View All+9 photos
Gulmarg, Kashmir
A world-class ski resort in India, up in the beautiful Kashmir valley. It's high altitude, the snow quality is amazing, and people come from everywhere for the powder.
What a journey, and what a world-class facility. Reaching Srinagar by air is the fastest way in. If you carry your own equipment it can get a little troubling, but you don't need to, there are plenty of rentals. Just be there early in the morning to grab a fresh pair before they're gone.
The mountain works in phases. The Phase 1 gondola takes you from Gulmarg up to Kongdoori station (around 3100 m), and a day pass (about ₹1500 in 2026) lets you lap it as many times as you like, great for basic and intermediate skiers. From Kongdoori, the chair car takes you a further 500 m up to Mary's Shoulder (around 3550 m), which is plenty for intermediate to advanced skiers. One thing beginners get confused by: on the chair-car pass, do not ski all the way down to Gulmarg base, or the pass won't take you back up to Kongdoori.
For serious powder, the Phase 2 pass takes you to the top of Apharwat at 4100 m plus. That is strictly for advanced skiers, and you should take a guide. Phase 1 and even the chair car are manageable without one, though a guide is fun and can show you the local lines.
The snow condition is amazing and people come here for the powder. It is one of the most expensive places I've visited in India, but it's worth it for facilities like this at this altitude. Think of it as the adventure tax we're all used to.
Skiing in Gulmarg
The gondola pass trick. Getting the pass is the trickiest part. Pay someone ₹100 extra at the gondola to book it for you, it saves a real headache. You can't use your own SIM even as an Indian, you need a Kashmir SIM and there are OTP issues. A weekly pass saves at least 40%.
Rental pricing. Government ski shop is ₹350/day including boots and poles; the regular market is ₹500/day. Don't pay more than ₹1000 even for the freshest gear, ₹500 is the normal rate. A certified guide should not cost more than ₹2000/day, clarify prices upfront.
Safety and ski patrol. The ski patrol places red flags on avalanche-prone or unsafe lines, respect them. Phase 1 is on the safer side (tree zone, lots of people). Don't go alone, keep someone in your vision, and only take calculated risks.
Where to stay. On a low budget, stay at Tangmarg (cheaper hotels and food). If budget isn't a concern, stay in Gulmarg to skip the daily back-and-forth, especially in peak season when it gets busy.
By air: Reach Srinagar airport, then take a taxi. Budget option: taxi to Hyderpora (~₹200), a shared taxi to Tangmarg, then another up to Gulmarg (₹100 and ₹50 in 2026). A direct taxi from the airport to Gulmarg is around ₹2500.
By own vehicle: You can drive up to Tangmarg. If it's very snowy, only 4x4 vehicles with chains are allowed on the 14 km uphill from Tangmarg to Gulmarg (roughly 2000 m to 2600 m).
Share your dates and fitness level - I'll help you plan the perfect adventure.
Let's Plan Together