The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the world’s highest and longest cable car rides, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Operated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, it features two main phases and an optional chairlift.
Overview
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the world’s highest and longest cable car rides, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Operated by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, it features two main phases and an optional chairlift.
Itinerary
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6:30 AM – Depart from Srinagar to Gulmarg (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours by car)
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8:30 AM – Arrive at Gulmarg, park vehicle, light breakfast/snacks
Phase I – Gulmarg to Kongdoori (8,530 ft)
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9:30 AM – Board Gondola Phase I (ticket check & boarding may take 30–45 mins)
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10:00 AM – Enjoy views of pine forests and meadows
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10:30 AM – Arrive at Kongdoori
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Light walking, snow activities (depending on season), photography
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Phase II – Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak (13,400 ft)
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11:30 AM – Board Phase II gondola
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12:00 PM – Reach Apharwat Peak
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Spend 1–1.5 hours admiring the Himalayas
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Optional: Small trek, snow sports, tea/snacks at the top
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1:30 PM – For skiing or panoramic views (if open)
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2:30 PM – Return to Kongdoori and then to Gulmarg base
- 3:00 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant/hotel in Gulmarg
- 4:00 PM – Short walk or visit:
- St. Mary’s Church
- Gulmarg Golf Course
- Maharani Temple
- Snow activities (sledging, snow biking)
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5:30 PM – Drive back to Srinagar
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7:30 PM – Arrival at hotel/houseboat
Includes/Excludes
The Trip Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
