Day 3: Srinagar & Gulmarg / Gondala 20th June '16

Tired from the previous days trip, we got up a little late and headed for Gulmarg after a heavy breakfast. Since we were to return back to Srinagar for the night, we decided to take only 5 bikes and go pillion for the day ride. Its approximately 50 km one way through highway via Tanmarg Road. Once you leave the highway and start climbing the Gulmarg mountains, you realize how truly beautiful Gulmarg is.

Morning view from our youth hostel

Srinagar to Gulmarg Gondola

Beautiful Gulmarg

Mesmerizing beauty of Gulmarg

Mountains dotted with flowers

Gulmarg boasts Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (13,780 ft). The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 8,530 ft to Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage of the ropeway takes tourists to a height of 12,293 ft on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak. 

Gulmarg Gondola

Getting ready to take the car at second stage

When we reached Gulmarg, we were surprised to find out that you have to book tickets online for the second stage, a day in advance. No tickets for the second stage are available on spot! Luckily we were able to find a tout who arranged the second stage tickets for us at an additional cost. 

ADVICE: Book your tickets in advance online itself! Its only worth if you go all the way the second stage. You can book tickets at www.gulmarggondola.com

360 view of base of Gondola ride at Gulmarg! View in any VR headset or scroll in window directly (click on the VR headset icon to change view)

We got lots of snow at the second stage and really enjoyed making and throwing snowballs at each other. There are also skiing and snow carting activities to do. Oxygen levels are low because of the height, so its advisable that you don't over exert yourself.

Goofing around with the snow

Atop Gulmarg Gondola second stage

Photo opportunities are aplenty. Suvinay posing against majestic backgrounds

Eating our packed lunch amidst the most breathtaking surroundings

Sumit striking a model pose

We spent a considerable amount of time enjoying ourselves in the snow, pulling each others legs and absorbing the raw beauty of the mountains, breathing the most pure air you can imagine. We must have easily clicked over 300 snaps over there. A few of us went further up while some of us stayed back for a lunch break and even took a quick nap. I must say it must have been the most peaceful sleep we ever experienced in our entire lives.

Komal catching a quick nap

Nikhil, Puneet, Nitin & Praveen standing tall at the highest point

 It was soon evening and we had to head back. We descended the cable cars with our hearts filled with awe and memories etched forever in our souls. The descent was quick and we promised to come back with our wives, children & families to this amazing place. We drank the local tea called Kahwa, which is essentially boiled water with saffron, tea and local spices.

The local Kahwa tea

 On the way down we spotted a 'buttawala' and stopped to indulge in the most juiciest corns. Another opportunity for a photo session with the flower strewn mountain sides.

Catching a quick corn break on our way back

Posing against the beautiful flowers

 By the time we got back to Srinagar, it was around 8pm and unfortunately Dal lake road was jam packed with traffic due to tourists. It took us well over an hour just to cross the Dal lake road to reach our hotel (it had taken us 10 mins last late night!). We excitedly settled into our respective rooms in anticipation of what lay ahead of us the next day.