Imagine yourself thousands of meters above the ground, sitting in an ascending ropeway car, experiencing the chilling yet pleasant weather, and enjoying the heavenly view of the snow-capped mountains and the valley! Of course, by now, you must have guessed we are talking about none other than the Gulmarg Gondola ride.
One of the most pursued activities in Gulmarg, the Gulmarg Gondola is an exhilarating ride to the peak of the Apharwat Mountain. The ride is famous among age groups and tourists alike, such as honeymooners, family, solo travelers, and youngsters, looking for an adventurous experience.
Your search for Gulmarg Gondola indicates that a trip to Gulmarg is on your mind this high season. So, let’s look at a few vital insights about Gulmarg Gondola, a high-altitude cable car in Kashmir.
About Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg Gondola is a three-stage cable car ride. It is the second-longest and second-largest in the world and longest and the highest in Asia. As the name implies, the ride is situated in the Gulmarg region of Jammu and Kashmir and attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to enjoy skiing and the mesmerizing views.
The cars of the ride ferry around 600 people per hour to and from the Apharwat Mountain. Phase 1 of the ride ferries tourists from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdori Station. It begins at 2,990 meters and climbs around 400 meters. The second phase or Phase 2 of Gulmarg Gondola connects Kongdori Mountain to Apharwat Peak. It ascends 1,330 vertical meters to about 4,000 meters. The third stage is from Kongdori to Mary Shoulder.
Tourists can also take a 30-minute trek to the top of the mountain, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the LoC, Pir Panjal range, and Nanda Devi. Each phase of the Gondola ride takes approximately ten minutes. In addition to the views, experiencing the thrill of ascending makes the ride a worthwhile choice.
Developer of the Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg Gondola is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and the French company Pomagalski. It is now managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation.
Gulmarg Gondola Timings
Gulmarg Gondola is open seven days a week from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
How to Reach Gulmarg Gondola?
You can take a 20-minute walk to the cable station or hire a pony that will drop you in front of the cable station. However, to avoid getting stuck in traffic, many prefer walking down the distance amidst the pleasant weather.
A Few Things to Remember
- Every phase requires a ticket
- Phase 1 and 2 are open for everyone, except for children younger than three years old
- Going beyond the first phase is not recommended for those suffering from heart disease or breathing problems
- For Phase 3, children below 11 years of age are not allowed on the chair cable car
- Riding amidst day time is a better idea to enjoy the foggy weather
- Three to four hours is the total time required to complete the cable ride
- The total distance from Gulmarg to Apharwat is five kilometers
We hope you got enough insights on Gulmarg Gondola, and you are prepared to pack your bags and head to Kashmir. Explore the rest on your own, as Gulmarg’s beauty and pleasant weather are something to experience by yourself. We wish you a happy Gondola ride and a fantastic time traveling across the valley.
