Gulmarg, also known as Gulmarag, translates to "meadow of flowers" in Kashmiri. This hill station and notified area committee is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, Gulmarg stands at an altitude of 2,650 meters (8,690 feet), offering breathtaking landscapes and thrilling winter sports opportunities.
Gulmarg Gondola, the world's second-highest cable car.
History and Background
Historically known as Gaurimarg, meaning "path of goddess Gauri", the area was renamed Gulmarg by Yousuf Shah Chak, who ruled Kashmir from 1579 to 1586. During the Mughal rule, Emperor Jahangir frequented Gulmarg, collecting various wildflowers for his gardens. The British civil servants later used it as a summer retreat in the 19th century. The Gulmarg ski club was established in 1927.
After the British rule, Gulmarg became part of the princely state of Kashmir and Jammu, acceding to India in October 1947. The Indian Army established the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg in 1948. In the 1960s, the Indian government began promoting Gulmarg as a tourist and winter sports destination. After facing challenges due to insurgency in the 1990s, the region has seen a resurgence in tourism in the 21st century.
Gulmarg Ski Resort
A Guide to Snowboarding in Gulmarg India
Gulmarg Ski Resort - Home of the World's Highest Skiable Gondola - Peaking at 3,980 meters. Gulmarg Ski Resort offers avalanche mitigation and forecasting, first aid and rescue services, and some snow grooming inside the resort boundaries. However, Gulmarg is not a typical ski resort, with most of the skiing being off-piste. Outside the resort boundaries, there is no avalanche mitigation, and rescue operations are the responsibility of your group. Skiing Gulmarg with a professional ski guide is highly recommended.
Read also: Wolf Ridge Lodging & Activities
Most people visit Gulmarg Ski Resort for the incredible terrain access via the Gulmarg Gondola.
Skiing in Gulmarg offers unforgettable runs with excellent snow conditions.
Mountain Stats
Boasting more than 3 acres / 1.2 hectares of skiable terrain, above average snowfall, over 400 vertical meters of pristine gladed terrain, 18 bowls, and a few groomed runs thrown in between, this is a mountain for true ski and snowboard lovers and powder hunters.
Not sure if you want to Ski Gulmarg? Add deep fresh powder that lasts for days, no crowds, above tree line skiing, and dramatic scenery to the mix, and you've got the perfect recipe for a Ski Himalaya vacation!
Ski Terrain
Gulmarg features a six-seat gondola built by the French Poma Group, installed in two phases in 1998 (phase 1) and 2005 (phase 2). The cable car ascends from 2,650 meters, passing through a middle station at 3,050 meters, before reaching 3,990 meters. The ski terrain on Mt. Gulmarg offers excellent snow conditions and unforgettable runs via the Highest Ski Lift in the World.
Read also: Ultimate Guide to Brighton Skiing
Gulmarg is renowned as a gateway to the backcountry, but there are also plenty of backcountry-style runs within the resort's avalanche-controlled and patrolled boundaries. In addition to the extensive freeriding area, Gulmarg also features two groomed pistes, mainly used by Indian tourists. It's important to note that all guests accessing phase 2 and the chairlift are required to wear avalanche transceivers and carry avalanche rescue equipment, including a shovel and probe.
Skiing Zones
Gulmarg Ski Resort’s lifted terrain is divided into 4 separate skiing zones:
- Poma lifts: There are 7 poma lifts around Gulmarg. These are beginners slopes and is often crowded. The snow is groomed regularly.
- Phase 1 Gulmarg Gondola: Accessible by Gondola. The Gondola reaches Kongdori at 3,050 metres. It has 400 vertical meters of almost flattish, naturally graded terrain. With 2-3 days of beginners skiing and snowboarding course, you’ll be confident to ride Phase 1.
- Phase 2 Gondola (3980m) and Chair lift: For advanced riders and expert skiers, the chair lift (500-900 meters vertical rise) provides off-piste fun and takes you down straight to the gondola via narrow trails that is usually groomed to facilitate return.
- Gulmarg Backcountry: Accessed by Gondola (Phase 2). Bowls stream off the main ridgeline north and south of Mt Apharwat (4,200 metres). It has 900-1500 vertical metres. To the south, the spurs and bowls runs east towards Drung Valley. To the north, it gets very close to Pakistan. Many lines to the extreme north is rarely skied. Ski-touring, hiking a few kilometers even with access via gondola is common.
Ski Packages
We offer exactly what you need - simplicity, comfort and professionalism. We have the answer you are looking for, and make it easy to book YOUR adventure.
- Beginners: Mid-December to April 15
- Intermediates and Experts: January 1 to March 31
- Best conditions: Late January to mid-March
Deals & Packages
Coming to Gulmarg to ride powder? We have you covered. Airport shuttles, best guides, economic to luxury hotel! Choose the package that suits your needs.
Coming to Gulmarg to learn to Ski? We can help. Airport shuttles, ski equipment and great instructors. 3 choices of perfect hotels. Choose your package!
Read also: In-Depth Sundance Snowboarding
Want to Heliski the Himalayas! Make it a reality. Choose a full week Heliski Package. It is possible to add 1 or 2 heli runs, 1/2 or full day heli-Skiing to any Packages.
Skiing for Beginners
Gulmarg Ski Resort offers many options for beginners skiers. The resort has specially designed areas for novice skiers, with gentle and wide slopes, perfect for safely learning the basics of skiing. Additionally, Kashmir Ski School is a part of Gulmarg Ski Resort that offers lessons for all levels, including beginners and children, in group or private settings. You can benefit from the expertise of instructors who will teach you the basic ski techniques and accompany you in your progress, adapting to your needs and pace.
Given the zeal you have in you, we suggest a week-long ski course for beginners to understand and attune themselves to get the hang of it. However, we offer Ski courses that run even longer or shorter depending on your time and convenience. Our basic ski courses begin at a 5-day long course and go up to 2 weeks or more. Contact us directly for more details on your requirements based on your level of expertise.
In our opinion, the best time to learn skiing is from the month of December till the end of March. Usually, by the end of March, Gulmarg Ski Resort is shut down by the authorities. However, they extend it if the snow conditions are good, safe, and stable. The snow conditions are excellent and Gulmarg receives 6-7 feet of snow at its best. About 5 feet of snow is pretty common and stable during this time in the winter.
Our ski course charges start from INR 4,500 per day for a private instructor. The pricing is inclusive of pick up and drop from your hotel to the slopes. A basic ski/ snowboard package starts from 25,000 inclusive of a ski instructor, accommodation, food, and transport. Ski gear and equipment are to be rented separately. However, if you own your own gear, that’s even better. If you opt for ski packages that include accommodation and transport, the prices can vary depending on the services you book.
Travel Information
Getting Here
- By Air: The nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar, 56 kilometers away. You can hire a prepaid cab for around 2500 INR one-way from Srinagar to Gulmarg.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Gulmarg is Jammu, 303 kilometers away. From Jammu, you can hire a prepaid cab directly to Gulmarg, or take a shared taxi to Srinagar and hire another cab to Gulmarg.
- By Road: Gulmarg is easily connected to the major cities of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and a few cities of Himachal Pradesh. Direct buses are also available from Delhi to Gulmarg.
Best Time to Visit
Snowfall in Gulmarg usually starts in early December, lasting until mid-February. However, Gulmarg Ski Resort is usually covered in snow until late March, sometimes mid- April.
What to Expect
- Mix road condition and traffic jams between Tangmarg and Gulmarg. More on Weekends.
- Frequent power cuts. Most decent hotels have generator but power cuts are regular.
- Slow Internet on Hotel Wi-Fi. Irregular network connection even on 4G. Roaming on your SIN card or most SIN card from outside Kashmir will not connect.
- Most hotels stop the heating system between 10pm and 7am; and 10am and 5pm or so.
- No bars or alcohol in most hotels or restaurants.
- Occasional Gondola or chair lift closure due to weather (Strong winds or heavy snowfall).
- Guides & instructors are experienced, professional and safe. They do not have as much formal training as in Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc..
Accommodation
Gulmarg Ski Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury 5-star hotels and resorts, to premium hotels and budget accommodations.
| Area | Type | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Near Ski Lifts | Hotels | Ski-In/Ski-out Hotels |
| Golf Course | Hotels | Hotels on the Golf Course |
| Village | Hotels | Hotels in the Village |
| Srinagar | Hotels | Accommodation in Srinagar |
| Delhi | Accommodation | Accommodation in Delhi |
| Mumbai | Accommodation | Accommodation in Mumbai |
We have also hand-picked our best hotels and resorts with scrumptious meals and comfortable beds. Browse our selected list of hotels and resorts for more information. These hand-curated lists are based on feedback from past guests telling us what matters most to them while choosing their Gulmarg Ski Resort accommodation.
Other Attractions
Gulmarg is not just about skiing; it also offers various attractions and activities for tourists:
- Ziarat of Baba Reshi: A popular shrine near Alpather Lake, 13 km from Gulmarg, dedicated to Saint Baba Payam-Din.
- Drung: A village famous for its waterfalls, caves, an ancient temple, and a small hydropower plant.
- Sranz Waterfall: Located in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, about 5 km from the Baba Reshi Shrine.
- Botha Pathri: A lush meadow located 10 km from Gulmarg and about 5 km from the LOC under the Affarwat range in Western Kashmir.
Drung’s frozen waterfall is a popular site during winter.
Recent Developments
India Gulmarg sets the stage for a winter revival as early snowfall brings renewed optimism and boosts the local tourism economy. After a difficult year marked by delayed snowfall and security concerns, the region has seen a dramatic shift in mood with the arrival of fresh snow. Gulmarg, which relies heavily on winter tourism, is now witnessing a surge in inquiries and bookings as ski resorts and local businesses prepare for a promising season. This early snowfall not only signals the return of winter sports but also offers a much-needed economic reset for the community, where livelihoods are intricately tied to the seasonal rush of tourists.