Gulmarg Tourist Places: Everything You Need to Know
Before You Visit

There is a place in Kashmir where a meadow sits at 2,650 metres above the sea, snow falls for months, wildflowers bloom in summer, and a cable car lifts you above the clouds — all within 56 kilometres of Srinagar. That place is Gulmarg. Its name means “Meadow of Flowers” in Kashmiri — a name given in the 16th century by Yousuf Shah Chak, who ruled Kashmir from 1579 to 1586. Long before tourists arrived, even Mughal Emperor Jahangir visited Gulmarg and reportedly collected 21 varieties of wildflowers from its meadows for his imperial gardens.

Today, Gulmarg is India’s most popular winter sports destination and one of Kashmir’s most visited hill stations year-round. CNN has called it the “heartland of winter sports in India”. It sits in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas in Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir. At Kashmir DMC Booking — a B2B Destination Management Company with years of on-ground Kashmir experience — we have planned thousands of trips to Gulmarg. This guide covers only what is verified and real, so you can plan with confidence.

1. The Gulmarg Gondola — Asia’s Highest, World’s Second-Highest Cable Car

No list of Gulmarg tourist places begins anywhere else. The Gulmarg Gondola is a joint venture of the Jammu & Kashmir government and French engineering firm Pomagalski. Wikipedia classifies it as the second-highest and second-longest cable car in the world, after the Mi Teleférico in Bolivia. It operates in two stages:

• Phase 1 — Gulmarg to Kongdoori: Rises from Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori Station (3,080 m). This phase opened in May 1998 and takes roughly 8–9 minutes. The views of pine forests, open meadows, and the Kashmir Valley are spectacular. Suitable for all ages.

• Phase 2 — Kongdoori to Apharwat: Rises further to 3,979 metres on a shoulder of Apharwat Peak. This phase opened on 28 May 2005, has 36 cabins and 18 towers, and took about two years to build at a cost of ₹18 crore (approx. US$4.5 million). At this height, you look down at Gulmarg like a map.

The combined system ferries approximately 600 people per hour. Tickets are booked online through the J&K Cable Car Corporation’s official portal. Book in advance during peak seasons (December–March and June–August). At Kashmir DMC Booking, we assist with Gondola planning as part of all our Kashmir packages.

2. Gulmarg Golf Club — The Highest Green Golf Course in the World

Gulmarg has a golf course unlike any other on Earth. Set at 2,650 metres (8,690 feet) above sea level, Wikipedia and the J&K Tourism Development Corporation both describe it as the highest green golf course in the world. Its history stretches back to 1890, when British officer Colonel Neville Chamberlain laid out a 6-hole course in the meadow. The Gulmarg Golf Club was formally established in 1911. The first championship was held in 1922, and the Nedou’s Cup was introduced in 1929.

The course was redesigned by golf architect Peter Thomson in 1970 and again by Ranjit Nanda in 2011. Today it is an 18-hole, par-72, 6,760-yard course — with India’s longest hole, a par-5 stretching 610 yards. The course is open April to November; from December to March, snow covers the fairways and the gentle slopes become beginner ski runs.

3. Apharwat Peak and Skiing — India’s Premier Snow Destination

Apharwat Peak, which overlooks Gulmarg, rises to 4,267 metres (13,999 feet) according to Wikipedia. It is the mountain that makes Gulmarg skiing what it is — a mix of terrain for absolute beginners (slopes starting at 7,000 feet) up to serious expert runs at 14,000 feet accessible via Phase 2 of the Gondola.

Organised skiing in Gulmarg has a long history. The Gulmarg Ski Club was established in 1927 by the British, who hosted two annual ski events — at Christmas and Easter. After independence, the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) was established in Gulmarg in 1968 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Today IISM offers certified courses in skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering for all skill levels.

Gulmarg has hosted the National Winter Games in 1998, 2004, and 2008. The first Khelo India Winter Games were held in March 2020 partly in Gulmarg, and the event has continued annually. In February 2026, the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was held at Kongdori and the Golf Course, featuring alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding. The best months for Gulmarg skiing are December through April.

4. Khilanmarg — A Meadow with a Front-Row View of the Himalayas

Located 6 kilometres from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg is a natural high-altitude meadow that offers one of the finest panoramic views of the Himalayan range in all of Kashmir — including Nanga Parbat, which Britannica records at 8,126 metres, and Harmukh Peak, both visible on a clear day. In spring and summer, the meadow fills with wildflowers; in winter, it becomes a favourite ski run for enthusiasts exploring Gulmarg tourist places. It is reachable on foot or by pony from Gulmarg town — a moderate walk of about an hour.

5. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary — 180 Square Kilometres of Mountain Wilderness

Surrounding the town is the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers more than 180 square kilometres at altitudes ranging from 2,400 to 4,300 metres — per WorldAtlas. The sanctuary is home to Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, Asiatic black bear, Kashmir grey langur, leopard cat, and snow leopard, alongside notable bird species. Flora includes silver birch, silver fir, blue pine, and daffodils. This is one of the most underappreciated among Gulmarg sightseeing options, particularly for nature and wildlife travellers.

6. Kongdoori — The Mid-Mountain Hub

Perched at 3,080 metres and reachable at the end of Gondola Phase 1, Kongdoori is a destination in itself. In winter it is the base for beginner and intermediate ski slopes. In summer it is a starting point for trekking toward Alpather Lake and the higher ridges. The views of Gulmarg’s meadow below — a wide green bowl ringed by forested mountains — are among the best Gulmarg sightseeing experiences available without advanced physical preparation.

7. Baba Reshi Shrine — A Sufi Landmark of Deep Historical Significance

Located on the slopes leading into Gulmarg, Baba Reshi Shrine is dedicated to a revered Sufi saint and is a fine example of traditional Kashmiri wooden architecture. The shrine is visited by people of all faiths and is easily accessible by road. It is among the quieter places to visit in Gulmarg and well worth a short detour for travellers interested in Kashmir’s spiritual heritage.

Best Time to Visit Gulmarg Tourist Places

Gulmarg’s climate is classified as humid continental (Köppen: Dfb) — warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Here is how the seasons break down for travellers:

• December to April: Peak skiing and snow sports season. Heavy snowfall covers the slopes; the Golf Course fairways turn into beginner ski runs. The Gondola Phase 2 operates subject to weather and avalanche-control conditions.

• April to June: Snow melts at lower altitudes; wildflowers bloom across Khilanmarg and the main meadow. The Golf Course reopens from April. Pleasant temperatures ideal for first-time visitors and families.

• June to September: Warmest months; the Golf Course is in full swing; the Alpather Lake area and treks around Kongdoori are accessible. Some rain in July–August but not heavy.

• October to November: Crisp air, golden landscapes, far fewer crowds, and the clearest mountain views. The Golf Course closes by November. A strong choice for travellers who prefer quiet trips.

How to Reach Gulmarg

The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, about 53 km from Gulmarg (Wikipedia). From Srinagar, the drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours via Tangmarg, which includes a 12 km uphill road through pine and fir forests (Wikipedia). The nearest railhead is Baramulla, approximately 53 km away. Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station for those approaching from outside J&K. Kashmir DMC Booking provides fully managed private cab transfers from Srinagar Airport directly to Gulmarg.

Plan Your Gulmarg Trip with Kashmir DMC Booking

At Kashmir DMC Booking, we are a registered B2B Destination Management Company with years of Kashmir expertise. We manage holiday packages, group departures, hotel bookings, and private transportation for travel agents and individual tourists alike. Whether you want a snow-filled winter escape or a summer golf holiday, our team handles every detail — so you experience Gulmarg tourism without the stress.

FAQs About Gulmarg Tourist Places

Q1. What are the best tourist places in Gulmarg?

The top Gulmarg tourist places are: the Gulmarg Gondola (world’s second-highest cable car, Phase 1 opened 1998, Phase 2 opened 2005), Apharwat Peak (4,267 m), the Gulmarg Golf Club (world’s highest green golf course at 2,650 m, established 1890/1911), Khilanmarg meadow (6 km from town), Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary (180+ sq km), Kongdoori, and the Baba Reshi Shrine.

Q2. What is Gulmarg famous for?

Gulmarg is famous for three things above all: skiing (CNN called it the “heartland of winter sports in India”), the Gulmarg Gondola (Asia’s highest cable car), and the world’s highest green golf course. The Gulmarg Ski Club was established in 1927; the National Winter Games were held here in 1998, 2004, and 2008; and Khelo India Winter Games have been held here since 2020.

Q3. What is the best time to visit Gulmarg?

For snow sports: December to April. For wildflowers and spring: April to June. For golf and summer trekking: May to October. For clear mountain views and fewer crowds: October–November. Gulmarg has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb) — warm summers and cold, snowy winters.

Q4. How far is Gulmarg from Srinagar and how do I get there?

Gulmarg is about 56 km from Srinagar (Wikipedia), a drive of roughly 1.5–2 hours via Tangmarg. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (~53 km). The nearest railhead is Baramulla (~53 km). Kashmir DMC Booking offers direct cab service from Srinagar Airport to Gulmarg, fully managed with experienced drivers.

Gulmarg is not a destination you visit once and forget. The Gondola rises through clouds. The meadow turns white in December and green in May. The Golf Club has seen a century of matches. The mountain holds some of the finest ski runs in Asia. Whatever season you arrive, the Gulmarg tourist places have a way of staying with you. Let Kashmir DMC Booking take care of everything so you can simply be there.

Loved exploring the beautiful Gulmarg? If you are planning another Himalayan adventure, you should also discover the magical landscapes of Leh Ladakh.

Read our complete guide on the best time to visit Leh Ladakh to plan the perfect trip: