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Gulmarg is a wide, bowl-shaped meadow at about 2,650 metres, ringed by pine forests and the snow peaks of the Pir Panjal. Its name means "meadow of flowers" and in May and June the grass is carpeted with wildflowers. But most people know it for winter, when the whole bowl is white and it becomes the centre of snow tourism in Kashmir.
The two faces of Gulmarg
Winter, roughly December to March. Snowfall can be heavy and the meadow is crowded with first-time snow visitors, sledges and ski instructors. This is also when the Gulmarg Gondola is at its busiest and weather is least predictable.
Late spring to autumn. Without the snow crowds, Gulmarg is green, calm and cool. Horse rides across the meadow, walks to Khilanmarg and Alpather, a round of golf, and views of Nanga Parbat on a clear day make it a good family destination in May, June and September. Rain and mist are common in July and August.
What to do
- Take the gondola. The cable car rises in two phases. The first stage takes you up to Kongdoori, the second continues to Apharwat, close to 4,000 metres, where there is snow almost all year. Book tickets in advance.
- Walk or ride to Khilanmarg. A sloping meadow above Gulmarg, with wide views. Ponies are available and the walk is moderate.
- Try snow activities. Sledging, snow tubing and beginner ski lessons are offered in winter by local operators. Fix the price and the equipment before you start.
- Visit St Mary's Church and the Maharani Temple. Both are small, quiet landmarks near the meadow that are easy to include.
- Enjoy the golf course. Gulmarg has a historic golf course that is open for play in the green months.
How to plan it
From Srinagar the drive takes around two hours: a fast road to Tangmarg, and then a steep climb of about 13 km to the meadow. Most itineraries treat it as a long day trip, but there are good reasons to stay overnight in winter: you can reach the gondola before the queues, you avoid the evening drive down in poor light, and the snow in the early morning is excellent. Hotels in the meadow itself are limited and fill up first, so book early for December to February.
Local rules that catch visitors out
Outside taxis can reach Gulmarg, but local sightseeing, such as the last stretch to the gondola base in snow or trips to Khilanmarg, is done through local operators, ponies and sledges. Prices are usually fixed by local unions and paid on the spot; ask for the rate list. Gondola tickets are bought separately from your package unless the quote says otherwise. Our guide to local transport in Kashmir explains this.
Weather note: The upper gondola phase is often suspended for wind or snow. Plan a buffer day or a flexible slot if the gondola is the main reason for your trip, and check weather before driving up from Srinagar.
Eating, staying warm and altitude
Gulmarg has a handful of restaurants and small food stalls, and meals are simpler and pricier than in Srinagar. Hot tea, noodles, rajma-chawal and kebabs are the usual choices. Most hotels serve dinner and breakfast on site, which matters in winter when nobody wants to walk far. At 2,650 metres, a few people feel mild breathlessness or a headache on the first day; drink water, avoid heavy meals, and take the gondola up to Apharwat slowly.
Seasonal tips
Layers work better than one bulky coat. In winter, take waterproof gloves, thermal inner wear, snow boots with grip and a pair of sunglasses; the glare is strong. In summer, a rain jacket is as useful as a sweater. Read our guide on what to wear in Kashmir for a packing list.
Planning Gulmarg with MyWishTour
Gulmarg features in nearly every Kashmir package we plan, as a day trip or an overnight. For snow-focused plans, see the Kashmir winter snow escape. To fit it into a longer route, send us your dates.
