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Things to do in Gulmarg

The best things to do in Gulmarg: Gulmarg Gondola, Kongdoori, Apharwat Peak, St Mary's Church, Gulmarg Golf Course, and 4 more.

By OmarUpdated 29 Sep 20263 min read
Quick answer

The best things to do in Gulmarg: Gulmarg Gondola, Kongdoori, Apharwat Peak, St Mary's Church, Gulmarg Golf Course, and 4 more. Below, each one with how long it takes, the best time of day and a local tip. Ideal stay: 1–2 nights.

9 things to do in Gulmarg

Gulmarg Gondola

The Gulmarg Gondola, run by the J&K Cable Car Corporation, climbs in two phases: Gulmarg to Kongdoori, then higher towards Apharwat.

2–4 hours.

Local tipBook as soon as your dates are fixed; use the exact ID you'll carry.

Kongdoori

Kongdoori is the bowl at the top of Gondola Phase 1, above Gulmarg's pine forest.

1–2 hours.

Local tipRent boots in winter if yours lack grip.

Apharwat Peak

Apharwat is the high ridge above Gulmarg, reached by Gondola Phase 2.

1–2 hours.

Local tipGo early on a clear day.

St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church is a small stone-and-timber church on Gulmarg's meadow, dating from the colonial era, when Gulmarg was a summer retreat.

20–30 minutes.

Local tipVisit late afternoon for soft light.

Gulmarg Golf Course

Gulmarg's golf course spreads across the meadow at around 2,650 m, one of the highest in the world, with the Pir Panjal as a backdrop.

30 minutes to a round.

Local tipStay on paths if a round is in play.

Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg is a high meadow above Gulmarg reached by pony or a steep walk.

3–4 hours return.

Local tipStart early to beat afternoon clouds.

Drung Waterfall

Drung is a waterfall near Tangmarg, a short detour on the way to Gulmarg.

45 minutes.

Local tipWear boots with grip in winter; the path can be icy.

Maharani Temple

The Maharani (Rani) Temple sits on a small hillock in the middle of Gulmarg, a Shiva temple associated with the royal family of the Dogra era.

20–30 minutes.

Local tipRemove shoes where asked.

Tangmarg

Tangmarg is the town below Gulmarg where the road starts climbing through pine forest.

30 minutes stop, or overnight.

Local tipRent winter gear here if you didn't bring it.

At a glance

PlaceTypeTime neededBest time
Gulmarg GondolaCable car2–4 hoursFirst slot of the morning
KongdooriMeadow / Gondola Phase 1 station1–2 hoursMorning
Apharwat PeakHigh mountain / Gondola Phase 21–2 hoursClear mornings
St Mary's ChurchHeritage church20–30 minutesLate afternoon
Gulmarg Golf CourseGolf course / meadow30 minutes to a roundSummer
KhilanmargHigh meadow3–4 hours returnMorning
Drung WaterfallWaterfall45 minutesWinter (frozen) or spring
Maharani TempleHilltop temple20–30 minutesMorning
TangmargTown / gateway30 minutes stop, or overnightAny

FAQ

Most people spend 1–2 nights.

O
Written by Omar, trip planner in SrinagarChecked on the ground: 29 Sep 2026 · How we check
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Getting here

Arriving by train

The Kashmir rail link now runs to Srinagar. Vande Bharat trains are the quickest way in from Jammu and Katra.

TrainFrom → toTimes
26401Jammu Tawi → Srinagarvia Katra, Reasi, Banihal · 6 days a week06:20 → 11:10
26402Srinagar → Jammu Tawivia Banihal, Reasi, Katra14:00 → 18:50
26403Katra → SrinagarCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
26404Srinagar → KatraCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
Timings change — check IRCTC or NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.
Station pickupNearest station for this pageSrinagar railway station (SINA), Nowgam

From Srinagar station it's about 50 km to Gulmarg; we pick you up and can drive straight up on arrival day.

Pickup and drop:₹1,100Arrange my station pickupChecked 30 Sep 2026 · Allow extra time on the way back: there are security checks before boarding.

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