Gulmarg Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about reaching, staying, and exploring Gulmarg safely
How to Reach Gulmarg
Multiple transportation options to reach this Himalayan destination.
By Air
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar (SXR), approximately 56 km from Gulmarg.
- Major airlines: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara
- Flight time from Delhi: ~1.5 hours
- Flight time from Mumbai: ~2.5 hours
- From airport to Gulmarg: 2-3 hours by road
By Road
From Srinagar Airport or city, hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to Gulmarg via Tangmarg.
- Srinagar to Gulmarg: 56 km (~2 hours)
- Road conditions vary in winter (snow/ice)
- 4WD recommended during heavy snowfall
- Pre-booked hotel transfers available
By Train
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi (JAT), from where you can travel by road to Gulmarg.
- Jammu to Srinagar: ~8-10 hours by road
- Jammu to Gulmarg: ~10-12 hours total
- Not recommended for winter visits
- Better option: Fly to Srinagar directly
Best Time to Visit
Choose your visit based on the experience you're seeking.
For Skiing
December to March
- Best conditions: Late January to mid-March
- Beginners: Mid-December to April 15
- Experts: January to March for deep powder
For Summer Activities
April to November
- Trekking: June to September (avoid monsoon)
- Golfing: April to November
- Wildflowers: June is peak bloom season
Accommodation Guide
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, find your perfect stay.
Luxury Hotels
₹15,000 - ₹40,000+/night
Examples: Khyber Himalayan Resort, The Highlands Park
- Ski-in/Ski-out
- Heated rooms
- Fine dining
- Spa facilities
Premium Hotels
₹5,000 - ₹15,000/night
Examples: Hotel Khaleel Palace, Hotel Affarwat
- Mountain views
- Restaurant
- Room heaters
- Travel desk
Budget Hotels
₹1,500 - ₹5,000/night
Examples: Hotel Sahara, Hotel Global
- Basic amenities
- Hot water
- Breakfast included
- Near gondola
Safety & Local Etiquette
Important information for a safe and respectful visit.
Altitude Awareness
- Gulmarg is at 2,650m — take time to acclimatize
- Drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness
- Avoid strenuous activity on the first day
- At Phase 2 (3,980m), symptoms may increase
Winter Safety
- Always ski/snowboard with a certified guide
- Check avalanche forecasts before off-piste skiing
- Carry proper safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Don't venture outside marked boundaries alone
General Tips
- Carry cash — ATMs and card machines are unreliable
- Download offline maps — mobile connectivity is limited
- Respect local customs and dress modestly
- Book accommodations in advance during peak season