Gulmarg Gondola: A record-breaking marvel at 14,000 ft

Jammu & Kashmir: Operating at a breath-taking elevation of 14,000 ft, ‘Gulmarg Gondola’ proudly stands as the highest operating cable car in Asia, drawing visitors from across the globe, including London Vietnam and Delhi. Enthusiastic tourists flock to partake in the awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling adventures offered by the renowned ski resort.

This time, India's Gulmarg Gondola surpassed records, drawing over a million tourists and generating Rs. 108 crores in revenue. Last year, more than a million visitors enjoyed Gondola rides, contributing to the impressive earnings.

Officials confirm that this figure exceeds the revenue of the previous year (2022), which was Rs. 91 crores, accompanied by 8.50 lakh tourist rides. 

Meanwhile, tourists have described the experience as surreal and alluring, praising the seamless booking process and the warm hospitality of the Gondola staff. “It was an amazing ride. The bookings were seamless. I invite people from all across to enjoy the experiences of Gulmarg Gondola,” said Akshay from London, who’s currently on vacation in Gulmarg.

Another tourist couple, Shubham and Ajat, visiting Gulmarg for the first time, expressed fascination with the arrangements and sanitation at both phases of Gulmarg Gondola.

Similar views were shared by a family from the National Capital, emphasizing the friendliness and helpfulness of the Gondola staff.

J&K Cable Car Corporation, managing Gulmarg Gondola, views it as Kashmir's premier tourism attraction and potentially India's most favoured rope way. The department encourages tourists to opt for online ticket purchases for convenience, time efficiency and to mitigate the risk of black marketing by touts.

“We urge tourists to use the online mode of ticket selling for convenience, time-saving, and to prevent any chances of black marketing by touts,” said Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Raja Yaqoob. He further added “We have implemented improvements in the ticket issuing mechanism, conducted several safety tests and overhauled the second phase of the Gondola with the latest technology over the past year”.

Pertinently, Gulmarg Cable Car comprises two phases- the first from Gulmarg resort to Kongdori valley and the second from Kongdori to Apharwath Peak.