Earning its reputation as the second longest and second highest cable car in the world, the Gulmarg Gondola has become an integral part of Gulmarg’s tourism and skiing culture. Built in two stages, the cable car ferries close to 600 people every hour, taking them all the way up to the Apharwat Peak. The first stage takes people from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and stage two transfers from Kongdoori to Mt.Apharwat. There is also the chairlift that takes you from Mt.Apharwat to Mary’s Shoulder. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Gulmarg Gondola, this article gives an overview of the ticket prices and booking information that could prove to be useful during your next trip to Gulmarg so keep it handy!
(Read, Gulmarg vs Auli: Which is the Better Skiing Destination?)
Phase I Ticket Prices
Single Lift Ticket
The cost of a single lift ticket from Gulmarg to Kongdoori costs ₹370 for both Indians and Foreigners.
Day Pass
The day pass for phase one allows you to access the first stage of the Gulmarg Gondola for the day. It costs ₹740 for Indians and ₹1210 for foreigners.
Week Pass
The week pass for the first stage of the Gondola costs ₹3150 for Indians. The price is higher for foreigners and it is advisable to check with the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation for the exact prices for the season.
Phase II Ticket Prices
Single Lift Ticket
The single lift ticket for the second stage takes you from Kongdoori to Mt.Apharwat and costs ₹480 for both Indians and Foreigners.
Day Pass
The day pass for stage two costs ₹1210 for Indians and ₹1900 for foreigners. This day pass gives you access to stage one once on that day and stage two and chairlift are included all day.
Week Pass
The stage two week pass allows you to access stage one once a day for 7 days along with stage two and chairlift access for all 7 days. It costs ₹7130 for Indians and ₹9490 for foreigners.
Chairlift
A single lift ticket for the chairlift costs ₹270 for both Indians and Foreigners. Prices for the season for chairlift day pass and week pass are to be checked with the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation.
Best Time for Gulmarg Gondola
The best time for the gondola is undoubtedly during the winters. Gulmarg and its surrounding mountains are covered in thick layers of snow which offer stunning views and a dreamy landscape to admire while on the ride. This is also the best for skiing, snowboarding and other winter adventures! Ensure you get your ticket at least a week or two in advance as they get sold out pretty quick during the winters.
However, the Gulmarg Gondola is operational all year round and can be accessed in other seasons if you wish to. The Phase II of the Gondola is particularly famous even among non-skiers and makes for a fantastic adventure when you are in Gulmarg. The Phase II ride takes you all the way to the top of Mt.Apharwat and gives birds eye views of LOC, Nanda Devi and the Pir Panjal range which make it exciting for people across all ages!
Things to Know Before You go for the Gulmarg Gondola
- It is advisable to buy tickets online to avoid standing in the queue once you reach there. Tickets can be purchased on the website for Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation.
- The Chairlift is only open to people above 11 years of age.
- Keep in mind that weather in the mountains can change quickly and when it takes a turn for the worse, the Gondola is not operational.
- There are multiple options for food on Phase I but there are just one or two stalls on Phase II that offer tea, coffee and Maggi.
- It is possible for elderly people and young children to develop Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on Phase II. It would be advisable to take necessary precautions before and while on the ride.
Skiing Slopes in Gulmarg
Gulmarg offers 5 skiing slopes to beginner and professional skiers. Three slopes for beginners, which are Baby Slope, Highland Park Slope and Slope 85. Phase I is the fourth slope which is of an intermediate level and Phase II which is exclusively only for advanced skiers.
Bikat’s Skiing Courses
Bikat’s Basic Skiing Course gives you an introduction to skiing and allows you to ski on four of the five slopes available in Gulmarg. It is an excellent way to get your skiing journey started with some of the best instructors and facilities in the country. The course includes a 2 day Gondola Skiing Pass and a Chairlift Pass for 1 day.
The Advanced Skiing Course is for those of you who are already familiar with skiing and would like to take your skills to the next level. This course teaches you advanced techniques and allows you to ski on slopes above Phase I. The course also includes a Gondola Skiing Pass for 3 days and a Chairlift Pass for 5 days.
(For more detailed information on all our skiing courses, read What to Expect on Each Day of Your Skiing Course)
The above information covers all the key points you need to know before heading for the Gulmarg Gondola. Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our team!
