Gulmarg Tour, Srinagar
Gulmarg is a city in Kashmir and is noted for having one of the worlds highest Gondola (cable car).
Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramula district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is situated in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas.
“ Exotic flowers, timeless snow covered slopes and the mighty Himalayan range in the backdrop...Discover the charm of elegant Gulmarg. ”
Getting here
International Travellers need to book flight to New Delhi first from New Delhi they can either Fly to Srinagar or take a Land Route.
By AIR / SRINAGAR
from New Delhi, there are about 14 daily flights to Srinagar, with on flight time of 90 minutes.
By LAND / SRINAGAR
You can take a Train till Jammu and then on you have to take a Jeap or Bus till Srinagar.
Journey from Delhi to Srinagar takes 24 Hrs
Taxi from the Airport to Gulmarg (or) Srinagar to Gulmarg should be 2000 - 2400 Rs (May 2017), but if the roads are icy (Jan – Apr ), you will probably only be able to catch the taxi to Tangmarg, at which point you will need to hire a four wheel drive with chains for around 700 - 1400 Rs. This can end up costing more than it should. The journey takes around 2-2.5 hours or longer depending on the traffic due to icy weather conditions. For those travelling from Srinagar, shared taxis (Sumos) are available from Buttmal to Tangmarg for Rs. 200 per person. From there, you can catch onward shared sumo to Gulmarg for Rs. 100 - 150 (Feb 2017). The whole journey takes 2 to 3 hrs.
Be Aware:
Any cars having direct access upto Gulmarg from Srinagar; but not at the door step of the Gondola booking office. From Gulmarg taxi dropping point to Gondola booking office & Gondola starting point is just 500-700 meter away (20 minute by walk) but local pony operator will misguide you by directing it as a 3-4 km. away towards different direction. So, to reach there, they will insist you to hire a pony at J&K government's fixed rates of Rs. 1000/- (To & Fro) (Actually these rate are also much over-priced or may be unauthentic).
It is strongly advisable, to head straight to reach to Gondola office without indulge into negotiation with these pony hawkers. There are many incidents of intense quarrel/fight with tourist once you deny to obey after negotiation.
If you are accompanying aged person & really need to have pony, you can hire them for max. Rs.300/- (Total for To & Fro).
Site Seeing:
Gulmarg has some of most amazing treks in world (accessible in the summer). Skiing season starts from December till Early April. Snow Conditions are fantastic and you can get deep powder in Gulmarg ski resort every winter. The main attraction in Gulmarg is the Gondola. Finished in 2004, it runs up to 3995 meters, and is the highest "ski lift" in the world.
A sight seeing trip is mainly get access through Gondola (Rope-way) ride in two phases. Phase-I Gulmarg to Kungdoor (near Khilanmarg) & Phase-II Kungdoor to Aparwath. As of May 2015, Gondola ticket cost are Rs. 700 & 700 respectively for above 3 year kids to adults including return trip. They are very long queue at Gondola offline ticket counter at Gulmarg. Moreover they are many, touts who can get out of the queue tickets through unofficial way and cost so it is always recommended to book in advance from online here.
PHASE – I | |||
Ticket | Adult | Child (3 to 10 Years) | Child Below ( 3 Years) |
Gulmarg to Kungdoor | 700 | 700 | Free |
PHASE – II | |||
Ticket | Adult | Child (3 to 10 Years) | Child Below ( 3 Years) |
Kungdoor to Aparwath | 900 | 900 | Free |
Chair Lift | |||
Ticket | Adult | Child (3 to 10 Years) | Child Below ( 3 Years) |
Kungdori to Marry Shoulder | 250 | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
If you are travelling during May-Oct, there will not find snow at Phase-I so, It is recommended to book gondola for Phase-II only.
SKI PASSES | |||||
Domestic (Indian) | Phase I | Phase II | Chair Lift | Phase I + II | All three Lifts |
One Time | 350 | 450 | 250 | ||
One Day | 700 | 1150 | Enquire | ||
Weekly | 3000 | 6800 | Enquire | ||
Season | 35000 | ||||
Season VIP | Enquire | ||||
FOREIGN NATIONALS | Phase I | Phase II | Chair Lift | Phase I + II | All three Lifts |
One Time | 350 | 450 | 250 | ||
One Day | 1150 | 1800 | Enquire | ||
Weekly | Enquire | 9050 | Enquire | ||
Season | 35000 | ||||
Season VIP | Enquire | ||||
Guide Passes | |||||
Phase - I | 15 Days Guide Pass | Monthly Guide Pass | |||
1 | 1350 | Enquire | |||
Phase – 2 | 15 Days Guide Pass | Monthly Guide Pass | |||
1 | 2850 | Enquire | |||
A "skiing/snowboarding" trip costs 350Rs for a single ride on Phase I or 700Rs for a Phase I day pass, 450Rs for a single ride on Phase II (when its open) and 250Rs for single ride on the Chair lift from midstation to Marry's Shoulder . You pay for Phase I at the bottom of the Gondola and Phase II at the Kangdoori midstation when you have reached the top of Phase I, and you pay for the Chairlift at the booth at the bottom of the chair lift (walk out of the opposite side of the gondola midstation to get to the chairlift). Stage two is at a much higher elevation, right on the mountain top and is clearly visible from the Gulmarg taxi stand. The views are breathtaking, which isn't surprising given how little oxygen is at 4000m! The mountains visible from the top are said to be LOC and Pakistan administered Kashmir (specifically Nanga Parbat and (supposedly) the very tip of K2). You can do Mountain Biking from June till September and enjoy some of the best downhill Mountain biking in world.
Do:
The main activity for a tourist in Gulmarg is skiing and snowboarding. The skiing season starts on the 25th of December and runs through to March. The snow is generally deep and powdery! Theres a huge number of opportunities for skiing from each of the gondola stations and the chairlift on predominantly ungroomed powder runs. Gulmarg is comparable to the higher areas of Whistler/Blackcomb.
There are two areas for skiing: the high mountain/off piste areas served by the gondola; and a beginner's area near the hotels sited on the hills of the Gulmarg golf course.
The beginners area is open from 10-1, then closes for lunch until 2:30. Lifts reopen 2:30-4.
High mountain area: With its gondola accessible ski area on Mt. Apharwat, 4'124m it offers many possibilities for descents of up to 1'800 vertical meters. The Phase I Gondola is open from approximately 8:30 to 3:30 daily. The Chairlift is open from around 9.30am to 3pm depending on avalanche risk. The Phase II Gondola opens later in the day after the main bowl has been made avalanche safe by blasting. However, Phase II is highly dependent on snow conditions and is often closed for the whole day. Avalanche risk and gondola opening is posted on Facebook here
Sound skiing skills and good health are prerequisites to enjoy ski vacations in Gulmarg. Note that only the main bowl to the skier's left of the gondola is avalanche-blasted and patrolled - all other areas are considered out-of-bounds.It is very easy to exit the ski area boundary into the wild terrain where no avalanche control has been done by the ski patrol. A non-profit avalanche center puts out a daily bulletin and teaches avalanche courses. Some are free, like the avalanche awareness talk which is really helpful.
Heli-skiing is available, which opens up far more off-piste opportunities than the one-lift resort that Gulmarg otherwise offers . But its very expensive and weather dependent (around 800USD for half day and 1300 dollars for a full day per person, Feb 2017). The heliski operators are Australian and qualified. They also offer equipment rental including skis, boards, boots and avalanche survival kits (beacon, shovel, probe).
The weather can be cold and it is necessary for tourists to wear warm clothes. Golfing, Sledging, and horse riding are other activities (best enjoyed in the summer). Major Tourist Attractions of Gulmarg are Alpather Lake, Baba Reshi Shrine , Gondola, Cable Car to Kongdor, Gulmarg Gold Golf Course, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, Skiing ,St Marys church,
A number of informal checkpoints exist along the road to Gulmarg, which appear to be staffed by armed volunteers. Tipping may be necessary to pass any given checkpoint.
Eat:
All hotels can arrange food, even if their kitchens are closed.
Meals in the small local Dhabas around Gulmarg are around 200-250Rs per person depending on appetite. Dishes are very tasty!
'There', a new pop-up bar situated in the basement of Alpine Ridge hotel. Serves delicious western-style comfort food in a cool, après-ski atmosphere with good indie music and great Australian hosts.
The Dhaba around the main market in the village are all similar and cheap. Mamas Dhaba is a good choice if you can't make up your mind, but be careful that they don't give you dishes you didn't order, they will make you pay for them.
Bakshi's Green Punjabi Dhaba (Vegetarian). Best food and friendliest folks in Gulmarg.
Big Bite at Hotel Hilltop is a good choice for reliable western style fast food. Service is quick and generally food is decent. Pizzas are a good bet.
Global Hotel/Restaurant, excellent eating if you're after some western food, 200mtrs in the direction of the Gondola from the Bus Station.
Theres a group of Dhabas near the Gondola Midstation and Kangdoori. Sofi Sunshine is a good choice. They even have beer.
Drink:
There is no real Apres Ski scene in Gulmarg. But one of the charms of the place is its contrast to the flashy d-bag filled resorts of the west. It’s peaceful and tranquil at night and you'll get a good night’s sleep and be up at dawn ready for more powder!
If you want to find a nice place to hang out and meet the locals, any of the Dhabas in town are good choices. There you'll find locals sitting around the Bukhari drinking tea and eager to talk to somebody new. No trip to Kashmir is complete without sampling the two kinds of Kashmiri tea. One has bicarbonate of soda and salt and is said to aid digestion. The other is green tea infused with cardamoms, saffron and cinnamon, with not a small helping of sugar!
If you want to find a place to hang out with ski bums from around the world, then Hotel New Mount View always has a range of characters in it.
You are highly recommended to bring alcohol with you (buy in Srinagar or duty free) if you want to drink as even if you can find alcohol in Gulmarg it’s going to be expensive!
That being said, alcohol is available legally from the 'Highland Park Hotel' (carry on down the road past the gondola and you will eventually reach it on your right) and not-so-legally from 'other vendors' (ask the locals for hints!)
Kingfisher beer is also available on the mountain from the Dhabas near midstation (Kangdoor) when you want to congratulate yourself after shredding Phase II. Sofi sunshine is a good choice. Around 300Rs per can .
Although drink is not available in Gulmarg, hashish is everywhere and seems tolerated. Locals and ski bums alike smoke openly in Gulmarg and on the mountain. Wonder around the market or bus stand and you'll be approached...
Stay Safe:
Temperatures in Gulmarg remain well below zero for major part of the year. Keep your body well covered with gloves, boots, overcoats to keep warm. On the way to Gulmarg, there are small shops where you can rent heavy woolens and boots. Be careful as the guys renting them are very annoying. Snow Boots are not really required unless you are walking on the mountain instead of skiing. A stong pair of hiking boots will suffice for the rest of the town.
If you want to ski or ride the backcountry then a knowledgable guide with proper avalanche training is essential. Contact the part western owned Di5 adventures for more information or enquire at Mount View Hostel [8]. Despite the thousand annoying guys trying to sell their services as guides, in the main bowl of the mountain, guides are not necessary as long as you are a competent skiier/snowboarder and are skiing in a group. Have fun exploring the many possible runs you can find, they will all pop out near the gondola station anyway.
Skiers and snowboarders who plan to ride Phase II or in the backcountry should expect significant avalanche danger and plan accordingly. It is advisable to carry an avalanche beacon and be aware of the dangers. A non-profit avalanche information center provides daily advisories from avalanche experts. The advisory is posted at the common access points of the gondola here.
Crime (apart from some light scamming and overcharging) is very low in Gulmarg and the locals are generally respectful and friendly even to lone foreign female travellers. But it can get very dark at night even along the main road in the village, so be sensible.
Getting Back:
There is generally no need to leave Gulmarg in the night before for flights the next day. The road to Tangmarg is plowed but if there is a big storm, then it may take several hours to clear the snow so check the weather carefully.
Prices are similar to getting in to Gulmarg and transfers can be arranged by hotels.
Even if the weather is good, plan DOUBLE the time to get back to the airport as it took to get to Gulmarg (5+ hours). This is because firstly, various things can go wrong on the way back to Srinagar - the small road to Tangmarg can have an accident on it or the main road to Srinagar may have traffic jams, especially if there is fog. Secondly, there is a frankly ridiculous amount of security at Srinagar airport with multiple checkpoints, even on the road before you get to the airport and then when getting into the airport, and then security check after security check in the airport itself. It takes forever! Also, flights have been known to leave early....
Gulmarg Golf Course Overview
Gulmarg Golf Course with asymmetrical contours is counted amongst the largest 18-hole golf courses in the country. Situated on the lower ranges of Gulmarg, it has emerged as one of the most popular golfing destinations in India. A number of tourists flock this region to enjoy a game of golf and escape the summer heat. Golfing in the region began in the early 1920s, when British came here to spend their summers. Over the years, this golf course has witnessed a lot of changes, and the present structure has been designed by Ranjit Nanda, a well-known golf course designer. The golf course, measuring 7505 yards (par of 72), was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah in the year 2011.
Alpather Lake Overview
A picturesque water body at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks, Alpather Lake is a stunning natural attraction. Embraced by rocky mountains and endless meadows that are covered with wildflowers, this lake is doubtlessly, every nature photographer's delight. Owing to the breathtaking topography, the lakeside has become a favourite picnic spot for the locals as well as tourists. During winters, the lake remains frozen, and the surrounding fields get laden with snow. Approximately 13 km from Gulmarg, this enchanting location is truly a wonderful place to get lost in.
From Gulmarg, you can reach the lake on a horseback through a well-graded track. The horse ride through snowy trails is in itself alluring enough to make you come again and re-visit.
Photo Opp
When the destination is a frozen lake flanked by towering snow-covered mountains, can you stop yourself from clicking photographs? The shimmering waters of the lake with meadows and mountains on the backdrop are no doubt, flawless natural settings that is hard to find elsewhere. So, make sure you don't forget to carry your camera!
Apharwat Peak Overview
Apharwat Peak is one of the beautiful summits, situated at a height of nearly 4200 m above the sea level. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for most parts of the year. The snow-covered slopes are ideal for indulging in skiing. The Line of Control (LOC) is barely a few kilometres away from here. Lying in the second phase of the cable car ride from Gulmarg, reaching this spot is highly dependent on the weather condition.
The Maharani Temple Overview
The royal temple of the erstwhile Dogra kings of Jammu & Kashmir, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A unique feature of this historic temple is that it can be seen from any part of Gulmarg.
Shrine of Baba Reshi Overview
Built in the 13th century, people from all walks of life visit the shrine to seek blessings. It is accessible by a motorable road from Gulmarg. Built in 1480, the shrine is dedicated to the Muslim scholar and saint, Baba Reshi who spent his days in meditation and prayer here. It’s also an architectural beauty. What makes an immediate impression is the old Kashmiri architecture of the shrine – lattice work windows, intricately carved deodar pillars and exquisite craftsmanship.
Strawberry Valley Overview
During summers, taste the freshest strawberry Gulmarg has to offer at Strawberry Valley. A walk to this unexplored part of Gulmarg is a delight in itself as you sample fresh strawberries. Don’t forget to pack some for later.
Movie Connect
A favourite destination of yesteryear Bollywood movies, many important scenes of the Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Namak Halal were shot around this idyllic hill station.
St. Mary’s Church Overview
Boasting of fine Victorian style of architecture, St. Mary's Church is one of the star attractions of Gulmarg. The verdant meadows, lofty alpine trees and towering mountains that are covered with thick snow during winters in the surroundings greatly enhance the beauty of this church. Some old hotels and huts can be seen in the vicinity.
Visiting this church, which was built more than 100 years ago, in the beginning of the 20th century, is like stepping back in time. More like a tiny countryside chapel in appearance, this church features grey stone walls and a steep green roof having wooden trimmings. The church has been renovated in 2003 and in the same year, after a period of 14 years, a Christmas mass was held.
Opening Closing Time
10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Photo Opp
To click pictures, what can be a better setting than a wild landscape with nothing but undulating stretches of forests, an ancient church and few old hotels and huts? The rustic scenery and the church form awesome backdrops for amazing photographs.
Entrance Fee
Free Entry