Srinagar, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam
Kashmir circuit with a spare day
The four classic stops in a sensible order, plus one day in Pahalgam with nothing booked. Use it for Aru, a long river walk or a lie-in.
Gulmarg
A meadow under Apharwat. The Gondola, ski slopes and high lakes in summer.
2,650 m January to March for snow, June to September for hikes
AltitudeAbout 2,650 m
From SrinagarAbout 50 km, 1.5 hours
Best monthsJanuary to March for snow, June to September for hikes
Our trips here3 trips
Why go to Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a bowl of meadow at about 2,650 m, ringed by fir forest and backed by the Apharwat ridge. Most people come for the Gondola. The first stage rises to Kongdori, and the second climbs to close to 4,000 m on Apharwat, where snow can lie well into summer.
In winter it is India's best known ski resort, with long runs for beginners and serious off-piste for strong skiers. In summer it turns into a trailhead. From Kongdori a day hike or pony ride reaches Alpather lake, frozen until about June, and the Outer Circle road makes an easy forest walk around the bowl.
What to see
- Both stages of the Gondola, wind permitting
- Ski lessons for beginners on the lower slopes
- Guided off-piste days for experienced skiers
- The hike to Alpather lake from Kongdori
- The Outer Circle walk through the fir forest
Local tip
Take the first Gondola of the day. Queues build by mid-morning, and the second stage often stops when the afternoon wind rises.
Our trips that include Gulmarg
Each one has a full day-by-day plan, and every one can be changed.
Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar
Kashmir in first snow
Snow in two valleys, not one. Two nights in Gulmarg with a beginner ski session, two in Pahalgam by the frozen Lidder, and a warm houseboat to finish.
Nigeen Lake, Aru and Gulmarg
Honeymoon off the main road
Kashmir for two, away from the honeymoon crowd. Two nights on quiet Nigeen Lake, two in Aru above Pahalgam and two in Gulmarg, with no early starts.
What to do around Gulmarg
Season, timing and where each one happens. We arrange guides, permits and tickets.
Treks and hikesAlpather lake hike
From the Gondola's first stage at Kongdori, a walk or pony ride up to a lake at close to 3,850 m that stays frozen until early summer.
- Where
- Gulmarg
- When
- July to September
- Time
- Full day
SnowSkiing in Gulmarg
Lessons for first-timers on the lower slopes, and guided off-piste from Apharwat for strong skiers. Skis, boots and clothing can all be rented in Gulmarg.
- Where
- Gulmarg
- When
- Late December to March
- Time
- Half or full day
SnowSnow walks and sledging
No skills needed. Cross the Gulmarg meadow on snowshoes, ride a sledge pulled by a local, or walk out along the Lidder when Pahalgam is white.
- Where
- Gulmarg and Pahalgam
- When
- December to February
- Time
- 2 to 3 hours
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