Gulmarg Travel Guide: Skiing, the Gondola and Alpine Meadows

Gulmarg is an alpine town about two hours from Srinagar and home to Asia's highest gondola, the cable car that climbs towards Apharwat Peak. In winter it is one of India's few genuine ski destinations; the rest of the year it is meadows, wildflowers and the same cable car running for the views.

• The Gulmarg Gondola, climbing towards Apharwat Peak in two stages
• Skiing and snow sports from December to February
• Alpine meadows and wildflowers in the summer months
• Views over the Pir Panjal range

Kashmir itineraries typically give Gulmarg one night, as one of the two valleys — usually Pahalgam and Gulmarg — added to a Srinagar base.

December to February brings snow, when Gulmarg becomes one of India's few ski destinations. April to October is the green season, when the meadows are at their best and the gondola runs over wildflowers rather than snow.

Gulmarg is reached by road from Srinagar, about two hours by private car; roads are smooth in summer and need checking in winter. Pahalgam and Gulmarg have everything from family guesthouses to luxury resorts.