Things to Do in Gulmarg: Top Activities and Attractions

Gulmarg, the place, is as beautiful as the word sounds. And imagine how glamorous the experience becomes when you can luxuriate in exciting activities amid this inviting alpine charm.

Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of Flowers,” and the place can leave you in a state of awe, whether you are skiing across its snowy landscape or taking a leisurely pony ride through its idyllic vistas.

And rest assured, this is not a place you simply admire from afar. Gulmarg lets you participate in and celebrate its beauty. You won’t be left outside once you get here. Whether you are looking for thrilling adventures, peaceful mountain views or family-friendly experiences, there are plenty of things to do in Gulmarg and attractions to explore.

In the following guide, you are going to discover the activities that capture every visitor’s heart.

What are some fun activities to do in Gulmarg?

It's true, the most exciting part of any holiday is the activities you do there. And as for Gulmarg, there are many exciting ones which you can enjoy with families and friends comfortably with picturesque environments listed below.

Ride the Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak

Gulmarg has one of the world’s highest cable car systems, making it an easy way to reach the higher parts of the mountains while enjoying spectacular views along the way.

The ride takes you to Kongdori, and from there, you can continue towards Apharwat Peak. The higher you go, the more dramatic the mountain scenery becomes. During winter, the snow-covered slopes also turn into a popular spot for skiing and other snow activities.

things to do in Gondola, Gulmarg:

At Kongdori Gulmarg: You'll find food stalls, restrooms, pony rides, and in winter, sledging and snow play. It's the gentler stop and works well for families.

At Apharwat Peak Gulmarg: The air gets noticeably thinner, and the views open up to snow-covered ridgelines stretching for kilometres. Winter visitors ski and snowboard here.

​Trek to Alpather Frozen Lake

At the base of the twin Apharwat Peaks, you’ll find a frozen lake that remains covered in ice for around eight months of the year. You can trek to it from Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2, and while the climb can test your legs, the reward is worth the effort.

Once you reach the lake, you can enjoy the calm mountain breeze and wide views of the white, snow-covered landscape surrounding you.

This is one of the most talked-about things to do in Gulmarg for trekkers. The landscape up here is stark and quiet, nothing like the busy meadow below. If the weather turns, it turns fast, so keep your timeline flexible.

• Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours one way from the top station
• Difficulty: Moderate. The altitude is the real challenge, not the distance
• Best time: June to September if you want to see the thawed emerald water. December to March for the fully frozen version
• Facilities: None. No shops, no toilets, no shelter.

Ski or Snowboard the Himalayan Slopes

Gulmarg turns into a huge snow playground in winter, with slopes for first-time skiers as well as experienced riders. You can start with an instructor on the gentler slopes around Kongdori, or head higher towards Apharwat for longer and steeper runs. With snow-covered mountains around you and the slopes dropping away beneath your skis, the experience feels much more adventurous than simply playing in the snow.

Things to do: Ski or snowboard down the slopes, with lessons and equipment available for beginners.

Best for: Beginners trying snow sports for the first time and experienced skiers looking for longer Himalayan runs.

Play at the World's Second-Highest Golf Course

Britishers in the old days seemed to know the best way to enjoy Gulmarg's serene mountain setting was on a golf course. They built one at over 2,500 metres, and it is still used by visitors today. No wonder it remains one of the best things to do in Gulmarg. The catch is that the course is open only for a limited part of the year, so you need to plan your Kashmir holiday around its operating season.

• Open: April to November
• Things to do: You can walk the meadow, photograph the landscape and enjoy the space without playing

Visit St. Mary's Church and Baba Reshi Shrine

These two stops bring together religious tranquillity and the lively presence of devotees. Visiting them adds a sense of spiritual warmth to your journey and gives you a chance to pause, feel refreshed and experience a different side of the destination. Their peaceful atmosphere is something you may carry with you long after you return home.

• St. Mary's Church: A small Victorian-era stone chapel built in 1902 with a green roof and stained glass windows. Open 10 am to 5 pm, free entry
• Baba Reshi Shrine: A 15th-century Sufi shrine dedicated to Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi, with Kashmiri wooden architecture blending Mughal and Persian styles. It's about 5 km from the main Gulmarg meadow

Both are free to visit and offer a completely different pace from the gondola crowds.

Take a Pony Ride Through the Meadows

Pony rides are one of the most family-friendly things to do in Gulmarg. They are perfect for venturing into the highland tranquillity at a slower and more relaxed pace, while crossing scenic spots such as Children's Park, Strawberry Valley, the golf course and Khilanmarg.

• Cost: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per person
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Negotiate the rate before you start. Fixed-rate boards exist near the gondola base, so check those first

What to Eat: Gulmarg Famous Food You Shouldn't Skip

Kashmiri food is rich, aromatic and built around slow-cooked spices like saffron, fennel, cardamom and dried ginger. Here's what Gulmarg's famous food actually looks like on a plate:

Tribe Tips for Planning Your Gulmarg Holiday

• Book Gulmarg gondola tickets online at least a day ahead during peak season (Dec to Feb and May to Jun). Walk-up queues can stretch past two hours
• Layer your clothing. Gulmarg base is cool. Kongdori Gulmarg is cold. Apharwat Peak Gulmarg is genuinely freezing, even in May
• Carry cash. UPI and card machines don't always work in Gulmarg. ATMs exist but aren't reliable
• Altitude sickness is real at Apharwat Peak Gulmarg. Go slow, hydrate, and don't push it if you feel dizzy
• Plan two days minimum. One day for the gondola and surroundings, one for the golf course, shrines, pony rides or a trek to Alpather Frozen Lake
• The drive from Srinagar takes about 2 hours (52 km). The road through Tangmarg can get congested on weekends
• Check gondola status on the morning you plan to go. Phase 2 closures are common and not always announced early

Your Gulmarg Holiday Starts with the Right Plan

So, the things you can do in Gulmarg are many, and they come with varied types of experiences, from exciting adventures to easy-going and relaxing ones. From the sections above, it is clear that there is no shortage of things to do in Gulmarg. Ultimately, it depends on what kind of activities you prefer most and how you want to experience this beautiful mountain destination.

At Holiday Tribe, we build Gulmarg into a wider Kashmir itinerary that accounts for all of this. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg are sequenced so the gondola day, the lake day and the food trail all land at the right time. If you'd rather do it your way, our holiday advisors will put together a customised plan around your dates, group size and pace, no flights unless you want them added.

The mountains don't wait around. Neither should you.