Gulmarg ski week

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar

Srinagar

• Shikara ride on Dal Lake · 2 h. Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.
• Hazratbal shrine and the Nigeen shore · 1.5 h. The white marble shrine on the lake's north shore; remove shoes, dress modestly, and note that women may enter only part of it.

Local tip: Hourly rates per boat are posted at the ghats on Boulevard Road; agree the route (Char Chinari, the floating gardens, Nehru Park) before you set off. Sunset is the classic time.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Srinagar → Gulmarg

Gulmarg · Srinagar to Gulmarg, Car ~1.5–2h

• Gulmarg Gondola to Kongdoori and Apharwat · 4 h. Book online on the official cable car site only, days ahead in season. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m) is the family ride; Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,950 m) has snow most of the year but often shuts in wind. Go early.

Local tip: Book online on the official cable car site only, days ahead in season. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (about 3,050 m) is the family ride; Phase 2 to Apharwat (about 3,950 m) has snow most of the year but often shuts in wind. Go early.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Gulmarg

Gulmarg

• Sledge rides and snow play · 2 h. Sledge pullers and boot-and-coat rentals have official rate cards; ask to see them before agreeing a price.
• Ski or snowboard lessons (Dec–Mar) · 4 h. Beginners learn on the nursery slopes by the village with a certified instructor; experienced skiers ride Phase 2 for long off-piste runs (with a guide and avalanche gear).
• Drung waterfall · 2 h. A short drive from Tangmarg; the waterfall freezes solid in mid-winter, which is when most people come to see it.
• Meadow walk: golf course, St Mary's Church and the Maharani temple · 2 h. A loop of the bowl-shaped meadow past one of the world's highest golf courses, the stone church and the hilltop temple.

Local tip: Sledge pullers and boot-and-coat rentals have official rate cards; ask to see them before agreeing a price.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Alpather Lake hike (summer)

Gulmarg

• Alpather Lake hike (summer) · 6 h. From the Phase 2 station or Kongdoori, a day hike or pony ride to a lake that stays frozen into June. Go with a local guide, and only from about late June to September.

Local tip: From the Phase 2 station or Kongdoori, a day hike or pony ride to a lake that stays frozen into June. Go with a local guide, and only from about late June to September.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Gulmarg

Gulmarg

Free day in Gulmarg — wander, café-hop, or ask us to add something.

Day 6: Depart from Gulmarg

Gulmarg

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.