GULMARG GONDOLA: Riding the World's Highest Cable Car


HIGHLIGHTS OF GULMARG GONDOLA:


The Line of Control, or LOC, can be seen from the mountain's highest point.

During the months of January and February, the meadows, summits, and even pine and fir trees are covered in a blanket of white snow. There is no better way than the Gulmarg gondola to get to Apharwat Mountain and see the Nanga Parbat and Harmukh range.

The cable car trip begins at an altitude of 2,600 metres (8,500 feet) and ascends for 5 kilometres in three phases, reaching its highest point at Mary's Shoulder in the Apharwat range at 3,950 metres (12,960 feet).

The sensation and sights of the snow-covered meadows, towering mountain pears, and the overall view of the area are so breathtaking that they will leave you with a lifetime memory.

A panoramic view of the ski resorts, the rice-bowled meadow Kongdoori, Khilanmarg, and Apharwat Mountain can be enjoyed during the longer than 30 minute cable car journey.

Phase 1 begins at a height of 2,990 metres and then rises vertically by 400 metres.

Phase 2 involves a further ascent of 1,330 vertical metres, bringing you to a height of approximately 4,000 metres.

Kungdoori and Mary Shoulder are connected by the Gulmarg Gondola, where you can take part in skiing adventures. Here is where most of Gulmarg's skiing events are held.

Skiers can easily transport their equipment in the cars all the way to the summit because of the way they are built. There are 90 chairs in total.

The Gondola can easily transport up to 600 passengers in a single hour.

Single lift tickets, daily passes, weekly passes, and season passes are all options for Gulmarg ski tickets.

Even though the ride is brief, the scenery makes it all worthwhile. There are numerous little tea shops and restaurants so you can go outside, explore the area, take in the views, and dine.

A tiny waterfall can be seen nearby, around 2 kilometres away.


OVERVIEW OF GULMARG GONDOLA:

The best memory you can make is to take a ride on the Gulmarg gondola. Everyone wants to keep their inner child alive. Everyone who rides the gondola in Gulmarg transforms into a child while having fun in the snow, riding a horse to the top of the mountain, or skiing, regardless of their age. There is nothing better than taking a journey in the Gulmarg gondola, the second highest cable car network in the world, to see Gulmarg and Khilanmarg at their best and to take in the natural beauty of the Himalayas!

Gulmarg is located approximately 49 km (30 mi) from Srinagar and 31 km (19 mi) from Baramulla. The village is located within the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary's limits in the Western Himalayas' Pir Panjal Range. The Gulmarg Gondola, the second-largest and highest cable car installation in the world and Asia, is Gulmarg's primary tourist destination. In fact, a trip to Gulmarg is deemed incomplete if it does not include a trip on the well-liked cable car. This must-do activity in Gulmarg is ideal for families travelling together, couples on a date, as well as adventurers hoping to reach the summit of the mountain for the best skiing (in winter).

The breathtaking views of the valley and mountains while riding in the cable car are also unparalleled and unforgettable. The gondola can carry six passengers at once and 600 passengers each hour. One of Jammu and Kashmir's most stunning hill towns is Gulmarg. It turns into a ski hub in the winter. The gondola allows you to cover a 5 kilometre airborne distance in 30 minutes. There is no need to climb to the peak because the trip is broken up into three sections. If you like, you can quit at the first stage or continue all the way to the top, taking three gondola rides and rising for 30 minutes.

The Gulmarg Gondola's starting point is located 20 minutes distant from Gulmarg. Although there are many taxis available, you can easily get there on foot.

The Gulmarg Gondola's Phase 1 transports passengers from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station (middle station). It has a 400 m vertical increase and a 2,990 m starting elevation. 1500 passengers are transported each hour up to a height of 3100 metres, where numerous accessible beginner ski runs are located. Apharwat Peak and Kongdoori Mountain are connected by Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2. The cable car travels 1,330 metres up in the air.
Of around 4,000 metres and can carry 600 passengers every hour. You can continue your 30-minute hike to the peak after arriving at the station. The Line of Control, or LOC, can be seen from this position.

The Nanda Devi, LOC, and Pir Panjal ranges can all be seen magnificently from the Gulmarg Gondola. Tourists can take part in various sports like horseback riding and snow skiing in addition to appreciating the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

The majority of the skiing competitions are held on Mary Shoulder, which is connected to Kongdoori by the Gulmarg Gondola Chairlift. Skiers can even bring their equipment to the summit thanks to its design, which includes 90 chairs. Every hour, a ferry can easily transport 1000 passengers. The trip takes 11 minutes to accomplish.


You'll be pleased by how inexpensive Gulmarg tickets are when compared to the expensive lift ticket pricing at ski resorts in Europe and North America.

Skiers and snowboarders typically purchase one or more single tickets.

After the first run or first few runs, the bowls near the gondola become tracked, requiring you to travel a bit farther and take more time. Additionally, skiing at nearly 4000 metres can be exhausting. During the ski season of 2012–2013, The Gulmarg Gondola Corporation unveiled new tickets and e-tickets. About 100 metres down the main road is the ticket booth. You have to walk from the ski resort gate to the ticket window of your choice, purchase your tickets, and then return to your skis and companions.


WHAT IS A GONDOLA?

A gondola is a conventional, flat-bottomed rowing boat that is used for passenger transportation in Venice.

Later, the same name was applied to a number of different modes of transportation, including rail, balloon, aeroplane, ferris wheel, etc. Since this is what a cable car actually is, the term "cable car" should be changed to "gondola lift."

A Gondola in Gulmarg is a lift that will transport you up and down between floors, just like a standard lift in a building.


How to Get to the Gulmarg Gondola from Kongdori
It takes 20 minutes to get to the Gondola's starting point from Gulmarg. You can either walk or take a taxi to get there. You can also arrange for a pony to drop you off in front of the cable station. People choose to walk rather than ride a pony since the roads are congested with pedestrians.


The far end of the main market road is where the gondola station is situated. You need to start going the opposite way if you are sitting somewhere near the Maharani Temple because you are at the opposite end of the road.

Therefore, the first step in organising a ride is to go to the Gondola boarding station. The distance is about two kilometres from the Maharani temple.


Boarding Area
Although it appears to be a hotel, it is actually the Gulmarg Gondola entry gate. The entire setup, including the sizable waiting area and the boarding area, is inside.


At this location, you board the gondola. It is within the structure. The Gondola never stops moving; it actually keeps going. Therefore, you must enter the vehicle while it is still moving. It won't stop and wait for you to board before continuing.


However, the ticket booth is outside, so be sure to purchase your tickets before entering the building. The booking window is at hand.


Obtaining Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation's online website (link) or by visiting the Gondola counter in Gulmarg. It is usually preferable to purchase tickets in advance because they might not be available at the door during busy times. A high-altitude cable vehicle called the Gulmarg Gondola is located in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory of India. The Dagu Glacier Gondola is located among higher lines.


Keep in mind that the Gulmarg gondola has three segments that are situated at various altitudes.

To really enjoy the gondola journey and the other activities, you only need two to three hours.

For each phase, you require a ticket.
In 2011, a chair vehicle that takes you to the highest point was added to the cable network.

There are two methods of purchasing Gondola ride tickets. When you get to the counter, you can either get it there in person. You can also get it at the official Gondola website online.

Don't forget to bring a valid photo ID, as you will be required to do so. You won't be able to purchase tickets without it. Any government-issued ID card will do, including an Aadhar Card, driver's licence, voter's ID, or PAN Card.

 

Levels of Gondola Cable Car Riding

There are two levels or stages to the cable car ride.

Phase I: from Kongdori Station to the Gulmarg resort station (2600 m), accessible in 9 minutes, is located in the bowl-shaped Kongdori Valley.

Phase II: it takes 12 minutes to travel from Kongdori Station to Kongdoori Mountain (3747 m), which is the shoulder of Apharwat Peak.

90 chairlifts were installed in the third phase of the Gulmarg Gondola project in 2011. The chairlift connects Kongdori to Mary Shoulder, the site of numerous skiing competitions. The chairlift travels from one location to another in 11 minutes.

HISTORY OF THE Gulmarg Cable Car


The Jammu and Kashmir government and the French company Pomagalski have partnered on the cable car project. The ropeway's first phase was finished in 1998, and the second phase, which included 36 cabins and 18 towers, was finished in a record amount of time. On May 28, 2005, it officially opened to the public after a two-year wait. The initial leg of the journey travels from the Gulmarg resort, which is located at 2,600 metres (8,530 feet), to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. Skiers are transported to a height of 3,747 m (12,293 ft) via the second stage of the ropeway, which contains 36 cabins and 18 towers on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder mountain.4200 m (13,780 ft) high Afarwat Peak nearby. The second stage, which cost 180,000,000 Indian Rupees (or roughly US$4.5 million), was finished in a record-breaking two years and was opened on May 28, 2005. The first phase of the gondola project, which connected Gulmarg to Kongdoori, was also constructed by the French business in 1998.

Entry Fee: For the first stage, it costs INR 740 (11 US dollars), while for the second stage, it costs INR 950 (15 US dollars). The cost of the chairlift is 300 INR.

Chair Cars for phase-II are also available for 300 INR. It takes roughly nine minutes to12 minutes to complete the second stage after finishing the first.


Time of Operation: The Gulmarg Gondola is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. However, timings are based on the state of the weather.

Optimal Season for gondola in Gulmarg: Due to the most incredible skiing opportunities, the winter season is the greatest time to enjoy a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola. The cable car journey, however, is accessible all year long. The Gulmarg Gondola ride can take up to one to two hours, depending on the season and the amount of traffic.

 

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
To avoid the bothering of waiting in a line and the inaccessibility of slots, purchase Gulmarg Gondola tickets online.

The Gulmarg Gondola boarding pass is good for three hours after it is given to you. The cable car trip closes at 5:00 PM, therefore if you receive the permit at 3 PM, it will only be good for two hours.

The Gulmarg Gondola runs in three stages.

Tourists are transported through Kongdori station from the Gulmarg ski resort to Kongdoori Mountain.

Everyone is welcome to ride in Phases I and II of the Gulmarg gondola, with the exception of infants under the age of two.

Only passengers over the age of 11 can ride Phase III of the Gulmarg cable car.

If you intend to visit Kongdoori Mountain's Mary Shoulder, you need be knowledgeable about acclimatisation and AMS difficulties (since it is located above an altitude of 10,000 feet)

The majority of the heart-pounding adventure activities, such skiing competitions, take place around Mary Shoulder.

A total of five kilometres are covered throughout the gondola journey.


Keep in mind that Gulmarg will be congested during the winter, from November to March, and that there may be lengthy lines to enter the gondola. Beware of frequent frauds as well, such as "guides" that push you to rent gumboots and bother you.


Many people and the majority of families only travel up to Phase 1 before returning. However, if you wish to travel even further, you can take another Gondola to the adjacent Apharwat peak.

Keep in mind that you may only purchase tickets for Phases 1 and 2 at the Gulmarg booking desk. Kungdoor does not have a reservation desk.


Don't forget to bring a valid photo ID, as you will be required to do so. You won't be able to purchase tickets without it. Any government-issued ID card will do, including an Aadhar Card, driver's licence, voter's ID, or PAN Card.

 

Recommended for: Anyone wishing to enjoy the time of their lives while visiting Gulmarg is encouraged to ride the Gulmarg gondola, including nature enthusiasts, thrill seekers, partygoers, and fans of photography. Ski enthusiasts are also major fans of it.

AGE REQUIREMENT:
The gondola is accessible to everybody during phases I and II, with the exception of young children under the age of three.
Children under the age of 11 are not permitted on the chair cable car during phase III.
Heart patients or people with respiratory issues should not continue through the initial phase.

 

GONDOLA IN DIFFERENT MONTHS:

Gondola in Gulmarg in January
There are a lot of skiers out and about because it is truly ski season. One of the top ski resorts in our nation is Gulmarg.

The Chair car was created specifically to carry skiers and their equipment up to elevations from which they could ski back down. There will be a lot of snow, and the weather can occasionally become unreliable, briefly closing the ride.

Gondola at Gulmarg in February
With the exception of the fact that there will be far more snow in February than there was in January, it will be essentially the same situation. The ideal month to visit Gulmarg in the winter is February. The likelihood of a blizzard and gondola closure due to inclement weather will likewise be quite low.

Gulmarg Gondola in March
By the end of the month, the snow would have mostly stopped falling from the sky and would only be present in upper areas. The ride has a very slim risk of being cancelled due to inclement weather. At this point, the snow at Gulmarg often only covers Phase 1 or 2 of the Gondola.

Gulmarg Gondola in April,
There will be a lot of vegetation nearby, Snow will only fall in higher elevations, such as Phase 2. The sights will be a mixture of green and white at this time. Additionally, the weather will be good, with cool nights and somewhat warm days.

Gulmarg Gondola in May,
It's not actually the best time to go because waiting in lines can take hours in May. You will spend the entire day standing in line to board a lift for a 20 to 25 minute gondola excursion. But it's also one of the greatest times to go to Gulmarg with family.


Gulmarg Gondola in June,
Gulmarg experiences some dry weather in June. The weather will be almost ideal at this time.


Gulmarg Gondola in July,
By the end of June, the monsoon season starts in the area. In July, the crowds will start to thin out.


Gulmarg Gondola in August,
The ride is least congested during this month.


Gulmarg Gondola in September,
One of the ideal times to take a gondola trip is right now. The vistas will be lush green, and the weather won't be too unpleasant. At the end of the month, phase 2 might even get some snow if you are lucky.

Gulmarg Gondola in October,
The landscapes will become more orange now that autumn has arrived. In contrast, October sees a little increase in crowding. There is a good likelihood of a brief snowfall as the temperature drops.

Gondola Gulmarg in November
Although there won't be much snow, the temperature will be too low. However, it won't be really packed right now. A cost-effective vacation can be planned now.

Gondola Gulmarg in December
Like November, December will also be dry, with the exception of the fact that Gulmarg may have snowfall at any time after mid-December.

HOW TO ACCESS GULMARG?

By Air
Srinagar, 56 kilometres from Gulmarg, is home to the closest airport. It is a domestic airport with frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Amritsar to important Indian cities.

TRAIN:
The closest train station is in Jammu, which is 290 kilometres away. The majority of railheads in significant Indian cities are well connected to the Jammu railway station. The Jammu Rajdhani, Himgiri Express, Swarak Express, Andaman Express, and Himsagar Express, which connects Trivandrum City's farthest railhead, are some of the well-known trains.

BUS:
Regular, premium, and luxury buses run by both public and commercial firms are available.


FAQ'S

1. When does the Gulmarg Gondola shut down?
Except during periods of inclement weather, the gondola ride is open all year.
The ride is closed for safety concerns if it is excessively snowing, pouring, or windy.


2.How to Order Tickets for the Gulmarg Gondola?
It can be done both online and offline. On the internet portal or at the counter.


3. Should I reserve a Gondola trip in Gulmarg in advance?
It is dangerous to reserve a Gondola cable car in advance. An unexpected change in the weather at any time could result in the suspension of the cable car service.

4. How long does a Gondola trip in Gulmarg take?
Depending on the weather, the Gulmarg Gondola ride might take up to 1-2 hours.

5. Can I cover Gulmarg in a day?
If you are pressed for time, you can cover it in a single day. Arrive in Gulmarg by 9 or 10 am by leaving early from Srinagar. Visit locations like the Maharani Temple and St. Mary's Church by strolling around the golf course.

6. Can gondola tickets be purchased online?
For convenience and accessibility to everyone, the Gondola tickets are available online.

7. Which Kashmiri gondola ride is superior?
With its beautiful above-clouds perspective and snow, the Gulmarg Gondola is certainly a great experience. You must pay 800 rupees each person to halt at phases 1 and 2. You can use an ATV for 300 rupees instead of walking to get to the boarding station.

8. Are children permitted in the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg gondola ride's first and second phases are open with the exception of children under the age of two.

9. Should we carry cash for Gulmarg Gondola?

Yes it is better to carry cash as you can indulge in snow adventure. And unless you haven't pre- booked gondola you should carry money with you.

10. What should I wear in Gulmarg?
Thermals,woollens,warm jackets,mufflers,snow boots