Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Guide to One of the World's Highest Cable Cars

Few experiences in India can match the sheer, breath-stealing drama of the Gulmarg Gondola. In under half an hour, this legendary cable car lifts you from a flower-carpeted Himalayan meadow to the edge of a glacier at nearly 4,000 metres — with panoramic views of snow-dusted peaks, dense pine forests, and, on clear days, the distant silhouette of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth. Whether you're chasing powder runs in January or wildflower meadows in June, riding the gondola is the single most iconic things to do in Kashmir's beloved hill station of Gulmarg.

Here's everything you need to plan your ride in 2026.

What Is the Gulmarg Gondola?

The Gulmarg Gondola is a two-stage cable car system nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the western Himalayas, roughly 50 kilometres from Srinagar. Officially operated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), the ropeway is a joint venture between the J&K government and French engineering firm Pomagalski (Poma), and it ferries about 600 passengers per hour up and down the mountain.

It is widely recognised as the second-highest and second-longest operating cable car in the world — only the Mi Teleférico in Bolivia and the gondola at China's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reach higher. For most visitors, this ride is the reason to visit Gulmarg.

The Two Phases Explained

Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori

• Base altitude: ~2,650 m (8,694 ft)
• Top altitude: ~3,050 m (10,007 ft)
• Ride time: Approximately 8–10 minutes

Phase 1 floats you over pine forests and the bowl-shaped Gulmarg meadow up to Kongdori Station. The mid-mountain station has food stalls, restrooms, pony rides, and — in winter — snow activities like sledging and beginner skiing. This is the gentler, more reliable phase; it runs on most days year-round and is ideal for families and first-timers who want stunning views without extreme altitude.

Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak

• Top altitude: ~3,950–3,980 m (approx. 13,050 ft)
• Ride time: Approximately 12 minutes

Phase 2 is where the magic intensifies. The cabin climbs above the tree line into a stark, snow-streaked alpine world near the shoulder of Apharwat Peak. On a clear day, the 360-degree panorama stretches across glaciers, the Pir Panjal ridge, and all the way to Nanga Parbat. In winter, this is the launch point for advanced skiers and snowboarders tackling world-class powder slopes.

Important: Phase 2 is weather-dependent and closes more frequently than Phase 1 — heavy wind, snow, or poor visibility can halt operations at short notice. Treat Phase 2 as a wonderful bonus rather than a guarantee, and consider budgeting an extra day in Gulmarg as a buffer.

Ticket Prices (2026)

Prices are per person for a return journey on each phase:

• Children under 3 ride free.
• You must hold a valid Phase 1 ticket before you can purchase Phase 2.
• Prices are updated periodically by JKCCC — always verify on the official portal before travel.

Pro tip: Ski equipment rental near the gondola base ranges from roughly ₹700–₹1,200 per day, including skis, boots, poles, and a snow suit.

Operating Hours and Maintenance Closures

• Phase 1: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Phase 2: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Kongdoori Chairlift: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The gondola operates seven days a week but is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for preventive maintenance. Missing the gondola on a maintenance Monday is one of the most common — and most avoidable — disappointments for visitors. Always check the JKCCC calendar before fixing your Gulmarg day.

Recent note (June 2026): The gondola resumed operations on June 25, 2026, after a month-long suspension for safety assessments following a technical fault on May 25. If you're planning a trip, confirm current operational status on the official website.

How to Book Tickets

1. Online (recommended): Visit the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal at jammukashmircablecar.com. Advance online booking is highly recommended during peak seasons — December to February and June to August — when walk-in queues can stretch to two to four hours.
2. At the counter: Tickets can be purchased at the Gulmarg base station. During the off-season or on weekdays, counter tickets are usually available without significant waiting.

What to carry: A valid photo ID is required for all passengers. If you've booked Phase 2, keep your Phase 1 transaction ID handy.

Best Time to Ride the Gondola

Summer (April–June)

The most family-friendly season. Both phases typically run smoothly, the weather is cool and pleasant (15–28°C in the valley), and the alpine scenery is lush and green. This is also peak domestic-tourism season, so arrive early — ideally by 8:30 AM — to beat the queues.

Autumn (September–November)

Crowds thin, the air turns crystal clear, and the deciduous forests below the cabin blaze gold and crimson — a photographer's dream. Phase 2 may see early-season snow closures from late October onward, so check conditions before travelling.

Winter (December–February)

Gulmarg transforms into India's premier ski destination. Fresh powder blankets the slopes, and the gondola becomes the ski lift to Apharwat's legendary backcountry runs. Temperatures can plunge well below freezing at the peak. Phase 2 may close intermittently during heavy snowfall, but Phase 1 to Kongdoori — where beginner slopes and snow activities await — stays accessible for most of the season.

Spring (March–April)

Snow begins to melt, wildflowers start emerging, and both phases are often operational. You'll find a beautiful mix of snow-capped peaks above and green meadows below.

What to Do at Each Phase

At Kongdoori (Phase 1)

• Enjoy beginner skiing and snowboarding in winter
• Take a chairlift to Mary's Shoulder for yet another elevated vantage point
• Let kids try sledging and pony rides on the snow
• Soak in views of the Gulmarg bowl from the food stalls

At Apharwat Peak (Phase 2)

• Marvel at 360-degree Himalayan panoramas, including views toward Nanga Parbat
• Hit the advanced ski and snowboard slopes (with certified guides)
• Walk through alpine snowfields even in summer
• Capture once-in-a-lifetime photographs above the tree line

Essential Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Dress in layers. Even in summer, Apharwat Peak is cold and windy. A windproof jacket is non-negotiable regardless of the temperature in Gulmarg village.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen are must-haves. UV radiation is intense at altitude year-round.
• Stay hydrated and move slowly. Apharwat sits at nearly 4,000 metres — mild altitude sickness is possible. Ascend gradually and drink plenty of water.
• Carry snacks and water. Food options at Kongdoori and the peak are limited and can be overpriced.
• Arrive early. Being at the ticket counter by 8:30 AM on peak days is the single most important thing you can do to avoid long waits.
• Book an extra day. Weather can shut Phase 2 without warning. A flexible itinerary ensures you don't miss the ride of a lifetime.
• Drones require special permission at this altitude and near the Line of Control.

Getting to Gulmarg

Gulmarg is about 50–60 km from Srinagar — roughly a 1.5-hour drive through winding pine-forest roads. Most visitors hire a taxi or arrange a private car with driver from Srinagar. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), which receives regular flights from Delhi and other Indian metros.

For those coming by rail, Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railhead; from there, it's a road journey via NH 44 through the Chenani–Nashri Tunnel to Srinagar, and onward to Gulmarg.

Where to Stay in Gulmarg

Gulmarg has options ranging from luxury to mid-range:

• The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa — Kashmir's premier luxury ski resort with elegant dining at Cloves
• Hotel Highlands Park — A classic property with old-world charm
• Budget guesthouses and lodges — Scattered around the meadow, perfect for trekkers and backpackers

Book well in advance during ski season (December–February) and summer holidays (May–June).

Beyond the Gondola: Exploring Kashmir

The gondola is the headline act, but Kashmir's magic extends far beyond Gulmarg. Pair your gondola day with:

• A sunrise shikara ride on Dal Lake and a night on a traditional cedar houseboat in Srinagar
• The terraced Mughal Gardens — Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi
• Pine-forested valleys of Pahalgam — Betaab Valley, Aru, and Chandanwari
• The golden meadows of Sonamarg, with glacier hikes and river rafting
• A visit to Pampore's saffron fields during the October–November harvest

Kashmir rewards every season with a different shade of wonder, and the Gulmarg Gondola is its crowning jewel.

Final Thoughts

Riding the Gulmarg Gondola is one of those rare travel experiences that lives up to — and exceeds — the hype. The combination of world-record altitude, French-engineered precision, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the planet makes it unforgettable in any season. Book your tickets online, arrive early, dress warm, and let the Himalayas do the rest.

Have you ridden the Gulmarg Gondola? Share your experience in the comments below!