- Best time
- Dec–Mar, May–Oct
- How long
- 2–3 days
- Stay a night
- ₹2,000–14,000
- Food a day
- ₹500–2,000
- Nearest railhead
- 45 km away
- Nearest airport
- 55 km away
Plan Gulmarg in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Gulmarg
A high meadow ringed by fir forest — one of Asia’s highest gondolas, India’s best skiing in winter and wildflower walks in summer.
Things to do in Gulmarg
Gulmarg Gondola
The Gulmarg Gondola is the second longest and second highest cable car in the world. It takes visitors from Phase 1 to Kongdoori and further up in Phase 2 to Apharwat.
Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the counter.
Skiing at Kongdoori
Kongdoori slopes in Gulmarg offer beginner skiing lessons and equipment rentals. It is a snowy destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is a small valley located about six kilometres away from Gulmarg. It is a scenic meadow carpeted with flowers in the spring and serves as a site for winter ski runs. Visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding peaks and the Kashmir Valley.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the path involves a significant ascent from Gulmarg
St Mary’s Church
This stone church from 1902 sits right on the meadow in Gulmarg. Built in the British style during British rule, it stands in the Valley of Shepherds as one of the oldest churches in the region.
Maharani Temple
Maharani Temple is a red-roofed Shiva temple situated on a hillock in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. It is famously recognized as the shooting spot for the song Aap Ki Kasam.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Gulmarg Golf Course is a public golf course set in a scenic meadow and stands as one of the highest golf courses in the world. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely meadow walk surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes from April to November before heavy winter snow covers the grounds.
Tip: Check availability ahead as it is open only from April to November.
Drung Waterfall
Drung Waterfall is located off the Tangmarg road in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains, the cascading waters freeze solid into stunning ice structures during the cold winter months.
Tip: Wear sturdy footwear with good grip as the paths near the water can be slippery.
Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake is a high-altitude water body situated just below the Apharwat peak in Gulmarg. Fed by melting snow, the picturesque lake remains largely frozen until the month of June.
Tip: Carry warm layers as the weather near the lake can turn chilly very quickly
Where to stay in Gulmarg
Gulmarg meadow
Walk to the gondola and ski slopes.
Ski resorts by the gondola
Ski-in hotels with heated rooms.
Tangmarg
Cheaper stays 13 km below, on the road up.
What to eat
Kashmiri wazwan
Rogan josh and yakhni at the hotel restaurants.
Nadru monje
Crisp lotus-stem fritters from Tangmarg stalls.
Kahwa at the gondola base
Hot saffron tea before the queue.
Good to know
- Book the gondola online a day ahead — counter tickets run out by mid-morning.
- Phase 2 shuts in high wind; go early.
- Agree pony and guide rates against the Tourist Office board.
Going to Gulmarg? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
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