Kashmir guide · Gulmarg
The Gulmarg Gondola, phase by phase.
One of the highest cable cars in the world, in two stages from the Gulmarg meadow to Apharwat. Here is what each phase gives you, official Tatkal counter rules, boarding timings and ticket costs.
Phase 1
Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori; boarding from 8:30 AM
Phase 2
Kongdoori to Apharwat; boarding from 9:15 AM
Tatkal Counter
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Mon–Fri only at Base Station)
Operator
J&K Cable Car Corporation
The short answer
Two phases: Kongdoori for everyone, Apharwat for snow and views.
Phase 1 rises from Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori in about 9 minutes; Phase 2 continues to Apharwat, close to 4,000 m, in about 12 more. Tickets are sold per phase by the J&K Cable Car Corporation online. For tourists without online bookings, on-cabin Tatkal tickets are available at the Base Station counter between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays (Monday to Friday only; no weekend counter sales). Phase 1 boarding begins at 8:30 AM and Phase 2 at 9:15 AM. Phase 2 closes in high wind and bad weather, so keep the day flexible.
By Shahid Parvez Khan (Local Operations Lead)·Published by Falcon Trails·Updated
Official notice
Official J&K Cable Car Notice: On-Cabin Tatkal Tickets & Boarding Timings
On-cabin Tatkal tickets are available at the Gulmarg Gondola Base Station counter from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays (Monday to Friday only) for tourists without prior online bookings. No Tatkal tickets are sold on Saturdays or Sundays. Boarding commences at 8:30 AM for Phase-I and 9:15 AM for Phase-II. Forenoon-slot ticket holders are strongly advised to board early between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, when waiting time is minimal and queues are generally absent.
Source: J&K Cable Car Corporation Official Portal · Checked
Phase 1 and Phase 2 compared
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Gulmarg base to Kongdoori | Kongdoori to Apharwat |
| Height | From 2,650 m | Up to about 3,950–3,980 m |
| Ride time | About 9 minutes | About 12 minutes |
| Opened | 1998 | 2005 |
| What is up there | The Kongdoori bowl: snow play and sledging in winter, meadows in summer, cafés | Snow for much of the year, wide views over the Pir Panjal, expert ski runs in winter |
| Best for | Families, older travellers, first-timers | Snow lovers and skiers, in clear weather |
Gulmarg Gondola ticket prices
Fares are set by the J&K Cable Car Corporation, per person and per phase, and they change. You need a Phase 1 ticket to reach Phase 2, because Phase 2 starts at Kongdoori.
| Ticket | Approximate fare (2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1, Gulmarg to Kongdoori | ₹700 – ₹810 per person | Sells out on peak days |
| Phase 2, Kongdoori to Apharwat | ₹900 – ₹1,010 per person | Fewer seats; sells out first |
Book only on the official site, etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com. The Cable Car Corporation advises visitors to book online and not to fall prey to touts.
How to book, step by step
Step 1
Fix your Gulmarg day first
Book once your dates are firm. In peak snow and summer weeks, Phase 2 tickets can sell out weeks ahead.
Step 2
Book on the official site
Choose your date and phase on the J&K Cable Car Corporation’s booking site. Book Phase 1 and Phase 2 together if you want both.
Step 3
Carry original photo ID
Every adult needs government photo ID; foreign nationals need their passport.
Step 4
Arrive early
Queues build through the morning. Staying overnight in Gulmarg lets you be at the base station when it opens.
Step 5
Ignore touts
People in Tangmarg and Gulmarg offer tickets and printouts. Use only tickets you booked on the official site.
When Phase 2 closes
Phase 2 stops in high wind, poor visibility and heavy snowfall, and in winter that happens often. On some days it opens late or shuts early. Book a date with a spare day after it if Apharwat matters to you, and treat Phase 1 and the Kongdoori bowl as the plan that always works.
The gondola also closes from time to time for maintenance. The Cable Car Corporation announces closures on its website, so check before you set out.
Winter or summer?
- Winter (December to March): snow from the base station up, skiing from Kongdoori and Apharwat, and the most closures of Phase 2. After snowfall, cars need chains or a local 4x4 at Tangmarg. See Kashmir in winter and our Gulmarg skiing guide.
- Spring and early summer: green meadows below, snow still at the top of Phase 2, usually until about June.
- Summer and autumn: the clearest views and the most reliable Phase 2, with the biggest crowds in May and June.
Altitude and who should go to the top
Apharwat is close to 4,000 m: the air is thin and it is 10 to 15 °C colder than Srinagar, with strong wind. Walk slowly at the top and come down if you feel unwell. Phase 1 is comfortable for most people, including children and older travellers; anyone with a heart or breathing condition should check with a doctor before Phase 2. Our Kashmir for senior citizens guide covers this in more detail.
On-cabin Tatkal tickets and boarding schedule
If online tickets are sold out for your dates, the J&K Cable Car Corporation operates an official On-cabin Tatkal counter directly at the Gulmarg Gondola Base Station.
Tatkal counter sales run from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays (Monday to Friday only). They are specifically intended for tourists without prior online reservations. Tatkal counter sales are strictly closed on Saturdays and Sundays; weekend visitors must hold confirmed online bookings.
Boarding commences at 8:30 AM for Phase 1 (Kongdoori) and 9:15 AM for Phase 2 (Apharwat). If you hold forenoon-slot tickets, the Cable Car Corporation strongly advises boarding early between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, when waiting times are minimal and queues are generally absent.
| Service | Operating Window | Rules & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tatkal Counter Tickets | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Monday to Friday only; Base Station counter; no weekend sales |
| Phase 1 Boarding | From 8:30 AM | Gulmarg Base to Kongdoori; forenoon queue rush begins after 10:30 AM |
| Phase 2 Boarding | From 9:15 AM | Kongdoori to Apharwat peak; weather-dependent |
| Recommended Forenoon Boarding | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Minimal waiting time and shortest queue window |
Tourists travelling from Srinagar on day trips often arrive in Gulmarg after 10:30 AM due to the 2-hour drive and winter vehicle transfers at Tangmarg. Staying overnight in a Gulmarg hotel lets you walk to the base station counter before 8:30 AM.
Compare your starting options
Catalogue starting prices for land arrangements on twin-sharing, excluding flights. The two-adult figure is twice the per-person baseline, not a confirmed quote. Dates, room category and availability can change the total. Ask for named hotels, taxes, child charges and local sightseeing extras in writing.
| Itinerary | Duration | Route | Per adult from | Two adults from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Essentials | 4 nights / 5 days | Srinagar → Gulmarg → Pahalgam | ₹12,500 | ₹25,000 |
| Kashmir in Winter | 4 nights / 5 days | Srinagar → Gulmarg | ₹13,000 | ₹26,000 |
Editorial & Ground Verification
Published by local travel planners
Published by Shahid Parvez Khan
Founder & Lead Planner, Falcon Trails · Operating Kashmir mountain routes since 2010 · shahid.co.in
Published by our operations desk in Barbarshah / Munawara Abad, Srinagar. This guide supports planning; it is not a live status feed. Confirm mountain access, taxi charges and hotel heating for your exact dates before committing.
Ground Dispatch & Preferred Source
Ask our Srinagar desk about your proposed route, and check current official road and weather advice before travel.
Learn more about our team on the About page or contact our desk.
Content updated:
Questions
What people ask us.
Can I buy Gulmarg Gondola tickets offline at the counter?
Yes. On-cabin Tatkal tickets are available at the Gulmarg Gondola Base Station counter from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays (Monday to Friday) for tourists without prior online bookings. No Tatkal tickets are sold on Saturdays or Sundays.
What time does Gulmarg Gondola boarding begin?
Boarding begins at 8:30 AM for Phase 1 and 9:15 AM for Phase 2. Forenoon ticket holders are strongly advised to board between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM to avoid peak queues.
Is Tatkal ticket available for Gulmarg Gondola on weekends?
No. The Cable Car Corporation does not issue Tatkal counter tickets on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekend visitors must have prior online bookings.
How much is the Gulmarg Gondola ticket?
In 2026, roughly ₹700 to ₹810 per person for Phase 1 and ₹900 to ₹1,010 for Phase 2. Fares change; the official booking site shows the fare for your date.
Where do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets?
On the J&K Cable Car Corporation’s official site, etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com. Avoid touts selling tickets or printouts.
Is Phase 2 of the Gulmarg Gondola open?
It depends on the day. Phase 2 closes in high wind, poor visibility and heavy snow, most often in winter. Check on the morning and keep a spare day if you can.
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
Phase 1 goes from Gulmarg to the Kongdoori bowl in about 9 minutes. Phase 2 goes on to Apharwat, close to 4,000 m, in about 12 minutes, with snow for much of the year.
Can I buy Phase 2 without Phase 1?
You need to ride Phase 1 to reach Phase 2, because Phase 2 starts at Kongdoori. Book both together.
Is there snow at the top of the Gulmarg Gondola in summer?
At Apharwat, the top of Phase 2, there is usually snow until about June.
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