Quick answer
Three days in Gulmarg means arriving from Srinagar on day one, taking the first Gondola slots to Kongdori and Apharwat on day two, and using the third morning for a ski lesson in winter or a meadow walk in summer before heading back. Mid-range land costs start at about ₹12,000 per person, twin sharing.
The route
- Srinagar
- Tangmarg
- Gulmarg
- Srinagar
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Srinagar to Gulmarg
Morning: Land in Srinagar by late morning and drive 55 km, 1.5–2 hours, via Tangmarg. Stop at the Baba Reshi shrine on the way.
Afternoon: Check in and walk the meadow to St Mary's Church. In winter, rent boots and a jacket in the village.
Evening: Sunset over the meadow, then kahwa and an early night.
Stay: Gulmarg
In winter, your cab may need snow chains from Tangmarg; agree the fitting charge upfront.
- 2
Day 2
Gondola to Kongdori and Apharwat
Morning: Take the first Gondola slot you could book to Kongdori, then Phase 2 to Apharwat if it is running.
Afternoon: Winter: a ski lesson or sledge at Kongdori. Summer: walk or ride a pony to Khilanmarg for the view back over Gulmarg.
Evening: Rest; Gulmarg is quiet after dark, with little to do but eat and stargaze.
Stay: Gulmarg
In settled summer weather, fit hikers can swap the afternoon for a full day to Alpather Lake.
- 3
Day 3
Last morning and return to Srinagar
Morning: Winter: a second ski session on the nursery slopes. Summer: an early walk on the golf course loop or a pony ride.
Afternoon: Check out after lunch and drive down, stopping at Drang Waterfall near Tangmarg.
Evening: Reach Srinagar by about 4 pm for an evening flight, or stay on for a shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Choose a flight after 6 pm to allow for traffic and airport security.
Why stay in Gulmarg rather than day-trip?
Most visitors see Gulmarg in a few rushed hours from Srinagar, arriving just as Gondola queues peak and cloud rolls in. Staying two nights flips that. You ride the first slots, see the meadow empty at dusk and have a spare morning for skiing or a walk.
How does the plan change by season?
- Late December to March: snow everywhere. Day 2 is Gondola plus a ski lesson or sledging; day 3 is more skiing. Pack thermals, waterproof gloves and sunglasses.
- May to September: meadows and flowers. Day 2 adds Khilanmarg, and fit hikers can try Alpather Lake from late June. Snow is only near the top of Phase 2.
- April, October and November: quieter and cheaper, with slush or bare meadows. Good for rest, less so for photographs.
How does it fit a longer Kashmir trip?
This plan slots into any Srinagar-based holiday. Add it after two Srinagar nights, or replace the Gulmarg day in our 6-day Kashmir route when you want more snow time.
Gondola tickets are sold online by the J&K Cable Car Corporation. Book both phases as soon as your dates are fixed, and keep a backup day in case of wind or snow closures.
See the season guide on the best time to visit Gulmarg and the full list of things to do in Gulmarg. For hotels, see where to stay in Kashmir; for a whole-valley budget, see Kashmir trip cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days too long for Gulmarg?
What should I wear in Gulmarg in winter?
How much does a 3-day Gulmarg trip cost?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
