What activities can non-skiers and families enjoy during winter?

Non-skiers have an abundance of experiences to enjoy. You can ride the Gulmarg Gondola up to 3,980m for Himalayan views of Nanga Parbat, take guided snowmobile tours, experience traditional wooden sledging, ice skate, visit the frozen waterfall at Drung Eco Village, explore the Baba Reshi shrine, or simply relax in heated luxury chalets.

Should I buy and bring my own ski or snowboard gear?

No. Our on-site rental shop carries modern carving skis, wide-waist powder skis, snowboards, boots, poles, and helmets. Avalanche safety gear (beacons, probes, shovels, and ABS airbag packs) is also available for hire. You only need to bring warm waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants), thermal base layers, winter gloves, and UV sunglasses/goggles.

When are the winter and summer seasons open?

The winter ski season is open from December 15 to April 10, with peak powder conditions between January 10 and late February. The summer season runs from May to November, featuring alpine trekking, camping, gondola sightseeing, and blooming wildflower lupine meadows.

How safe is Gulmarg for tourists and mountain sports?

Gulmarg is a very peaceful, safe, and hospitable hill station visited by tens of thousands of domestic and international travelers each year. On the mountain, the Gulmarg Snow Safety team monitors and manages the in-bounds slopes under Phase 1 and Phase 2. Our certified local guides carry transceivers and conduct daily snowpack assessments to ensure complete safety during backcountry descents and tree lines.

How much does it cost to ski or snowboard in Gulmarg?

Gulmarg is one of the most cost-effective ski and snowboarding destinations in the world. Costs depend on whether you book an all-inclusive package or pay à la carte per day.

ALL-IN-ONE MOUNTAIN ITINERARIES

Every Gulmarg Adventure, Handled Under One Roof

The Ski Capital of India

Stop piecing your itinerary together. From beginner ski courses and heli-ski drops to family Gondola rides, ice skating, and summer alpine treks, we bundle your activities, guides, gear, and transfers into one streamlined package.

Interactive Trip Matcher

Select ExperienceSkill LevelTravel Period

30+ ActivitiesYear-round adventures, from heli-ski drops to summer alpine treks

50+ Partner HotelsGuaranteed reservations spanning 5-star luxury resorts to heated boutique chalets

100% TurnkeyComplete logistical support, including in-house gear hire and private 4x4 transit

30+ Native GuidesCertified KASI instructors and avalanche-trained backcountry specialists

TAILORED MOUNTAIN PACKAGES

Choose Your Winter Package

Select a trip profile below to explore our guided itineraries. Every package is fully customizable to your dates and group size, whether skiing or snowboarding for the very first time, looking for unspoiled Himalayan powder, or planning a relaxing snow holiday with your family.

ZERO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • ALL AGES WELCOME

Beginner Skiing & Snowboarding Course

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights OR 7 Days / 6 Nights (Operational: Dec 20 – Mar 25)

Great for: Complete beginners, first-time winter travelers, children, and those wanting structured technique.

Inclusions:

6 hours of daily dedicated instruction with certified local coaches (private 1:1 or small groups of max 2–3 learners).
Full rental package included: high-quality carving skis or snowboard, boots, poles, waterproof ski jackets, pants, insulated gloves, and certified safety helmets.
Unlimited surface lift (Poma) passes with guided transition to the Phase 1 Gondola.

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FLAGSHIP FREERIDE EXPEDITION • MAXIMUM UNTRACKED SNOW

7D / 6N Powder Week Guided Expedition

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights (Operational: Dec 15 – Mar 31)

Great for: Intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders confident in powder, tree lines, and tricky terrain.

Inclusions:

6 full days of certified local backcountry guiding with a strict 1:4 guide-to-guest safety ratio.
Daily morning avalanche hazard briefings, beacon checks, and custom line selection based on storm cycles.
6 nights of premium or luxury lodging with breakfast and three-course alpine dinners.

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MULTI-ACTIVITY WINTER ESCAPE • NON-SKIERS WELCOME

Gulmarg Snow & Sightseeing Vacation

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights OR 5 Days / 4 Nights (Operational: Dec 15 – Apr 10)

Great for: Families, couples, photographers, and leisure travelers who want to experience snow and Kashmiri culture without skiing or snowboarding.

Highlights:

Pre-arranged Gulmarg Gondola tickets to Phase 1 (Kongdoori) and Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak) to skip ticket lines.
Guided snow activities: scenic snowmobile tours, traditional Kashmiri wooden sledging, and ice skating.
Private day excursion to the Drung Frozen Waterfall and the sacred Sufi shrine of Baba Reshi.

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SUMMER & AUTUMN • WILDFLOWER MEADOWS

Alpine Trekking & Wilderness Camping (Summer Season)

Duration: 3 to 6 Days (Operational: May to October)

Great for: Hikers, nature photographers, and campers hunting serene Himalayan trails.

Highlights:

Guided wilderness hikes to glacial Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg meadows, and remote trails in Botapathri.
High-altitude camping setup: insulated alpine tents, warm sleeping bags, and evening starlit bonfire gatherings.
Experienced local mountain guides, porters, pack horses, and freshly prepared hot Kashmiri camp meals.

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Compare Your Packages & Find the Best Fit

Package	Duration	Great For	Skill Required	Key Inclusions	What You’ll Experience
Beginner Ski / Snowboard Course	5D/4N or 7D/6N	First-time skiers or snowboarders, beginners, families	No prior experience needed	Gear, private coach (1:1/1:2), Poma pass, hotel, 4x4 transfer	Master basic stance, turns, and ride Phase 1 Kongdoori
7D/6N Powder Week Expedition	7D/6N	Intermediate & advanced riders	Strong off-piste ability	Lead guide (1:4), avalanche safety, hotel, 4x4 transfer	Untracked Apharwat alpine bowls, chutes, and Drung tree runs
Winter Leisure & Sightseeing	4D/3N or 5D/4N	Families, couples, sightseers	Non-skiers welcome	Gondola passes, snowmobiling, frozen waterfall, luxury hotel, 4x4 transfers	Scenic high-altitude views, snow play, and cultural heritage
Summer Trek & Alpine Camping	3D to 6D	Trekkers, nature enthusiasts, campers	Basic hiking fitness	Trek leaders, pack horses, tents, meals, transfers, bonfire night	Glacial Alpather Lake, wildflower meadows, high-altitude camps

THE HIMALAYAN ASCENT

A 2,000-Meter Vertical Journey for Every Skill Level

Gulmarg offers one of the most naturally graduated mountain terrains in the world, rising from the historic pine-fringed valley at 2,650 meters to the windswept ridgeline of Mount Apharwat at 4,390 meters. Visitors don’t need to be extreme athletes to enjoy these slopes. Our structured zones allow riders to learn gradually and progress safely.

2,650 m / 8,690 ft

Zone 1: Gulmarg Alpine Valley

Terrain Type: Sheltered pine bowl, groomed bunny slopes, and gentle golf course meadows.

Suitability: First-time skiers, beginners, and families.

Lift Access: 7 Poma surface lifts & baby slopes.

3,050 m / 10,000 ft

Zone 2: Kongdoori Meadow (Phase 1)

Terrain Type: Wide-open alpine plateau with 400 vertical meters of naturally graded cruisers and gladed pine tree runs.

Suitability: Beginner graduates (2–3 days of coaching) and intermediate riders.

Lift Access: Gulmarg Gondola Stage I (9-minute ride).

3,500 m / 11,480 ft

Zone 3: Mary’s Shoulder Chairlift

Terrain Type: 450 m chairlift vertical rise (or up to 850 m of continuous descent back to the Gulmarg base). Undulating natural gullies, off-piste powder bowls, and groomed connector trails back to Gondola Phase 1.

Suitability: Intermediate to advanced riders can master powder laps.

Lift Access: High-speed chairlift above Kongdoori.

3,980 m / 13,058 ft

Zone 4: Apharwat Ridge (Phase 2)

Terrain Type: World’s second-highest cable car terminal. Expansive high-alpine glacial powder bowls and descents to Alpather Lake.

Suitability: Advanced freeriders, guided ski tourers, and panoramic sightseers.

Lift Access: Gulmarg Gondola Phase II.

4,390 m / 14,403 ft

Zone 5: Extreme Summit & Shark Fin

Terrain Type: Double black diamond ridges, 35° to 60° couloirs, and 44+ backcountry lines descending to remote Himalayan valleys.

Suitability: Expert ski mountaineers, guided powder specialists, and Heli-Ski drops.

Lift Access: Hike-to backcountry access / Kashmir Heliski.

Zone	Elevation	Terrain Type	Suitability	Lift Access
Zone 1: Gulmarg Alpine Valley	2,650 m / 8,690 ft	Sheltered pine bowl, groomed bunny slopes, and gentle golf course meadows.	First-time skiers, beginners, and families.	7 Poma surface lifts & baby slopes.
Zone 2: Kongdoori Meadow (Phase 1)	3,050 m / 10,000 ft	Wide-open alpine plateau with 400 vertical meters of naturally graded cruisers and gladed pine tree runs.	Beginner graduates (2–3 days of coaching) and intermediate riders.	Gulmarg Gondola Stage I (9-minute ride).
Zone 3: Mary’s Shoulder Chairlift	3,500 m / 11,480 ft	450 m chairlift vertical rise (or up to 850 m of continuous descent back to the Gulmarg base). Undulating natural gullies, off-piste powder bowls, and groomed connector trails back to Gondola Phase 1.	Intermediate to advanced riders can master powder laps.	High-speed chairlift above Kongdoori.
Zone 4: Apharwat Ridge (Phase 2)	3,980 m / 13,058 ft	World’s second-highest cable car terminal. Expansive high-alpine glacial powder bowls and descents to Alpather Lake.	Advanced freeriders, guided ski tourers, and panoramic sightseers.	Gulmarg Gondola Phase II.
Zone 5: Extreme Summit & Shark Fin	4,390 m / 14,403 ft	Double black diamond ridges, 35° to 60° couloirs, and 44+ backcountry lines descending to remote Himalayan valleys.	Expert ski mountaineers, guided powder specialists, and Heli-Ski drops.	Hike-to backcountry access / Kashmir Heliski.

Explore Skiing & Slopes →

OVER 30 ACTIVITIES IN ANY SEASON

All Seasons at One Destination

Historically celebrated as the favorite summer retreat of Emperor Jahangir and later established as a historic mountain haven, Gulmarg is rated Asia’s 5th best ski destination and one of India’s premier year-round alpine wonders. The town is in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, surrounded by dense cedars, blue pines, and dramatic peaks.

Winter Season Activities (December 15 to April 10)

View All Winter Activities →

Skiing

Over 30 km of continuous lift-serviced runs ranging from beginner nursery slopes to 4,390 m Mount Apharwat peaks.

Snowboarding

Navigate freeride bowls, steep couloirs, natural pillow lines, and deep tree runs descending into Baba Reshi and Tangmarg.

Backcountry & Ski Touring

High-ridge touring to Shark Fin and ungroomed powder descents through Drung Valley and Baba Reshi glades.

Heli-Skiing

Exclusive Himalayan helicopter drops with certified mountain guides and Swiss/Austrian-trained alpine pilots.

Snow Rides & Sledging

Guided snowmobiling, snow bikes, ATV rides, and traditional wooden sledging across snow-covered valley trails.

Ice Skating

Family-friendly winter fun on the natural open-air rink near the Gondola base station.

Summer Season Activities (May to November)

View All Summer Activities →

Himalayan Trekking & Hiking

Day hikes to frozen Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, and multi-day expeditions to Tosa Maidan.

High-Altitude Alpine Camping

Fully equipped, serviced wilderness camps in Khilanmarg, Drung Valley, and Botapathri.

Gulmarg Gondola

Ascend to 4,000 meters for panoramic views of Nanga Parbat and the Pir Panjal Range without skiing.

Mountain Cycling

Ride the scenic 9 km heritage circuit through pine forests, meadow valleys, and quiet mountain roads.

Horse & Pony Riding

Guided pony rides to Khilanmarg, Strawberry Valley, and family-friendly meadow circuits.

ATV Quad Rides

Guided off-road ATV trails through pine forests, Strawberry Valley, and Kongdoori base routes.

Trout Fishing

Fully outfitted alpine angling on Ningli Nallah and Ferozpora with permits and local guides.

Starlit Bonfire Nights

Evening gatherings around cedar fires with traditional Kashmiri music and fresh local dining.

TRUSTED MOUNTAIN PARTNERS

Lodging, Media & Mountain Infrastructure

HIMALAYAN MOUNTAIN OPERATORS • INTEGRATED ALPINE INFRASTRUCTURE

About Gulmarg Ski Resort: Built for the Western Himalayas

We're a full-service mountain operations hub based at the foothills of Mount Apharwat. For over two decades, our native collective has managed the complete Himalayan travel ecosystem. We don't just book trips; we operate the ground logistics, bringing together Kashmir's top certified guides, premium technical gear, and vetted alpine hospitality into one seamless, in-house network.

Gulmarg Ski Resort brings the following four main offerings to make your Kashmir trip unforgettable:

Gulmarg Ski & Snowboard School

Our dedicated instruction wing features over 30 native Kashmiri instructors certified under KASI Level 1 and trained to International Avalanche Safety Standards (AIARE Level 1) by senior New Zealand alpine guides. We manage structured 1:1 beginner coaching on the nursery slopes, intermediate progression clinics on Phase 1 Kongdoori, and advanced freeride instruction.

Himalayan Backcountry & Heli-Ski Operations

Led by expedition guides with over two decades of local snowpack analysis, our off-piste division directs high-alpine descents across Apharwat Ridge, Shark Fin, and the 12 km tree runs of Drung Valley, alongside specialized heli-skiing drops.

Global Ski Shop & Workshop

Located at Global Lodge near the Gulmarg Market, our in-house technical hub outfits guests with snow-tuned carving skis, wide-waist powder planks, splitboards, and certified avalanche safety gear (ABS airbag backpacks, 3-antenna transceivers, probes, and shovels).

Turnkey Alpine Logistics & Hospitality

We eliminate high-altitude travel friction through our private fleet of snow-chain-equipped 4x4 vehicles running direct from Srinagar International Airport (SXR), alongside guaranteed reservations across 50+ vetted partner hotels, chalets, and heated mountain accommodation.

When the winter snowpack recedes, our mountain infrastructure transitions to summer wilderness expeditions, conducting pack-horse treks to Alpather Lake, multi-day crossings into Tosa Maidan, and fully serviced high-altitude camps beneath the Himalayan stars.

SALOMON TV IN GULMARG • LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL RECOGNITION

“The Deepest Salomon TV Powder Footage in Recent Memory”

When professional freeriders Cody Townsend and Mike Douglas brought the Salomon TV crew to Gulmarg, Kashmir, for their Freeski Dream Trip, our Gulmarg Ski Resort lead off-piste guide Mir Mushtaq guided them through Mount Apharwat’s most demanding terrain. Mike Douglas called it "The deepest Salomon TV powder footage in recent memory,” while Cody Townsend tried not to choke on snow.

This same mountain pedigree is applied to every guest we host. At Gulmarg Ski Resort, we’re a collective of more than 30 certified local ski instructors, guides, and mountaineers who have worked on these slopes for more than two decades. We’ve assisted more than 400 clients in ski and snowboard progression courses and organized over 50 Himalayan trekking expeditions. We know these mountains because they’re our home.

Watch Salomon TV: Freeski Dream TripGuided by Mir Mushtaq on Mount Apharwat

Our commitments:

Deep Snow

Consistently reliable maritime-continental powder snow from December 15 through April 10.

Trained Local Guides

Lead guides with 10 to 20 years of active guiding experience, certified in avalanche risk assessment and wilderness first response.

Personalized Attention

Strict coach-to-student ratios (1:1 or 1:2 for beginners; max 1:4 for off-piste powder).

Tailor-Made Packages

Dedicated mountain advisors prepare your stay, passes, equipment, and logistics.

ALL-IN-ONE TRAVEL CONVENIENCE

Stress-Free Logistics from Airport Arrival to Alpine Chalet

50+ Vetted Partner Hotels

From five-star luxury retreats (The Khyber, Highlands Park, The Vintage) to historic boutique chalets and JKTDC hutments, we guarantee your reservations. Every property in our network is verified for central heating, 24/7 hot water, and easy mountain access.

Browse Partner Hotels →

Global Ski Shop & Technical Hire

Skip the burden of flying with oversized luggage. Our in-house technical hub equips you with freshly tuned carving skis, wide-waist powder planks, and warm alpine boots. For backcountry riders, we supply full avalanche safety packs, including digital transceivers, probes, and shovels.

Visit Ski Shop →

Private 4x4 Airport Transit

The 56 km drive from Srinagar International Airport (SXR) features steep, icy switchbacks. We track your flight, greet you at arrivals, and transfer you directly to your hotel doorstep in dedicated 4x4 SUVs equipped with snow chains and driven by seasoned alpine chauffeurs.

Getting Here Guide →

VISIT HERITAGE

Historic & Sacred Enclaves of the Pir Panjal

Enrich your trip with visits to ancient Sufi shrines, frozen cascades, and historic alpine retreats located just minutes from the Gulmarg basin:

Drung Eco Village & Frozen Waterfall

Situated 3.5 km from Tangmarg along the Ferozpora Nallah. Famous for its colossal frozen waterfall in winter, natural caves, and an ancient temple set in dense pine forests.

Ziarat of Baba Reshi

Located 13 km downhill from Gulmarg, this revered 15th-century shrine honors Sufi Saint Baba Payam-ud-Din (a prominent courtier of King Zain-ul-Abidin who renounced worldly ties in 1480). Set amidst dense deodar forests, devotees visit from across India for blessings.

Botapathri (Nagin Valley)

A pristine alpine sanctuary situated 9,000 feet above sea level, nestled under the Apharwat Range, 10 km from Gulmarg near the Line of Control. Known for blue pines, deodars, and musk deer.

Sranz Waterfall

A serene mountain stream surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green wildflower pastures, reached via a 4-hour scenic nature trek from Gulmarg.

Heritage Guide →

What Our Clients Say

“I had never stood on skis in my life before coming to Gulmarg. The instructors were so patient and encouraging on the Poma nursery slopes. By day 3, I was riding Phase 1 with confidence. An unforgettable learning experience!”

Ashish Kumar Verma

Beginner Ski Course

“Amazing scenery in the northern part of India. Truly amazing powder, and whenever I tell people I went skiing in India, nobody believes it until they see the photos! Mushtaq and his team know every secret powder pocket.”

Carrie Lam-Chin

Powder Week Guest

“A must-visit place in your life! The Gulmarg Gondola is the second-highest cable car in the world and an adventurous ride. Having everything arranged under one roof,from airport 4x4 to hotel heating,made our family holiday effortless.”

Zaffar Malik

Winter Leisure Traveler

“Complete European ski vibe in domestic travel. The gradual slopes and undulated bowls offer one of the best ski terrains in the world. You never want to leave this place.”

Noah K.

Resort Guest

HELP & INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about planning your holiday in Gulmarg Ski Resort

Gulmarg is one of the world’s most affordable and scenic places to learn winter sports. While Mount Apharwat is famous for advanced powder bowls, the valley base features 7 dedicated Poma surface lifts and gentle, groomed nursery slopes. With our 5-day or 7-day beginner courses, learners master basic balance and turns before progressing comfortably to the alpine cruisers of Phase 1 Kongdoori (3,050m).

TALK TO US • GET IN TOUCH

Ready to Build Your Custom Itinerary?

Speak directly with our local mountain specialists to customize your ski or snowboarding course, powder week, family stay, equipment hire, and private 4x4 airport transfer.

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TALK TO US • GET IN TOUCH

Book Your Trip

Speak directly with our local mountain specialists to customize your ski or snowboarding course, powder week, family stay, equipment hire, and private 4x4 airport transfer.

Official Support: officialgulmargskiresort@gmail.com • +91 9622166661 • Gulmarg, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, 193403, India