Gulmarg sits in Kashmir’s Pir Panjal range and is famous for its green meadows, snowy mountains, pine forests, and calm alpine views. The scenery shifts with the seasons, showing green valleys and clear mountains in summer, and snowy slopes in winter. The Gulmarg Gondola is the main attraction, taking visitors from Gulmarg up to Kongdoori and higher areas near Apharwat. The gondola ride in Gulmarg gives you close-up views of the mountains and the changing landscape at different heights.
This guide explains both phases of the Gondola, ticket details, timings, height, distance, what to expect in summer, weather, and how cancellations work, so you can plan your visit easily.
What Does the Gondola Ride in Gulmarg Include?
The Gulmarg Gondola is a two-phase aerial cable car system connecting Gulmarg town to Apharwat Peak. Phase 1 opened in 1998, and Phase 2 on 28 May 2005; both were built by French firm Pomagalski.
Each gondola cabin carries 6 passengers. The system runs 24 rounds daily with a 30-minute headway. It is not a single continuous ride; you exit at Kongdoori after Phase 1, cross a short walkway, and board a separate cabin for Phase 2.
The gondola ride in Gulmarg is available for sightseeing, winter skiing, and year-round mountain access. Gulmarg Gondola weather conditions determine Phase 2 availability each day; Phase 1 runs more reliably.
Detail | Information |
Operator | Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation |
Phase 1 Opened | 1998 (May) |
Phase 2 Opened | 28 May 2005 |
Manufacturer | Pomagalski (France) |
Cabin Capacity | 6 passengers |
Daily Trips | 24 |
Headway | 30 minutes |
What Can You Expect from Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 and 2?
The Gulmarg Gondola has two separate stages. Understanding what each offers can help you decide if you should book just one phase or both.
Feature | Phase 1 | Phase 2 |
Start Point | 2,650m | Kongdoori |
End Point | 3,080m (Kongdoori) | Apharwat Peak shoulder |
Duration | 9 minutes | 12 minutes |
Elevation Gained | 430m | 1,200m |
Seasonal Reliability | High; runs most days | Lower; weather-dependent |
Activities at exit | Meadow walks, snow, food stalls | Skiing, high-altitude trekking, panoramic views |
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1: The Journey to Kongdoori
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 runs from Gulmarg town (2,650m) to Kongdoori station in approximately 9 minutes.
- Kongdoori is a bowl-shaped mountain valley; from the exit point you get wide views across the Pir Panjal range
- At Kongdoori you can walk across the meadow or snow plateau, visit the food stalls, or board Phase 2 with a separate ticket
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 runs more reliably than Phase 2 in every season. Even if you don’t continue to Phase 2, Phase 1 offers a complete experience on its own.
- In winter, this exit point gives access to the beginner and intermediate ski slopes at approximately 10,000 feet
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 Ticket Price: What to Know Before Booking
Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 runs from Kongdoori to the shoulder of Apharwat Peak in approximately 12 minutes.
- This is the phase that reaches the highest elevation and provides access to advanced ski terrain and the most expansive Himalayan views
- Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 depends much more on the weather than Phase 1. It closes on days with strong wind, thick clouds, or heavy snow, even if Phase 1 is still running.
- The Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 ticket price is a separate purchase from Phase 1; you buy it at the Kongdoori counter or online; if Phase 2 closes after you have purchased the ticket, see the cancellation section below
- A chairlift (Phase 3) also operates at Kongdoori connecting to Mary Shoulder; this is an additional Rs. 300 and is separate from the main Gulmarg Gondola cable car system
What Should You Know About Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Prices and Timings?
Gulmarg Gondola ticket price (2026 approximate rates; always confirm the current rate at the official Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation website before visiting):
Segment | Approx. 2026 Price Per Person | Duration | Notes |
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori) | Rs. 800 | 9 min | Operates most days |
Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat) | Rs. 900 to Rs. 1,000 | 12 min | Weather-dependent |
Chair Car (Phase 3 / Mary Shoulder) | Rs. 300 | 11 min | For skiing access; separate ticket |
Gulmarg Gondola timings: The Gulmarg Gondola runs daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last cabin goes up around 4:00 PM so everyone can return by closing time. Gulmarg Gondola timings depend on weather conditions and may change suddenly.
Gulmarg Gondola ticket prices are available online and can be booked through the official website. During busy months (June to August and December to February), lines at the ticket counter can be over 2 hours long. Buying online won’t skip the gondola boarding line, but it does save you time at the ticket counter.
Tribe Travel Tip: Starting in 2026, the Gulmarg Gondola uses a time-slot system. Each ticket is for a set boarding time. If you miss your slot and don’t cancel ahead, there’s a Rs. 500 penalty per person. Book online at the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation to reserve your slot. Walk-in tickets are also available at the waiting hall from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, subject to availability.
How Do Gulmarg Gondola Height and Distance Shape the Ride?
Gulmarg Gondola height and Gulmarg Gondola distance make it one of Asia's most impressive cable car systems.
Segment | Start Elevation | End Elevation | Distance | Duration |
Phase 1 | 2,650m | 3,080m (Kongdoori) | 2.3 km | 9 min |
Phase 2 | Kongdoori | 3,979m (Apharwat shoulder) | 2 km | 12 min |
Total (Phase 1 + 2) | 2,650m | 3,979m | 4.8 km (approx) | 21 min |
The total Gulmarg Gondola height gain from base to the Phase 2 exit is approximately 1,330 metres. At 3,979 metres, the air is noticeably thinner. Visitors with respiratory or heart conditions should consult a doctor before purchasing the Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 ticket. The Gulmarg Gondola spans about 4.2 km one way across both phases.
What Is Gulmarg Gondola in Summer Like?
Gulmarg Gondola in Summer (April to October) gives a completely different experience from the winter ski season.
Condition | Summer (April to October) | Winter (November to March) |
Landscape | Green meadows, wildflowers above treeline | Deep snow; slopes fully white |
Phase 1 activity | Meadow walks, photography, views | Beginner and intermediate skiing |
Phase 2 activity | High-altitude trekking, panoramic views | Advanced skiing; ski patrol active |
Nanga Parbat view | Visible on clear mornings | Visible in clear weather; snow-framed |
Crowds | High June to August | High December to February |
Phase 2 reliability | Weather-variable; best before noon | Weather-variable; heavy snowfall can close |
Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola in summer is the most reliable. Kongdoori valley is green, and you can walk across the plateau without special gear. For Phase 2, the upper slopes above 3,500 meters may still have snow until June, so wear good shoes. Weather at Phase 2 can change fast in summer, with clouds often building over Apharwat by early afternoon, even if the morning is clear.
How Does Gulmarg Gondola Weather Affect the Ride?
Gulmarg Gondola weather is the biggest operational factor for both phases.
Condition | Effect on Phase 1 | Effect on Phase 2 |
Light cloud | Usually operates | May operate |
High wind | Reduced capacity possible | Often closes |
Dense fog | May reduce visibility; usually operates | Usually closes |
Heavy snowfall | Usually operates | Closes |
Clear sky | Full operation | Full operation |
The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation decides on Gulmarg Gondola weather closures in real time, so there’s no advance notice. The gondola ride in Gulmarg is safest and most reliable between 10:00 AM and noon, as clouds often build over Apharwat later in the day. This directly affects Gulmarg Gondola ticket cancellations: if Phase 2 closes after you reach Kongdoori, the counter won't automatically issue refunds.
What Should You Know Before Your Gulmarg Gondola Visit?
- Book early: Check Gulmarg Gondola ticket prices online and book at least 1 to 2 weeks before your visit during busy months (June to August and December to February). Walk-in lines at the base can be longer than 2 hours.
- Arrive at 10:00 AM: The Gulmarg Gondola timings begin at this time; the first two hours offer the best chance to ride Phase 2 before the weather changes.
- Layer up: Gulmarg Gondola height at Phase 2 reaches nearly 4,000 metres; temperatures at Apharwat can be 8°C to 12°C colder than Gulmarg town; carry warm layers even in summer
- Buy Phase 2 at Kongdoori: You can get your Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 ticket prices at the Kongdoori counter after finishing Phase 1. This way, you can make sure Phase 2 is open before you buy the ticket.
- Check Phase 2 status on the day: Call the JKCC contact number or check the official website for current operational status; Gulmarg Gondola ticket cancellation refunds for weather closures are not guaranteed
Final Takeaway
The Gulmarg Gondola is a two-phase experience with distinct elevations, prices, and weather dependencies at each stage. Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 is reliable year-round and gives you a complete mountain experience at Kongdoori, even if you don't proceed further. The Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 ticket price segment reaches close to 4,000 metres and offers the most rewarding views, but it requires favourable Gulmarg Gondola weather on the day.
Book your tickets online at the official Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation website. Arrive when the Gulmarg Gondola timings open at 10:00 AM, and try to make the gondola ride in Gulmarg the first activity of the day for the best experience.
If you’re planning a holiday to Kashmir and want a custom itinerary focused on the Gulmarg Gondola at the best time and season, Holiday Tribe’s advisors can help you plan every detail.
