Meadow of Flowers · 2,650m
Gulmarg sits 50 km west of Srinagar at 2,650 metres. The name means “Meadow of Flowers” in Persian and it earns that name in summer when wildflowers cover the slopes. In winter the same meadow is buried under metres of snow and India’s best skiers are here along with thousands of first-timers. The drive from Srinagar climbs through pine forests past small villages before the valley opens into a wide bowl of meadow with mountains rising on all sides.
One of the highest cable cars in the world. Phase 1 takes you to Kongdoori at around 3,050 metres. Phase 2 continues to Apharwat Peak at 4,200 metres. The view from the top is enormous: ranges of mountains in every direction, glaciers visible in summer, deep snowfields in winter. Book tickets in advance during peak season as queues can be very long without advance booking.
Gulmarg has the highest skiable terrain in India and some of the longest runs in Asia. Gentle terrain near the base area suits complete beginners, and a busy industry of rental shops and ski instructors has grown up to serve first-timers. Ski gear rental runs 600 to 900 rupees per day. The season runs roughly December to March.
About 6 km from the main stand, Khilanmarg is a smaller meadow with superb views of the Kashmir Valley below. On clear days you can see from Nanga Parbat to the twin peaks of Nun and Kun. Alpather Lake, 13 km from Gulmarg, stays frozen until mid-June and sits at the foot of the Apharwat peaks — best reached on horseback as the trail is steep in sections.
No. Complete beginners visit every year. The slopes near the base area are well-suited to learning and instructors with rental gear are available right at the base.
Yes. Summer (May to September) is lovely. The meadow is green, wildflowers are everywhere, and the Gondola rides give panoramic mountain views without the cold. It is considerably less crowded than winter.
50 km by road, usually 1.5 to 2 hours. Our car rental for the Srinagar–Gulmarg day trip starts at ₹2,300 per vehicle.