While the first phase was ok, the second phase to aparwat was amazing..Be wary of touts who will try to fleece you when you reach the mountain top to do sledging and skiing..Don't pay anything more than 4k for all the stuff there
best gondola in the world, consists of two phases, highest point is at 14000ft, beware of touts and guides because you wont need them at the top, do bargain with horse keepers as they charge high rates at phase 1 for a horse riding trip.
The cable car, also known as gondola ride is the obvious highlight in gulmarg as it is the best way to get up the mountains (unless youre a climber)
There are 2 parts, phase 1 and phase 2. Phase 1 is the one thats open year-round and accessible anytime. Here you will find the touristy things to do like snow-ski, sleigh try your hand at skiing. there is a cafe here serves good hot food of different types.
Phase 2 is the highest level in gulmarg, accessible only if weather permits. here there is nothing to do except admire the divinity of pure snow set against the backdrop of severe mountains. in the distance from phase 2 the army barracks are visible in certain weather conditions.
You reach the abode of the Gods through the Gondola ride. But I feel sign posting is poor. The local people unecessarily donot allow the vehicle till the entry point of Gondola, in the bargain the pony guys fleece you for a very short distance. Infact it is also a walkable distance but the people around dissuade you and misguide you as to the direction to go. Even though one can buy the ticket online, there is no separate entry fro them, one has to still stand in the long line for boarding pass even though one hasthe ticket in hand.
The phase 2 gondola ride is important if one wants to be in snow.But for the second phase phase online ticketing is a must.Also if u r with young kids for collecting the boarding passes for the gondola ride it is essential to take guide.The role of the guide is only to get the passes because otherwise getting the passes is always tough as there will be long questions.Also for the second phase u need to again stand in que.It is recommended to go for the ride early and be back early also otherwise lot of time gets wasted simply standing in que.please understand that at the front of the gondola ticket counter there is total chaos.the only silver lining is that u have separate ladies qque to collect the boarding passes.So if you have ladies members then possibly u can do away with the guide whose charge is 700 rupees for the entire family
