Imagine soaring over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, witnessing the breathtaking views of the valleys and meadows, and reaching the top of the world’s second-highest ski resort. This is what Gulmarg Gondola, Asia’s highest and longest cable car ride, offers you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing attraction, from its history and features to its price and timings. We will also give you some tips on how to make the most of your gondola ride and explore the other attractions and activities in Gulmarg, the ‘Meadow of Flowers’.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: An Overview
Gulmarg Gondola is a cable car system that connects the town of Gulmarg with the summit of Apharwat Peak, at an altitude of 3,979 metres. It is one of the main attractions in Kashmir and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is also the world’s highest operating cable car, and the only one in Asia that crosses the tree line.
The gondola ride has many features and facts that make it unique and special, such as:
- It covers a distance of 5 km in two or three phases, depending on the season and the availability of the chairlift.
- It can carry up to 600 people per hour in each direction, with a capacity of six passengers per cabin.
- It operates at a speed of 5 metres per second, and takes about 20 minutes to complete the entire journey.
- It offers panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range, the Nanga Parbat peak, and the Kashmir valley.
- It is the gateway to the world’s second-highest ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing.
- It is also a popular spot for trekking, camping, and photography.
The Gulmarg Gondola ride is an experience that you will never forget, and one that you should not miss when you visit Kashmir.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Phases and Levels
The Gulmarg Gondola ride takes place in two or three phases, depending on the season and the availability of the chairlift. Here are the details of each phase:
Phase I: Gulmarg to Kongdoori
- This phase starts from the base station in Gulmarg, at an altitude of 2,690 metres, and ends at the intermediate station in Kongdoori, at an altitude of 3,080 metres.
- The entry fee for this phase is INR 740 for adults and INR 500 for children.
- The opening and closing time for this phase is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in winter.
- The time required for this phase is 9 minutes.
- The views and attractions at this phase include the lush green meadows of Gulmarg, the pine and fir forests, the Alpather Lake, and the Kongdoori Mountain.
Phase II: Kongdoori to Apharwat
- This phase starts from the intermediate station in Kongdoori, at an altitude of 3,080 metres, and ends at the summit station in Apharwat, at an altitude of 3,979 metres.
- The entry fee for this phase is INR 950 for adults and INR 800 for children.
- The opening and closing time for this phase is 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in winter.
- The time required for this phase is 12 minutes.
- The views and attractions at this phase include the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, the Nanga Parbat peak, the Khilanmarg valley, and the Apharwat Peak.
Phase III: Apharwat to Mary Shoulder (Optional)
- This phase is an optional extension of the second phase, and is only available in winter, when the chairlift is operational.
- This phase starts from the summit station in Apharwat, at an altitude of 3,979 metres, and ends at the Mary Shoulder, at an altitude of 4,200 metres.
- The entry fee for this phase is INR 200 for adults and INR 100 for children.
- The opening and closing time for this phase is 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in winter.
- The time required for this phase is 5 minutes.
- The views and attractions at this phase include the highest point of the gondola ride, the frozen lake, and the ski slopes.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Details and Tips
Here are some important details and tips that you should know before you take the Gulmarg Gondola ride:
- You can book your tickets online or offline, depending on your preference and availability. The online booking can be done through the official website of the Gulmarg Gondola, or through the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) website. The offline booking can be done at the ticket counters at the base station in Gulmarg, or at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Srinagar.
- You can cancel your tickets online or offline, depending on how you booked them. The cancellation policy is as follows:
- If you cancel your tickets online, you will get a full refund, minus the transaction charges, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled date and time of the ride.
- If you cancel your tickets offline, you will get a full refund, minus the service charges, if you cancel at least 48 hours before the scheduled date and time of the ride.
- If you cancel your tickets within the above-mentioned time limits, you will not get any refund, and your tickets will be forfeited.
- You can also reschedule your tickets online or offline, depending on how you booked them. The rescheduling policy is as follows:
- If you reschedule your tickets online, you will have to pay a rescheduling fee of 10% of the ticket price, and you can reschedule your tickets only once, and only for the same day or the next day.
- If you reschedule your tickets offline, you will have to pay a rescheduling fee of 20% of the ticket price, and you can reschedule your tickets only once, and only for the same day or the next day.
- The best season to take the Gulmarg Gondola ride is from December to March, when the snowfall is at its peak, and the views are spectacular. However, you can also enjoy the gondola ride in other seasons, as the scenery changes with the seasons, and each season has its own charm and beauty.
- The time required to take the Gulmarg Gondola ride is about 20 minutes for the two phases, and 25 minutes for the three phases. However, you should also factor in the waiting time, which can vary depending on the crowd and the weather. The average waiting time is about 30 minutes, but it can go up to 2 hours or more during peak season or bad weather.
The tips for taking the Gulmarg Gondola ride are as follows:
- Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the temperature drops significantly as you go higher, and the wind can be chilly and strong.
- Carry a camera and a binocular, as the views are stunning and worth capturing and admiring.
- Carry some snacks and water, as there are no food or drink stalls at the intermediate or summit stations, and you may feel hungry or thirsty after the ride.
- Carry some cash, as the online payment system may not work at times, and you may need to pay for the tickets or the chairlift in cash.
- Follow the instructions and guidelines of the staff and the security personnel, and do not lean out of the cabin or throw anything out of the window, as it may cause accidents or damage.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: History and Development
The Gulmarg Gondola project was conceived in the late 1980s, as a way to boost tourism and provide access to the ski slopes in Gulmarg. The project was executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), in collaboration with the French company Pomagalski.
The first phase of the project, from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, was completed in 1998, and was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The second phase of the project, from Kongdoori to Apharwat, was completed in 2005, and was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The third phase of the project, from Apharwat to Mary Shoulder, was completed in 2011, and was inaugurated by the then Minister of Tourism of Jammu and Kashmir, Nawang Rigzin Jora.
The Gulmarg Gondola project faced many challenges and difficulties during its construction and operation, such as:
- The harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low visibility, that posed risks and delays for the workers and the passengers.
- The technical issues, such as power failures, cable faults, and mechanical breakdowns, that caused disruptions and suspensions of the service.
- The security threats, such as terrorist attacks, militant activities, and civil unrest, that endangered the safety and stability of the project.
Despite these challenges and difficulties, the Gulmarg Gondola project achieved many successes and milestones, such as:
- It became the world’s highest operating cable car, and the only one in Asia that crosses the tree line, breaking several world records and setting new standards for the cable car industry.
- It boosted the tourism and economy of Gulmarg and Kashmir, creating employment opportunities, generating revenue, and attracting domestic and international visitors.
- It promoted the development and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Gulmarg and Kashmir, enhancing the awareness and appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the region.
- The Gulmarg Gondola project is a remarkable example of human ingenuity, perseverance, and vision, that has transformed the landscape and the lives of Gulmarg and Kashmir.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Highlights
The Gulmarg Gondola ride is not just a mode of transportation, but an adventure and a spectacle that you will cherish for a lifetime. Here are some of the highlights and reviews of the gondola ride that will make you want to experience it yourself:
- The gondola ride offers you a bird’s eye view of the majestic Himalayas, the serene valleys, and the vibrant meadows, that will leave you spellbound and awe-struck.
- The gondola ride takes you to the world’s second-highest ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing, on some of the finest slopes and powder snow in the world.
- The gondola ride gives you access to the pristine and untouched nature of Apharwat Peak, where you can witness the frozen lake, the alpine flowers, and the wildlife, such as the snow leopard, the brown bear, and the musk deer.
- The gondola ride is a thrilling and exhilarating experience, that will make your heart race and your adrenaline pump, as you soar over the cliffs and the crevasses, and feel the wind and the cold on your face.
Gulmarg: Interesting Facts and Culture
Gulmarg is not just a destination, but a destination with a story and a soul. Here are some of the interesting facts and culture of Gulmarg, that will make you appreciate and enjoy it more:
- Gulmarg means “Meadow of Flowers” in Urdu, and it is aptly named, as it is home to a variety of flowers, such as daisies, buttercups, bluebells, and wild roses, that bloom in spring and summer, and create a colorful and fragrant carpet on the ground.
- Gulmarg was originally a hill station for the British colonial rulers, who used to spend their summers here, and play golf on the world’s highest golf course, which is still operational today, and has a 18-hole course and a clubhouse.
- Gulmarg was also a favorite spot for the Bollywood film industry, who used to shoot many of their romantic songs and scenes here, and made it famous and popular among the masses. Some of the movies that were shot here include Bobby, Jab We Met, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Haider.
- Gulmarg is also a place of cultural and religious diversity, as it is inhabited by people of different faiths and backgrounds, such as Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, who live in harmony and respect each other’s beliefs and traditions. Some of the festivals that are celebrated here include Eid, Diwali, Baisakhi, and Losar.
- Gulmarg is also a place of culinary and artistic delight, as it offers a variety of dishes and handicrafts, that reflect the rich and diverse culture of the region. Some of the dishes that you should try here include Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Kashmiri Pulao, and Kahwa. Some of the handicrafts that you should buy here include Pashmina Shawls, Papier Mache, Walnut Wood Carving, and Kashmiri Carpets.
Gulmarg: How to Get There and Where to Stay
Gulmarg is easily accessible and well-connected by air, rail, and road, from different parts of India and the world. Here are some of the options and information on how to get there and where to stay:
By Air: The nearest airport to Gulmarg is the Srinagar International Airport, which is about 56 km away, and has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities in India, as well as from Dubai, Jeddah, and Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Gulmarg, which will take about 2 hours and cost about INR 1500-2000.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gulmarg is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is about 290 km away, and has trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and other major cities in India. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to Gulmarg, which will take about 8 hours and cost about INR 3000-4000.
By Road: Gulmarg is well-connected by road with Srinagar, Jammu, and other nearby towns and cities, and has a good network of highways and roads. You can drive your own car or hire a taxi or a cab to Gulmarg, which will take about 2 hours from Srinagar, 8 hours from Jammu, and 12 hours from Delhi. You can also take a bus or a coach to Gulmarg, which will take about 3 hours from Srinagar, 9 hours from Jammu, and 13 hours from Delhi.
Where to Stay
Gulmarg has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and resorts, to budget guesthouses and homestays, that suit every taste and budget. Some of the best places to stay in Gulmarg are:
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa: This is a 5-star resort that offers a luxurious and comfortable stay, with spacious rooms, modern amenities, and stunning views of the mountains and the valley. It also has a spa, a gym, a pool, and a restaurant, that cater to your needs and preferences. The price per night for this resort is about INR 20,000-25,000.
The Vintage Gulmarg: This is a 4-star hotel that offers a cozy and elegant stay, with cozy rooms, contemporary amenities, and beautiful views of the meadows and the forest. It also has a cafe, a bar, and a lounge, that provide a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. The price per night for this hotel is about INR 10,000-15,000.
The Pine Palace Resort: This is a 3-star resort that offers a homely and affordable stay, with comfortable rooms, basic amenities, and lovely views of the hills and the lake. It also has a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant, that offer a peaceful and pleasant environment. The price per night for this resort is about INR 5,000-10,000.
The Green Heights: This is a 2-star guesthouse that offers a simple and cheap stay, with clean rooms, essential amenities, and decent views of the town and the valley. It also has a kitchen, a dining area, and a parking space, that offer a convenient and hassle-free experience. The price per night for this guesthouse is about INR 2,000-5,000.
Gulmarg: Places to Visit and Things to Do
Gulmarg is not just a one-attraction destination, but a destination with many attractions and activities, that will keep you entertained and engaged throughout your stay. Here are some of the places to visit and things to do in Gulmarg, that will make your trip memorable and fun:
Skiing: Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for skiing enthusiasts, as it has some of the best ski slopes and powder snow in the world. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing, on different levels of difficulty and terrain, from beginner to expert. You can also rent or buy the ski equipment and gear, and hire the ski instructors and guides, from the ski shops and stalls in Gulmarg. The best season for skiing in Gulmarg is from December to March, when the snowfall is at its peak, and the temperature is below zero.
Golfing: Gulmarg is also a paradise for golf lovers, as it has the world’s highest golf course, which is situated at an altitude of 2,650 metres. The golf course is a 18-hole course, with a par of 72, and covers an area of 750 acres. It is surrounded by the pine and fir trees, and offers a scenic and challenging experience for the golfers. You can play golf in Gulmarg from April to November, when the weather is pleasant and the grass is green. You can also rent or buy the golf equipment and gear, and hire the golf caddies and coaches, from the golf club and the clubhouse in Gulmarg.
Sightseeing: Gulmarg is also a place of natural and historical beauty, as it has many places to visit and admire, such as:
Alpather Lake: This is a triangular-shaped lake, that is located at the foot of the Apharwat Peak, at an altitude of 3,810 metres. It is frozen for most of the year, and melts only in late summer, revealing its clear and blue water. It is a popular spot for trekking, camping, and picnicking, and offers a serene and tranquil environment for the visitors.
Khilanmarg: This is a valley, that is situated at a distance of 4 km from Gulmarg, at an altitude of 2,900 metres. It is famous for its meadows, that are covered with wild flowers, such as daffodils, primroses, and buttercups, in spring and summer, and with snow, in winter. It is also a vantage point, that offers a panoramic view of the Nanga Parbat peak, and the Kashmir valley.
Baba Reshi Shrine: This is a shrine, that is dedicated to a Muslim saint and scholar, Baba Reshi, who lived in the 15th century. It is located at a distance of 5 km from Gulmarg, at an altitude of 2,130 metres. It is a fine example of the Mughal and Persian architecture, and has a wooden structure, with intricate carvings and paintings. It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion, for people of different faiths and backgrounds, who visit the shrine to seek blessings and peace.
Conclusion
Gulmarg Gondola is a must-visit attraction in Kashmir, that offers a unique and unforgettable experience, that you will cherish for a lifetime. It is not only a cable car ride, but an adventure and a spectacle, that will take you to the heights of the Himalayas, and the depths of the nature. It is also a gateway to the other attractions and activities in Gulmarg, that will make your trip memorable and fun.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Gulmarg with Tripoto, and experience the best of Gulmarg Gondola in Kashmir.
