Srinagar, Jul 28: The iconic Gulmarg Gondola has recorded an impressive footfall of over one lakh visitors within a month of resuming operations, underlining the renewed enthusiasm among tourists visiting Kashmir’s premier hill resort.
Managing Director of the J&K Cable Car Corporation, Syed Qamar Sajjad told Rising Kashmir that nearly 1.05 lakh tourists have taken the cable car ride since services resumed after remaining suspended for around a month for maintenance and restoration works.
“On an average, around 3,500 tourists are taking the Gondola ride every day. In the last one month alone, the number of visitors has crossed 1,05,000,” he said.
Sajjad said the overwhelming majority of tourists opt for the Phase-I ride from Gulmarg to Kongdori, while a significant number continue their journey to Phase-II, which reaches the Afarwath Peak, one of the highest cable car stations in the world.
The Gondola service had remained non-operational for nearly a month due to essential maintenance and technical upgradation after major temporary shutdown after a technical snag on May 25, 2026. The maintenance aimed at ensuring passenger safety and improving operational efficiency.
Services were restored last month following the successful completion of the works, much to the delight of tourists and tourism stakeholders.
The Gulmarg Gondola, regarded as one of the highest and longest cable car systems in the world, is among Kashmir’s biggest tourist attractions. Operated by the J&K Cable Car Corporation, the ropeway connects Gulmarg with Kongdori in Phase-I, while Phase-II takes visitors to the snow-clad Afarwath Peak at an altitude of nearly 14,403 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
The cable car remains a major draw throughout the year. During winter, it serves as the gateway to Gulmarg’s internationally acclaimed skiing slopes, attracting adventure enthusiasts from across the globe. In summer, thousands of tourists flock to the destination to enjoy its lush meadows, cool climate and spectacular mountain vistas.
Tourism stakeholders said the restoration of the Gondola has significantly boosted tourist activity in Gulmarg, with hotels, restaurants and local businesses witnessing increased footfall. Officials expect visitor numbers to rise further during the ongoing summer tourist season, reaffirming Gulmarg’s position as one of Kashmir’s most sought-after destinations.
