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Gulmarg—Kashmir’s “meadow of flowers”—is one of the few hill stations in India that genuinely earns its reputation twice over: a world-class winter-sports destination under snow and a wildflower-carpeted meadow the rest of the year. Whichever season you land in, the things to do in Gulmarg range from riding one of the world’s highest cable cars to hiking to a glacial lake that stays frozen for half the year. This guide walks through the essentials, a few lesser-known spots worth the detour, and the practical details—best time to visit and how to get there—for planning the trip.
Best Things to Do in Gulmarg 2026
These eight spots cover the range of what makes Gulmarg worth the trip—high-altitude adventure, colonial-era heritage, and quiet nature spots that most day-trippers skip.
Ride the Gulmarg Gondola.
[STAT: The Gulmarg Gondola is the world’s second-highest and second-longest cable car, rising in two stages—Phase 1 climbs from Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori Station in about 9 minutes, and Phase 2 continues to Kongdoori Mountain at 3,980 m in roughly 12 minutes, with 36 cabins moving about 600 people an hour.]
Only Bolivia’s Mi Teleférico and China’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain gondola reach higher, so despite frequent marketing claims of being “the world’s highest,” the Gondola is more accurately the second-highest—still an extraordinary ride either way.
Also Read: 10 Highest Ropeways Across the World — From Glaciers to Himalayan Peaks
Ski or Snowboard on Apharwat Peak
[STAT: Apharwat Peak rises to 4,390 m, with the gondola depositing skiers between 3,900 m and 4,100 m; Gulmarg’s slopes range from beginner runs around 7,000 feet to advanced terrain near 14,000 feet at Phase 2, making it one of Asia’s premier off-piste skiing and snowboarding destinations.]
The high-altitude slopes around Apharwat Peak are a major draw for winter adventure seekers. Beginners can take lessons on gentler slopes, while experienced skiers and snowboarders can head towards the steeper Phase 2 terrain. The best snow conditions are generally found during the winter season, when the mountain is covered in deep powder.
Tee Off at the World’s Second-Highest Golf Course
[STAT: Gulmarg Golf Club sits at 2,650 m (8,690 ft), making it the second-highest green golf course in the world; it began as a 6-hole course built by Colonel Neville Chamberlain in 1890 and was redesigned into its current 18-hole layout by Peter Thomson in 1970.]
Set against Gulmarg’s dramatic Himalayan landscape, the golf course offers a very different way to experience the hill station. Its wide fairways, surrounding forests, and mountain views make a round here as much about the scenery as the sport. During the warmer months, the lush green course becomes one of Gulmarg’s most distinctive attractions.
Trek to Khilanmarg
[STAT: Khilanmarg is a meadow roughly 6 km from Gulmarg with about 600 m of elevation gain, doubling as the site of Gulmarg’s winter ski runs and offering views stretching from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100m peaks of Nun and Kun.]
The trek takes you through alpine landscapes, open meadows, and spectacular mountain scenery. In summer, Khilanmarg is carpeted with greenery and wildflowers, while winter transforms the area into a snow-covered adventure zone. The climb can be demanding, but the panoramic views make the effort worthwhile.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Srinagar: The Complete Guide Beyond Dal Lake
Visit St. Mary’s Church.
[STAT: St. Mary’s Church was built in 1902 during the British Raj in a Victorian style, with grey stone walls, a steep green roof, and stained-glass windows, and underwent a major facade renovation in 2003.]
Tucked away amid Gulmarg’s forests, St. Mary’s Church offers a peaceful break from the area’s outdoor attractions. Its stone construction, traditional interiors, and colorful stained-glass windows reflect the colonial-era character of old Gulmarg. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, the small church is especially atmospheric during the quieter months.
Trek to Alpather Lake
[STAT: Alpather Lake sits at roughly 4,390 m at the foot of the Apharwat Peaks, staying fully frozen from January to February and completely thawed by June-August; the shortest route combines the Phase 2 gondola with a 3 km trek, taking 2-3 hours, while the full trek from Gulmarg runs about 14 km.]
The journey to Alpather Lake is one of Gulmarg’s most scenic high-altitude excursions. The trail passes through rugged mountain terrain before opening up to the striking lake surrounded by rocky peaks. In winter, the frozen lake creates a dramatic snow-covered landscape, while summer reveals its clear waters and alpine setting.
Seek Blessings at Baba Reshi Shrine.
[STAT: The dargah of Baba Reshi—born Baba Payam-ud-Din Reshi in 1411, a former royal courtier who renounced his position to follow a Sufi path—was built in 1480 about 6 km from Gulmarg, blending Mughal and Persian architectural styles in white and green with carved wooden artwork.]
Located amid peaceful forested surroundings, the shrine is one of the most visited spiritual landmarks around Gulmarg. Visitors come to pay their respects and experience the calm atmosphere of the historic site. Its traditional architecture and mountain setting also make it an important part of Gulmarg’s cultural heritage.
Picnic at Ningle Nallah and Drung Waterfall
[STAT: Drung Waterfall sits about 3 km from Tangmarg and 13 km from Gulmarg, partly fed by a hydroelectric dam release, and freezes into dramatic icicle formations in winter while flowing freely through summer.]
Ningle Nallah is a clear mountain stream popular for picnics and trout fishing, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding slopes. Its grassy surroundings and flowing water make it a relaxing spot for spending a few hours amid nature.
Drung is particularly spectacular in winter, when the falling water freezes into towering sheets of ice and icicles. In summer, the waterfall returns to a powerful flow surrounded by green hills. The combination of Ningle Nallah and Drung makes for an easy-going nature outing away from Gulmarg’s busier attractions.
Also Read: Experience Autumn in Kashmir this 2026: The Golden Season!
Things to Do in Gulmarg: Attractions for a Longer Stay
If you have more than a day, a few quieter attractions in Gulmarg reward the extra time without the crowds of the gondola or golf course.
[STAT: Strawberry Valley is a working strawberry meadow near Gulmarg, best visited March through July when the berries ripen; visitors can walk the plantation rows, sample fresh fruit, and reach it by hiking, horseback, or private cab in 1-2 hours, with no entry fee.]
Between the adventure-focused spots and these quieter ones, the attractions in Gulmarg genuinely split into two trip styles—pick based on whether you’re chasing altitude and adrenaline or a slower pace among meadows and heritage sites.
Things to Do in Gulmarg: Sightseeing Places by Season and Trip Length
With so many Gulmarg sightseeing places competing for a short trip, it helps to plan around how much time you actually have and what season you’re traveling in.
- Half-day: the Gondola and Golf Course cover the two most iconic Gulmarg tourist attractions in a single loop, and both sit within walking distance of central Gulmarg.
- Full day: add Khilanmarg and St. Mary’s Church to your list of Gulmarg places to see—both are manageable alongside the Gondola without feeling rushed.
- Two or more days: work in Alpather Lake, Baba Reshi Shrine, and Ningle Nallah to round out the best Gulmarg places to visit without cramming your itinerary.
- Winter-focused Gulmarg tourist spot picks: the Gondola, Apharwat Peak skiing, Khilanmarg’s ski runs, and Drung Waterfall’s icicle formations.
- Summer-focused places of interest in Gulmarg: Strawberry Valley, Khilanmarg’s wildflower meadow, Ningle Nallah, and Alpather Lake once it thaws.
Whichever season or pace you choose, these remain the places to see at Gulmarg that consistently show up on returning travelers’ must-revisit lists—bookmark this as your Gulmarg visit place checklist for whenever you’re planning the trip.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Pahalgam: The Complete Guide to Kashmir’s Valley of Shepherds
Things to Do in Gulmarg: Best Time to Visit and Seasonal Activities
[STAT: For skiing, December to mid-March is recommended, with winter temperatures ranging from -4°C to 11°C; for meadows and general sightseeing, March through June is best, with temperatures between 13°C and 29°C and wildflowers blanketing the landscape.]
If you have to pick one season, early April through June offers a middle ground—the last of the snow is often still visible on Apharwat Peak for photos, while Khilanmarg and Strawberry Valley are already turning green.
How to Reach Gulmarg
[STAT: Gulmarg has no airport or train station of its own—the nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, roughly 50 km away by road (about 38 km aerial distance), a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours; taxis from Srinagar cost approximately ₹2,000-2,500, while shared cabs run around ₹500 via Tangmarg.]
There’s no direct bus schedule either—buses run to Tangmarg first, about 12 km short of Gulmarg, with a separate onward connection, so a pre-booked taxi from Srinagar is the most reliable option for most travelers.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Gulmarg When Planning Your Trip
From a gondola ride into the clouds to a shrine tucked into a pine forest, the things to do in Gulmarg cover a wider range than most hill stations manage in one place. Pick two or three anchors based on your season—skiing and the gondola in winter, meadows and Strawberry Valley in summer—and build the rest of your itinerary around them rather than trying to fit everything into one trip.
Ready to plan your Kashmir getaway? Download the Explurger app and start building your Gulmarg itinerary today.
FAQs About Things to Do in Gulmarg
2. Is the Gulmarg Gondola the highest cable car in the world?
No — it's the world's second-highest and second-longest cable car. Only Bolivia's Mi Teleférico and China's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain gondola reach greater elevations, though many tourism sources still describe it as "the world's highest."
3. How many days are needed to see Gulmarg?
A full day covers the Gondola, Golf Course, and Khilanmarg comfortably. With two or more days, you can add Alpather Lake, Baba Reshi Shrine, Ningle Nallah, and Strawberry Valley without rushing any of them.
4. What is the best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing?
December to mid-March is the recommended skiing season, with winter temperatures ranging from -4°C to 11°C and reliable snow cover on Apharwat Peak.
5. Is Alpather Lake frozen year-round?
No — Alpather Lake is completely frozen from around January to February, begins melting in spring, is fully thawed with clear water from June to August, and starts refreezing in late fall.
6. How do you get from Srinagar to Gulmarg?
Gulmarg has no airport or train station, so the standard route is a taxi from Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, about 50km and 1.5-2 hours by road, costing roughly ₹2,000-2,500 for a private cab or around ₹500 for a shared one.
