Apharwat Peak Gulmarg

Apharwat Peak is the mountain that the Gulmarg Gondola takes you to. The summit sits at about 4,390 metres, but you do not climb that. The Phase 2 gondola drops you at roughly 3,950 to 3,980 metres, on the shoulder of the mountain, and that is high enough. At this altitude, the air is thin, the wind is constant, snow covers the ground for most of the year, and on a clear day you can see deep into the Pir Panjal range and, from certain angles, across toward the Line of Control.

Here is the practical reality. For most visitors to Gulmarg, Apharwat means one thing: the Phase 2 gondola ride. You buy a ticket, ride the cable car from Kongdoori (the Phase 1 mid station at about 3,050 metres) up to the top station, step out into cold wind and snow, spend 30 minutes to 2 hours walking around, taking photos, playing in the snow, eating maggi at one of the highest food stalls in India, and then ride back down. That is the experience. And it is genuinely worth it, because the scale of what you see at nearly 4,000 metres is different from anything at the meadow level below.

For skiers and snowboarders, this is where the real terrain is. The Phase 2 zone offers long, steep, off piste runs that are among the best in Asia. Winter (December to March) brings deep powder. Professional and serious amateur skiers come from around the world for this. Guided backcountry skiing is available through certified operators in Gulmarg. If you are not a skier, this does not apply to you, but it is worth knowing that the people in the gondola with you in January are not all tourists. Some are here for some of the best skiing on the continent.

The honest framing for non skiing visitors. Phase 2 is weather dependent. It closes regularly for high wind, low visibility, avalanche control, or heavy snow. You can buy a ticket and still not ride because the gondola shuts down mid morning. This happens often. If Phase 2 is your priority, go early, book online if possible, and accept that it may not operate on your day. Phase 1 (Kongdoori) runs more reliably and still gives you snow play, views, and a good experience. Do not plan your entire Gulmarg trip around Phase 2 being open.

Altitude sickness is a real consideration. You go from Gulmarg at about 2,650 metres to nearly 4,000 metres in a 12 minute gondola ride. Your body does not acclimatise in 12 minutes. Some visitors feel breathless, dizzy, or nauseous at the top. Move slowly, stay hydrated, and do not overexert. If you feel unwell, go back down. People with heart or respiratory conditions, small children, and elderly visitors should seriously consider sticking to Phase 1.

Tickets sell out, especially during peak season and clear weather days. Booking online in advance is strongly recommended. Phase 2 tickets are separate from Phase 1. A combined ticket may be available. Prices vary by season and can change, so check the current rates on the J&K Cable Car Corporation portal or at the counter.

If you are planning a Kashmir trip that includes Gulmarg, our Kashmir package covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam includes the Gulmarg experience.