIMs from outside Jammu and Kashmir do not work.