Gulmarg Gondola: Phase 1, Phase 2 and how to plan your ride
What the two phases are, how high they go, when the Gondola runs and when it closes, how to book on the official portal, and how to fit it into a Kashmir trip in winter or summer.
- ~2,650 m Gulmarg base
- ~3,080 m Phase 1 · Kongdoori
- ~3,950 m Phase 2 · Apharwat
- Online official tickets
Photo: Arup1981, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
The Gulmarg Gondola is a two-stage cable car run by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, among the highest in the world.Phase 1 rises from Gulmarg (about 2,650 m) to Kongdoori (about 3,080 m) in roughly 10 minutes — snow play, sledging and beginner slopes. Phase 2 continues to a shoulder of Apharwat (about 3,950 m), with big Himalayan views and the expert ski terrain. It usually runs from about 10 am to 5 pm, but wind and snow often close Phase 2, especially in winter afternoons. Tickets are sold online on the official portal; they sell out in the Christmas–New Year weeks, on winter weekends and in May–June, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Phase 1Gulmarg → Kongdoori (about 3,080 m), around 10 minutes.
- Phase 2Kongdoori → Apharwat (about 3,950 m), around 12 minutes.
- TimingsAbout 10 am – 5 pm, weather permitting.
- TicketsOnline, on the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal.
- ClosuresWind and snow often stop Phase 2; Phase 2 runs only when Phase 1 does.
Gulmarg, Srinagar and Pahalgam weather today
Gulmarg (about 2,650 m) at the Gondola base, Srinagar (1,585 m) and Pahalgam (about 2,200 m) — current temperature and the next days’ high, low and snow. Wind and fresh snow are what close the Gondola.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 vs Phase 2
Most visitors ride Phase 1; Phase 2 is higher, colder and more often closed. If you can, book both, and ride as early in the day as possible.
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Gulmarg base → Kongdoori | Kongdoori → Apharwat shoulder |
| Top height | About 3,080 m | About 3,950 m |
| Ride time | About 10 minutes | About 12 minutes |
| What you get | Snow play, sledging, beginner slopes, cafés | Big views of the Pir Panjal; expert ski terrain |
| In winter | Usually runs | Often stopped by wind or fresh snow |
| Who it suits | Everyone, including families | Fit adults; not ideal for infants or anyone with heart or breathing problems |
Heights and ride times are approximate. Fares are set by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation and change by season — check the official portal when you book.
When to ride the Gulmarg Gondola
Winter (late December to March) is snow season: Kongdoori is deep in snow and Phase 2 serves skiers on Apharwat. It is also when wind and fresh snow most often stop Phase 2, so ride early and keep a spare morning. For skiing, see skiing in Gulmarg; for snow, Gulmarg snowfall.
Spring and summer (April to June) bring the longest queues — May is the busiest month for Gondola searches — with patches of snow still at the top in April and May. July to October is green and quieter; Apharwat may have little or no snow.
Whatever the season, it can be 10–15 °C colder at the top than in Gulmarg, with strong wind. Take a warm jacket even in June.
The Gulmarg Gondola in pictures
Cabins over the snow and the pine forest, Kongdoori station and Apharwat — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Tips for the Gulmarg Gondola
What makes the ride go smoothly.
Book online, early
Official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal only.
Ride early
Wind and queues grow after lunch.
Spare morning
Phase 2 closes often in wind or fresh snow.
Dress warm
10–15 °C colder at the top.
Altitude
About 3,950 m — go slowly, especially with children or elderly travellers.
Avoid touts
Buy only from the official portal.
How to reach the Gulmarg Gondola
The Gondola base station is a short walk or pony ride from the Gulmarg bus stand. Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar — roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road via Tangmarg. In heavy snow, vehicles may need chains above Tangmarg, and the road can be slow; leave Srinagar early.
Most travellers do Gulmarg as a day trip from Srinagar or stay a night in Gulmarg to get an early Gondola slot. We plan the day around the forecast and your Gondola booking. Cab: Srinagar taxi.
Our Kashmir trips
Hotels, meals and a private car in one quote.
Planning Gulmarg and the Gondola?
Tell us your dates and how many of you are travelling. We plan the Gulmarg day around the forecast and your Gondola slot, and send a written quote with hotels, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and plans trips across north India.
Gulmarg Gondola: frequently asked questions
How high does the Gulmarg Gondola go?
Phase 1 reaches Kongdoori at about 3,080 m; Phase 2 reaches a shoulder of Apharwat at about 3,950 m.
How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets?
Online, on the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation portal. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially for Christmas–New Year, winter weekends and May–June.
What are the Gulmarg Gondola timings?
Usually about 10 am to 5 pm, but the Gondola runs only when the weather allows.
Is Phase 2 worth it?
On a clear, calm day, yes — the views from Apharwat are the highlight. It is colder and higher, and it closes more often in wind or fresh snow.
Is the Gulmarg Gondola open in winter?
Yes, it is busiest in winter for snow and skiing, but wind and fresh snow often stop Phase 2. Ride early and keep a spare morning.
Which is the best month for the Gulmarg Gondola?
January–February for deep snow and skiing; April–May for snow at the top with milder weather; September–October for quieter, clear days.
Can children and elderly people ride Phase 2?
Phase 2 reaches about 3,950 m. Phase 1 suits everyone; for infants, elderly travellers or anyone with heart or breathing problems, Phase 1 is the safer choice.
Sources
- Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation — official Gondola portal
- Wikipedia: Gulmarg Gondola
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
The Gulmarg Gondola above the snow — Photo: Arup1981, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The Gondola at Gulmarg — Photo: Dr. Moumita Sahana, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Over the snowy meadow — Photo: Skywayman9, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Through the pine forest — Photo: Maheshkumarrathi, CC BY-SA 4.0 · A Gondola cabin — Photo: Dr.himshree, CC BY 4.0 · The Gondola in summer — Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Apharwat peak — Photo: Malikjavid, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Slopes of Apharwat — Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado, CC0 · Kongdoori station — Photo: Hidden macy, CC BY 3.0
