Gulmarg Gondola Booking: Ropeways in Kashmir That Actually Deserve the Hype
Editor’s Note: In light of the recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, we strongly advise travellers to pause all non-essential travel plans to Kashmir until further notice. We recommend staying updated through official government advisories and news sources before planning or continuing your journey to the region.
When you hear the term Kashmir ropeway, your mind likely paints a familiar picture—snow-draped peaks, cable cars suspended mid-air, and tourists bundled up in rented snow gear. And you wouldn’t be wrong. But if you think the Gulmarg Gondola is just another scenic joyride, let me stop you right there. This iconic ropeway in Gulmarg isn’t just about the views—it’s an engineering marvel, a gateway to high-altitude adventure, and one of the top things to do in Gulmarg all year round, especially in summer.
Unlike most cable cars in India that fade into obscurity once the snow melts, the Gulmarg Gondola stays relevant through the seasons, offering panoramic Himalayan views, easy access to high-altitude trekking trails, and a unique perspective of the Kashmir valley in full bloom. Whether you’re planning a summer holiday to Kashmir with family or curating a list of the top Gulmarg attractions, this ropeway ride deserves a prime spot on your itinerary, especially since it is the best way to enjoy Gulmarg weather.
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So, What Exactly is the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg Gondola in Kashmir is a two-phase Gulmarg cable car system in Jammu and Kashmir that takes you from the base of Gulmarg to Kongdoori and then further up from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak. Phase 1 gets you to around 8,530 feet. Phase 2? That’s a sky-scraping 13,400 feet.
It’s also one of the highest and longest cable cars in Asia, making it one of the best things to do in Gulmarg in summer season.
But here’s the kicker: It’s charmingly adventurous. You get swaying cars, dramatic wind gusts, and sometimes a nervous co-passenger loudly whispering prayers. The ride gives you more than just views—it gives you stories.
What to Know Before You Go for Gulmarg Gondola:
Timings: Usually open from 10 AM to 5 PM (weather dependent).
Gulmarg Gondola Tickets: Can be booked online or at the counter; Phase 2 tickets are sold only after verifying weather conditions.
Clothing: Even in summer, it’s chilly at higher altitudes—carry a light jacket or windcheater.
Best Views: Morning rides are recommended for clearer skies and fewer crowds.
We recommend booking your tickets a lot in advance to ensure you actually have a chance to make it there.
Gulmarg Gondola Phase-Wise Breakdown
Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori
This stretch is great if you’re a fan of gradually letting go of control. It starts off smooth as you ascend—then you’re lifted off the forest floor, leaving behind the snow-covered golf course (yes, that’s a thing in Gulmarg).
At Kongdoori, you’ll find yourself admiring the view for the most part. There’s a tiny tea shack that somehow survives the icy wrath of winter. You’ll find yourself sipping on the famous Kahwa, standing in ankle-deep snow.
Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak
This part is more of a survival journey, but better views. You rise up fast, and the temperature drops further. Visibility plays hide and seek. One moment you’re marvelling at the snow dunes below; the next, you can barely see your own reflection in the cable car window—all while feeling the best thrill you can possibly imagine here.
Apharwat Peak, when not swallowed by clouds, is beautifully photogenic. It is not necessarily for the faint hearted as altitude sickness could be a possibility. Many first-timers spend more time gasping than photographing, but if you can survive that, we assure you’re in for a well-deserved treat.
What Makes This Kashmir Gondola Special
Each car makes a low mechanical hum, like an old printer that refuses to quit. It’s oddly comforting, a steady reminder that despite the freezing temperatures and altitudes, this piece of engineering just keeps going.
Best Time to Ride and Book the Gulmarg Gondola
Winter is obviously the star season. But if you want fewer crowds and shorter queues, try May to August. The snow is still there, but the rush is dialed down.
Mid-summer allows you to actually see the path you’re floating over, with clearer views of forests, ridges, and trails that are otherwise completely hidden in winter.
Where to Stay in Gulmarg: Comfort Beyond the Cold
If you’re the type who wants a warm bath after a freezing ride, then pick a villa in Gulmarg or Tangmarg. These private homestays in Kashmir offer heated floors, real food, and more silence than a mid-air cable car. Some even offer direct views of the gondola line, so you can sit in your pyjamas and leer at the view. For those looking to escape the usual hotel experience, a villa in Srinagar could be a solid base too.
The Gulmarg Gondola isn’t about ticking off a tourist checklist. It’s about the nervous laughter inside the car when it sways. The hot tea that tastes like magic after a freezing climb. The locals who carry snowboards like they’re carrying shopping bags. It’s about being part of something slightly chaotic, totally real, and very high up. It is among those exciting places to visit in Gulmarg that are equal parts thrill and scenic.
This Kashmir ropeway isn’t polished. It’s not always smooth. But it has heart—and sometimes, that’s all a ride needs.
So if you’re planning a trip to Kashmir in May and June, and wondering whether to say yes to the Gondola ride booking in Gulmarg—then it’s all worth the experience. Because this ride doesn’t just lift you off the ground, it lifts your mood, spirits, and occasionally, the thrill seeker in you.
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the top tourist attractions in Gulmarg and a must-include activity in any Gulmarg travel itinerary—especially during the summer season, perfect to make the most of Gulmarg weather in May and June. Recognized as one of the highest cable car rides in Asia, the Gulmarg Gondola offers stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and dense pine forests.
And, don’t forget to smile at the top. Not for the photo—but for the memory.
Image Credits Lovell D’souza via Flickr
