The picturesque, snow-laden valleys of Gulmarg house the second-highest and second-largest cable car project in the world, the Gulmarg Gondola. It is one of the key attractions here and is an unforgettable experience for tourists of all kinds – be it family vacationers or hardcore adventure seekers. And, for all you Bollywood fans out there – the song ‘Tum Kya Mile’ from the 2023 Hindi film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was also shot here in Gulmarg! So, without any further ado, here’s everything you need to know about Gulmarg’s very own gondola ride.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Brief Overview
The Gulmarg Gondola Ride is an exciting venture developed through a collaboration between the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the French company, Pomagalski. This ride is a two-stage Gondola lift that is capable of ferrying about 600 passengers per hour to and from the Kongdori Mountains. The first stage (Gulmarg to Kongdori) was completed in 1998, followed by the second stage (Kongdori to Apharwat) in 2005. An additional third phase, introduced in 2011 for skiers and operating during the ski season, ferries passengers from Kongdori to Mary’s Shoulder using 90 chairlifts.
The first phase spans a horizontal distance of 2,091 meters, while the second phase extends 2,540 meters. The third, newer stage covers a horizontal length of 1,650 meters.
The rides are operational from 10 AM to 5 PM, so make sure you reach on time to take your travel experience to a whole new level, quite literally!
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Phase 1
The Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola Ride runs from Gulmarg to Kongdori, which has a maximum carrying capacity of 1500 persons per hour. This route has 72 cabins installed and takes passengers through the bowl-shaped Kongdori Valley. Here, there are various restaurants and food vendors, so you can grab a quick bite and take pictures of the breathtaking scenery.
Duration: The ride takes about 9-10 minutes to reach
Entry fee: INR 800 return
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Phase 2
The Phase 2 of the Gulmarg Gondola Ride runs from Kongdori to Apharwat Peak. It has a maximum carrying capacity of 600 persons per hour and has 34 cabins installed. Here, there are only about a couple of vendors selling coffee, instant noodles, and a few other food items, so we recommend filling your stomachs while you’re at Phase 1. While you’re here, try out exciting activities like skiing, snow biking, and sledding too.
Duration: The ride takes about 12-15 minutes to reach
Entry fee: INR 950 return
How To Book The Gondola Ride
Passengers must book their slots at least 15 days in advance through their official website. There’s an offline counter to book slots, but if you want to avoid any last-minute hassles, go the online way. Just select the desired route, preferred date and time, and enter contact details. Note that you can book Phase 2 slot tickets only after you’ve a valid Phase 1 booking. After proceeding with the online payment, you’ll receive a confirmation and the ticket details just within hours.
During the peak season, it is best recommended to book online tickets because getting tickets offline is a hectic task.
Best Time To Experience The Gondola Ride
It’s no surprise that the ride attracts a large number of tourists during the peak winter season, from December to the end of February. This is because the entire landscape of Gulmarg is covered with a thick blanket of snow.
If you’re someone who isn’t a fan of the crowd, yet wishes to experience the snowy wonderland of Gulmarg, make sure you reach early and have your tickets booked in advance. Otherwise, you can also visit during the summer months of March to April, or even during early September or October. However, make sure to keep a tab on local weather conditions before setting out for the ride. This is because you wouldn’t like heavy snowfall or an expected landslide to halter your experience at the end moment.
How To Reach The Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg is located about 50 kilometers from Srinagar. To reach Gulmarg, you can opt for a shared taxi or a rental car. If you choose a shared cab, you’ll first take a taxi from Srinagar to Tanmarg, and then from Tanmarg to Gulmarg. The fare for a shared cab is approximately ₹250-₹300 per person one way. Alternatively, a private sedan cab for an entire one-day ride from Srinagar to Gulmarg costs between ₹2,500 to ₹3,000. If you decide to keep the private car for the night, the charges will differ.
Once you reach Gulmarg, the Gulmarg Gondola Boarding Point is only about 20 minutes away from the taxi stop. You can hike there to experience scenic views along the way, but its not suitable for everyone. If there are children or elder people with you, a taxi ride is the most convenient option. And last but not the least, you can fancy a horse ride to truly feel like you’re the main character in your own snow kingdom!
Gulmarg Gondola Ride: Things To Keep In Mind
- Book slots online to avoid last-minute inconvenience
- Phase 3 is only open to individuals above the age of 11, so make a note of it.
- Make sure to reach the boarding gate at least 45-50 mins in advance before your scheduled ride. This will allow you to explore the place as well as prevent end-minute confusion.
- Children and the elderly may be more prone to Acute Mountain Sickness, especially during Phase 2 of the ride. It is important to take necessary precautions and consult a doctor before bringing them along. Carry camphor and oxygen cans for safety, and avoid overexertion. Enjoy Phase 2 at a slow pace, keeping your breathing in check to prevent any issues.
- If you’re visiting during the winter season, ensure that you carry enough warm clothes.
Summing Up
Here’s a comprehensive one-stop guide for you to navigate through the Gulmarg Gondola Ride system. So, the next time you’re visiting the beautiful valleys of Jammu, Gulmarg, or Srinagar, make sure to visit the gondola ride at least once!
FAQs
What Is Gulmarg Gondola Famous For?
The Gulmarg Gondola is famous for being the second longest and second highest cable car ride in the world. The ride offers panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains and valleys.
Is Gulmarg Worth Visiting Without A Gondola Ride?
Yes, there are a lot of other places in Gulmarg to visit even without going to the gondola ride. However, it is a key attraction here and we recommend trying it out once!
Is Breathing Difficult In Gulmarg?
Initially for passengers, it can be difficult due to change in altitude and temperature. If you have breathing issues, it is best advised to consult a health practitioner and take necessary precautions and medications.
