The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most thrilling and scenic cable car rides I have ever experienced, and it is easily one of the highlights of visiting Gulmarg. Known as one of the highest cable car systems in the world, it offers an unparalleled view of the majestic Himalayas, snow-covered slopes, and lush green meadows depending on the season. From the very first step onto the gondola, you are treated to a sense of excitement and anticipation. The ride is divided into two phases: Phase 1 takes you from Gulmarg town to Kongdori, and Phase 2 goes up to Apharwat Peak. Both sections provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. During winter, the slopes are blanketed in snow, making it perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the winter wonderland. In summer, the same slopes transform into vibrant green meadows dotted with wildflowers, offering excellent opportunities for photography and sightseeing. The gondola cabins are comfortable and safe, with glass windows that allow for 360-degree views. The ride itself is smooth, though at times it can feel slightly steep — which only adds to the thrill. The journey up takes around 8–12 minutes for the first phase and slightly longer for the second phase, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and take pictures. Tickets can be purchased at the base station, but I highly recommend booking online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. Prices are reasonable considering the uniqueness and scale of the gondola, and the experience is worth every rupee. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views of Apharwat Peak and the surrounding Gulmarg region are absolutely mesmerizing. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a photographer, or someone who just wants to enjoy the fresh mountain air, the Gondola offers something for everyone. Food stalls and small shacks at the top provide basic refreshments, but most visitors come here for the scenery rather than dining. Overall, the Gulmarg Gondola is more than just a cable car ride; it is an experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re visiting in snow-covered winter or lush green summer, it is an absolute must-do activity in Gulmarg. The convenience, safety, and sheer beauty of the ride make it unforgettable and something I would highly recommend to anyone traveling to this region.

You can take a ride in Gondola whenever you like as there is not many tourists due to Pahalgam incident. You can take Gondola first phase and enjoy one of the most beautiful place on earth. The sight is incredible. There is washroom and restaurants.. from there you can take second phase of Gondola to Apharwat peak where you can enjoy the snow cap mountain around you... You will praise God for creating such a beautiful place. It may be better if you book online, for gondola ticket but tourists are not so many at present and you can take your ticket on spot, there is no time issue right now..first phase is 800 per person while second phase is 1000 per person. There is a parking lot at the foot of the mountain where you can have food and buy whatever you might need on the mountain.. and the gondola ride centre is a walking distance from the parking lot

One of the best Gondola ride experience, we went for both phases. Phase 1 you can do mostly all good sports like skiing , sledge ride etc. in snowy season, we were lucky when we went in mid march it snowed for few days just before our arrival, on the day also it was fresh snowing lightly.nice views. We bought ticket in advance online a month or so back.

A Scenic Ride, A Sobering Reality: My Recent Visit to Gulmarg Gondola This weekend, I experienced the majestic Gulmarg Gondola, a marvel of altitude and engineering. The views were stunning — snow-kissed peaks, crisp air, and a sense of serenity that only the Himalayas can offer. Yet, the experience was marred by infrastructure and operational shortcomings. The entrance and exit areas lacked upkeep, and the 1st phase to Gulmarg felt more like a cage than a welcome point. Phase 2 re-entry was even more chaotic, with little attention to flow, signage, or aesthetics. As someone committed to hospitality excellence, I couldn’t help but reflect: we can learn from private players like Skyview by Empyrean. While I’m not advocating or promoting any brand, their professional approach to cleanliness, crowd management, and guest experience shows how a 360° transformation is possible — and necessary. Gulmarg deserves better. Tourists deserve better. Let’s elevate our standards and match the grandeur of our landscapes with equally inspiring service. #GulmargGondola #TourismDevelopment #HospitalityLeadership #GuestExperience #KashmirTourism #OperationalExcellence #IndiaTravel #CleanIndia

Gulmarg was absolutely magical! ❄️ I visited in January this year, and it was my first time seeing snow.. what a dream!!! The drive from Srinagar itself was so scenic and peaceful. Just a heads-up though, there are quite a few vendors on the way who’ll insist you rent boots, jackets etc. We were wearing proper hiking shoes and didn’t need any of it. When we went, Phase 2 of the gondola was closed, so we went up to Phase 1, but honestly, that was more than enough, it was completely snow-covered and breathtaking! Make sure to book your gondola tickets online well in advance, even a month before if possible. The lines are very long, so some patience is needed. At the top, there’s a restaurant with igloo-style domes outside — really cute! The igloo domes had a separate cost (₹2000 including a drink, as far as I can remember.. it’s great for pictures) We didn’t eat a full meal at the restaurant, but enjoyed a hot cup of kahwa, which was perfect for the cold. Even their staff are all very kind and helpful. There’s a restroom available there as well, though it’s chargeable (₹20) if you’re not dining. A lot of people offer snow bikes and sledge rides (around ₹2,500), but we skipped those since the gondola ticket is already two-way and the views are gorgeous enough on their own. Overall, Gulmarg was stunning and worth the trip, though because of the heavy crowds and long wait times, I personally don’t see myself going again — but I’m so glad I went once! ❤️

Best during snow 🌨️ When I visited in October, there was no crowding and very small line and you can take the ticket in line itself. During peak season you need to book the ticket well in advance else you will not be able to visit. Hence plan basis the season and online ticket availability.

Gulmarg Gondola – Honest Review Gulmarg’s natural beauty is exceptional, but tourist management is extremely poor. On arrival, visitors are pushed by “mandatory” guides and repeatedly approached by horse riders, drivers, and vendors who continue to pressure even after refusal. Phase-1 boarding is orderly, but the return is chaotic with no directions. Phase-2 online payment is unreliable—UPI failures were ignored despite proof, and cash isn’t accepted. Additional guide fees and overpriced activities at the top add to the inconvenience. Unauthorized cars charge ₹2,000–₹3,000 for places not worth visiting. A 45-minute mechanical halt caused crowd chaos with no security support. The army deserves credit for managing tough conditions, but government oversight, signage, pricing transparency, and crowd control are severely lacking. Overall, a disappointing experience and visitors should be cautious.

It made me so sad to see in its shabby condition. It is locked and the worker built a fence around it. So we enter from the golf course and the care taker came and show the inside of the church.

Church is located at a quiet place near Gulmarg gondola ride. It’s surrounded by flowers during summer. Church has no mass nowadays but caretaker will open for you to pray if he is there.

The taxi drivers in Gulmarg wanted ₹1000 to visit the Church. I walked to the Church which is 3 km. The gate was locked. There was a small handwritten board with a number on it. I called that number. The caretaker, Farooq came to open the gate. It's a beautiful Church built by Scottish missionaries in 1700. It's still immaculately maintained.

Amazing place, located in the center of the Gulmarg golf course. It's a must visit. Do make sure to spend sometime to properly imbibe the amazing architecture of this place. In winter the entire space gets covered with snow.

It was closed when I went there. It's beautiful from the outside. You can just walk there. Even in winter with snow, it doesn't matter. It is not that far from the taxi stand.

It's a very nice place for visit. I loved it. The St. Mary Church is 120 years old Church in Gulmarg. This Church opens twice a year and is 25th December Christmas Day and 1st January New Year Day.

The church was shut when we went but it’s a beautiful structure situated as a standalone building in the middle of nothing else around, except lush green fields and the golf course or 3 sides and the valley on the 4th! It had rained the day we went and it was a little slushy to walk to the church from the main gate, so only 4 of us went, but we were disappointed that we couldn’t go inside. It is said that the church and the surrounding areas have been a location for many Bollywood movies, and most recent one according to our driver was the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

A very nice place however I’ve concerns regarding the safety on these rides. These are very basic rides with little security. The rides are sickening and the water pool is too dirty. Kids do enjoy but they are not aware of the concerns raised above. In my opinion, these rides should be subject to safety measures and necessary steps should be put in place to protect the children who are vulnerable anyway.

Gulmarg Children’s Park – A Magical Family Escape Nestled amid the rolling lush green meadows and towering pine forests, Gulmarg Children’s Park is a dreamland for kids and families alike. With the snow-draped Apharwat Peak as a majestic backdrop, the setting feels straight out of a painting . Kids will squeal with delight on gleaming swings, colourful slides, and climbing frames dotted across the grassy lawns. The park also features a toy train that chugs gently through beautifully landscaped gardens — a big hit with young children . Looking for something extra? The park offers mini car and buggy rides, letting children zoom around with the crisp mountain breeze whipping by . Families can enjoy pony rides, which wind through scenic trails and offer a calm, adventurous way to explore the park . One of the most photogenic features is the man‑made lake that mirrors the lush grass and distant peaks — perfect for a peaceful stroll or simply soaking in the view . Despite the rustic charm and fun rides, a few guests have noted that some play equipment could use tighter safety checks and improvement in ride maintenance .

Nice place with friends and family. Place was not maintained by the kashmir govt. People are kind hearted. Rides for kids were available.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Place to Visit! “Gulmarg is truly a gem of Kashmir! The snow-capped mountains, lush meadows, and serene environment make it a perfect getaway. Whether it’s skiing in winter, gondola rides, or just soaking in nature, Gulmarg never disappoints. The hospitality of locals is warm and welcoming, making every visit memorable. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!”

Park was clean n green,yeah we can say this is one of the beautiful park in the Kashmir valley.It provides us the marvelous view of the (Afarwat )which is the beautiful mountain in gulmarg mostly covered with snow as you can see in the picture

It sounds like you are describing a beautiful children's park in Gulmarg that features a big round go-round swing. The park also appears to have a very green and open field, and the weather there is fantastic. The big round go-round swing is likely a popular attraction for children, offering them a thrilling ride while enjoying the beautiful scenery. The park's open field provides ample space for children to run around and play games, and the lush green surroundings make it a peaceful and relaxing environment for everyone.

Gulmarg is the fabulous visiting spot surrounded by snowy mountains and pine forest. This is mainly a big flat ground in the lap of mountain. Best time to visit is in the winter season. In that season u can enjoy the popular rides, if you visit in the month of september-October. Then U will find the green gulmarg. U can book animal ride to visit around the area but if no of member is more than U have to do a little bargaining. Coffee stalls and hotels of different charges are available here. Overall it is a good place to visit....

2hour wait on gondola was worth it. This is just too good really heaven on earth 😍 we were lucky to witness snow fall that too in April. And my first ever snow fall 🌨️. Done skating here first time too it's really is difficult lol. Do come visit here.

It is about 2500meter above from. The gulmarg also known as phase 1 it price per ride is around 900 per person u can book any slot and go any time that that day with the time limit of the day

Amazing place, must visit, worth the expensive Gondola ride.

Heaven on earth.we went in month of january.we felt like we are in heaven as we are completely surrounded by snow we need to purchase tickets for gandola ride in advance

The view from the Gondola in Gulmarg was stunning.

Great place full of snow. You go to the top of the mountains. Breathing taking view. Must visit...but wait time is not recommended for senior citizens and people having issues with long standing and walking

Good experience shining sun very airy no snow

The place looks really simple from outside but service is excellent, fast serving time. The foods aren't too oily and taste lighter. They are friendly people and give us good foods with reasonable prices, big portions.

Bakshi Restaurant and Cafe, Gulmarg Bakshi Restaurant and Cafe is one of the must-visit spots in Gulmarg. Located at a prime location, it offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains and valleys – making your dining experience even more memorable. The food here is of excellent quality, with a wide range of options in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and served hot, perfect for the chilly weather. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing or skiing. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Gulmarg – whether you're looking for a quick bite or a peaceful meal with a view!

During our trip to Gulmarg, we visited Bakshi Restaurant and had a wonderful food experience. The atmosphere was cosy and welcoming, making it the perfect place to relax after exploring the area. The food was delicious—flavourful, freshly prepared, and served with just the right balance of spices, not too hot but still very tasty. Portion sizes were generous, and the presentation was impressive. The staff were attentive, polite, and added a personal touch with their warm service. Overall, Bakshi Restaurant is highly recommended for anyone visiting Gulmarg and looking for quality food with great hospitality.

One of the best restaurants for non veg.. Must try kashmiri chicken pulao

It was really very nice. Waiter Mushtaq is very humble and soft spoken. Food was awesome.

Many years after dining at Bakshi, I have yet to have a Kofte as wonderful as I had in Gulmarg, at Bakshi!

On our way to Gulmarg, we decided to have breakfast in Bakshi restaurant. But they denied us for breakfast and recommended us Bakshi cafe. Cafe was only serving brews, pizza or sandwich in breakfast. Food was good and on time.

Delicious meal with a beautiful view! The staff was polite and the menu had a variety of options , all of which are affordable. Do try!

Worrst resturant in gulmarg.... Plzzzz plzzzz DON'T GO THERE ....I am from budgam kashmir, I was on trip with my friends .on our last night in gulmarg we decided to go and eat butter chicken and biryani...there were so many lights and from outside resturant was looking decent but when we enter we ordered butter chicken and biryani. In butter chicken there was no cream and butter in chicken there were only tomato puree with some spices and the chicken(only small 7-8 pieces) which have smell seems like these chicken are one to two month old . They serve roti while we ordered non. After eating little bit of butter chicken our throat get blocked 🤮 . We have also packed biryani there and taken that biryani to our tent. We don't even eat one spoon of that biryani. When we sleep after two to three hours we all frnds get asleep and have extreme thirsty. At least every frnd drink one ltr water . Our mouth was dried like barrin land Lips were also dried and the skin of lips get broken.one frnd also get diarrhea.. Some how we managed that night,at 5-7 am we go to the nearest hospital...to get treatment . ...my only request to outsiders is plzzz plzzz dont go there.....

No aalo in aalo paratha. Momos were not steamed properly. Owner does not know how to service properly.

Nice food

Kashmiri Rajma - 3/5 Parantha - 1/5 Momos - 1/5 Dose - 3/5 The taste of all the foods was really good in comparison to the rest of the restaurants at the location.

Poor unhygienic overpriced food. Ordered a chicken biryani which was served with live blood clots in drumstick, not even courteous staff to receive feedback to improve services.. Unfortunately forgot to click a photo of the blood clotted drumstick 🍗 . I am writing this review because other visitors should not be cheated.. Stay careful

We tried the Rista which I liked. The Mutton Roghan Josh wasn’t so good. We also tried the chicken kanti which was a little bit of sweet and chilly chicken. The service was quick. The food could have been better. I did not like the kheer and the chai. They also have options in rice and I would recommend basmati.

Not at all value for money. With such an amazing location and a luxurious property; one really needs to goof up with service aspect to get a 2 star review. An urgent need to change the chef team is warranted. Tasteless meals and very minimal options available. The administrative staff has no hospitality etiquette; going about everything in a robotic manner. There is no conversation that they make for the guests to feel comfortable. Having said that, any call for room service is promptly attended to. We had visited Taj Vivanta at Srinagar last year and everything there was absolutely spot on. Yet to find 10/10 hospitality at any other place after having visited Taj Vivanta- Khyber needs to take coaching from their staff and chef services. The location of Khyber is amazing and the rooms are flawless but all these need to be backed by services as well.

Exceptional service and magical place. Breakfast is yummy. Food could definitely be better in terms of taste and options. We were there twice, in winter and recently in autumn. It truly is much more worth it in winter. My recommendations to Khyber would be to have a signature hot chocolate (just like their kava) like ski lodges have, was disappointed in the hot chocolate.

There are places that you visit, and then there are places that you feel — The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg belongs to the latter. Nestled amid the enchanting slopes of Gulmarg, this resort is not merely an architectural marvel; it is like a Kaishur baet (Kashmiri song) carved in wood and stone. Every corridor whispers verses of warmth, every wall seems to hum the melody of the santoor and rabab that drift through the air, and every window frames the Zabarwan range like a masterpiece painted by nature herself. The ambience at Khyber transcends luxury — it carries the soul of Kashmir. From the courteous staff whose service feels like poetry in motion, to the fragrance of pine and snow that greets you at dawn, everything is meticulously crafted to evoke serenity. The snowfall outside and the glowing hearths within create a rhythm that speaks of harmony between comfort and wilderness. Adding to this magic is the exquisite use of Kashmiri handicrafts throughout the resort. The rich walnut wood carvings, the intricately designed samovars and flower vases, and the delicate latticework that adorns the interiors — each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and culture. These elements do not merely decorate the space; they breathe Kashmir into it, making every corner a reflection of Kashmir’s timeless artistry. What also deserves special mention is The Khyber’s thoughtful approach toward sustainability. In a region as ecologically sensitive as Gulmarg, the resort’s conscious effort to reduce its environmental footprint is truly commendable. I have personally noticed their shift toward using eco-friendly materials — elegant glass and copper replacements instead of plastic — a subtle yet powerful reminder that luxury and responsibility can coexist. This commitment to sustainability speaks volumes about the vision behind The Khyber, one that cherishes both beauty and balance. What truly makes The Khyber remarkable is not just its grandeur, but its heart — the way it preserves and presents the very essence of Kashmir. It is a place where tradition meets tranquility, where silence speaks, and where one rediscovers the meaning of stillness. To stay at The Khyber is to live inside a verse — one written in snow, cedar, and song.

Extremely Misleading Property – Not Worth the Money!!! We booked the Luxury Balcony Gulmarg View Room at The Khyber for our 5th anniversary, and the experience was extremely disappointing. The so-called “Gulmarg view” is completely fake and misleading. Instead of the beautiful valley view shown on their website and travel platforms, all you actually get is a hut view. They have conveniently erased or hidden the real images everywhere, which clearly amounts to misrepresentation and cheating customers. The hospitality is equally poor. The staff and management seem least bothered about guest concerns, offering no proper assistance or care. For a property that claims to be luxury, the service was far below basic expectations. Another major disappointment is the swimming pool, which they overhype in every advertisement. Shockingly, it is only accessible from 12 pm to 9 pm, and guests are not allowed to use it in the morning. This is the first hotel we’ve ever seen with such pathetic and restrictive rules, making the whole facility pointless. Overall, this property is not worth the money. Please look for better hotels in Gulmarg—don’t fall for the misleading pictures and promises. We truly regret choosing this place for our special occasion.

Our stay at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg was a truly memorable experience. The property itself is breathtaking — surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pine forests, offering both luxury and tranquility in perfect balance. What stood out most, however, was the exceptional service we received throughout our stay. The restaurant staff were consistently attentive, warm, and professional, ensuring every meal was an experience to remember. Arif from the restaurant team was attentive and courteous, ensuring our dining experience was consistently delightful. It was clear that this high standard of service is a reflection of Mr. Bilal’s outstanding leadership. As the restaurant and event manager, he sets an inspiring example for his team — leading with grace, attentiveness, and genuine care for guests. Mr. Bilal took the time to personally ensure that every detail was perfect, and his calm professionalism made us feel valued and welcome. It’s rare to encounter such dedication in hospitality, and it elevated our entire experience at The Khyber. We would also like to commend Humaida, the housekeeping supervisor, and Suhana from the housekeeping staff for their excellent service, especially their personal touch, always with genuine smiles and thoughtfulness. We look forward to returning and highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Gulmarg.

Where do i even begin , this resort is located at one of the best destination , those breath taking views of mount apharwat all thode pine trees covered in snow , the ambience was serene and beautifully designed — a perfect escape from the chaos of daily life. The food was exceptional, with every meal bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. What really stood out was the service the staff were warm, attentive, and always welcoming . Highly recommended for anyone looking for luxury, comfort, and an unforgettable experience !!!

We were a group of six — two couples with one child each — and absolutely loved our stay at Khyber Himalaya Resort. The property is stunning, very well maintained, and feels freshly renovated. The rooms were large, comfortable, and beautifully done, offering a perfect blend of warmth and luxury amidst the mountains. The service throughout our stay was exceptional. Every staff member we interacted with was courteous, attentive, and genuinely eager to make our stay memorable. Both restaurants at the property were superb. The multi-cuisine restaurant quickly became our go-to place for all meals. The chefs were extremely accommodating and often customized dishes to suit our dietary preferences. They were especially thoughtful with the kids’ meals. A special mention for Gupta Ji, the Indian chaat chef — his creations were delicious every single day, and his warm hospitality truly stood out. Also, Chef Vikram and Sajad went out of their way to make our dinning experience exceptional. We also tried the Italian restaurant, which was equally impressive. We ordered the salad, risotto, pesto pasta, and pizza — every dish was outstanding, especially the pasta, which was among the best we’ve had anywhere (though a bit on the heavier side!). Overall, our experience at Khyber Himalaya Resort was fantastic — great food, beautiful property, and amazing service. Highly recommended for families and anyone looking for a luxurious yet comfortable stay in Gulmarg.

"delicious," "mouthwatering," "ooey-gooey perfection," and "a slice of heaven" Tarboosh Special Pizza ⭐️Service must need to be improved & Cleanness Suggestion.Staff uniform….

Safeer is soo good & very handsome staff.. he served us like a queen.. the food was awesome too so delicious !

Excellent food . Butter chicken is a must try and the Kashmiri pulao . Javid is great cook . Service here is excellent and off-course the hospitality. Big thank you to Safeer for the overall service !!

Absolutely loved the food here! I ordered the biryani and it was bursting with flavor—perfectly cooked rice, tender meat, and just the right amount of spice. The portion was generous and came with fresh, tasty sides. The staff, especially Aqib, was super friendly and made sure everything was spot on. The cozy ambiance made the whole experience even better. Definitely coming back again!

Exceptional service, delectable cuisine, inviting ambiance, and the music, especially Jagjit Singh's ghazals, perfectly complemented the hotel's atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and highly recommend this restaurant for a must-visit.

Delicious food, great service, cozy atmosphere, and overall amazing dining experience.The attentive and friendly staff made you feel like a VIP, and the charming ambiance added an extra touch of magic to your dining experience. It's definitely a place i highly recommend 🌟🍽️✨

Best restaurant along the Srinagar-Gulmarg road. They offer a variety of lip smacking delicacies. The staff is very welcoming and hospital as well. The dishes are also very optimally priced for the quality and taste they offer..

Food was ok, we order fresh lime sod with other food items but the staff forgot to bring the stuff.

The gullmarg Cafeteria cafe and restaurant cozy offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for catching up over coffee or enjoying a relaxed meal. With a view of snow covered landscape. Service is friendly , and the staff is always ready to offer recommendations, weather you're looking for a quick snacks or a full meal . The rustic decor , cozy seating and warm lighting make it an ideal place to relex and share stories of the day's adventures .must visit for good food and good vibes

Amazing food specially Kashmiri pula rice is the best Indian rice I’ve ever eaten. All food tasted delicious thank you

Excellent experience we had with the service and taste of food as well. I'm so glad to share. That the owner and workers are so loyal, we forgot our belongings and they kept it safe. We went back after a day and they returned it. We felt like humanity is still alive in these places. Not a matter of cost the food is delicious and the ambiance is awesome. They provide heaters on snowy days. It's a great experience and highly recommended. Perfect for budget and good food cravers.

Outstanding service ,good food quality , good atmosphere and genuine rate must visit #THE GULMARG CAFETERIA

One of the best restaurant in gulmarg.must visit this place

Late night availability and very good food.