Gulmarg in Winter: Snow Activities, Gondola Ride and Trip Cost

By Sumit
October 29, 2026

Gulmarg in winter is India's best-known snow destination. From December to early March, this meadow town at about 2,650 m in north Kashmir sits under deep powder snow. Skiers come from around the world, families ride sledges down gentle slopes, and the Gulmarg Gondola carries visitors to nearly 4,000 m near Apharwat Peak.

It is also a place where a little planning makes a big difference. Gondola tickets sell out, roads close after snowfall and activity prices are often negotiated on the spot. This guide covers everything you need to know: the weather, the gondola, snow activities and their typical rates, how to get there and what a winter trip really costs.

Gulmarg in winter at a glance

What you want to know	Quick answer
Snow season	December to early March
Best month for skiing	February
Best month for fresh snowfall	January
Temperature	About -12°C at night to 5°C by day in Gulmarg town; colder at the gondola top
Gondola fares (2026, reported)	About ₹810 for Phase 1 and ₹1,010 for Phase 2
Distance from Srinagar	About 50 km (1.5–2.5 hours by road)
Ideal stay	2 nights in Gulmarg as part of a 5–6 day Kashmir trip
Budget per person	About ₹20,000 (budget) to ₹60,000+ (premium) for a Kashmir trip with 2 nights in Gulmarg, including flights from Delhi

Gulmarg weather in winter and the best time to visit

Gulmarg is snow-covered from mid-December to early March. January brings the most frequent snowfall, while February offers the deepest snow and the best skiing. Winter here falls largely within Chillai Kalan, the 40 coldest days of the Kashmiri winter, which run from 21 December to about 30 January.

Month	Night / day temperature (approx.)	What to expect
December	-5 to -9°C / 2–6°C	Snow builds up; ski season begins; festive crowds in the last week
January	-8 to -12°C / 0–4°C	Peak snowfall and coldest days; road closures more likely
February	-6 to -10°C / 2–6°C	Deepest snow, best skiing, Gondola Phase 2 runs more regularly
Early March	-3 to -6°C / 5–9°C	Spring skiing, sunnier days, snow starts thinning at lower levels

At the top of the gondola, near Apharwat, temperatures can fall to -15°C or lower, and wind makes it feel even colder.

Which month should you pick?

For seeing snowfall: January
For skiing and snowboarding: February
For families and seniors: February, when days are slightly milder
For festive celebrations: The last week of December, if you book well in advance

Gulmarg Gondola ride: phases, fares and booking tips

The Gulmarg Gondola is a two-stage cable car run by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC). It is the highlight of most winter visits, whether you ski or not.

Phase	Route	Top altitude (approx.)	Reported 2026 fare	Best for
Phase 1	Gulmarg to Kongdoori	~3,050 m	~₹810 per person	Families, seniors, beginner skiers, sledging and snow play
Phase 2	Kongdoori to Apharwat ridge	~4,000 m	~₹1,010 per person	Panoramic views, experienced skiers, the high-altitude snow experience

Fares change from time to time, so confirm the current price on the official JKCCC portal before you pay.

Things to know before your ride

Book online, in advance. Winter slots sell out days or even weeks ahead. Spot tickets at the counter are limited.
Phase 1 comes first. You need a valid Phase 1 booking before you can book Phase 2. Keep your Phase 1 booking ID and a screenshot.
Carry the ID you booked with. It is checked at the station.
Expect Phase 2 to close in strong wind. It stops more often than Phase 1, sometimes with no notice. Plan a backup day if Apharwat is a priority.
Go early. Morning slots usually have clearer views and shorter queues. Afternoon cloud is common in winter.
Check the maintenance schedule. The gondola is reported to close on certain Mondays each month for maintenance.
Beware of touts. During peak weeks, some people sell tickets at inflated prices. Buy only through the official portal or your hotel or tour operator.
Health caution: Travellers with heart or breathing problems should avoid Phase 2 because of the altitude.

Snow activities in Gulmarg in winter

Gulmarg has something for every comfort level, from a gentle sledge ride for children to off-piste skiing for experts. Most activities run on the main slopes around Gulmarg town and at Kongdoori (Phase 1).

Popular activities and typical rates

Activity	Who it suits	Typical price (approx.)
Skiing lesson with instructor	Beginners and intermediates	₹1,500–₹4,500 per session or hour
Ski or snowboard gear rental	Anyone skiing	₹500–₹1,000 per day
Sledge ride (pulled by locals)	Families, kids, seniors	~₹500 for the first hour, less for additional hours
Snow tubing	Kids and first-timers	~₹100–₹300 per ride
Snowmobile / snow scooter	Thrill seekers	~₹1,500–₹3,000, depending on route and duration
ATV ride on snow	Adventure lovers	~₹1,000–₹2,500, depending on duration
Snow boots and jacket rental	Anyone without proper winter gear	~₹200–₹500 per set per day

Rates vary by season, snow conditions and how long the ride lasts. Many activities run at local union rates, but always agree on the price and duration before you start.

Skiing and snowboarding

Gulmarg is India's premier ski resort. Beginners usually start on the gentle slopes near the town or at Kongdoori with an instructor. Intermediate skiers use the full Phase 1 runs, while advanced skiers head to Phase 2 and the backcountry, ideally with a certified guide. February is the best month, as snow depth is at its peak and the higher slopes are more consistently open.

Sledging and snow play

The wooden sledge ride is the most popular activity for families. A local operator pulls you uphill and then guides your descent. Spots near Khilanmarg and Baba Reshi are often used for longer sledge runs.

Snowmobile and ATV rides

Snowmobiles are driven by trained local operators on set snow tracks. Confirm the exact route, end point and total time before paying, since most complaints come from unclear package terms.

Igloo cafés and stays

In recent winters, Gulmarg has had igloo cafés and igloo stays built from packed snow. They are popular for photos and a warm drink, but availability depends on the season's snowfall.

Places to visit in and around Gulmarg in winter

Apharwat Peak area: Reached by Gondola Phase 2. On a clear day, the view spans the Pir Panjal range and, according to locals, extends toward Nanga Parbat.
Kongdoori: The Phase 1 top station, a snow bowl ideal for sledging, beginner skiing and photographs.
St. Mary's Church: A small 19th-century stone church that looks especially striking under snow.
Maharani Temple (Shiv Temple): A hilltop temple on the meadow, visible from most of Gulmarg.
Khilanmarg: A snowfield above Gulmarg, about 6 km away, known for wide views and long sledge runs. It is reached on foot or by pony, depending on snow conditions.
Baba Reshi Shrine: A peaceful Sufi shrine near Tangmarg, often combined with a sledge ride.
Gulmarg Golf Course: In winter, the golf course becomes a broad snowfield for snow play and walks.
Tangmarg and Drung Waterfall: Below Gulmarg, Drung Waterfall can partly freeze in peak winter and makes a good stop on the way.

How to reach Gulmarg in winter

The usual way to reach Gulmarg is to fly to Srinagar and then drive about 50 km, which takes 1.5–2.5 hours in winter. The road goes via Tangmarg, after which a winding mountain stretch climbs to Gulmarg.

Mode	Route	Approx. cost
Private cab (day trip)	Srinagar – Gulmarg – Srinagar	₹2,500–₹4,000 per vehicle
Private cab (one way)	Srinagar to Gulmarg	₹2,000–₹3,000 per vehicle
Shared taxi	Srinagar to Tangmarg / Gulmarg	₹200–₹250 per person

The Tangmarg rule in winter

After heavy snowfall, outside vehicles may not be allowed past Tangmarg. In that case, you switch to a local union taxi fitted with snow chains for the final climb to Gulmarg. Ask your hotel or driver about the current arrangement before you set out, and budget for this extra fare.

Day trip or overnight stay?

A day trip from Srinagar is possible, but it is rushed in winter. Short daylight, gondola queues and possible road delays make it hard to fit everything in. Staying at least one night, ideally two, lets you ride the gondola early in the morning and enjoy the snow after the day-trippers leave.

How much does a Gulmarg winter trip cost?

A 5-night, 6-day Kashmir trip with 2 nights in Gulmarg typically costs about ₹20,000–₹28,000 per person on a budget, ₹32,000–₹48,000 for mid-range comfort and ₹60,000 or more for a premium trip, including return flights from Delhi.

Cost breakdown per person (twin sharing)

Expense	Budget	Mid-range	Premium
Return flights (Delhi–Srinagar)	₹7,000–₹10,000	₹10,000–₹14,000	₹15,000+
Stay (2 nights Gulmarg + 3 nights Srinagar)	₹6,000–₹9,000	₹12,000–₹20,000	₹30,000+
Local transport (incl. Tangmarg taxi)	₹2,500–₹3,500	₹4,000–₹5,500	₹8,000+
Gondola Phase 1 + Phase 2	~₹1,800	~₹1,800	~₹1,800
Snow activities and gear rental	₹1,000–₹2,000	₹2,500–₹4,000	₹5,000+
Food	₹2,000–₹2,500	₹3,000–₹4,000	₹6,000+
Total (approx.)	₹20,000–₹28,000	₹32,000–₹48,000	₹60,000+

These are indicative ranges. Hotel rates in Gulmarg can rise sharply around Christmas, New Year and major ski events.

Where to stay in Gulmarg

Near the gondola base: Mid-range hotels here (roughly ₹4,000–₹10,000 per night in winter) make it easy to catch an early gondola slot.
Around the market and Highlands area: A mix of heritage-style and mid-range properties with walkable access to the snow slopes.
Premium resorts: Full-service hotels with central heating, spas and ski-in convenience at the top end of the market.
Tangmarg: Cheaper, but in winter you lose the joy of waking up on the snow, and you depend on road access each morning.

Tip: Check that your room has central heating or a reliable heater and 24-hour hot water. In January, this matters more than any other amenity.

How to save money

Travel in early December or late February to avoid festive peak pricing.
Rent ski gear and snow clothing in Gulmarg rather than through a package add-on.
Book a package that includes gondola tickets; this saves both money and the stress of sold-out slots.
Agree on activity prices in advance, including duration and drop-off point.

A 2-day Gulmarg winter itinerary

This plan fits into a larger Kashmir trip and gives you two mornings for the gondola, in case Phase 2 is closed on the first day.

Day 1 – Srinagar to Gulmarg: Leave Srinagar by 8 am. Stop briefly at Tangmarg and switch to a chain taxi if required. Check in, then spend the afternoon on the town slopes with a sledge ride, snow tubing or a first ski lesson. Evening walk to St. Mary's Church and a warm meal at your hotel.
Day 2 – Gondola and snow activities: Take an early gondola to Kongdoori (Phase 1), then Apharwat (Phase 2) if the weather allows. Back at Kongdoori, try snowmobiling or more skiing. Afternoon visit to the snow-covered golf course or Khilanmarg.
Day 3 – Buffer morning and return: Use the morning for a missed gondola ride, a ski session or the Baba Reshi Shrine. Drive back to Srinagar after lunch, before the light fades.

Extending your trip? Add 2 nights in Srinagar for a shikara ride on Dal Lake and the old city, and 1–2 nights in Pahalgam or Sonamarg for more snow landscapes.

What to pack for Gulmarg in winter

Gulmarg is colder than Srinagar, and the gondola top is colder still. Pack for deep snow and strong wind.

☐ Two sets of thermal inner wear
☐ Waterproof down jacket and waterproof trousers (or rent a snow suit locally)
☐ Waterproof snow boots with good grip
☐ Waterproof gloves, woollen cap and a neck warmer or balaclava
☐ Thick woollen socks, several pairs
☐ UV-protection sunglasses or snow goggles
☐ SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm
☐ Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit
☐ Power bank, as batteries drain quickly in the cold
☐ Government photo ID (needed for the gondola) and some cash

Safety tips for Gulmarg in winter

Keep a buffer day. Snow can close the Tangmarg–Gulmarg road, the gondola or Srinagar airport.
Ski with an instructor if you are a beginner, and never go off-piste without a certified guide and avalanche awareness.
Follow avalanche advisories issued by the local administration, especially after heavy snowfall.
Watch for altitude symptoms at Apharwat, such as headache, dizziness or breathlessness. Come down if you feel unwell.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before the gondola ride.
Agree on prices first for every sledge, snowmobile, ATV or pony ride.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Gulmarg for snow?

Gulmarg has snow from mid-December to early March. January is best for fresh snowfall, and February is best for skiing and deep snow cover.

How much is the Gulmarg Gondola ticket in 2026?

Reported 2026 fares are about ₹810 for Phase 1 and ₹1,010 for Phase 2 per person. Prices change periodically, so check the official JKCCC portal before booking.

Can I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets online?

Yes. Tickets can be booked on the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation portal. Book early in winter, as slots sell out, and remember that you need a Phase 1 booking to book Phase 2.

Is Gondola Phase 2 open in winter?

Yes, but it often closes temporarily due to strong wind or heavy snowfall. Keep a backup morning if the Phase 2 ride is important to you.

Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?

Yes. Gulmarg has gentle beginner slopes near the town and at Kongdoori, along with plenty of local instructors and gear rental shops.

Is Gulmarg suitable for children and senior citizens in winter?

Yes. Sledge rides, snow tubing and the Phase 1 gondola are all family-friendly. Seniors and people with heart or breathing conditions should avoid Phase 2 because of the high altitude.

Is one day enough for Gulmarg?

A day trip from Srinagar is possible but rushed in winter. Two nights in Gulmarg allow an early gondola ride, time for activities and a buffer for weather.

Can private cars go up to Gulmarg in winter?

Usually yes, but after heavy snowfall, outside vehicles may be stopped at Tangmarg. You then continue in a local taxi fitted with snow chains.

Plan your Gulmarg winter trip with GoTrips

Gulmarg in winter rewards travellers who plan ahead: book the gondola early, stay at least two nights and keep one buffer day for the weather. If you would rather leave the logistics to experts, GoTrips offers Kashmir winter packages with Gulmarg stays, gondola assistance, snow activities and Srinagar sightseeing, planned around the latest road and weather conditions.