Gulmarg Guide: Best Time to Visit, Gondola Ride & Things to Do

Most hill stations look roughly the same regardless of when you visit — Gulmarg genuinely doesn't. Go in winter and you'll find one of India's best skiing destinations buried in snow; go in summer and you'll find rolling green meadows that barely resemble the same place. Knowing which version you want changes how you should plan the trip.

Winter Gulmarg (December-February): snow and skiing

This is peak season, and for good reason. Gulmarg is home to one of Asia's highest ski resorts, with slopes suited to both beginners and experienced skiers, plus gear rental and instructors available on-site for those trying it for the first time. Even non-skiers come specifically for the snow — building snowmen, sledding, or simply walking through a genuinely white, quiet landscape is enough for a lot of travelers.

Summer Gulmarg (April-June): meadows and golf

Once the snow melts, Gulmarg turns into rolling alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers — hence the name, which translates roughly to "meadow of flowers." This is also when Gulmarg's golf course, one of the highest in the world, is playable, and when hiking trails through the surrounding pine forests open up properly.

The Gondola: the must-do regardless of season

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car rides in the world, running in two phases — Phase 1 takes you to Kongdoori (around 10,000 feet), and Phase 2 continues up to Apharwat Peak (around 13,600 feet). Even if you do nothing else in Gulmarg, the Gondola ride alone delivers views across the Kashmir valley that are hard to match. Book Phase 2 tickets early in peak season — they sell out, and queues can eat hours of your day if you're not prepared.

Beyond the Gondola

Ningle Nallah, a stream cutting through meadows a short distance from the main town, is a quieter spot for a picnic away from the crowds. St. Mary's Church, a small colonial-era structure, adds a bit of history to an otherwise nature-focused visit. For the more adventurous, Alpather Lake — a glacial lake reachable via a moderate trek from the upper Gondola station — is a worthwhile add-on in summer once the ice has partially melted.

Practical tips

Gulmarg sits at high altitude (around 8,700 feet at the base, considerably higher at the Gondola's upper station), so pace yourself on day one, especially in winter when cold adds to the exertion. Warm layers are essential even in summer once you're up on the Gondola — temperatures drop sharply with altitude. And if you're specifically chasing snow, check conditions before booking — snowfall timing varies year to year, and arriving too early or too late in the winter window can mean less snow than you'd hoped for.

Gulmarg isn't a one-note destination — plan around the season you actually want, and it delivers two genuinely different trips depending on when you go.