Major city · India
Gulmargगुलमर्ग
Spend 2 days in Gulmarg: one day for the gondola and ski/sled rides, a second for trekking or golf; travel from Srinagar takes ~1.5 h.
Gulmarg is a high‑altitude resort in the Kashmir Valley, reachable from Srinagar in about 1½ hours by road. Its main draw is the two‑stage gondola (up to 3,995 m) plus winter sports, while summer offers trekking, mountain biking and the world‑record golf course. One full day covers the gondola and ski area; a second day adds a trek to Alpather Lake or a round of golf.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (snow), Jun–Sep (mountain biking)
- avoid Oct–Nov (unstable weather), heavy snowfall Dec–Jan can close roads
- Airport
- SXR
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Gulmarg112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gulmarg, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyWinter cold and road ice are the main risks; keep warm clothing, carry ID, and heed checkpoint tips.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police / tourist helpline · 112 Medical emergencies (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSXR Srinagar International Airport (Taxi or bus 1.5 h to Gulmarg).
- Getting aroundWalk is primary; the single loop road can be covered in ~1 h.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Metro or bus rideBus SRTC (Srinagar‑Gulmarg)₹351 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₹1,200 (≈ US$14)
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 guests), a night, per room₹5,000 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedDouble room (2 guests), a night, per room₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹2,500 (≈ US$30) · Mid ₹4,500 (≈ US$55) · High ₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SXR Srinagar International Airport (Taxi or bus 1.5 h to Gulmarg)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Best
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Dec–Jan. Avoid: Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C) low), wettest Aug (13 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Gulmarg: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
5 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
4 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
6 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
6 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk is primary; the single loop road can be covered in ~1 h. Local taxis and mini‑coaches from Tangmarg cost ₹351 one‑way.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Alpather Lake
goDoor to door: ≈2 h round‑trip
Gondola to Kongdori, then 3 km (1.9 mi) trailGondola to Kongdori, then 1.9 mi (3 km) trail
No camping; guide/pony available in summer
Gulmarg Golf Club
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Walk 10 min from town centre
World’s highest 18‑hole course
Pahalgam
cautionDoor to door: ≈3 h
Bus from Srinagar 2 h, then taxi 30 min
Longer day; consider overnight
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Highlands Park
₹1,200 per night, central heating, near gondola
Green Heights
₹750 per night, wood‑burner heating, budget option
Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
₹3,500–5,500 per night, ski‑in/ski‑out, upscale
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹2,500–3,500 (≈ US$30–40) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹4,500–6,500 (≈ US$55–75) excl. bed
- High
- ₹8,000 (≈ US$95)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed2 × 3 nights × ₹1,800 | ₹10,800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × ₹4,500 | ₹27,000 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,300 per person per day, bed included | ₹37,800≈ US$450 |
shared dorm, basic facilities
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Gondola Stage 1 ticket | ₹740 (≈ US$9) |
| Gondola Stage 2 ticket | ₹950 (≈ US$11) |
| Ski day pass (unlimited) | ₹1,250 (≈ US$15) |
| Ski rental per day | ₹300 (≈ US$4) |
| Bus SRTC (Srinagar‑Gulmarg) | ₹351 (≈ US$4) |
| Meal at Global Hotel | ₹250–₹400 (≈ US$3–5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road to Gulmarg can be icy in winter; use a Jeep‑type vehicle (Scorpio, Qualis, Sumo).
- Informal checkpoints may request tips; carry small change.
- Ski equipment rentals are low quality; bring your own if possible.
Emergency numbers
- Police / Tourist helpline
- 112
- Medical emergencies
- 112
Pocket card
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Gulmargगुलमर्ग
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Emergency
- Police / Tourist helpline112
- Medical emergencies112
- Local tourist police (Gulmarg)1906
Embassy
My embassy: —
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gulmarg. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (snow), Jun–Sep (mountain biking) · avoid Oct–Nov (unstable weather), heavy snowfall Dec–Jan can close roads · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Book gondola tickets in advance at TRC, Srinagar.
- Arrange Jeep transport for winter road safety.
- Hire a guide for Alpather Lake trek (commission applies).
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Gulmarg
- secondaryWikivoyage: Gulmarg, revision 5335964 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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