Gondola Operating Hours
The Gulmarg Gondola operates at different times throughout the year based on seasons and weather conditions
Summer Season (April to November)
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdori)
Opening Time: 9:00 AM
Last Ticket: 4:00 PM
Closing Time: 5:00 PM
Phase 2 (Kongdori to Apharwat)
Opening Time: 9:30 AM
Last Ticket: 3:30 PM
Closing Time: 4:30 PM
Winter Season (December to March)
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdori)
Opening Time: 10:00 AM
Last Ticket: 3:00 PM
Closing Time: 4:00 PM
Phase 2 (Kongdori to Apharwat)
Opening Time: 10:30 AM
Last Ticket: 2:30 PM
Closing Time: 3:30 PM
Important Notice
Operating hours are subject to change based on weather conditions, maintenance schedules, and local holidays. We recommend checking the current status before planning your visit, especially during winter months or monsoon season.
Best Time to Visit
Recommendations for the optimal time to experience the Gulmarg Gondola ride
Early Morning (First Ride)
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM is ideal for clear views and fewer crowds. The morning light offers excellent photography opportunities and visibility of distant mountains.
Weekdays Over Weekends
Monday to Thursday typically sees fewer visitors compared to weekends. Visit on weekdays to avoid long queues and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Seasonal Considerations
May-June for green landscapes and pleasant weather. January-February for snow adventures. September-October for clear skies and autumn colors.
Avoid Peak Hours
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM tends to be the busiest time. Consider visiting earlier or later in the day to avoid the midday rush and enjoy shorter waiting times.
Ride Duration & Planning
Understanding the time required for the complete Gondola experience to plan your visit effectively
Ride Duration
- Phase 1 Ride: Approximately 20 minutes one way
- Phase 2 Ride: Approximately 15 minutes one way
- Time at Kongdori (Phase 1 Station): 30-60 minutes recommended
- Time at Apharwat (Phase 2 Station): 60-90 minutes recommended
- Total Experience: 3-4 hours for both phases including exploration time
Waiting Times
- Peak Season Weekends: 30-60 minutes waiting time
- Peak Season Weekdays: 15-30 minutes waiting time
- Off-Season: 5-15 minutes waiting time
- Online Booking Advantage: Skip the ticket counter queue (save 15-30 minutes)
- Recommended Buffer: Add 1-2 hours to your planned schedule for unexpected delays
Operating Days & Closures
Information about regular operating days, holidays, and maintenance closures
Regular Operation & Closures
Regular Operating Days: The Gulmarg Gondola operates 7 days a week throughout the year, weather permitting.
Weekly Maintenance: Routine maintenance is typically scheduled on Tuesdays during off-peak season, which may result in delayed opening or partial closures.
Annual Maintenance: A comprehensive maintenance period is usually scheduled for 1-2 weeks in November, during which the Gondola may be completely closed or operate with limited capacity.
Holiday Closures: The Gondola may have modified hours or be closed on certain local holidays. Please check the official website or contact us for specific holiday schedules.
Weather-Related Closures: Operations may be suspended temporarily or for the entire day during adverse weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, or poor visibility.
Real-Time Updates
For the most current information about Gondola operations, closures, or modified schedules, we recommend:
- Checking our website for real-time status updates
- Following our social media channels for announcements
- Contacting our customer service team at +91-XXXXXXXXXX
- Subscribing to our SMS alert service for immediate notifications
Plan Your Gondola Experience Now
Book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment