Gulmarg Gondola Ride Highlights
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Enjoy a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, Asia's highest cable car, for breathtaking views of lush meadows, snow-covered peaks, and alpine landscapes as you ascend to Kongdori and Apharwat.
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Select the ride to Kongdori in Phase 1 for views of scenic meadows or continue to Apharwat in Phase 2, where you will witness stunning snow-covered peaks and alpine landscapes.
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Travel in modern gondola cabins, designed with French engineering, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride through the majestic vistas of the region.
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Enjoy a scenic ride from Gulmarg to both Kongdoori (Phase 1) and up to Apharwat Peak (Phase 2), where breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and thrilling adventure sports await.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride Overview
The Gulmarg Gondola, Asia's highest and longest cable car, offers an exciting ride to Apharwat Mountain at 4,200 meters, blending adventure with breathtaking natural beauty. This two-stage ropeway, a collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski, provides a seamless journey through stunning landscapes. Starting at Gulmarg Resort at 2,600 meters, the journey first ascends to Kongdori Station in a picturesque bowl-shaped valley. Phase I runs from Gulmarg to Kangdori with a horizontal length of 2,091 meters, carrying up to 1,500 passengers per hour in 72 cabins. From Kangdori, the ride continues to Apharwat in Phase II, covering 2,539.99 meters with a capacity of 600 passengers per hour in 34 cabins. Offering panoramic views of Apharwat Peak and lush landscapes, the ride allows travelers to choose between stopping at Kongdori for scenic meadows, continuing to Apharwat for snow-covered peaks and alpine beauty, or experiencing both phases in one unforgettable journey.
Activity Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Activity Duration: 9 to 22 minutes, depending upon the chosen package
Note:
- Visitors must arrive strictly before 8:00 AM, as the entry gates will close at 8:30 AM. No refunds or cancellations will be provided for no-shows.
- The physical copy of your confirmed Gulmarg Gondola ticket will be provided on-site by the operator upon arrival.
Best Time to Visit the Gulmarg Gondola
The Gondola Ride, Gulmarg offers a beautiful and spectacular experience all year round, with each season offering a unique landscape.
If you are a snow lover and winter sports enthusiast, consider planning your visit between December and February. During these months, Gulmarg turns into a magical snowy landscape that is perfect for skiing. On the other hand, if you wish to enjoy views of the lush greenery and clear mountains, go for a trip to Gulmarg in the months between May and September. The spring season brings blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures, making it another great time to take the ride.
Note: It is best to take the ride in the early morning for optimal visibility, fewer crowds, and a longer time to spend on the Apharwat peak.
How to Reach the Gulmarg Gondola
By Taxi: Visitors can take private taxis and cabs from the Gulmarg city centre, which will take them directly to the Gulmarg gondola ride booking point, which is only a few kilometres away. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes, offering scenic views of the Himalayas.
Hike: If you are an adventure seeker, you can take a hike from the Gulmarg main market to the Gulmarg Gondola station. The entire uphill trail is only 1.5 km and will provide you with an immersive experience amidst nature.
Horse Ride: Horses are available to rent near the Gulmarg bus stand and visitors can enjoy this unique way to reach the gondola station while enjoying views of the surrounding meadows on horseback.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Phases and Levels
Phase I: The first phase of the Gondola ride, Gulmarg runs from Gulmarg base station to Kungdoor and takes visitors from 2650m to 3050m above sea level. It’s a 10-minute ride that offers breathtaking views of the Kashmir valley and even gives access to the best spots for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Phase II: In the second phase of the ride, the Gulmarg gondola ascends to Apharwat Peak at 4200m from Kungdoor. This level is known for its deep snow, off-site skiing and stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like the Pir Panjal range. The ride to the top takes about 12-15 minutes and provides visitors with a breathtaking experience above the clouds.
History of Gulmarg Gondola Ride
The Gulmarg gondola ride was launched as a joint initiative between the Jammu and Kashmir government and the French company ‘Pomagalski’ in the year 1998. The aim of this project was to boost tourism in the beautiful hill city of Gulmarg, which is also one of India’s most famous ski destinations.
In the beginning, the project only included operations for Phase 1, but Phase 2 was later added and opened in 2005, making it one of the highest cable car rides in the world. The Gulmarg cable car ride has since then become a major attraction, drawing travelers from around the world.
The Specialty of Gulmarg Gondola
1. Enjoy Breathtaking Panoramic Views
The Gulmarg gondola ride offers mesmerising panoramic views of snow-covered peaks of the Pir Panjal range & Harmukh range, dense pine forests and lush meadows of Kongdori Valley. As you ascend to the top on one of the most scenic cable car rides in the world, you will be standing on the shoulders of the Apharwat Peak.
2. It is Perfect for Snow Lovers & Winter Sports
In winter, the entire area is covered in thick snow blankets, making it a paradise for thrill seekers. If you are an adventure seeker, you can indulge in skiing, snowboarding, and sledding at Kungdoor and the Apharwat Peak.
3. A Memorable & Unique Experience
The Gondola ride, Gulmarg is more than just a mode of transport - it is a fulfilling experience in itself. Whether you are traveling solo, with your family, or on a romantic getaway, this journey offers visitors unforgettable moments above the clouds.
4. Easy & Accessible for Everyone
Visitors can very easily book their gondola ride online as the Gulmarg gondola ride booking system is easily available. The cable car itself is a hassle-free and unique experience for people of all ages. Even visitors with disabilities can easily get access to the cable car ride, making it ideal for everyone - from families to adventure enthusiasts.
How the Gulmarg Gondola Ride is Conducted
1. Booking: The Gondola ride, Gulmarg booking process is very simple to follow and efficient. You can always book the tickets online in advance or choose to purchase them at the counter itself (subject to availability).
2. Journey: The gondola ride operates in two different phases, and visitors can wait for their turn in the fully equipped waiting rooms at each station. Each of the gondola cars can accommodate up to six passengers, who can enjoy the most stunning views of the surrounding valley and peaks.
3. Safety Measures: The management team strictly follows all the safety measures, including regular maintenance and emergency protocols. The Gulmarg cable car ride is well-regulated, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Tip: If you are traveling in peak season, it is advisable to book in advance to avoid long queues.
Select Package Options
Phase 1 (Gulmarg-Kongdori) Two-Way Ticket
More Details about Gulmarg Gondola Ride
Know Before You Go for Gulmarg Gondola Ride
- The physical copy of your confirmed Gulmarg Gondola ticket will be provided on-site by the operator upon arrival.
- Visitors must arrive strictly before 8:00 AM, as the entry gates will close at 8:30 AM. No refunds or cancellations will be provided for no-shows.
- The Gulmarg Gondola operates daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- The Gulmarg Gondola cabin can accommodate six people at a time.
- Phase 1 takes about 9 minutes to reach Kongdori, while Phase 2 takes approx. 13 minutes to ascend to Apharwat.
- The Gondola ride is weather-dependent. Operations may be suspended or delayed in adverse weather conditions.
- All tourists are advised to carry an e-copy of their tickets in PDF format on their mobile phones or tablets.
- If you have health concerns, especially related to altitude, consult with a medical professional before taking the ride. The Gondola ride involves high altitudes and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
- Smoking is prohibited inside the Gondola cabins and at the stations.
- Consumption of food and drinks is not allowed inside the Gondola cabins.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Ensure that they are seated securely and supervised during the ride.
- Please note that while the activity is conducted with utmost safety, Thrillophilia and/or the activity operator will not be liable for any injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods during the activity.
- Images are for representational purposes only. The actual experience may differ.
- Kindly carry a valid ID proof during the activity. PAN card will not be considered as an identity proof.
- Customers will receive confirmed tickets 1 day prior to the date of travel.
- Please note: Since this activity is operated by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, the slots are highly dynamic and reservations are not Guaranteed. If we are unable to provide guaranteed slots, full refund against the booking amount will be issued.
Things To Carry for Gulmarg Gondola Ride
- Valid id proof
- Sunscreen lotion (spf 40+)