Gulmarg

The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the most iconic highlights of Gulmarg tourism. This two-stage cable car rises from Gulmarg village at 2,600 meters up to the slopes of Mount Apharwat at 3,980 meters, making it the highest operational gondola in Asia. Phase 1 carries visitors to the scenic Kongdoori meadow, while Phase 2 continues higher into alpine terrain, where adventure seekers can access over 1,400 vertical meters of thrilling backcountry runs, one of the top things to do in Gulmarg for winter enthusiasts. Even if you’re not skiing, the ride offers some of the most breathtaking Gulmarg sightseeing experiences. From the upper station, sweeping Himalayan views stretch across the region, and on clear days, you can even spot the distant Nanga Parbat massif across the border.

Khilanmarg is a gently sloping alpine meadow just 10 minutes uphill from Gulmarg, offering sweeping views of the Pir Panjal Range and, on clear days, the distant Nanga Parbat. It’s one of the most scenic places to visit in Gulmarg for a short outing. For those seeking more adventure, a longer day trek continues beyond Khilanmarg to Alpather Lake at 3,843 meters. This high-altitude glacial tarn remains frozen until June and is often fringed by snowfields even in summer. Ponies are available for both routes, adding convenience and a touch of local charm to your Gulmarg trip.

Apharwat Peak rises above Gulmarg like a frozen balcony over Kashmir. Most visitors reach it via the Gulmarg Gondola, and the journey itself feels like a slow lift into another world as pine forests drop away and open snowfields take over. At the top, the air turns sharper, the views stretch wider, and the landscape looks almost unreal, especially in winter when everything wears a clean white coat. Apharwat does not offer a typical “walk around and leave” stop. It offers pure altitude drama, with deep snow, ridge-line views, and a silence that feels heavy in the best way. On clear days, the horizon opens to sweeping mountain ranges and distant valleys, and photographers usually find it hard to stop clicking.