Gulmarg is the crowing glory of Jammu & Kashmir also known as the "Meadow of Flowers" in Summer and "White Wonder Of the World" in Winter, it boasts the world's highest golf course and skiing paradise. During British rule, Gulmarg served as a retreat for the British soldiers just like Darjeeling, Shimla and Mussoorie.
Every winter, Gulmarg is overrun with skiers hoping to catch some of the best powder in India. The shimmery white spread of snow-laden pine trees is a sight straight out of Santa Land. It will take you minutes to soak in the real beauty of the place which was reverberating with a feel of Christmas.
Undoubtedly, Gulmarg is an ideal travel destination, be it summer or winter. Each season here offers something unique and incredible! Summers are extremely pleasant with the temperature ranging from 15°C to 30°C whereas the winters see mercury plummeting to as low as -4 degrees.
If you think Gulmarg in winter is only about skiing, think again. There's much more to the snowy town than the slopes.
How To Reach Gulmarg?
Gulmarg is an easy-to-visit the place and it is not really a weekend destination but if you have a long-extended weekend, you can easily visit Gulmarg via a flight! To reach Gulmarg, you have to first reach Srinagar. Srinagar is well connected by flights from major cities in India.
By Air (recommended): How can I fly to Gulmarg? There is no straight answer to it! I had arrived at Gulmarg via a flight from Mumbai. The nearest airport from Gulmarg is located at Srinagar, where I landed. From Srinagar, Gulmarg is about 60 km and it takes about 90-120 minutes to reach there by car. You will get private taxis from Srinagar to Gulmarg. The taxi fare is Rs 4000-5000 including driver and fuel.
So if you plan this trip well in advance as I did, you can get a roundway direct flight for ₹ 13,000 and with a layover of between 2-3 hours, you can get it for ₹ 10,000. Sometimes, flights to Srinagar can be quite expensive.
By Bus/Shared Taxi: You will not get any shared cabs/buses from Srinagar to Gulmarg. You have to take a shared cab/bus to Tangmarg. From there, you have to take another cab to Gulmarg. Local buses are also available, but only upto Tangmarg.
By Train: can we go to Gulmarg by train? Well, the answer is no! There are no train stations in Gulmarg. The nearest railway station from Gulmarg is at Jammu. From Jammu one can take a taxi or bus to Gulmarg.
By Road Trip: It is a pleasure to drive up to Gulmarg either by self-drive or by a private cab. I prefer to just sit and enjoy the views, so a private cab or window seat on public transport works best with me
Where to Stay in Gulmarg?
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
I stayed at the famous Khyber Himalayan Resort in Gulmarg. Infact, actress Deepika Padukone stayed in the room next to mine when she stayed in Gulmarg. Many other Political, Business and Bollywood celebrities have stayed in Khyber resort such as Nana Patekar, Sara Ali Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, Arjun Rampal, Neha Dhupia, Sunny Leone, Raj Thakrey etc. Business tycoon Adani's and Ambani's stayed in the presidential suite of Khyber Resort.
The resort itself is brilliant. The rooms are spacious and the amenities are many. What surprised me the most was the attention to detail. Small actions by the staff throughout my stay ensured that it was comfortable and brilliant. Yes, the resort is very expensive and a lot of people will say it's overpriced, but I believe that it's an experience that is unique and charming. I am definitely lucky to have had the opportunity to experience it.
Located at a beauteous elevation of 8825 ft, right in the heart of Pir Panjal Range in the Magnificent Himalayas, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is the only Luxury Ski-Resort in India offering a wholesome experience suitable for guests of every age and needless to say, the-breath-taking view of the Majestic Himalayas!
The Orchard Retreat & Spa, Srinagar
The Orchard Retreat & Spa emerges as a sanctuary of tranquillity, nestled among apple trees and vibrant tulips, which many guests find homely and serene. While opinions on value are mixed, the lavish comforts and pristine conditions receive consistent praise.
The spacious, immaculate rooms complement the efficient and personalized service that defines the guest experience. With a plethora of praised amenities, including sumptuous gardens and diverse dining options, this hotel stands out as a luxurious haven for travellers seeking both relaxation and attentive care.
Gulmarg: White Wonder of the World
Gondola Ride
Initially, the daunting crowds may scare you away, but brave the traffic and reach the very top it will be the best decision you make. Gondola Ride are one of the major attractions, the Gulmarg Gondola is the second-highest cable car ride in the world. It came into existence in May 1998 with phase I ferrying visitors to Kongdoori at a height of 8,500 feet. The second phase became operational in May 2005 from Kongdoori to Apharwath peaks at a height of 13,500 feet. The Gondola offers a spectacular view of Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, the Himalayan ranges, Pir Panjal range, Nanda Devi and the LOC.
Phase 1: Kongdoori
Kongdoori (Phase 1) cable car service starts from the Gulmarg, situated at a height of 2,600 meters, and takes passengers to Kongdoori Station in the Kongdori Valley. This valley is characterized by its bowl shape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a true highlight of any visit to the region.
Phase 2: Apharwat Peak
Situated at a height of 4200 metres above the mean sea level, Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is one of the most breathtaking places. Remotely positioned near LOC with Pakistan, the region receives heavy rainfall and is covered in snow for most of the year. Apharwat Peak is where winter sports in Gulmarg take place.
Imbued with snow-clad mountains and surrounded by pearly white meadows, throughout the year mostly the area is a perfect honeymoon destination and the most picturesque tourist spot in Srinagar.
If you are planning to trek to Alpather Lake, start early and visit Phase 2 first. Make sure you take some water & snacks because the altitude might make you feel queasy
Go Skiing
Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned skier, Gulmarg has something for everyone. The official ski season is from December to April, but check the snowfall levels before you go to make sure there is enough fresh powder. There is an adequate beginners' area, and options for off-piste, heli-skiing (from 15,000ft) and cross-country skiing. You can access most of the town's three-acre system via the two gondolas and four chair and surface lifts. If a motorised adventure is more your speed, there are plenty of snowmobile operators to take you through snow-covered meadows. Your best bet is to make your way up to Kongdoor Station
on the gondola and start your tour there. Adrenaline junkies can opt for the 45-minute high-speed ride that covers the best viewpoints and brings you as close to the border as you can get. If altitudes make you queasy, race around town on a four-wheel giant quad bike (at the gondola's base).
Natural Beauty
The place is just brimming with natural beauty in the winter months. Put on your snowshoes and take a leisurely walk around this stunning Himalayan town.
Get some insight into the architectural history with a visit to the Victorian-style St Mary's Church, which is set on a wild landscape. St. Mary’s Church is located just near the Golf Course. The century-old Victorian Church looks quite beautiful standing in the middle of the meadows. The church has grey stone walls and is decorated beautifully inside. It is believed that the church was built in 1902 and was renovated later in 2013.
Gulmarg was once a retreat for the British troops in India. The British quite loved a game of golf and so they developed golf courses in this quaint hill station. The golf course was opened in 1911 and it is also home to the world's highest 18-hole golf course, which turns into a beautiful snow-covered meadow in the winter and is a sight to behold.
Around Gulmarg, there are plenty of beautiful spots, such as the Ningle Nallah and Ferozepur Nallah - streams famous for trout fishing. Though they may be partially or totally frozen in the winter, they are still worth a visit.
Maharani Temple
Nestled amidst the picturesque meadows and snow-capped peaks of Gulmarg lies the Maharani Temple, a century-old Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. Built-in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, this architectural marvel showcases a unique blend of traditional Hindu and Kashmiri styles.
Commissioned by the Dogra dynasty, the Maharani Temple served as the royal family's place of worship. Its towering presence, particularly the bright red sloping roof contrasting against the snow in winter, makes it a prominent landmark visible from most parts of Gulmarg.
The temple's peaceful location atop a hillock offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Lush green meadows grace the area in summer and monsoon, while winters transform it into a snow wonderland. The soaring alpine trees and majestic mountains provide a year-round backdrop.
St. Mary's Church
Gulmarg's captivating landscape boasts not only scenic beauty but also a hidden gem – the 100-year-old St. Mary's Church. Nestled near the famed Gulmarg Golf Course, this Victorian-style church, enveloped in snow during winters, offers a glimpse into the region's colonial past.
Built in 1902 by the British, the church stands as a unique reminder of a bygone era. Renovated in 2003, it's currently managed by the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India. While regular Sunday services are no longer held, the church remains open for visitors from 7 AM to 5 PM (weather permitting).
St. Mary's Church possesses a charming simplicity. Its grey stone walls and green-tiled roof peek through the snow, exuding an aura of quietude. Intricate designs adorn the wooden walls, transporting you back to Victorian times.
Step inside (during opening hours) to admire the beautiful stained-glass artwork, a common feature in many churches. Frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible further enhance the spiritual ambience.
Reaching St. Mary's Church in winter transforms this walk into a snowy adventure! In Summer cars can be parked at the entrance, followed by a short walk.
Whether bathed in sunlight or illuminated at night, St. Mary's Church adds a touch of historical elegance to Gulmarg's breathtaking scenery. For history buffs and nature lovers alike, this quaint church is a must-visit on your Gulmarg exploration.
Drung Waterfall
Visit the Instagram famous frozen waterfall called Drung in Tanmarg. A cascading waterfall set amidst majestic mountains, it freezes completely during winter due to the extremely low temperature. This frozen waterfall is a must-visit in the area.
The cascading waterfall mixes with the water that originates from the magnificent glaciers and makes for an unforgettable sight. During the summers, one can spend some quiet time here while enjoying views of the waterfall, lakes, streams, and surrounding greenery as well as exploring the caves.
The area is even more breathtaking during the wintertime when everything is frozen; the waterfall freezes as it comes down, forming icicles. There are stalls around that serve tea and snacks for people to have while they take in the magnificent scenes.
January & February is the best month to witness Drung in its frozen glory. This site can be completely lacklustre when the waterfall is not frozen. Since the exact date varies from year to year, make sure you ask the reception at your hotel if it is frozen already, otherwise it is not worth the trip at all
Good To Know FAQs
How to Reach Drung Waterfall?
Drung Waterfall can only be accessed through ATV or the chain taxis that are available in Tangmarg. It costs around 2000-2500 to hire a cab for Drung Waterfall and Gulmarg.
Note: It is not required to hire these taxis during summer.
Must Know Before You Visit Gulmarg
Entry Fees (Adult - Indian) & Timing
Phase | Ticket Cost | Summer Timings | Winter Timings |
Phase 1 - Gulmarg to Kungdoor | INR 740 per person | 09 AM to 05 PM | 10 AM to 04 PM |
Phase 2 - Kungdoor and Apharwat | INR 950 per person | 10 AM to 04 PM | 10 AM to 03 PM |
During summer you can drive your private /rental car to the dropping/parking point which is around 600 metres from the Gondola starting point. The pony hawkers or sledge pullers might try to scare you off by saying that the distance is 3 km. They will quote an exorbitant price (around INR 1000) by saying it is the official price of the J&K government. It is advised not to fall into the tourist scam and only hire a pony if required. The rates are negotiable and will cost you around INR 500 (to and fro) or INR 1000 for a full tour.
Get tickets for Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kungdoor) and Phase 2 (Kungdoor and Apharwat) from this website. Prior booking is mandatory as the slots are limited and to avoid the hassle of standing in a queue. Several 'local guides' may skip the line altogether to get their "VIP" guests boarded first on the gondola ride.
If you reach Phase 1 later than noon, we recommend you not to stop to enjoy the scenery as Phase 2 gets closed early. Hurry to Phase 2 and try and reach there before 2:00 PM. Post 3:00 PM, grey clouds surround the peak, and the weather conditions might get worse.
Gondola services can get interrupted due to bad weather.
If you are doing it as a day trip you will have to start very early for the Gondola ride and come down by afternoon if you want to see other major attractions such as Maharani Temple, Golf Course, St. Mary’s Church etc.
Excursions from Gulmarg
Srinagar: The very touristy Srinagar is still worth a dekko for its beautiful gardens, expansive lakes and ancient Hindu temples like Shankaracharya Temple which is located on a hilltop.
Pahalgam: Pahalgam is a favourite of the nature lovers.
How many days are enough for Gulmarg?
Based on my experience, I would advise 2-3 days to enjoy the beauty and vibes of Gulmarg. You can see the best of Gulmarg in a day as it is a very small town. However, I would advise a minimum of 2 days in Gulmarg, the second day to just sit, relax and absorb the Gulmarg vibes. Gulmarg tourism has been popular since time immemorial.
What should I wear in Gulmarg?
What clothes you need to carry will depend on the time you are visiting. For the winter months from December to February, carry a heavy woollen, jacket, thermals, gloves, woollen socks, mufflers and windproof jackets. During the months of March to April and October carry light woolens and jackets. Between May to August, carry cotton clothes and light jackets. We would also recommend you to carry proper shoes that you are comfortable walking in for all the seasons.
Srinagar, on the other hand, was completely bereft of snow and dry when it was snowing in Gulmarg when I visited in April. It was the same like my visit to Sikkim in January. The popular Lachung was dry while Yumthang Valley was completely covered in snow at the same time when I visited. Despite being located so close to Gulmarg, Srinagar has a different climate, weather and temperature than Gulmarg. I was able to manage in just a T-shirt in Srinagar while I needed sunglasses, gloves and jackets in winter in Gulmarg. This is why it is wise to pack both light and heavy clothes, especially in months like March and April.
Do we need a guide in Gulmarg?
There is no need to take a guide at Gulmarg. The places are all well-marked and well-known. Infact, there is no need for taking a guide for the Gondola ride as well, though a lot of guides will approach you. However, you can employ the services of a guide to help in their economy.
Backpacking Budget Travel Tips for Gulmarg
How expensive is Gulmarg? Gulmarg is as expensive as you want it to be! The maximum money you can spend in Gulmarg is on the Gondola ride.
You can also choose to stay in an ultra-luxury hotel such as The Khyber Himalayan Resort which is very expensive. That said cheaper accommodation options are also available in Gulmarg.
Apart from this food, local public transport, souvenirs etc are very low cost here. Be wary of the irritating local touts and local guides who might scam you and force you to buy an activity you don’t need. For example, I do not enjoy the Pony Rides for both ethical reasons and also because it is irritating. Why not just walk? It is pleasurable and free!
Which is more beautiful Gulmarg or Pahalgam?
Though both Gulmarg and Pahalgam are beautiful destinations in Kashmir, Gulmarg wins hands down. Being a more developed place, Gulmarg offers better services and more accessibility to breathtaking views around the year when compared to Pahalgam.
While Pahalgam is not that picturesque in summer, Gulmarg is awash with multihued flowers blooming everywhere. Even in the winter months, the charm of the Gondola ride and snow activities in Gulmarg easily pips the things you can do in Pahalgam at the same time.
Having said that, in my opinion, Pahalgam is also worth a visit thanks to its unique beauty and charm!
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