If you have only one day in Gulmarg, start early, prioritise the main attractions, and follow a well-planned route to experience the best of this beautiful hill station without feeling rushed. Gulmarg may look like a small mountain town on the map, but every corner offers a different experience.
One moment you’re gliding above pine forests in the Gondola, and the next you’re standing beside a quiet church surrounded by towering deodar trees. That’s why a little planning makes all the difference. Instead of trying to tick off every attraction, focus on the places that truly define Gulmarg.
The good news is that Gulmarg is only about 50 km from Srinagar, and the drive usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather. That makes it one of the most popular day trips in Kashmir. If you’re travelling from Srinagar to Gulmarg transport options are easily available in Srinagar. If you leave Srinagar by 6:30 or 7:00 AM, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the highlights and still return before nightfall.
One-Day Gulmarg Itinerary at a Glance
Before diving into each attraction, here’s a quick overview of how your day can unfold.
Time | Place | Time Needed |
8:00 AM | Arrive in Gulmarg and have breakfast | 30-45 mins |
9:00 AM | Gulmarg Gondola to Phase 1 and, if possible, Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak) | 3-3.5 hours |
12:30 PM | Lunch near the main market | 45-60 mins |
2:00 PM | St. Mary’s Church | 20 mins |
2:30 PM | Maharani Temple | 20-30 mins |
3:15 PM | Golf Course and Gulmarg Meadows | 1 hour |
4:30 PM | Optional pony ride or visit towards Khilanmarg | 45-60 mins |
6:00 PM | Sunset and drive back to Srinagar |
This itinerary works throughout the year. During winter, keep extra time for Gondola queues and snow activities. In summer, you’ll have more flexibility for walks through the meadows and nearby viewpoints.
Read our guide to the: best things to do in Gulmarg.
Begin Your Day with the Gulmarg Gondola
No list of Places to Visit in Gulmarg in 1 Day is complete without the Gulmarg Gondola. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world and easily the biggest attraction in the region. If you reach early, you’ll enjoy shorter queues, clearer mountain views, and a more relaxed start to your day.
You can also check the best time for a Gondola ride in Gulmarg before planning your visit.
The ride begins above dense pine forests before opening up to sweeping views of the Pir Panjal range. Every few minutes the landscape changes, making the journey just as memorable as the destination itself.
At the time of writing, Gondola tickets generally cost around ₹900 per adult for Phase 1 and ₹1,250 per adult for Phase 2. Prices can change, so it’s always worth checking the latest rates on the official booking portal before your trip.
Phase 1 or Phase 2: Which One Should You Choose?
If time allows, visit both. Phase 1 takes you to Kongdoori, where you’ll find cafés, snow activities during winter, and spectacular mountain views. For many families and first-time visitors, this phase alone offers a complete Gulmarg experience. If you’re unsure which option suits your itinerary better, read our comparison of Gulmarg Phase 1 vs Phase 2.
From Kongdoori, the second cable car climbs to Apharwat Peak, which sits at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres. The scenery becomes more dramatic, with snow often remaining well into late spring. On clear days, the views stretch across the surrounding Himalayan ranges and leave little doubt about why this ride is considered the highlight of Gulmarg.
Because of the higher altitude, walk slowly after getting off at Phase 2. Most visitors feel perfectly fine, but some may notice mild breathlessness. Drink enough water, avoid running uphill, and wear an extra layer because temperatures are usually much lower than in Gulmarg town.
Heavy snowfall or strong winds can occasionally affect Gondola operations during winter. If that happens, don’t worry. Gulmarg still offers enough attractions to fill your day.
Breakfast Before the Adventure
Many travellers arrive directly from Srinagar, so breakfast often becomes the first stop. A hot meal is especially welcome in Gulmarg’s cool weather, even during summer.
A cup of Kashmiri Kahwa paired with fresh local bread or a stuffed paratha is a simple but satisfying way to begin the day. Most cafés near the Gondola also serve sandwiches, omelettes and North Indian breakfast options.
Keep your meal light if you’re taking the Gondola immediately afterwards. A lighter breakfast feels more comfortable when travelling to higher altitudes.
Relax Over Lunch Before Exploring the Heritage Side of Gulmarg
By the time you return from Apharwat Peak, you’ll probably have spent three to four hours outdoors. This is the right time to slow the pace and enjoy a proper meal instead of rushing to the next attraction.
Restaurants near the market serve everything from Kashmiri Wazwan dishes to simple vegetarian thalis, rajma chawal, and North Indian curries. Budget travellers can comfortably eat for ₹300 to ₹500 per person, while larger restaurants naturally cost a little more. A relaxed lunch also gives your legs a break before you begin exploring Gulmarg’s quieter landmarks.
Read here about the: best restaurants in Gulmarg for every budget.
Visit St. Mary’s Church
Your afternoon starts with one of Gulmarg’s most peaceful attractions. Built during the British era, St. Mary’s Church is a charming stone church surrounded by pine trees and neatly kept lawns.
Unlike the busy Gondola area, this part of Gulmarg feels calm and unhurried. Spend fifteen or twenty minutes here, admire the old architecture, and take a short walk around the grounds. It isn’t a place where you’ll spend half the day, but it adds a different dimension to your itinerary and offers some lovely photographs.
Continue to the Maharani Temple
Just a short walk from the church stands the Maharani Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sitting on a small hill, the temple overlooks the town and offers wide views of the surrounding meadows and forests.
The climb is gentle and suitable for most visitors. Even if you’re not particularly interested in temples, the panoramic setting alone makes the stop worthwhile.
By this point, your day has already blended adventure, local culture, history, and mountain scenery. The second half of the itinerary becomes even more relaxed as you explore Gulmarg’s famous meadows, the historic Golf Course, and, if time allows, take a pony ride towards Khilanmarg, a scenic meadow located about 5 km from Gulmarg.
During summer it is carpeted with wildflowers, while winter transforms it into a snow-covered landscape. If you have to choose between Khilanmarg and spending more time at Apharwat Peak, we’d recommend Apharwat first, but Khilanmarg is an excellent addition if your schedule allows. If you’re planning a winter holiday centred around Gulmarg Skiing, many of these attractions can easily be combined with a day on the slopes.
