Gulmarg means Meadow of Flowers, and in summer the name is literal. In winter it is something else entirely — one of the most highly regarded lift-served powder destinations in Asia, with the Gulmarg Gondola carrying skiers up towards Apharwat at just under 4,000 m. It is our home mountain, and the base for most of what we run.
- Altitude
- Town about 2,650 m; Apharwat top station about 3,980 m
- Best season
- December to March for snow; May to September for meadows
- Getting there
- About 50 km from Srinagar, roughly 2 hours by road
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 nights, longer for a dedicated ski trip
Skiing and Snowboarding
Gulmarg is best known for its off-piste terrain. The upper mountain gives long, open descents on genuine powder, and the tree runs lower down hold their snow well after a storm. There are gentler learning areas around Kongdoori for beginners, with instructors available. Anyone riding beyond the marked areas should carry a transceiver, shovel and probe and go with a guide — the avalanche risk here is real and the terrain is not patrolled the way a European resort is.
The Gulmarg Gondola
The Gondola is both the lift system and the single most popular attraction in Gulmarg. Phase 1 climbs from the base to Kongdoori; Phase 2 continues towards Apharwat Peak, with views across the Pir Panjal that open up as you rise. Plenty of visitors ride it purely for the scenery and never put on skis. We handle the ticketing and boarding — see our Gulmarg Gondola page for the detail.
Alpine Meadows in Summer
Once the snow clears, Gulmarg turns green and the meadows fill with wildflowers. It is excellent, undemanding walking country, with trails leading up to Khilanmarg for the classic view across the valley, or out towards Ferozepur Nallah and Strawberry Valley. Horse riding across the meadows is the traditional way to see it.
Adventure and the Golf Course
Beyond skiing, Gulmarg offers mountain biking, trekking, paragliding, ATV rides, snowmobiling and sledging depending on the season. The golf course is one of the highest green courses in the world at over 2,650 m, and plays a full eighteen holes through the summer months against a mountain backdrop that is hard to concentrate against.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Gulmarg itself is a small resort town rather than a village, but the surrounding settlements are working Kashmiri and Gujjar communities. Local restaurants serve Kashmiri staples alongside the usual Indian menu, and Kahwa after a cold day on the mountain is close to essential. Handicrafts and warm clothing are sold in the market near the Gondola base.
Before You Go
- Book accommodation well ahead for January and February. Gulmarg fills up, and last-minute rates rise sharply.
- The Gondola closes in high wind, and Phase 2 more often than Phase 1. Build a spare day into a ski trip.
- Hire avalanche safety equipment and a qualified guide before riding off-piste. See our ski rentals for gear.
- It is significantly colder at the top station than in town. Carry a warm layer, gloves and goggles even on a clear morning.
- The road up from Tangmarg can require chains or a four-wheel drive after heavy snowfall.
Plan Your Trip to Gulmarg
We arrange transport, stays, permits where they are needed and a local driver who knows the route. Tell us your dates and we will put together an itinerary.