Gulmarg Gondola Sparks Kashmir’s Tourism Revival

 

Suhail Khan

 

Gulmarg, Jan 05: Following a challenging period in 2025, tourism in the Kashmir Valley has made a strong comeback, with Gulmarg re-establishing itself as Kashmir’s premier destination. The iconic Gulmarg Gondola has become a key attraction, drawing large numbers of both adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

 

 

 

Known for its modern design and operational efficiency, the Gondola ride serves as the centerpiece of the Gulmarg experience. Visitors gather at the base station with palpable excitement, embarking on a serene journey that offers stunning, up-close vistas of the Kashmir’s natural beauty.

 

 

 

In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Convener, Syed Qamar Sajad, Director Tourism Kashmir, highlighted the positive trend. “Tourism recovery is progressing at an encouraging pace, with a steadily increasing influx of visitors from across the country,” he stated.

 

 

 

He said that the Gondola has seen exceptional footfall, with visitor numbers in the early days of January nearly matching those of the same period last year a promising indicator for the sector’s revival in 2026.

 

 

 

“The Gondola has been a boon for Gulmarg, drawing tourists from far and wide. Even in the first five days of the new year, it has remained exceptionally busy, with queues of eager visitors waiting to experience it,” Sajad added.

 

 

 

To ensure seamless operations and enhance visitor satisfaction, the department has implemented comprehensive arrangements designed to offer tourists a comfortable and memorable experience.

 

 

 

The Gulmarg Gondola, a cable car system linking Gulmarg to the summit of Apharwat Peak at 3,979 metres, is one of Kashmir’s foremost attractions. It is also recognized as the world’s highest operating cable car and the only one in Asia to cross the tree line.

 

 

 

The two-stage ride begins with an ascent to Kangdoori, an intermediate station that provides access to trekking paths and skiing slopes. The second stage transports visitors to the majestic Apharwat summit, revealing panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

 

 

 

Ashish Kumar, a tourist from New Delhi who visited with his family, shared his experience with Kashmir Convener. “It has been a priceless trip, especially after reaching the second stage. Words cannot capture the beauty; the views are utterly mesmerizing,” he said. Kumar added that the Gondola ride has now become an annual must-do for his family.

 

 

 

Priya Sharma, a first-time visitor from Mumbai, told Kashmir Convener “I came with a picture in my mind, but Gulmarg painted a completely new one. The Gondola journey wasn’t just a ride; it felt like ascending into a living postcard. The silence at the top, broken only by the wind, is something I will carry with me forever.” She added that fellow countrymen who have not visited this beautiful part of India are missing out.

 

 

 

Rahul Mehta, a tourist from Bangalore, said, “For someone who seeks quiet moments, the second stage of the Gondola offered a profound sense of peace. It’s more than a tourist spot; it’s a sanctuary. The panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks felt like a personal gift from nature.” He remarked that it is the best time to visit Kashmir to feel reborn amid the beautiful snowy views.

 

 

 

Kriti Patel, part of a group of friends from Ahmedabad, spoke exclusively with Kashmir Convener: “We planned this as a fun getaway, but it turned into something much more. Laughing together in the Gondola as the world opened up below us is a core memory now. Gulmarg doesn’t just show you beauty; it lets you experience it with all your senses.” She stated that Kashmir is safe and encouraged tourists to visit to experience its beautiful nature and the warm kindness of its people.

 

 

 

Notably, Spanning five kilometres, the aerial journey carries hundreds of tourists and skiers over dense pine forests to the 13,500-foot Apharwat Peak. The snow-clad slopes offer a refreshing escape for visitors from warmer plains, with many capturing photographs and videos as cherished mementos of their time in the Valley.