Gulmarg — the “meadow of flowers” — is a wide, cup-shaped meadow at about 2,650 m in the Pir Panjal range, some 50 km west of Srinagar. Ringed by fir forest and overlooked by Mount Apharwat, it was a favourite summer retreat of Kashmir’s rulers and the British, who left behind a golf course and the little stone St Mary’s Church (1902).
Today Gulmarg has two faces. From about April to October the bowl is green, the golf course open and pony-wallahs lead visitors to viewpoints and lakes. From about December to March it is under deep snow and becomes India’s premier ski resort, famous among freeriders for its powder and served by the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world.
Top things to do at Gulmarg
Ride the Gulmarg Gondola
Phase 1 climbs from Gulmarg to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m); Phase 2 continues to near the summit ridge of Apharwat (about 3,950 m), where there is snow for much of the year. Tickets sell out in peak season — book on the official J&K Cable Car Corporation website in advance, and expect Phase 2 to close in bad weather.
Ski or snowboard
From roughly December to March Gulmarg has ski schools, equipment hire and certified guides for off-piste terrain. The gentle slopes near the village suit beginners; Apharwat is serious freeride terrain. Join a guided ski day for local knowledge of the snowpack.
Walk the meadows and visit St Mary’s
In summer, walk across the bowl past the golf course to St Mary’s Church and the hilltop Maharani Temple (a Shiva temple built in 1915 for the royal family), or hike or ride to Khilanmarg for views of Nanga Parbat on clear days.
Trek to Alpather lake
In mid-summer, fit walkers can continue from the Phase 2 station or ride ponies up to Alpather, a glacial lake below Apharwat that stays partly frozen into June.
How to get to Gulmarg
- From Srinagar: about 50 km via Tangmarg, 1.5–2 hours by car. Most visitors come as a day trip or stay a night.
- Local transport: in winter, snow chains or 4x4 vehicles may be required on the last stretch from Tangmarg; local rules restrict some vehicles.
- In Gulmarg: the village is spread out; ponies, sledges (in winter) and walking are the usual ways to get around.
Insider tips
- Book gondola tickets online as early as possible in peak season (May–June and December–January).
- Weather changes fast at 4,000 m — bring warm layers, sunglasses and sunscreen even in summer.
- Agree pony and sledge prices before you start; official rate lists are often posted.
- Ski off-piste only with a certified guide and avalanche gear; conditions can be dangerous.
Tours that include Gulmarg
These guided trips cover Gulmarg or combine easily with a visit:
Private day trip from €160 From Srinagar: Gulmarg Private Day Trip with Guide
A private, unhurried day in Gulmarg: drive up through Tangmarg, explore the meadows and the Drang waterfall, and — if you book gondola tickets — ride up towards Mount Apharwat for snow views, with your guide handling the logistics.
- Private car and guide from Srinagar
- Gulmarg’s meadows and Drang waterfall
- Optional ride on the Gulmarg Gondola (tickets extra)
Ski guiding from €91 Gulmarg: Freeride Guided Ski with Gulmarg Snowkings
Ski Gulmarg with local professionals: guided freeride or lessons on Mount Apharwat, one of the highest lift-served ski areas anywhere, with guides who read the snow and pick the right lines for your level.
- Guided skiing or lessons on Mount Apharwat
- One of the highest lift-served ski areas in the world
- Local guides who know the snowpack
