Gulmarg Gondola Booking 2026 – Ticket Price, Phases & Everything You Need to Know
- OTA Channels
- May 2
- 5 min read
Updated: May 5
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the world's highest cable car systems located in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. It runs in two phases — Phase 1 from Gulmarg (2,690m) to Kongdoori, and Phase 2 up to Apharwat Peak (4,200m). 2026 ticket prices: Phase 1 ≈ ₹740, Phase 2 ≈ ₹920 per adult. Tickets can be booked online via JKTDC or at the gondola counter. Operates year-round — ideal in winter for skiing and in summer for panoramic views. Advance booking strongly recommended in peak season.
Introduction
If you are planning a trip to Kashmir, one experience that simply cannot be missed is the legendary Gulmarg Gondola ride. Floating above snow-dusted pine forests with the Himalayan peaks stretching endlessly in every direction — it is the kind of moment that stays with you for a lifetime.
Without knowing how the gondola booking process works, you can easily end up wasting half your day standing in queues. This guide gives you everything — updated 2026 ticket prices, both phases explained simply, how to book online, and the best time to visit.
What Is the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg Gondola is a ropeway cable car system operated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCCC). It connects Gulmarg town with the higher alpine zones of Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak. Opened in phases starting 1998, it is now one of the most popular attractions for anyone visiting Kashmir.
It is not just a tourist attraction — the gondola also serves skiers and trekkers who want to access upper mountain terrain. Whether visiting in winter for skiing or experiencing the Gulmarg Gondola in summer for panoramic meadow views, it delivers an experience unlike anything else.
Gulmarg Gondola Phases – Phase 1 vs Phase 2
The gondola is divided into two separate segments, each offering a distinct experience. Understanding the difference helps you decide what suits your plan.
Phase 1 – Gulmarg to Kongdoori
Phase 1 lifts you from Gulmarg town (2,690m) up to Kongdoori station (3,080m). The 10–12 minute journey gives sweeping views of the Gulmarg meadow, pine forests, and distant snow peaks. This phase is accessible to almost everyone including families with young children, and operates reliably year-round.
Phase 2 – Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak
Phase 2 takes you from Kongdoori up to Apharwat Peak at 4,200 meters — the crown of the entire experience. At this height you are surrounded by glaciers, frozen alpine terrain in winter, and dramatic rocky ridgelines in summer. The Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2 ticket price is slightly higher due to the altitude and infrastructure involved.
Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Price 2026
Here are the updated Gulmarg Gondola ticket prices for 2026. These are approximate figures based on the latest available data. Prices may change during peak season or due to government revisions — always verify at the official JKCCCC website or counter.
Category | Phase 1 (₹) | Phase 2 (₹) | Phase 1+2 (₹) |
Adult | ₹800 | ₹1000 | ₹1800 |
Children under 2 | Free | Free | Free |
How to Book Gondola Ride in Gulmarg – Step by Step
Many travelers wonder exactly how to book a gondola ride in Gulmarg. The process is straightforward once you know the steps. You have two main options:
Option A: Online Booking (Recommended)
1. Visit the Official Portal — Go to the JKCCCC official website or J&K Tourism portal and find the Gulmarg Gondola booking section.
2. Select Your Date & Tickets — Choose your travel date, select Phase 1 or Phase 2 (or both), and enter the number of adults and children.
3. Enter ID Details — You need a valid government photo ID. Indian nationals: Aadhaar, passport, or driving license. Foreign nationals: Passport.
4. Pay Online — Complete payment via UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card. You receive an e-ticket via email or SMS.
5. Show at Counter — On the day of visit, show the e-ticket (printed or on phone) at the gondola station to collect your boarding pass.
Option B: Counter Booking (On-Site)
Counter tickets are available at the Gulmarg Gondola station itself. Counter booking opens at 10:00 AM. During peak season, arrive by 8:00–8:30 AM to join the queue early and secure tickets before they run out — especially for Phase 2, which has limited daily capacity.
Gulmarg Gondola in Summer – What to Expect
A common question is whether the Gulmarg Gondola operates in summer. The answer is a confident yes — and summer has its own unique charm that winter visitors miss entirely.
From April to June, the Gulmarg meadow blooms into a carpet of wildflowers. The gondola in summer offers crystal-clear mountain views often obscured by snow haze in deep winter. Apharwat Peak in summer reveals its dramatic rocky ridgelines and lingering snowfields look stunning against the blue sky.
Summer is also ideal for families who want a comfortable experience without battling sub-zero temperatures. Note that Phase 2 in early spring (March–April) may have restricted access due to avalanche-prone conditions. Always check operational status before planning.
Practical Tips Before You Go
• Dress in Layers — Even in summer, Apharwat Peak (4,200m) is cold and windy. Carry a fleece jacket and wind-resistant outer layer.
• Book Ahead Online — Peak season (Dec–Feb, May–Jun) sees limited tickets. Book at least 2–3 days in advance.
• Check Weather — The gondola may be suspended in bad weather or fog. Check Kashmir weather forecasts before heading out.
• Go Early — Arrive at the gondola station by 9:30 AM for shorter queues and clearer morning views.
• Altitude Awareness — Apharwat Peak is at 4,200m. If you feel dizzy or short of breath, stay at Kongdoori (Phase 1 end) instead.
• Skiing in Winter — Ski equipment rental is available at Kongdoori. The gondola is the main ski lift here during the winter season.
How to Reach Gulmarg
Gulmarg is about 52 km from Srinagar and 49 km from Baramulla. Here are your main travel options:
By Air
Fly into Srinagar Airport (Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport), which is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. From Srinagar, hire a private cab to Gulmarg — the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours through scenic mountain roads.
By Road
From Srinagar, take the Tangmarg route (NH 1A) towards Gulmarg. The last stretch from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is steep and winding, so a 4WD vehicle or jeep is preferable in winter.
By J&K SRTC Bus
Buses run from Srinagar to Tangmarg, from where shared taxis or ponies take you up to Gulmarg. Budget-friendly but less convenient.
Explore More Kashmir Travel Guides
Planning your Kashmir trip? These guides from Xogul will help you plan better:
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Let our Kashmir travel experts handle your gondola booking, hotel arrangements, and complete itinerary — so you can focus entirely on experiencing Kashmir's magic.
Conclusion
The Gulmarg Gondola is not just a cable car — it is a gateway to one of the most magnificent high-altitude landscapes in the world. Whether you ride it in the heart of winter with snow-blanketed peaks all around, or in summer with the meadows bursting into color below you, this gondola ride in Kashmir is an experience that defines an entire trip.
Knowing the ticket prices, understanding both phases, and booking your gondola tickets in advance are the three things that turn a stressful day into a seamless, joyful memory. Kashmir is special in every season — and from Apharwat Peak, you will understand exactly why.
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