Top 5 Things to Do in Gulmarg, Kashmir (From My Winter Trip)

Gulmarg in winter is so much more than snow and photos. Here are the 5 things I'd tell any friend to do there, from a cafe with the best view in town to the one experience that will make you come back every year.

Quick facts

• Where: Gulmarg, Kashmir (Tangmarg is on the way)
• Best for: Winter trips, snow sports, mountain views
• Ice skating rink: Opens around January
• Drung Waterfall: Fully frozen from around mid January
• Ice skate rental: ₹400 to ₹500

#5: Gulmarg Army Museum and its cafe

The museum is really good. It tells you about J&K's history, and it's worth the visit on its own.

But the main attraction for me was the cafe. Really good vibe, really good coffee. I tried their iced latte, and it was so good that I didn't even feel like I was at high altitude.

I didn't feel like I was sitting at high altitude. It was that good.

The views were exceptional. You get the snow-covered landscape straight in front of you, everything white and beautiful. There's indoor seating with a heater, and outside seating if you want the views.

It's a bit away from the market, so you'll have to take a 10 minute walk. It also feels very safe, with army personnel around. A proper cafe, and I really liked it.

#4: Ice skating at the Gulmarg rink

The ice rink opens from around January 1. I didn't get a chance to go this time, but here's how it works.

You rent ice skates from the tourism department counter, which costs ₹400 to ₹500. Don't forget to negotiate. You can usually get it at ₹400, otherwise they'll charge you ₹500.

After renting, you go straight onto the rink and skate for an hour or so.

#3: Drung Waterfall in Tangmarg

Drung Waterfall is in Tangmarg, so you can visit it on your way to Gulmarg or on your way back.

The thing is, it freezes a bit later in the season, usually by mid January. A lot of people go in December and it's not frozen yet. To save yourself from that disappointment, plan it a little later in the winter.

#2: The Phase 2 Gondola ride

This is just mesmerizing.

The Gulmarg Gondola takes you from around 2,600 m to around 4,000 m altitude. Within minutes, you're above the clouds, with huge snow peaks all around you. It's pure beauty.

And while I was up there, my mind was only thinking one thing. How do people ski down from here? How do people snowboard down this mountain? It looked so scary.

Standing at the top, all I could think was: how does anyone ski down from here?

#1: Learn snow skiing or snowboarding

This is probably the best way to experience Gulmarg.

You learn a new sport in this dreamy location, and then slowly start taking on these mountains. If you learn it here, you're definitely coming back every year.

Snow skiing and snowboarding are proper sports. You need proper guidance and proper trainers. Start on the beginner slopes, and build up from there. We all dream of getting down from Phase 1 someday, and maybe one day from Phase 2.

Not sure which one to pick? I wrote about my own experience in Skiing vs Snowboarding: What I Learned Trying Both in Gulmarg. And for the full plan, read The Ultimate Guide to Learning Skiing and Snowboarding in Gulmarg, Kashmir.

Gulmarg at a glance

Planning your Gulmarg trip

If you want to do number 1 properly, we host the Ski & Snow retreat in Gulmarg. It's an 8 person, invite only retreat for snow skiing and snowboarding, and anyone who wants to join is always welcome to reach out.

FAQ

What is the best thing to do in Gulmarg in winter?

Learning snow skiing or snowboarding. It's the best way to actually experience the mountains, not just look at them.

When does Drung Waterfall freeze?

Usually by mid January. In December, it's often not fully frozen yet, so go a little later in the winter.

How much does ice skating cost in Gulmarg?

Skate rental from the tourism department is ₹400 to ₹500. Negotiate and you can usually get it for ₹400.

How high does the Gulmarg Gondola go?

The Gondola takes you up to around 4,000 m, from Gulmarg at around 2,600 m. You're above the clouds within minutes.

Is there a good cafe in Gulmarg?

The cafe at the Gulmarg Army Museum. Great coffee, an amazing snow view and a peaceful vibe, about a 10 minute walk from the market.