The Gulmarg Gondola: A Complete Practical Guide
Both phases explained, how to book, when it closes, what the altitude does to you, and whether Phase 2 is worth it.
The Gulmarg Gondola is the single most popular paid attraction in Kashmir and the source of more trip-planning confusion than anything else in the valley. Here is how it actually works.
The two phases
Phase 1 runs from Gulmarg at 2,650 metres to Kongdoori at around 3,080 metres. It takes about ten minutes and crosses pine forest and open slope. Kongdoori is where the nursery ski slopes are, where most of the snow activities operate, and where the majority of visitors are perfectly happy to stop.
Phase 2 continues from Kongdoori to the Apharwat ridge at 3,980 metres. This is a different proposition entirely — bare, exposed high mountain with views towards Nanga Parbat on a clear day. It is also nearly four thousand metres, which is high enough that a meaningful number of visitors feel unwell.
Booking
Tickets are sold online through the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation system and at the counter in Gulmarg. In January and February, and on weekends in June and July, online slots sell out days in advance and counter tickets can mean a multi-hour queue.
- Book Phase 1 and Phase 2 as separate tickets.
- Carry the ID you booked with — it is checked.
- Arrive at least thirty minutes before your slot.
- In peak season, the first slots of the morning are both the quietest and the clearest.
When it closes
Phase 2 shuts in high winds, which in January and February can mean several consecutive days. Phase 1 is more robust but also stops in severe weather. Both close for annual maintenance, usually announced a few weeks ahead.
This is the single strongest argument for staying two nights in Gulmarg rather than one. A day-tripper who arrives on a windy day simply does not ride the gondola. Someone staying two nights almost always gets a window.
What to do at each stage
| Phase 1 (Kongdoori) | Phase 2 (Apharwat) | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 3,080 m | 3,980 m |
| Summer | Meadow walks, Khilanmarg trail | Ridge views, residual snow |
| Winter | Nursery ski slopes, sledging, tubing | Off-piste skiing, deep snow |
| Suitable for | Everyone | Fit adults without altitude concerns |
Practical advice
- Hire snow boots and a jacket at Gulmarg or Tangmarg rather than buying.
- Carry sunglasses — glare at the ridge is severe even in cloud.
- There are food stalls at Kongdoori but nothing reliable at Phase 2.
- Phone signal is intermittent above Phase 1.
- Do not plan anything immediately after your slot; delays are routine.
We pre-book gondola tickets for every winter client as part of the itinerary, which removes both the queue and the risk of sold-out slots. If you are planning independently, book the moment your dates are fixed.
Quick answers
Related questions
How much does the Gulmarg gondola cost?
Phase 1 and Phase 2 are priced separately by the Cable Car Corporation and rates are revised periodically. Check the official booking portal for current pricing, or we include it in your package.
Can I book Gulmarg gondola tickets online?
Yes, through the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation site. In peak season, booking ahead is effectively essential.
Is Phase 2 of the gondola worth it?
If the weather is clear and you have no altitude concerns, yes — the views from 3,980 m are exceptional. If it is cloudy or anyone in your group is unwell, Phase 1 is the better call.
