Skiing in Kashmir 2026 – Gulmarg Ski Resort Guide, Prices & Tips | Kashmir Tickets
2,650 m
Base elevation
3,979 m
Apharwat (highest run)
Dec–Mar
Ski season
56 km
From Srinagar
Yes
Heli-skiing available

Why Gulmarg is South Asia's Best Ski Destination

Gulmarg's reputation in the global skiing community is built on three things that most ski resorts can't offer simultaneously: altitude (runs from 2,650 m to 3,979 m), snow quality (dry Himalayan powder from November onwards), and the combination of world-class terrain with beginner-friendly infrastructure — all in one of the planet's most dramatic mountain settings.

The resort is served by the Gulmarg Gondola — one of the world's highest cable cars — which lifts skiers to Kongdoori (3,080 m) for Phase 1 runs and to Apharwat Peak (3,979 m) for Phase 2's legendary advanced terrain. The Apharwat bowl offers some of Asia's finest off-piste powder skiing, attracting serious skiers from Europe and North America who travel specifically for Gulmarg's unique combination of altitude and accessibility.

For beginners and intermediate skiers, the Gulmarg bowl at the base and Kongdoori offer gentle to moderate runs with certified instructors, equipment hire, and a supportive ski school environment. It's genuinely possible for a complete beginner to ski independently on the lower runs within 3 days.

Kashmir Tickets arranges the complete Gulmarg ski experience — transfers from Srinagar, Gondola tickets, equipment hire, instructor booking, and accommodation in Gulmarg's ski properties. Call +91-9419001246 to build your ski package.

Skiing in Gulmarg Kashmir — powder slopes with Himalayan backdrop

Ski Slopes by Level

Gulmarg has something for every skier — from first-timers to heli-skiing veterans.

🟢 Beginner

Gulmarg Base Bowl

The main Gulmarg meadow offers gentle, wide beginner slopes ideal for first-time skiers. Certified instructors based here. Equipment hire on-site. Perfect for 2–3 day learner programmes. No Gondola needed.

🔵 Intermediate

Kongdoori (Phase 1)

Accessible via Gondola Phase 1 (3,080 m). Wide groomed runs with good speed potential. Some steeper variations available. Excellent for improving confidence and technique.

🔴 Advanced

Apharwat (Phase 2)

Accessible via Gondola Phase 2 (3,979 m). Steeper runs, moguls, and more demanding terrain. Excellent powder on the upper bowl after fresh snowfall. For confident, experienced skiers only.

âš« Expert

Heli-Skiing Off-Piste

For advanced and expert skiers — helicopter drops to remote high-altitude powder fields above 4,000 m, skiing back to Gulmarg through virgin terrain. Available January–February. Contact us for heli-ski operators.

Skiing Costs in Gulmarg 2026

Approximate costs — subject to change. Call +91-9419001246 for current-season pricing.

ItemApprox. CostNotes
Ski equipment hire (full set)₹500–₹1,000/daySkis, poles, boots. Quality varies.
Snowboard hire₹600–₹1,200/dayBoard, bindings, boots.
Ski instructor (certified)₹1,000–₹2,000/half dayHighly recommended for beginners
Gondola Phase 1 (adult)~₹800Gulmarg to Kongdoori, 3,080 m
Gondola Phase 2 (adult)~₹1,100Kongdoori to Apharwat, 3,979 m
Warm clothing rental (if needed)₹200–₹500Jackets, gloves, goggles available
3-day Kashmir Tickets ski packageFrom ₹28,999/personTransfers, equipment, instructor, Gondola, hotel

Essential Gulmarg Skiing Tips

1

Stay in Gulmarg overnight

The daily Srinagar–Gulmarg commute (56 km, 1.5 hrs each way) eats into ski time. A 2–3 night stay in Gulmarg means earlier starts and more runs. View Gulmarg hotels →

2

Book a certified instructor

Gulmarg has dozens of ski instructors — quality varies widely. Kashmir Tickets recommends certified JKTDC-registered instructors. We can pre-book specific instructors as part of a ski package.

3

January–February for best powder

December season opens but snow is lighter. January and February deliver the deepest, driest powder — best for intermediate and advanced skiers. March has warmer spring snow that's good for beginners.

4

Altitude awareness above 3,000 m

Skiing at altitude is more strenuous than at sea level. Drink extra water, eat light, and take breaks. Phase 2 at 3,979 m requires physical fitness — not recommended for those with heart conditions.

5

Layer up — always

Gulmarg temperatures in ski season: −10°C to 2°C. Thermal base layer + mid-layer + waterproof ski jacket is minimum. Gloves, goggles, and a neck warmer are essential even on "warmer" days.

6

Check Phase 2 conditions daily

Phase 2 Gondola closes during bad weather, heavy snowfall, and high winds. Check conditions before your Gondola session — our Gulmarg team monitors daily and will update you if you're booked through Kashmir Tickets.

Kashmir Ski Packages 2026

All-in ski packages from our Srinagar team — from beginner to advanced.

3-Day Beginner Ski Package

Gulmarg · 3 days skiing · Based at Gulmarg hotel

₹22,999/person
  • 3 nights Gulmarg accommodation
  • Daily ski equipment hire
  • Certified beginner instructor (3 half-days)
  • Gondola Phase 1 ticket (day 2 & 3)
  • Srinagar–Gulmarg–Srinagar transfers
Book Package →

5D/4N Gulmarg Ski Special

Gulmarg · 4 days skiing · All levels

₹28,999/person
  • 4 nights Gulmarg ski hotel
  • Equipment hire for 4 days
  • Instructor (2 days) + Gondola Phase 1 & 2
  • Srinagar city visit (1 day)
  • All transfers & breakfasts
Book Package →

7D/6N Complete Kashmir Ski Trip

Srinagar + Gulmarg · Best of both

₹38,999/person
  • Srinagar (Dal Lake houseboat, 2 nights)
  • Gulmarg (ski hotel, 4 nights)
  • 4 days skiing with instructor
  • Gondola Phase 1 & 2 included
  • All transfers, equipment & breakfasts
Book Package →

Skiing in Kashmir — FAQs

What is the best time for skiing in Kashmir?
December to March is the Gulmarg ski season. January–February offers the deepest, driest powder and most reliable snow cover. December starts lighter; March brings spring snow conditions. All four months are viable — book packages from Kashmir Tickets for the full season.
How much does skiing cost in Gulmarg?
Equipment hire: ₹500–₹1,000/day. Certified instructor: ₹1,000–₹2,000/half day. Gondola Phase 1: ~₹800 (adult). Gondola Phase 2: ~₹1,100 (adult). Kashmir Tickets ski packages from ₹22,999 include accommodation, equipment, instructor, and Gondola in one price. Call +91-9419001246.
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?
Yes — the Gulmarg base bowl has excellent beginner slopes with certified instructors. Most beginners ski independently on easy runs within 2–3 days with an instructor. The learning environment is supportive and equipment hire is available on-site.
Is heli-skiing available in Gulmarg?
Yes. Heli-skiing at Gulmarg — helicopter drops to remote powder fields above 4,000 m — is available January–February for advanced and expert skiers. Kashmir Tickets arranges heli-ski packages with specialist operators. Call +91-9419001246 for availability and pricing.
How do I get to Gulmarg for skiing?
Gulmarg is 56 km from Srinagar, approximately 1.5 hours by cab. Kashmir Tickets' cab services run daily Srinagar–Gulmarg transfers. For multi-day ski trips, we recommend staying overnight in Gulmarg — view Gulmarg hotels.

Ready to Ski Kashmir's Famous Slopes?

Kashmir Tickets is based in Srinagar — we arrange full ski packages from arrival to the last run. Call us to build your perfect Gulmarg ski experience.

View Winter Packages Call +91-9419001246
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Skiing in Kashmir

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