Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Booking

Gulmarg Gondola Booking Online

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car systems in the world offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range and carrying passengers from the meadows of Gulmarg at 2,650 metres up to the shoulder of Apharwat Peak at nearly 4,000 metres. For most visitors, this ride is the single most memorable experience of their Kashmir trip.

Quick Booking Overview

Feature	Details
Official Booking Authority	Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC)
Booking Mode	Online booking through the official booking system
Phase 1 Return Ticket	₹810 per person
Phase 2 Return Ticket	₹1,010 per person
Phase 1 + Phase 2 Return Ticket	₹1,820 per person
Operating Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Maintenance Closure	2nd and 4th Monday of every month
Boarding Location	Gulmarg Gondola Station, approximately 900 metres from Gulmarg main market

What Is the Gulmarg Gondola?

The Gulmarg Gondola is a two stage cable car that carries passengers from Gulmarg town up to Kongdori and then further up to Apharwat Peak, close to the India Pakistan Line of Control ridge in the Pir Panjal range. It’s operated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), built in partnership with the French firm Pomagalski (POMA) and is regularly counted among the highest cable car systems in the world.

For most visitors it’s the single reason they come to Gulmarg. Phase 1 gets you into the meadows and pine forest at Kongdori. Phase 2 takes you up into snow-covered high-altitude terrain that stays white for most of the year, which is why skiers and photographers rate it so highly.

Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Prices 2026

Ticket prices are fixed by JKCCC per phase, per person and are typically higher for last-minute (Tatkal) bookings than for advance bookings, though both phases can be booked together during a single online checkout.

Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori

Altitude: 3,050 meters (10,000 feet)
Ride Duration: 9–10 minutes each way
Price: ₹800 per person (Round Trip)
What to expect: Lush pine forest views in summer and gentle, snow-covered slopes in winter. Kongdoori features food stalls, tea stalls, Snow bikes and sledding activities. Perfect for families, senior citizens and first time travelers.

Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak

Altitude: 3,980 meters (13,050 feet)
Ride Duration: 12–15 minutes each way
Price: ₹1,000 per person (Round Trip)
Prerequisite: You MUST possess a valid Phase 1 ticket to ride Phase 2.
What to expect: Dramatic alpine terrain, near year-round snow cover, views of Nanga Parbat on clear days and extreme altitude weather. High-altitude acclimatization is recommended.

Phase 3: Chairlift (Kongdoori to Mary’s Shoulder)

Altitude: 3,600 meters (11,800 feet)
Ride Duration: ~10–12 minutes
Price: ₹300 – ₹400 per person
Restrictions: Open chairlift exposed to wind, children below 10–11 years are not allowed for safety reasons.

This phase is not open to general tourist, it is only used by the skiers.

Phase	Route	Estimated Price (per person)
Phase 1	Gulmarg to Kongdoori	₹800
Phase 2	Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak	₹1,000
Both Phases	Gulmarg to Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak	₹1,800
Tatkal / next-day booking	Same	Higher than advance price, released daily in a limited quota

Additional notes:

Children under 3 years ride free
Tatkal (last-minute) tickets are priced higher than standard tickets
Prices are per person and non-transferable. The name on your ticket must exactly match a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport or Driving Licence).

Booking with us: When you book your Gulmarg trip through Kashmir Cab Services, we will confirm the exact live Gondola pricing for your travel dates and help you avoid agents selling inflated or fake tickets near the base station.

Gulmarg Gondola Timings & Time Slots

To prevent long queues and manage station capacity, JKCCC issues tickets bound to strict morning or afternoon time slots.

Morning Time Slot: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Afternoon Time Slot: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Boarding Gate Opening: 8:00 AM
Last Entry to Station: 3:30 PM
Final Return Cable Car: 5:00 PM

Important Scheduled Closure: The Gulmarg Gondola remains completely closed for routine safety and preventive maintenance on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month. Always verify your travel calendar before selecting taxi departure dates.

Same-day, on-cabin (walk-up) tickets are sometimes available at the waiting hall, subject to availability but during peak season, these sell out fast and shouldn’t be relied on.
Tatkal tickets for the next day are usually released online in the evening in a limited quota at a higher price than advance-booked tickets.

Best time slot to book: The first slot of the day generally has the clearest weather, the shortest queues and the lowest risk of Phase 2 getting suspended due to wind or cloud cover later in the day. If photography or unobstructed mountain views matter to you, book the earliest available slot.

Closure days: The Gulmarg Gondola remains closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for preventive maintenance. Plan your visit accordingly.

Note: Phase 2 is weather-dependent and may close without prior notice. Always check the weather forecast before your visit.

How to Book Gulmarg Gondola Tickets Online

Since 2026, the JKCCC has moved to a fully digital, slot-based booking system. There are no offline ticket counters in Gulmarg. Booking online is the most reliable way to secure your Gulmarg Gondola tickets, especially during peak season when slots sell out days or weeks in advance.

Official Booking Portal
Website: etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com
Managed by: Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC)

Steps to book Gulmarg Gondola tickets

Log in using your mobile number you will receive an OTP to verify and proceed.
Select your travel date and check slot availability.
Add each passenger’s details such as name, chosen slot and category (domestic or foreign) and select Phase 1, Phase 2 or both. Repeat “Add Passenger” for each traveller in your group.
Proceed to payment and pay by card or UPI.
Download your e-ticket with QR code once payment is confirmed.

If you are booking Phase 2: you will usually need the transaction ID from your Phase 1 booking to complete it, since Phase 2 access is linked to a valid Phase 1 ticket.

Important Booking Rules & Restrictions

Slot-based system: Tickets are issued for specific time slots. You must report within your slot or risk losing your ride
ID proof required: Carry the same government ID used during booking
Phase 2 requires Phase 1: You cannot book Phase 2 without a valid Phase 1 booking
Advance booking window: Tickets can be booked up to 60 days in advance
No offline counter: As of 2026, there is no offline ticket booking counter in Gulmarg
On-spot tickets: Limited on-cabin tickets are available from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Gulmarg Gondola waiting hall

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you cancel your ticket through the official JKCCC portal cancellation charges upto 50% will be applied. For Phase 1 you will get a refund of ₹400 and for Phase 2 you will get a refund of ₹500.

If cable car operations are officially suspended by JKCCC due to high winds, severe blizzards or technical issues automated full refunds are processed back to the original booking source.

Tickets cancelled after the cut-off or Tatkal tickets are typically non refundable.

Where Is the Gondola Station Located?

From Srinagar
Gulmarg is approximately 50 km from Srinagar. The drive takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours via Tangmarg. In winter, chain taxis are mandatory from Tangmarg to Gulmarg due to snow and ice on the mountain road.

Our recommendation: Book a reliable Srinagar to Gulmarg taxi with a local driver who knows the winter road conditions and can drop you directly at the Gondola base station area.

From Your Gulmarg Hotel
Outside vehicles and private cabs drop passengers at the main Gulmarg parking lot or hotel premises.

You can reach Gondola base station by a short walk (5–10 minutes) or hire a pony or ATV. Arrive at the base station at least 30 minutes before your slot to allow time for security checks and queueing.

Best Time to Experience the Gulmarg Gondola

For clear skies and shorter queues: the first slot of the morning, before clouds typically build up over the peaks.

For skiing and deep snow: December through February, when Apharwat is reliably snow-covered.

For greenery and wildflowers on Phase 1: April through June.

To avoid the heaviest crowds: weekdays over weekends and shoulder months over the December–February and May–June peaks.

How Gulmarg Gondola looks In Winter

During the winter months Gulmarg Gondola generally starts around 10:30 AM while the service may begin earlier at around 8:30 AM from April onward during the summer season. However, timings can vary depending on the official operating schedule and weather conditions. Heavy snowfall, strong winds or poor visibility may delay the opening or temporarily suspend the Gondola for safety. January and February are particularly popular for experiencing snow at Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak, so visitors should carry warm layers, waterproof shoes and gloves for the colder conditions at higher altitudes.

What to Expect During the Ride

Boarding Phase 1: Present your digital or printed QR ticket at the Gulmarg Base Terminal. Cabins slow down at the station platform for smooth 6-person boarding.

Arriving at Kongdoori (Phase 1): You step out into a wide high-altitude meadow bowl. Here you will find eateries, public restrooms and snow activity zones.

Boarding Phase 2: If holding a Phase 2 ticket walk across the Kongdoori complex to the Phase 2 boarding building. The cable car steepens dramatically as it ascends Apharwat Ridge.

Apharwat Peak (Phase 2): High alpine environment with cold and windy conditions. Altitude sickness (lightheadedness or shortness of breath) can occur if moving quickly. Limit your stay at Phase 2 to 45–60 minutes to remain comfortable.

Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Gondola Trip

Enhance your day trip to Gulmarg by adding these popular nearby sightseeing spots to your itinerary:

St. Mary’s Church: A historic Victorian era church situated in the center of Gulmarg meadow.
Maharani Temple (Mohineshwar Temple): Positioned on a small hillock, offering sweeping views of the surrounding golf course and mountain backdrop.
Gulmarg Golf Course: One of the highest 18-hole green golf courses in the world.
Strawberry Valley: A quiet, emerald valley popular for leisure walks and photo stops.
Drung Waterfall: Located near Tangmarg, this waterfall freezes into dramatic ice pillars during peak winter months and is a top stopover when driving back from Gulmarg to Srinagar.

Book Gulmarg Gondola Tickets

Book Gulmarg Gondola tickets online with Kashmir Cab Services. Phase 1 & 2 prices, timings, slot booking rules and everything you need before you go

Frequently Asked Questions — Gulmarg Gondola Taxi

How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets online?
Visit the official JKCCC portal at etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com. Select your phase, date and time slot, fill in visitor details, pay online and download your e-ticket. Phase 2 requires your Phase 1 Transaction ID.

Can I buy Gondola tickets offline at the counter?
No, As of 2026, there are no offline ticket counters in Gulmarg. All bookings are digital. Avoid agents claiming to sell tickets near the base station.

What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
Phase 1 goes from Gulmarg to Kongdoori (2,650 m → 3,050 m) and runs reliably most days. Phase 2 continues from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak (3,050 m → 3,980 m) and is highly weather dependent.

How much do Gulmarg Gondola tickets cost?
Phase 1 costs ₹800 per person. Phase 2 costs ₹1,000. Combined tickets are roughly ₹1,800. Children under 3 ride free. Tatkal tickets cost more.

How far in advance should I book my Gondola tickets?
It is strongly recommended to book your tickets 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Daily ticket quotas sell out quickly.

What happens if the Gondola is closed due to bad weather?
If operations are officially halted by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation due to technical safety checks or adverse weather conditions, ticket refunds are automatically initiated by the official portal back to your payment account.

What is the distance from Gulmarg parking to the Gondola station?
The Gondola station is located about 1 km from the main Gulmarg vehicle parking area. Visitors can walk (10–15 minutes) or take an ATV/pony if required.

What is the best time slot to select for Gulmarg Gondola?
The morning slot (9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) is best. High-altitude mountain weather at Apharwat Peak tends to be clearer and calmer in the morning, reducing the likelihood of wind-related cable car pauses.

Can I cancel my Gondola ticket?
Yes, through the official portal. Cancellation charges (up to 50% in some cases) apply depending on how far in advance you cancel. Verify the exact terms at checkout.

Is the Gondola safe for children and seniors?
Yes, Phase 1 is suitable for all ages. Phase 2 is at nearly 4,000 metres where altitude can cause dizziness or breathlessness. Seniors and children should move slowly at the top. Consult a doctor beforehand if anyone has heart or respiratory conditions.

What should I wear for the Gondola ride?
Warm layers, a woollen cap, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential. At Phase 2, temperatures can drop below freezing even in late spring. Sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

Can I book Phase 2 without Phase 1?
No, You must book Phase 1 first. Phase 2 tickets can only be added after a confirmed Phase 1 booking.