Gulmarg is a mountain station in Indian Kashmir, perched at approximately 2,650 metres altitude in Baramulla district. Surrounded by alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks of the western Himalayas, it attracts skiers in winter and hikers and high-altitude golf enthusiasts in summer. Its cable car — one of the highest in Asia — rises to the edge of the Apharwat glacier, offering direct views of Nanga Parbat.

Practical information at a glance

• Altitude: approximately 2,650 m (village); phase 2 cable car toward 3,980 m
• Access: road from Srinagar (~50 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car or taxi)
• Gondola cable car: two phases — phase 1 to Kongdori, phase 2 to Apharwat; ticket offices on site, long queues during peak season
• Clothing: warm garments essential even in summer; ski and snow gear in winter
• Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days to combine cable car, hiking and village
• Permits: foreign nationals must verify current access restrictions for Kashmir before departure

What to see

Gulmarg village is a starting point, not a destination in itself. The highlights happen at altitude: the snow-covered slopes of Apharwat in winter, the flower-filled meadows of Kongdori in summer. The golf course, open during summer season, is among the highest in the world. The small Saint-Mary Church, built during the British colonial era, still stands beside the green.

History and context

The Mughals frequented these meadows as early as the 16th century — Emperor Jahangir is said to have collected wildflowers at Gulmarg. The British made it a holiday resort in the 19th century, building bungalows, a church and golf course. After independence, the station gradually transformed into a ski destination, with the installation of the Gondola cable car in the 1990s-2000s.

Highlights of your visit

The Gondola cable car

Two successive phases climb from Gulmarg to the Apharwat summit. Phase 2 exceeds 3,900 m: the panorama encompasses Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) in clear weather. In winter, the slopes below phase 2 make up the main skiing domain.

Skiing and winter sports

The season generally runs from December to March. Kashmir's powder snow attracts skiers from around the world. Ski schools and equipment rental operators work on site. Off-piste around Apharwat is renowned for its quality, but requires a local guide.

Summer hiking

From May to October, trails around Kongdori and toward Alpather Lake (frozen for part of the year) offer hiking routes accessible from the cable car station. Gulmarg's meadows — "gul" means flower in Urdu — are covered with anemones and buttercups.

Gulmarg Golf Course

Founded in 1911, this 18-hole course is among the world's highest. It opens to visitors during summer season and provides an unusual setting with mountain peaks as backdrop.

Photography tips

Morning light is clearest for photographing summits from Kongdori or Apharwat. In winter, contrast between snow and blue sky is strongest mid-morning. From phase 2 of the cable car, frame toward the north-west to include Nanga Parbat. In summer, flower-filled meadows are most photogenic in late afternoon with golden light.

Location and access

Gulmarg lies approximately 50 km south-west of Srinagar, accessible via a well-maintained mountain road. Taxis and shared vehicles depart regularly from Srinagar. The nearest airport is Srinagar's (Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport). Private cars cannot enter the village centre; parking is provided at the entrance, and ponies or walking allow you to reach the cable car.

Nearby

• Srinagar — summer capital of Kashmir, with its floating houses on Dal Lake and Mughal gardens.
• Dal Lake — emblematic lake of Srinagar, to explore by shikara (traditional boat).
• Pahalgam — another Kashmir mountain station, starting point for the Amarnath pilgrimage and hikes toward Lidder valley.
• Sonamarg — "golden meadow", gateway to Thajiwas glacier and high passes toward Ladakh.