Ans: For snow activities like skiing and snowboarding, visit between December and February. If you prefer pleasant weather, green valleys, and gondola rides, March to June is ideal. Autumn (September–October) is also stunning with golden hues across the meadows.
How to Reach Gulmarg
Gulmarg, alternatively known as the “Meadow of Flowers,” is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir, with scenic views, snow activities, and tranquil effects. Located about 50 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is easy to visit via road, air, and rail, and should be on your must-see list for any traveller in any season.
Whether it is a snowy, winter getaway or a calm, summer escape, knowing the various ways to reach Gulmarg will help you plan a smooth visit. From picturesque drives in pine-covered mountains or quick flights and railways, there are many ways to visit this Himalayan gem. Here is your 2025 complete Gulmarg travel guide.
Distance from Srinagar to Gulmarg
Srinagar to Gulmarg is about 50 km apart, and it generally takes the range of 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi, depending on the road conditions and the weather.
The road passes through beautiful countryside, and some lovely little towns like Tangmarg, making the drive one of the most incredible drives in Kashmir. The drive is full of wonderful views of pine trees, apple orchards, and snow-covered mountains.
How to Reach Gulmarg by Air
The closest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar International Airport (Sheikh ul-Alam Airport), which is approximately 50 km away. This airport has good connectivity to most major cities in India, like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chandigarh, with periodic flights on airlines such as IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India.
When arriving in Srinagar, you can book a taxi or cab to Gulmarg from the airport for about 1.5 to 2 hours of travel. The price of a taxi or cab from Srinagar to Gulmarg is typically in the range of ₹2,000 – ₹3,000, depending on the season, vehicle type, and whether or not they are willing to negotiate.
There are also shared cabs from Srinagar city or Tangmarg for a more budget-friendly option. And when you are there, make sure to visit Apharwat Peak.
How to Reach Gulmarg by Train
Gulmarg does not have a railway station. The closest main railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located about 290km from Gulmarg. Jammu Tawi is accessible from almost all major Indian cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
From Jammu, you can hire a taxi to Gulmarg or take the train to Udhampur, the nearest railway line to Kashmir. You would then take a taxi from Udhampur to Srinagar and onward to Gulmarg. The ride from Jammu to Gulmarg takes approximately 7 to 8 hours by road, depending on the weather and traffic.
How to Reach Gulmarg by Road
The road leading to Gulmarg is very nice and picturesque, making it the easiest and most common way to reach the town. The route to Gulmarg from Srinagar by road starts by passing through Tangmarg, before slowly climbing up to make its way into Gulmarg. The roads are fine to drive on, and there will be multiple food stops and vistas on the way.
You can hire private taxis, J&K Tourism vehicles, or local cabs from Srinagar. If you are travelling during the winter months (December to February), snow chains may need to be put on your tyres for the last road segment near Gulmarg.
If you are coming down from Jammu or Udhampur, you can drive or take a cab to Srinagar (via NH44) and then proceed towards Gulmarg. The total time to reach Gulmarg from Jammu or Udhampur is around 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions.
Best Route to Gulmarg from Delhi and Mumbai
From Delhi to Gulmarg
Travelling to Gulmarg from Delhi is most convenient by flying to Srinagar for about 1.5 hours and then hiring a cab or taking a bus to Gulmarg in approximately 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi (for about 10 – 12 hours) and then take a road trip or hire a taxi to travel from Jammu Tawi to Gulmarg via Srinagar. This route is suitable for adventurous travellers who enjoy long and scenic road trips.
From Mumbai to Gulmar
For those making the trip from Mumbai, the easiest way will be to fly to Srinagar (approximately 3 hours with one stop through either Delhi or Chandigarh) and then hire a cab to take you from the Srinagar airport to Gulmarg.
For another option, if you enjoy road travel, continue the adventure by road from Jammu Tawi to Gulmarg. You can either drive yourself or take a train from Mumbai to Jammu and hire a taxi.
Travel Time and Taxi Fare Details
- Srinagar to Gulmarg distance: 50 km
- Travel time by car: 1.5–2 hours
- Cab fare: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 (one way)
- Jammu to Gulmarg distance: 290 km
- Travel time: 8–10 hours
- Taxi fare: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 (approx.)
During the winter months, the most effective way to get to Gulmarg is to hire a local driver with experience on winter roads, which can be slick at times due to the snow. The last town before reaching Gulmarg is Tangmarg, where you can get snow boots, sledges, and tyre chains for the car.
Scenic Drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg
The trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg is more than just a trip; it is the experience of one of Kashmir’s most spectacular drives. Leaving Srinagar, you travel from busy streets out into the calm of the countryside. Pine forests, snow-covered mountains and sheep grazing by the roadside will make every trip special.
You’ll see a fantastic display of wildflowers lining the roadside in the spring and summer months, but in winter, it is just a blissful world of white snow that gives a touch of magic to the drive.
Gulmarg Travel Tips 2025
Now here are some useful tips that will help you with your upcoming trip. This includes:
- Ideal Weather: March to June for greenery and flowers; Dec to Feb for snow and skiing.
- Permits: There is no special permit needed for Indians, but foreigners must carry their ID proofs.
- Clothing: In winter, pack spare heavy wools, and for evenings in summer, carry light jackets.
- Network Connectivity: Mobile networks work perfectly, but internet speed may be slow.
- Cash: Keep some cash handy because ATM services are limited in Gulmarg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which month is best to visit Gulmarg?
Q2. Which is the nearest airport to Gulmarg?
Ans: The nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar International Airport. It is at a distance of approximately 50 km. Once you reach the airport, you can book a taxi or cab for another 1.5 to 2 hours onwards to Gulmarg.
Q3. How do you get to Gulmarg?
Ans: You can reach Gulmarg via air, train, or road. The easiest way is to fly into Srinagar Airport and take a cab or taxi to Gulmarg. If you arrive by train, your next stop would be Jammu Tawi Railway Station (or Udhampur), then go by road from Jammu to Srinagar and ultimately, to Gulmarg.
Q4. How do I go from Delhi to Gulmarg?
Ans: To go from Delhi to Gulmarg, the fastest way is to fly to Srinagar and then take a taxi or cab to Gulmarg (a total journey of about 4 hours). Alternatively, you can train to Jammu Tawi and then drive from there via Srinagar to Gulmarg, which takes a total of about 16–18 hours of driving time.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Gulmarg is as spectacular as the experience of enjoying it itself. Whether heading there by road from Srinagar, flying into Delhi, or taking the scenic route from Jammu, the journey to this snow-capped paradise offers some of the most picturesque views around.
When using the provided Gulmarg travel guide, you will discover the ease of planning your trip, knowing the routes, and, most importantly, getting the most out of the experience you are about to embark on. For customised travel packages and guided travel, visit Kashmirholidaypackage.co.in, your trusted partner for experiencing the stunning beauty of Kashmir.
