4N / 5D3 stops
Kashmir in Winter
Snow, kangris and kahwa: two nights in Gulmarg for the gondola, snow play or a first ski lesson, and Srinagar under snow on either side.
SrinagarGulmargSrinagar
From
₹13,000
per person
Kashmir guide · Winter sports
Gulmarg skiing & Gondola guide (2026 season).
Everything you need to know about Asia’s highest cable car, powder skiing, equipment rental rates, certified instructors, and winter road travel to Mt. Apharwat.
Season
Mid-Dec to Mid-March
Gondola summit
3,950 m / 12,959 ft
Beginners
Phase 1 (Kongdoori)
Experts & Powder
Phase 2 (Apharwat)
The short answer
The Gulmarg ski season runs mid-December to mid-March, with Asia’s highest Gondola reaching 3,950 m.
Gulmarg offers some of the world’s best accessible deep powder skiing. Beginners and families learn on gentle nursery slopes at Kongdoori (Phase 1) with certified local ski instructors (₹2,500–₹3,500/day). Advanced skiers and snowboarders ride Phase 2 up Mt. Apharwat for backcountry powder bowls. Equipment rental (skis, boots, poles) is ₹1,000–₹1,800/day. You must book Gondola tickets online 3–4 weeks in advance on the official J&K cable car portal — on-spot tickets are not sold.
Written by Shahid Parvez Khan, founder of Falcon Trails and a Kashmir guide since 2010 · last checked
When does the ski season start in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg receives its first winter snow in November, but the ski season officially begins around mid-December once the snow base reaches 1.5 to 2 metres. Peak powder season is January and February, when snowstorms replenish the upper bowls weekly. Skiing continues through mid-March at Phase 1 and into late April at Phase 2.
Phase 1 (Kongdoori) vs Phase 2 (Apharwat): Which is for you?
The Gulmarg Gondola is divided into two distinct sections, serving different skill levels and safety profiles:
| Section | Altitude | Who it is for | Ticket cost (Return) | Conditions & Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori | 2,650 m → 3,050 m | Beginners, kids, sledge rides, first-time skiers | ₹800 / person | Gentle green slopes, ski schools, cafes, heated huts |
| Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat | 3,050 m → 3,950 m | Intermediate to expert skiers, powder riders | ₹1,000 / person (₹1,800 total) | High altitude, thin air, steep bowls, avalanche patrol regulated |
| Chairlift: Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder | 3,050 m → 3,500 m | Intermediate skiers desiring tree runs | ₹300 / person | Open chairlift, protected forest glades |
How much does skiing in Gulmarg cost? (2026 Price Breakdown)
Gulmarg is significantly more affordable than European or Japanese ski resorts. Here are verified local rates for the 2026 season:
| Service / Equipment | Standard Rate / Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-mountain ski gear (Skis, boots, poles) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | Available at government ski shop & private rentals |
| High-performance powder skis / snowboard | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 | Wide powder skis (105mm+) recommended for Phase 2 |
| Certified local ski instructor (Beginner lesson) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | Includes 4–5 hours on Phase 1 nursery slopes |
| Backcountry avalanche guide (Phase 2 / Apharwat) | ₹4,500 – ₹6,000 | Essential for off-piste bowls; includes transceiver briefing |
| Gondola daily ski pass (Unlimited rides) | ₹1,210 – ₹2,000 | Multi-day ski passes available for registered skiers |
| Snow chain vehicle from Tangmarg to Gulmarg | ₹1,500 – ₹2,200 | Mandatory local union 4x4 when roads have ice |
Hotels near the Gondola with guaranteed heating
In winter, temperatures in Gulmarg drop to -10 °C at night. Staying in a hotel with central heating or high-capacity electric heating within walking distance of the Gondola saves you having to drag heavy ski boots across icy roads:
- The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa: 5-star ski resort with underfloor heating, heated indoor pool, and ski concierge (150 m walk to Gondola).
- Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg: Located directly opposite the Gondola ticket terminal with central heating and ski rental desk.
- Hotel Highlands Park: Historic heritage hotel on Circular Road with wood-burning Bukhari stoves and panoramic Apharwat views.
- Hotel Hilltop: Central climate control, 24/7 power backup, and in-house Wazwan dining near the market.
Altitude sickness & snow safety tips
- Drink 3+ litres of water daily. Apharwat Peak sits at 3,950 m (12,959 ft); do not rush to Phase 2 on your arrival day.
- Carry sunglasses with UV400 protection: snow blindness is common without eye protection at high altitudes.
- If skiing off-piste on Phase 2, an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel are strictly required by the Snow Safety Officer.
- Keep your mobile phone inside an inner jacket pocket close to body warmth; lithium batteries discharge rapidly in sub-zero air.
Itineraries that fit
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5N / 6D4 stops
Kashmir Honeymoon
Slower and quieter: a houseboat night on Nigeen Lake, a night in Gulmarg, two by the river in Pahalgam, and time left empty on purpose.
SrinagarGulmargPahalgamSrinagar
From
₹16,500
per person
Questions
What people ask us.
Do I need prior experience to ski in Gulmarg?
No. Beginners can learn on gentle Phase 1 slopes at Kongdoori. Certified local instructors teach basic gliding, turning, and snowplow stops within 1–2 days.
Can elderly parents and non-skiers take the Gondola?
Yes! Phase 1 (Kongdoori) is very comfortable for seniors and families, offering snow viewing and cafes. Phase 2 (Apharwat) is high-altitude (3,950 m) with thin air, so seniors with cardiac or respiratory issues should consult a physician before ascending.
How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets?
Tickets are sold exclusively online at the official J&K Cable Car website (jammukashmircablecar.com). They open roughly 30 days in advance and sell out quickly for winter weekends. Falcon Trails assists package guests with advance ticketing.
Can ordinary cars drive up to Gulmarg in winter?
Normal 2WD tourist cars can drive up to Tangmarg (12 km below Gulmarg). From Tangmarg to Gulmarg, local 4x4 vehicles with tire snow chains are strictly enforced by the traffic police whenever there is snowfall.
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