Main Info
Kongdori
Gulmarg is a major tourist attraction for its exceptionally beautiful landscapes covered with lush flora and fauna. Its wide range of flora gave it the name of ‘Meadow of Flowers’. Gulmarg also holds the record for the second highest cable car in the world with Gulmarg Gondola. The Gondola is divided into 3 phases. Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola began functioning in May 1998, while Phase 2 took 6 years to become operational. Phase 2 started in May 2005. The final phase – Phase 3 – was introduced as the Chairlift in 2011. Since the inauguration of the cable car, tourism has increased by manifolds in the state. Overall, the addition of the Gondola has proved to be commercially profitable for the government of J&K. From high up in the air in the cable car, you can witness the one-of-a-kind view of the mountains covered with lush green forests for as far as the eye can see.
Kongdori station is a part of Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola. It is situated at an altitude of 8530 feet. You can move further up toward Phase 2 which is situated at a higher altitude of 12293 feet. The higher altitudes give beautiful views of Nanda Devi, LOC and Pir Panjal Range. This place provides other activities, other than sight-seeing too, from horse riding to snow skiing. The pine trees in the mountains look pretty as a picture after a snowfall. Overall, it is a skiers paradise. Rediscover nature and rediscover yourself in the process here.
Gulmarg Gondola Ride
Gulmarg is one of the most visited hill stations in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. All of this owing to its beautiful landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Winter makes Gulmarg a favoured ski destination in the state with tourists coming from all over the country. You can reach the top of the Apharwat peak using the Gulmarg Gondola which covers a total distance of 5 km.
The initial Gulmarg Gondola operated in two phases. Phases 1 takes riders from Gulmarg to Kongdoor. The ascend of the cable car begins at 2,990 m and goes up by 400 m. The Gondola has the capacity to take 1500 people up Phase 1 in one hour. Many ski spots are accessible from here. The ski routes pass through snow-covered slopes and pine trees. Phase 2 takes things even higher with access to the majestic Himalayan ranges. With a vertical ascend of 1,330 m to reach an altitude of nearly 4,000 m, the Gondola reaches the Apharwat peak. This Gondola ride takes 600 people per hour. With a 30 minute trek from the cable car station, you can reach up to the top of the mountain, from where the Line of Control can be seen.
Gulmarg Gondola Chair Car
The Gondola Chair Car is considered Phase 3 of the Gulmarg Gondola. Its installation was completed in 2011 and the inauguration ceremonies were performed by then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 17, 2011. The Chairlift is the connection between Kongdoor and Mary Shoulder. Mary Shoulder is home to most skiing activities. The 90-chair facility is constructed in such a way that it allows travellers to carry their ski gear up the hill too. The 11-minutes ride carries 1000 passengers every hour.
Gulmarg Gondola Ticket Price
Different Phases charge differently as follows:
Phase 1
Adult – INR 740
Children (3-10 yrs) – INR 740
Phase 2
Adult – 950
Children (3-10 yrs) – 950
Chair Lift
Adult – 270
Children under 11 years of age not allowed
Tips for Visiting Kongdori Gulmarg Gondola
- Book tickets beforehand online to avoid overbooking.
- After the boarding pass is handed over to you, it will only be valid for 3 hours. For instance, if it is handed to you at 3, you can use it till 5 PM.
How to Reach Kongdori – Gulmarg Gondola The Gondola is 20 minutes from Gulmarg. You can hire a taxi or walk all the way if you’d like a scenic trek.