Gulmarg Gondola – A Complete Travel Guide
Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking destinations in Kashmir. It comes across as the top tourist destination to visit in the winter season with friends or family, as there is so much to witness. However, a trip to Gulmarg is incomplete without experiencing the iconic ride of the Gulmarg Gondola. It is one of Asia’s largest and highest cable car projects. People who wish to ski should definitely take this ride to the mountains. The stunning views of the mountains and valleys from the cable car are extremely unforgettable. Through this blog, let’s explore more about this site, including the best time to visit, how to reach here, activities to indulge in, and more.
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About Gulmarg Gondola
The meaning of Gulmarg comes out to be “the meadow of flowers,”. Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The name Gulmarg was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak, who used to visit the area with his wife. One of the main highlights of Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, which is not only the largest and highest cable car project in Asia but also ranks as the second-largest and second-highest in the world.
The Gulmarg Gondola ride can house around six people per cabin and has a capacity of 600 passengers per hour. This impressive project is a collaboration between the Jammu and Kashmir government and the French company Pomagalski. In the year 1998, the initial phase of this project was over, which consisted of 36 cabins and 18 towers. This was completed in just two years and opened to the public on May 28, 2005.
How to reach the Gulmarg Gondola
Reaching Gulmarg Gondola is easy. The distance between Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50 kilometres, which means you can choose to reach here through a shared cab or a rental car. When you enter Gulmarg, the Gondola Boarding point is about 15-20 minutes from the taxi stop. Here is a comprehensive detail about reaching the Gondola ride from Gulmarg.
- Cab: One of the most affordable ways to reach Gulmarg Gondola is through a taxi. It is also very comfortable and it can drop you near the gondola boarding point. It is an apt solution for children as well as elder people.
- Horse Ride: If you want to take an adventurous ride to the Gulmarg Gondola, opt for horse riding from the Gulmarg parking lot. It is important to be aware of all the scams, as horse owners can charge a significant amount of money and take long paths to justify the price of the ride. It will waste time and money, so be safe.
- Hike: The route from the parking lot to the Gondola boarding point is an interesting one. You can cover this route within half an hour. However, keep in mind that it is a long way and is not suitable for everybody. It can also make you tired and enjoy less.
Entry Fees/ Prices of Gulmarg Gondola Ride
There are three phases of the Gulmarg Gondola cable car. Each of them has a different price variation. The tickets here are quite reasonable, and you can book them from an online platform or their official website to skip the long waiting lines. Here is what you need to know about the Gulmarg Gondola ticket:
- Phase I (Gulmarg to Kongdoori): ₹740 per adult, plus a convenience fee
- Phase II (Kongdoori to Apharwat): ₹950 per adult, plus a convenience fee
- Chairlift Ride (Kongdoori to Mary’s Shoulder): ₹300 per adult, plus a convenience fee
Please note that children aged 12 and above are charged the same as adults, so plan accordingly when purchasing tickets for the cable car ride in Gulmarg.
Other Things To Do in Gulmarg
Here are some other key spots in Gulmarg, apart from the Gulmarg Gondola ride.
1. Strawberry Valley: Strawberry Valley is one of the most modest plantation areas than an actual valley. Here, the strawberries are cultivated and visible only during the winter months. This is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Gulmarg.
2. Tangmarg: Tangmarg is a lovely little stop about 13 kilometers from Gulmarg, situated on the lower slopes of the Pir Panjal range. This picturesque place is surrounded by lush green hills with snow-capped peaks in the background. A key highlight here is Drung, a spot famed for its stunning frozen waterfalls.
3. Visit to the Maharani Temple: Situated on a small hill, the Maharani Temple is believed to have been the royal place of worship for the Dogra Dynasty. Built by Maharaja Hari Singh and devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple is named after Queen Maharani Mohini Bai, who used to pray here every day. Interestingly, the temple priest is a Muslim, which further highlights the region’s sense of communal harmony and religious tolerance.
4. Maharaja’s Palace: The Maharaja’s Palace was the closest attraction to the parking area. This palace once belonged to King Ranbir Singh of Kashmir. Located amidst tall pine and cedar trees, the palace still holds a certain charm when viewed from the outside.
What is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
The best time to visit the beautiful Gulmarg spot entirely depends on what you want to do there. There are different time variations for snowfall, winter activities, and more. If you want to have a sight of stunning valleys, flowers, and greenery, July to September will be the most suitable time. April to June is one of the busiest seasons as tourist volume increases.
Conclusion
The Gulmarg Gondola experience is one of the best experiences that defines the magic of Kashmir. This ride takes you through the snow-covered mountains and lush green areas that offer surreal views. Therefore, it is one of the best places to go to with your friends or family when looking for a hilly and adventurous trip.
Luxury Trails of India, a leading travel service provider, offers comprehensive and affordable Gulmarg travel packages for your unforgettable journey. From comfortable stays and expert tour guides to pre-booked Gondola rides and local sightseeing, we have got everything covered. Get in touch with us or visit our website to plan your exceptional tour with us.
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