“Among Gulmarg’s snow-draped slopes and green fairways, we discovered a world where winter whispers through summer’s laughter.”
🚘 Early Morning Twist & The Unexpected Challenge
Our Day 5 in Kashmir began not with calm, but with a twist straight out of a travel drama.
The previous evening, just as we settled into our hotel, our driver Zuied Bhai called with surprising news — the Gulmarg Gondola tickets, which were supposed to be included in our travel package, were not booked. The only way to secure them now was to reach Gulmarg at dawn and try our luck with Tatkal tickets.
So, as per the new plan, we had to leave the hotel at 4:30 AM sharp. The helpful hotel staff, ever courteous, packed our breakfast in advance — a small gesture that meant a lot during this early, uncertain morning. After check-out, we loaded our luggage and met Zuied Bhai, who, true to his word, arrived exactly on time.
The drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg — known as the “Meadow of Flowers,” perched at 2,730 meters above sea level — was about 60 km and expected to take two hours. But today, the distance carried more than just scenic beauty; it was filled with tension and excitement — would we manage to get those Gondola tickets in time?
🏔️ A Dawn Drive Through Tanmarg – Meeting the “Tatkal Hero”
By 6:00 AM, we reached Tanmarg, where our driver turned toward a small local village. There, waiting for us, was Javed Bhai, a friend of Zuied Bhai and our ticket savior for the day. Introduced warmly, he explained the plan and agreed to help us secure Tatkal tickets for ₹1,500, guiding us throughout the Gondola experience.
After a quick tea break and introductions, Javed Bhai joined us, and the car once again started its ascent — this time toward the magical snow slopes of Gulmarg, just 10 km away.
🧤 Gearing Up for the Snow Adventure
Before we began the steep climb to Gulmarg, Javed Bhai helped us rent gumboots and warm jackets — essential for the icy terrain ahead. Each jacket cost ₹250, and gumboots ₹100 per pair. The chill in the air was biting, but the excitement of the adventure ahead kept us warm.
As the car ascended, the sun began to rise, bathing the snow-capped peaks in a golden glow. The road twisted and turned through dense pine forests, with traces of ice glistening on the tarmac. In winter, this very road often shuts down due to heavy snow, and travelers must hire special vehicles equipped with chains on their wheels to reach Gulmarg.
The view was nothing short of spectacular — a winding path through icy landscapes, towering pine trees, and the Himalayas waking up in gold and white.
It felt like stepping into a winter postcard, each curve unveiling a new masterpiece painted by nature.
🚠 The Gondola Rush at Gulmarg – Chaos, Triumph & The Ride to Kongdoori
🕖 The Early Morning Chaos at the Ticket Counter
By the time we reached the Gulmarg Gondola ticket counter, it was just 7:00 AM — but the place was already bursting with activity.
What awaited us was something we hadn’t imagined even in our wildest travel stories — a crowd full of excitement, impatience, and sheer chaos.
Hundreds of tourists had gathered, all desperate to grab their share of the limited Tatkal Gondola tickets. There was no clear queue, no coordination, just a wave of people moving in every direction. Everyone was trying to edge closer to the counter, shouting, waving cards, pleading — a scene both frustrating and fascinating at once.
The Army personnel were present for overall security, but they weren’t intervening much in the disorganized scramble. Every passing minute was filled with tension and anxiety — would we manage to get the tickets, or would our early start be in vain?
💳 Tatkal Ticket Triumph – Victory at Last!
Thanks to Javed Bhai’s local expertise, we finally managed to secure Phase I Gondola tickets for ₹1,100 per person.
A big relief!
However, Phase II tickets — the ride to Apharwat Peak — aren’t available under Tatkal and can only be booked online in advance.
The moment those tickets were in hand, a wave of joy swept over us. The tension dissolved, replaced by a rush of adrenaline and excitement. It wasn’t just about the ride anymore — it was about victory, about earning the experience through persistence and patience.
🎥 Capturing the Moment – Our Creative Journey Begins
Standing in the Gondola queue, waiting for our turn to board, we realized how deeply invested we were in this adventure. We hadn’t even had breakfast yet — it was already 8:30 AM, but no one complained. Hunger took a back seat to thrill.
During this time, I captured several raw and heartfelt videos that reflected the real emotions of that morning:
🎬 From Srinagar to Gulmarg – A Tense Journey for the Gondola Ride
🎬 Excitement Meets Panic – Gondola Ride Not Booked: Will We Get Tickets in Time?
🎬 Gulmarg Gondola Adventure – Early Morning Tension & Final Victory: Ticket Secured, Now the Wait Begins
Each clip told a part of our emotional rollercoaster — the tension, the chaos, and the joy of finally making it.
🚡 The Gulmarg Gondola Ride – A Dream in Motion
Finally, the moment we had been waiting for arrived. We stepped into the Gulmarg Gondola, hearts pounding with excitement. As the cable car lifted off the ground, a breathtaking panorama unfolded beneath us — snow-laden pine forests, ice-draped meadows, and mountain peaks glowing under the morning sun.
It’s hard to describe that feeling in words. The gentle hum of the gondola, the cold wind brushing against the glass, and the sight of tiny dots of people walking below on snow — it was magical. Every moment begged to be captured.
Our camera rolled as we recorded one of our favorite travel videos yet:
🎥 “Gulmarg Gondola Ride to Kongdoori – Ice, Altitude & Unforgettable Views”
The ride lasted about 15–20 minutes, but those moments felt timeless — a surreal journey between earth and sky.
🏔️ Arrival at Kongdoori (Phase I)
We finally arrived at Kongdoori, the Phase I station of the Gulmarg Gondola. As soon as we stepped out, a gust of cold mountain air greeted us — crisp, pure, and full of energy. The snow crunched beneath our boots, and our hearts swelled with the joy of reaching this beautiful altitude.
Our first mission after stepping off? A quick washroom break, after which we were ready to begin our Kongdoori snow adventures.
❄️ Frozen Adventures at Kongdoori – Snow, Speed & Family Thrills in the Heart of Gulmarg
🏔️ A White Wonderland – “Everywhere Ice and Ice!”
As soon as we stepped out of the Gondola at Kongdoori (Phase I), the world turned completely white. There was ice and snow as far as our eyes could see, not a patch of land visible anywhere. The sun shimmered on the frosty slopes, turning them into a mirror of silver and gold. It felt surreal — as if we had stepped straight into a movie scene.
Walking on the snow wasn’t easy. Each step was slippery and uncertain; we had to tread carefully to avoid slipping. Our guide Javed Bhai stayed close the entire time, offering a steady hand and cheerful encouragement. The short walk from the Gondola station to the activity zone took nearly 10 minutes, but every step was an adventure in itself — cold, thrilling, and filled with laughter.
🎥 Captured in Video: “Snow, Speed & Suspense – Gulmarg Snow Bike Tickets & Ride Prep”
🏍️ Snow Mobile Ride – Speed, Smiles & Frozen Fun
Our first adventure of the day was the Snow Mobile Ride (Snow Bike) — chosen especially for my wife Suchismita and daughter Titli.
The cost was ₹2,000 per head, fixed, and worth every rupee. After a short wait in queue, they hopped onto their snow bikes, each accompanied by a trained driver for safety.
What followed was pure thrill — a 2 to 3 km ride across white slopes, winding through icy paths with gusts of freezing air brushing past their faces. My daughter even got to ride the bike herself for a stretch, under supervision — a memory she’ll never forget.
They recorded the entire experience using my phone — without even unlocking it (yes, they figured it out somehow!). When I later watched the videos, I could see the pure joy in their voices, the sound of wind, and the excitement in their laughter. It was one of those rare, life-defining travel moments.
Meanwhile, I captured their start and finish points on camera with Javed Bhai’s help, documenting every moment for our travel vlog.
During our chats, I learned more about him — he’s a father of two sons studying in English-medium schools (Class 7 & 9). His younger son is a talented state-level skier, and ski training is part of their school curriculum here. Every year, national and international skiing events are held right at Kongdoori, making it one of India’s most active snow-sport zones.
When Suchismita and Title returned, their faces said it all — glowing with happiness, cheeks red from the cold, and eyes sparkling with joy. The drivers, as is common across Kashmir, politely asked for tips, which I happily gave — a small token for a priceless experience.
Over the course of our tour, I realized this was a gentle norm everywhere — we probably gave around ₹3,000–₹4,000 in tips across our 10-day journey.
🎿 Skiing on Snow – “Me vs. the Mountain”
After the Snow Mobile ride, it was our turn for the ultimate snow challenge — Skiing!
My daughter and I signed up together for ₹4,500 total, which included training, gear, and no time limit.
We were given complete ski equipment — boots, bindings, poles, and helmets — along with personal trainers who guided us patiently.
They explained the basics: how to balance, how to glide, how to stop, and how to fall safely.
The first few minutes were all slips and laughter — but soon, rhythm set in. My daughter, ever the quick learner, picked it up faster than me. The trainer kept cheering her, calling her a “natural.” Watching her ski fearlessly down the gentle slopes filled me with pride — a déjà vu of our scuba diving adventure in Andaman, where she had also outshined me!
We spent almost two hours skiing, tumbling, learning, laughing, and recording every moment.
The snow sparkled, the sky turned crystal blue, and the world around us felt infinite.
🎥 Captured in Videos:
- Kongdoori Frozen Adventure – Gulmarg Snow Playground Unleashed
- Frozen Tracks & Furious Thrills – Snow Bike Ride in Kongdoori
- Frozen Fierce Thrills – Atreyi’s Ski Adventure in Kongdoori
- Me vs The Mountain – Skiing at Kongdoori Gulmarg Frozen Playground
- Bonding on the Slopes – Father & Daughter Ski Ride at Kongdoori
These weren’t just videos — they were memories carved in ice, moments of courage, family bonding, and shared wonder.
🌄 Gulmarg’s Frozen Magic: From Kongdoori Heights to Strawberry Valley Delight
After an unforgettable morning of skiing and snow biking, it was finally time to slow down and simply breathe in Gulmarg’s icy wonderland. The slopes at Kongdoori shimmered like silver glass under the late-morning sun. Before leaving, our ever-helpful guide Zaved Bhai took charge of the camera — transforming into our personal photographer! He captured our snow fights, laughter, and some hilarious moments, including my daughter’s playful slips on the frozen slope. Each fall ended with giggles that echoed through the valley — pure joy that no lens could ever fully capture.
Before boarding the return Gondola, we paused at an ice igloo, sculpted perfectly by locals to resemble the real Arctic homes. It felt surreal standing beside it — as if a slice of Antarctica had landed in Kashmir. My daughter couldn’t stop laughing after slipping thrice during the photo session, turning the moment into one of the most spontaneous highlights of the day. Sadly, I was posing with her, so we missed recording it on video — but the memory remains priceless.
🚡 Descending from the Clouds
The Gondola ride down from Kongdoori felt calmer, more reflective. Watching the pine forests and snowfields slip past beneath our cabin was like time itself melting away. I titled this video:
🎥 “Time Slipped Through Snow – Gondola Return From Kongdoori Gulmarg.”
🚙 Local Sightseeing Begins: The Gulmarg Circuit
Once back at the base, Zaved Bhai arranged a local Tata Sumo for our Gulmarg sightseeing — a relative’s car, friendly and reliable. The deal was ₹4,500 for two days covering six beautiful locations:
- Strawberry Valley
- Gulmarg Golf Course
- Maharaja Hari Singh Palace
- Army Museum
- (Next day: Dangu Waterfalls, Chill Point & Local Village Visit)
The driver, along with two locals from Tanmarg, joined us — warm-hearted and full of stories. Their hospitality truly reflected Kashmir’s soul.
🍓 Breakfast at Strawberry Valley
Following Zaved Bhai’s suggestion, we had our packed breakfast at the first viewpoint — Strawberry Valley. The experience was nothing short of magical — biting into sandwiches amid fields of snow with a panoramic view of pine forests and white-tipped mountains. It was one of those simple yet extraordinary travel moments that stay with you forever.
The drive from Gondola Base to Strawberry Valley looked straight out of a Bollywood film — snowy bends, tall cedars, and army training camps lining the route. We passed by Gulmarg’s historic Golf Course, Maharaja Palace, and even spotted a helicopter service flying toward Phase II. There are only around 10–12 hotels in Gulmarg, and most are luxury properties — elegant, scenic, and expensive, fitting for such a paradise on earth.
❄️ Gulmarg Unveiled: From Snowy Strawberry Valley to Royal Heritage and the Heroes of Gul-A-Seum
After descending from Kongdoori, our next chapter in Gulmarg began — not just of travel, but of discovery. Each corner of Gulmarg seemed to tell a different story — of nature, royalty, sport, and bravery.
🍓 Strawberry Valley – Snow, Silence & a Breakfast to Remember
By the time we reached Strawberry Valley, it was already 12:30 PM, yet the sunlight still danced softly on the snow like liquid gold. This hidden valley lies a few kilometers from the main Gulmarg road, wrapped in silence and framed by pine trees that pierce the sky.
In summer, this valley transforms into a scarlet carpet of strawberries, grown naturally by local villagers. But during our visit, winter had taken over — the strawberry plants were sleeping under thick layers of snow. Yet the place had its own charm — pure, untouched, and whispering secrets of seasons past.
Beside a small frozen stream, we unpacked our hotel’s packed breakfast. Sitting right on the snow, with a steaming cup of tea in hand and our laughter echoing across the empty valley — that moment became eternal. Some small stalls served Kashmiri Kahwa, Maggi, and Coffee, and the owners smiled warmly, even in the freezing cold.
As we captured the beauty through our cameras, the valley reflected peace and purity — every photo came alive like a postcard.
🎥 Video: “Strawberry Valley Unveiled – Snow, Silence & a Breakfast to Remember”
⛳ Gulmarg Golf Course – The Crown of the Himalayas
From Strawberry Valley, our next stop was one of Gulmarg’s most iconic landmarks — the Gulmarg Golf Course, famous as the highest 18-hole golf course in the world, located at an altitude of 2,650 meters.
Originally built by the British in 1911, this course was the summer escape for officers stationed in Srinagar. Later, Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir added his royal touch, turning it into a manicured meadow of leisure and luxury. Today, in winter, it becomes a white wonderland — a vast stretch of frozen fields bordered by tall deodars and fir trees.
As we walked across the soft snow, we could still spot the wooden clubhouse with its colonial architecture — a memory of a different era. The air was crisp, the mountains stood like silent spectators, and the landscape looked like a painted dream.
Our cameras couldn’t stop rolling — every shot looked cinematic, and every turn revealed a new frame. Even our driver bhai seemed lost in the view.
🎥 Video: “Gulmarg Unveiled – Scenic Drive to the World’s Highest Golf Course”
🏰 Maharaja Hari Singh Palace – Echoes of Royalty
Next, our car rolled gently towards Maharaja Hari Singh Palace, nestled on a small hill overlooking Gulmarg. Once the royal residence of the last ruler of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, the palace still carries an aura of faded grandeur.
Built in early 20th century, the palace was used by the Maharaja as a summer retreat. Standing before its arched balconies and stone walls, it felt as if time had stopped here — the silence held whispers of royal footsteps and regal laughter.
The entry fee was just ₹10 per person, and photography was allowed, though videography was restricted. Inside, we explored rooms filled with antique furniture, royal portraits, chandeliers, and historical documents that spoke of the Maharaja’s rule, his love for Gulmarg, and his lasting impact on Kashmir’s identity.
It wasn’t just a palace; it was a window into history — a reminder that Gulmarg was once a playground for kings and queens before it became the crown jewel of Indian tourism.
🎥 Video: “Snow Road to Royal Legacy – Golf Course to Maharaja Hari Singh Palace”
🎖️ Gulmarg Army Museum (Gul-A-Seum) – Where History Meets Snow
Our final stop for the day was one that touched our hearts deeply — the Gulmarg Army Museum, known locally as Gul-A-Seum. Managed by the Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School, this museum is not just a collection of artifacts — it’s a tribute to courage, discipline, and sacrifice.
Inside, the exhibits chronicle the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought to defend the borders in challenging conditions. Weapons, uniforms, captured enemy gear, photographs, and newspaper clippings line the walls — each telling a story of valor.
We also saw displays about Kargil War heroes, mountaineering expeditions, and the history of the Indian Army in Kashmir. It’s both humbling and inspiring — especially when you step outside and realize these soldiers serve right here, among the snow peaks.
Beside the museum, a small army-run cafeteria serves tea, coffee, and snacks. We sat there for a while, watching the golden light fade over the mountains, feeling both proud and peaceful.
🎥 Video: “Where History Meets Snow – Gulmarg Army Museum (Gul-A-Seum)”
As we left the museum, the clock ticked past 3:30 PM. The sun began to slide behind the Pir Panjal range, turning the snowfields into a sea of amber and silver. It was the perfect conclusion to a day filled with beauty, thrill, and emotion — a day that stitched nature, royalty, and patriotism together in the heart of Gulmarg.
🌙 Evening Calm in Tangmarg – A Night of Warm Hospitality at Beigh Resort
As promised, our ever-reliable driver Zuied Bhai was waiting for us at the Nanga Parbat viewpoint, right where our local Gulmarg sightseeing car (No. 4902) dropped us after the Army Museum visit. His familiar smile was a comfort after a long, adventure-filled day.
Before heading back, he had already made all the arrangements for the next day — he would pick us up again at 9:30 AM from the same meeting point near our hotel to continue our Day 6 journey to Dangu Waterfall, Chill Point, and the local village visit.
In the meantime, he also took care of something important — collecting our luggage from the previous hotel (Beigh Resort) and completing the checkout on our behalf. In Kashmir, we learned something surprising — most hotels do not provide accommodation for drivers, even though they are on the road all day helping tourists like us. We had seen the same issue back in Pahalgam, where poor Zuied Bhai had to share a room with two or three other drivers in a separate guesthouse.
During our drive from Tangmarg to Gulmarg, we were blessed with a fleeting glimpse of the mighty Nanga Parbat, glowing faintly in the distant haze. The road was wrapped in silence, pine forests on both sides, and the golden sunset washing the snow in hues of pink and amber — it was the kind of view you never forget.
🏡 Check-in at Beigh Resort – Simplicity Wrapped in Warm Hearts
By around 4:30 PM, we reached our stay for the night — Beigh Resort, Tangmarg.At first glance, the hotel didn’t seem very impressive. The rooms were smaller than expected, the view modest, and the heater worked only from 6 PM to 9 PM. The bathroom and bedding were functional, not luxurious. For a moment, we were disappointed.
But that changed soon.
We spoke with our tour agent, who coordinated with the hotel management, and finally, they agreed to keep the room heater running full-time for us. Once that was settled, our perspective shifted — because what the hotel lacked in luxury, it made up for in warm hospitality and heartfelt service.
The hotel staff, manager, and even the owner were exceptionally courteous. The young manager, just around 27–30 years old, was an MBA in Mass Communication — intelligent, polite, and deeply passionate about tourism. Most of the staff were young boys below 18, still studying in school, yet handling their duties with dedication.
The owner’s house stood just in front of the resort, within the same compound, surrounded by an apple garden — a true Kashmiri touch. Even without grandeur, Beigh Resort felt like a home away from home.
🍛 Late Lunch & Quiet Rest
After checking in, we ordered a late lunch around 5:30 PM — simple but delicious:
Rice, Dal, and Egg Curry, all served hot. The food tasted like comfort after a long, cold day.
Once our hunger was satisfied, we stretched out on the warm bed, room heater humming softly, and felt every ounce of the day’s tension melt away. After all, we had woken up at 3:30 AM to chase the Gondola dream — and what a day it had been!
We decided to rest until dinner. Around 8 PM, we made ourselves some tea using our electric kettle (since the room lacked that amenity) and enjoyed it while watching our camera clips and GoPro footage on my laptop. As always, we backed up all the day’s memories, recharged every battery, and cleared the camera memory cards — a ritual of every travel night.
🍲 Dinner with the Heart of Kashmir
At 9:15 PM, the hotel reception called to inform us that dinner was ready. We walked to the small, cozy dining hall, where warmth filled the air — not just from the food, but from the people.
Dinner included Chicken Curry, Roti, Rice, Dal, and Mixed Vegetables — all freshly made and served piping hot. The taste was truly homely, reminding us of the essence of Kashmiri hospitality. The hotel owner himself joined us, and together we shared laughter and travel stories over dinner — an unexpected but heart-touching gesture that left a deep impression.
In Kashmir, it’s not just the landscapes that win your heart — it’s the people.
💤 A Peaceful Sleep and Thoughts for Tomorrow
Back in our room, we tucked ourselves under the warm blankets, grateful for the heater’s glow. Through the window, the night outside was calm — a faint moonlight glimmered on the distant snow-covered slopes.
Before drifting to sleep, I recalled a small but powerful detail — our driver Zuied Bhai is actually a Master’s degree holder in Economics. Yet, due to lack of jobs, he drives tourists across Kashmir with honesty and pride. That thought stayed with me — a reminder of the quiet strength and resilience of the Kashmiri people.
At around 10 PM, with our hearts full and our bodies tired, we finally went to sleep — ready for another day of discovery and wonder.
Tomorrow promised new sights — Dangu Waterfalls, Chill Point, and a glimpse of village life — another story waiting to be told in the heart of Gulmarg.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Beigh Resort, Tanmarg
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