Gulmarg Trip Cost
How Much Does a Gulmarg Trip Cost?
Planning a trip can be hectic especially if you are visiting that particular destination for the very first time. Here, we have covered Gulmarg as that specific destination of Jammu and Kashmir and the cost of a trip there that you can expect. Gulmarg is undoubtedly one of the top hill stations of not only Kashmir but of entire India. People from all over the world come here for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding etc. Not only this, it has gained immense fame as a honeymoon destination as well and is considered one of the most-visited places of the valley. Kashmir trip cost offer a perfect gateway for travelers from allover the world, blending adventure and tranquility.
Coming back to the Gulmarg trip cost, there are many factors that decide the total cost such as your own preferences in accommodation, transportation etc. Public transport and options of homestays and government guesthouses are the cheapest ones. The duration of time that you spend here in Gulmarg is one other aspect. Though the entire town can be explored in 2-3 days, tourists stay here as long as a week. While there are many choices for a premium tour, you will also have plenty of budget-friendly ways to do it as well. There are many attractions where you are charged with entry fees and activities also cost you some money. It is highly suggested to not spend money on something you are doing just to follow the herd. Above all, there are many ways to cut down on the total cost that we have listed below.
Cliffhangers India provides you a personalised itinerary based on your budget from short weekend getaways to long vacations in Gulmarg. Not only do we book accommodations of your choice in advance, we also provide you Kashmir taxi services and taxi services in Srinagar.
Accommodation Expenses On Gulmarg Trip
if your travel style is luxury, you will find plenty of hotels in Gulmarg with outstanding amenities. The rooms provided to you are huge with delicious meals included. Their cost ranges somewhat between INR 50,000-60,000 during peak season. One such hotel in Gulmarg is- Hotel Khyber.
Gulmarg has hotels varying from 5 star to 1 star. The 3 star hotels are just perfect if you want to cut down a little on the accommodation and spend more on activities and sightseeing. They are priced at somewhere between INR 10000-12000. Some popular ones are- Hotel Royal Park, Hotel Shaw Inn etc.
For a comfortable and cosy stay, you can choose some standard hotels whose cost between INR 4500-6000 will not feel heavy on your pockets. You can stay at standard hotels like- Hotel Gulmarg Inn, Hotel Green Park.
For students and someone who wants to do a Gulmarg trip under budget, budget hotels are readily accessible for them. They are quite affordable in comparison to luxury ones with a price range of INR 4000-5000. You can stay at Hotel Naag View Cottage in Gulmarg.
Personal Expenses On Gulmarg Trip
You must carry your travel insurance when visiting the Kashmir valley. It is a mandatory document to have on a Gulmarg trip. It can be arranged with a minimal amount of INR 250-300. You may get it done yourself or contact any local agency who will obtain it for you.
There are public transportations like Buses and rickshaws which form a good option for under-budget travel. You share them with other travellers and that results in a reasonable fare. You can check the official website of Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation for the exact charges. (https://www.jksrtc.co.in/)
It is something that only you can decide. You can shop for as little as you want and similarly as much as you want. Spend some money to buy gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones to keep the memory alive. When exploring the markets of Gulmarg, bargain as much as possible as things here are mostly overpriced especially for tourists.
Gulmarg is only 13 kilometres away from Tangmarg, taking half an hour to reach and there are many ways to reach the main town. You can book a taxi or cab and the one-way charges will be around INR 1000- 2500, Varying for different models and number or people travelling.
For skiing and snowboarding, you can rent snow gear like Boots, googles, skis from the ski rental shops located near slopes. It is much cheaper to rent than to buy them all. The gear rental will cost around INR 800-1000 for a single day. Make sure you keep them safe while skiing. If broken, you have to pay the compensation which can really affect your wallet.
Activities Cost
If something that is a must-to-do in Gulmarg, that would be Gondola rides. Divided into two phases, the total cost of the ride is 1800 per person.
Another different ride accessible in Gulmarg is Pony ride. It takes you through some lush meadows beside a water stream with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. The price of the ride starts from 1000 rs per person.
ATV rides are another highlight of adventure activities available in Gulmarg. They can be booked from Tangmarg to reach Gulmarg. The basic charge is around 2200 per person.
in addition to Skiing, Gulmarg also offers many other snow-sports and snowmobiling in winters is among the most-loved ones. You can easily book it at a basic cost of 2200 per person.
Though the skiing courses are done for the entire week, an experienced skier can do it for a single day too. We offer skiing in Gulmarg at 4500 per day with instructor Ski Equipment.
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Food & Dining Expenses
It is not possible to give an estimate of food cost in Gulmarg as there are various varieties and location where you are having it affects it too. You might have to spend INR 300-400 for this. For vegetarian thalis, you have to spend INR 700-800 Per day. If it includes any kind of meat, the prices will be higher.
for fine-dining, you can visit fancy restaurants in Gulmarg where a single meal is priced at almost INR 1000-2000. The food served at these eateries is mouth-watering, cooked by skilled and professional chefs.
- Some popular dishes of Kashmiri cuisine can be savoured in Gulmarg as well. Rogan josh is priced at 150 per plate while a single serving of Pulao would be 200. A simple Kahwa in the morning costs 50 rs per cup. You can enjoy the popular dishes here in the range of INR 100-500.
Transportation Expenses On Gulmarg Trip
local transportation like cabs and taxis can vary on the type of vehicle you choose or the distance to be covered. For sedan type cabs, INR 2800 is the price in Gulmarg for city tours and airport transfers.
Public transport in Jammu and Kashmir includes rickshaws, buses, both private and state-owned. They are decently priced and you can check the fare at the official website of jksrtc.co.in.
To carry the itinerary at your own speed, you can rent cars and bikes in Gulmarg to explore in and around. You can easily do the bookings at Cliffhangers India by contacting this number: 8899366900.
Gulmarg one day trip cost from Srinagar
- Sedan cab cost from Srinagar to Gulmarg and back to Srinagar: If you book a cab for city transfer from Srinagar to Gulmarg and then come back to the capital city, charge for the sedan type cabs would be 3000. The seating is comfortable and the entire ride is mesmerising.
- Union Transportation cost: Travelling by a bus or rickshaw to Gulmarg from Srinagar and back costs around INR 3500. You share it with other tourists and you can get them from the Srinagar bus stand.
Activities And Attractions In Gulmarg
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is one of the remotely located attractions of Gulmarg which you can visit on this trip. It is located at a distance of about 6 kilometres and private vehicles are not accessible to reach there. You can either trek there as the distance is quite short or take a pony ride. Pony rides in Gulmarg will cost you around INR 1000-1500 per person.
Nestled in the towering Himalayan peaks, you can do many adventurous activities here and is a perfect place for a soothing picnic. The highlight of Khilanmarg is the sight of Nanga Parbat and twin peaks of Nun and Kun.
St. Mary's Church
Located in the Baramulla district of Gulmarg, St. Mary’s Church showcases the rich history of the valley and the impact of colonial rule here. One of the tranquil places to be, it was built more than 100 years ago. The church can easily be explored in an hour and the timing is from 10am to 5 pm. It is in close proximity to the Gulmarg Golf course and you can walk here, costing you zero money.
There is no entry fee for the church as well. If you are visiting Gulmarg in winter, this attraction becomes a must-to-visit one. It is covered in fog all around and looks magical.
Maharani Temple
Another religious spot to visit in Baramulla district, Maharani Temple is also known as Mohineshwar Temple. The construction was completed in 1915, almost 100 years ago and the complex stands magnificent as it did then. The credit for its building goes to Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, former ruler of Kashmir. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the place is immensely important among Kashmiri Hindus. It is at a walking distance of only one kilometre from the Gulmarg bus stand and no entry fees are charged here.
Before entering the temple, keep your slippers and shoes outside and you can cover your head with a scarf. You can come here from 6am in the morning to 9 pm at night
Baba Reshi Shrine
Baba Reshi Shrine is a place in Gulmarg that speaks secularism in the best possible way and it is visited with the same enthusiasm by Muslims as well as Hindus. The shrine is situated in the Rambod village of Baramulla District.
The entire exploration of the shrine would take a maximum of one hour. The background of the shrine with lush trees and snowy peaks is enough to capture your heart. The total distance to be coerced from Gulmarg to the shrine is about 6 kilometres and you can walk there.
Put your footwears outside the Dargah and pets are not allowed. You can also explore a nearby local market where you can get some refreshments.
Bota Parthri
Bota Pathri is a hidden gem of Gulmarg and is one of the stunning places of Nagin Valley. It is at a distance of about 10 kilometres from the main town. You are either choose a self-drive road trip on Gulmarg-Bota Pathri road or book a taxi that will cost almost INR 1500-2000. The destination is known for its lushiest meadows dotted by an array of wildflowers here especially in summer.
You can go for picnics here or a stroll in the evening. Bota Pathri is ideal for some secluded time away from the hustle bustle of life. Given the unpredictable weather, carry some cotton as well as warm clothes.
Strawberry Valley
A quintessential place to visit for every nature lover, Strawberry valley is one of the top attractions of Gulmarg. On your Gulmarg trip, explore this place for some much-needed serenity. Blooming and bursting strawberries in summer, the best time to visit the valley is from May to September when you can relish them as they taste heavenly. You can go for walks in the farms that spread what seems like till infinity.
Some other adventures to try here include hiking, camping and horse riding.
A small distance of only 4 kilometres separates Strawberry valley from the town of Gulmarg and you can easily trek there in half an hour.
Drung Waterfall
A scenic spot to spend some serene time amidst nature is Drung Waterfall in Gulmarg. Not only is it popular, it is also a favourite place for locals for weekend getaways. Situated in the Baramulla district of Kashmir, the magnificent mountains in the backdrop enhances the overall beauty of the waterfall.
Though it is very crowded in summer, winter is an amazing time to come here as the entire waterfall is frozen to death and so are the nearby streams and glaciers. The sight that you witness here seems surreal to the eyes. To reach here, you can hop on an ATV vehicle from Tangmarg and the ride there will cost you around INR 2000 per person.
Skiing and Snowboarding in winter
For skiing and snowboarding, Gulmarg is the most excellent and suitable place to be. The slopes that resemble those of Switzerland’s, it is undoubtedly the ultimate skiing destination in India to enjoy the sports in the best way possible. Some places for skiing in Gulmarg are Kongdoori, Apharwat Slopes, Mary’s Shoulder etc.
The cost depends on whether you are here for a skiing course or to simply enjoy the sports if you have done this before and have enough experience. The skiing course for beginners that lasts 5 to 7 days is priced at somewhere INR 13500. A single cost is about INR 3500. The prices are somewhat for snowboarding as well.
Gondola Rides
Gondola rides should be on every adventure buff’s wishlist. Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car rides in the world and takes the tourists to some stunning locations. The first phase of the ride is from Gulmarg to Kongdoori which takes approximately 12 minutes and the second phase is between Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak.
These two places offer some thrilling slopes for activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling in months like January and february. The cost for the first phase is INR810 while you will be charged INR 1010 for the second phase. Choosing to ride both the phases is highly recommended as you will see some unreal beauty here.
Trekking & Hiking
There are various treks in Gulmarg that can be suitable for you if you are under time constraints. They can be completed in a single day. Some of them include Alpather lake trek, Apharwat Peak trek, Gulmarg Golf course trek etc.
You can either do them all by yourself or join a trek group. The Alpather lake trek will cost you INR 8000 with Cliffhangers India. You should wear proper clothes vis-a-vis the weather and carry other essentials as well.
Pony Rides
Gulmarg has some regions which are not accessible by a private cab or taxi. One blessing in disguise in such situations is pony rides. Relaxing on the back of a horse or pony, enjoying the spectacular view that is in front of you is the prime highlight of the ride.
It is best enjoyed in the summer season when the routes are clear and dry. Some places to visit via pony rides include Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Strawberry valley, Baba Reshi Shrine, Niggle Nallah etc.
Snowmobile in winter
A recreational activity to be done in winters only is snowmobiling in Gulmarg. From January to February, when the town receives heavy snowfall, the slopes formed here are appropriate for such snow-sports. To simply define snowmobiling, you hop on a motor-operated vehicle with skis attached in the front that glides on the uneven snow terrains. You must wear safety gears like goggles, helmets and woollen clothes to be safe and comfortable.
The cost again depends on whether you are going for a short ride or a long one. While the former costs about INR1000-2000, you have to pay more for the latter, somewhere about INR 2000-4000 per person.
Tips For Cost Management
- Advance booking: Advance booking can save you a lot more money than you imagine. This is highly advisable during the peak season in Gulmarg like winters when the prices sky rocket. Booking your hotels and transport in advance saves you from last-minute panics. Book your plane and train tickets prior to 2-3 months of the trip. An early or late night flight is cheaper.
- Budget planning: Doing a well-rounded budget planning before the trip gives you an idea of the actual cost of the trip. Otherwise, you just spend money mindlessly with lack of actual knowledge about the prevailing prices. At such times, Cliffhangers India comes to the rescue who do it for you under your budget.
- Local transportation: Picking local transports over fancy rides is another cost management tip you must adhere to. The charges are much lower and the drive is equally relaxing and safe. Buses are the ideal options for long distances.
- Discounts and deals: You can book the trip and other things when they are running on a discount. During the off-season, hotels and transportation agencies provide huge deals to the customers which can help in managing budget-friendly trips.
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FAQ's
How much does a gulmarg trip cost?
Is 2 days enough for gulmarg?
What is the best time to visit gulmarg?
The best time to visit Gulmarg in winter, from December to February. The hill station is entirely covered in white snow and thrilling activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling have started. People from all over the world come here for the fun and adventure on the world-class slopes here.
Is Gulmarg worth a visit?
Is Gulmarg covered in snow?
Is Gulmarg safe for couples?
Yes, Gulmarg is completely safe for couples. It is regarded as a scenic honeymoon destination of Kashmir valley where people also visit for pre-wedding shoots. We provide some temptic honeymoon packages with special adventurous plans for the partners.
Factors Affecting Gulmarg Trip Cost
Peak Season
visiting Gulmarg in peak season does affect your travel plans and your budget. In peak season lasting from December till February, the hotels are packed with tourists, different attractions are crowded with visitors and activities are congested too. From hotels to transportation, the prices of mostly everything is skyrocketing and if you haven’t booked in advance, you might have to face some difficulties at the last minute.
Shopkeepers in local markets often overprice the products especially for the tourists. Don’t hesitate to bargain as much as you can. Book your hotels and transport in advance with any local travel agency in Kashmir. Make sure you have done online booking for different adventure sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling etc. in Gulmarg.
Overall, a trip to Gulmarg in peak season will cost you more than it does in the off season of spring or autumn. Keep all the points mentioned below to have a budget-friendly journey.
Off-Season
Unlike other places of Kashmir like Srinagar, Sonmarg and Pahalgam, the off-season in Gulmarg is in summer when there is barely any snow. Consequently, snow sports are not available either. This doesn’t not mean you can’t visit the mesmerising meadows of Gulmarg during this time of the year.
It is the ideal duration for a budget constraint trip to the valley. Hotels are generally less crowded, providing you huge discounts and great deals on the booking. You can easily spot cabs and taxis on the roads. One-shot booking is one recommended way for the opportunity of bargaining. Although you can’t have access to skiing or snowboarding, you surely can go for other activities like fishing, river rafting, pony rides etc.
The prices are much lower in the off-season.
Duration of Stay in Srinagar
The period for which you stay in the valley impacts your Gulmarg trip cost in a significant way. It is very simple. The more you stay, the more you have to spend on accommodations, transportation and sightseeing. People often keep their trips from as short as 2-3 days to as long as 15 weeks. At Cliffhangers India, we provide you both the options.
The Short trips include only the major attractions and popular activities, costing you less money. The downside of shorter trips is the unavailability of any big discounts on packages. Even offbeat locations and almost every possible activity is contained in those long trips which would be costly as well. Agencies often offer major discounts on large Gulmarg packages.
We advise you to pick whichever suits your expenses.
Travel Style (budget vs luxury)
Your travel style is one of the main factors that really affect the cost of a Gulmarg trip. While different budget styles give you different experience they also differ in the pricing as well. There are basically two types of travel styles. And the first one being the budget one. When you travel under a budget you settle with a few things like staying in a mid range hotel and choosing to travel via public transportation.
You don’t spend a lot of money dining in the fine restaurants. you can have your meals in an eatery or mid-range restaurants.
Coming to the luxury style of travel, people often spend a considerable amount of money to make their experience a more comfortable one. They stay in a luxury hotel like a four or Five Star One. Meals are eaten in fine restaurants where highly skilled chefs cook. Tourists choose the latest model of different vehicles ensuring extra comfort and safety.
Group Style for Kashmir Trip
The number of people you are travelling with is another factor that is considered in Kashmir trip cost.
Solo travellers: If you are on a solo journey to Kashmir tour, you will be charged per person rate. There are rarely any discounts on a single person but the good thing about solo trips is that it is all you. You do not have to cover the cost of any other person. You can share taxis with other tourists and it does save some money. Advance booking is another way to go.
Couples: travelling with your partner to Kashmir on your honeymoon does give you some benefits. There are many places that give you specialty honeymoon discounts and additional services in hotels as well. One more pros of travelling as a couple is that you share your accommodation which does cut some cost. You can rent a bike in Kashmir to explore different places.
Families / groups: This is where you save some actual money. When you are travelling in a group with your family or friends, you get discounts almost everywhere. From getting your place with the travel agencies to hotels, some good deals are given to the customers. The whole taxi or cab is occupied by a single group and this is another profit. You share the cost of so many things that things seem cheaper. Travel with your family or plan a friends trip to kashmir to have a fun and beneficial journey.
