The Nanga Parbat view
On clear mornings, the distant summit to the north.
The meadow above Gulmarg
Khilanmarg
A high meadow about 6 km above Gulmarg — wildflowers in summer, ski slopes in winter, and on clear days a view to Nanga Parbat. Reached by pony, on foot or via the Gondola.
Baramulla districtAbout 3,000 mAbout 56 km from Srinagar · 6 km above Gulmarg from Srinagar
Khilanmarg is a broad meadow on the slopes of Mount Apharwat, about 6 km and 600 metres above Gulmarg. In summer it is covered in grass and wildflowers; from December to March it becomes part of Gulmarg’s ski terrain.
The view is the reason to go. On a clear morning you can see the whole Kashmir valley, Wular Lake, and far to the north the bulk of Nanga Parbat — the ninth-highest mountain in the world.
Getting up
Most visitors hire ponies from Gulmarg, at rates set by the pony union. The walk takes about two hours uphill. The Gondola’s first phase to Kongdori gets you close, and you can walk across. Many combine Khilanmarg with Alpather Lake higher up in summer.
Things to do
What to see in Khilanmarg
Summer wildflowers
June to August the meadow is in bloom.
Winter skiing
Slopes for intermediate skiers from December to March.
Best time to visit
June to September for the meadow; December to March for snow. Clear mornings for views.
How to reach
- From Gulmarg — 6 km by pony or about 2 hours on foot; or Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdori and walk across.
- From Srinagar — about 50 km to Gulmarg first, around 1.5–2 hours.
Tour packages
All packagesAdd Khilanmarg to a Kashmir package
Best Seller4N / 5D
Kashmir 4N/5D — Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg & Pahalgam
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam
The complete valley circuit with deluxe stays on MAP plan, a private vehicle throughout and an hour on Dal Lake by shikara.
- Dal Lake Shikara
- Gulmarg
- Sonamarg
- Pahalgam
Starting from₹27,200total, all inclusive
Houseboat Stay5N / 6D
Kashmir 5N/6D with Pahalgam Stay & Deluxe Houseboat
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam · Dal Lake
Adds a night in Pahalgam and a night aboard a deluxe Dal Lake houseboat to the classic valley circuit.
- Deluxe Houseboat
- Pahalgam Stay
- Shikara Ride
- Private Sedan
Starting from₹29,700total, all inclusive
Budget Romance4N / 5D
Glimpse of Kashmir — 4N/5D Honeymoon
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Sonamarg · Pahalgam
Deluxe houseboat, shikara ride, candlelight dinner and cake across the four main valley stops.
- Deluxe Houseboat
- Shikara Ride
- Candle Dinner
- Cake
Starting from₹36,645total, all inclusive
Questions
Visiting Khilanmarg
Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar, a drive of 1.5 to 2 hours via Magam and Tangmarg. After heavy snow in winter the last stretch from Tangmarg can take much longer, or close for a few hours.
Book online on the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation portal, in a morning or afternoon slot, with a photo ID for each passenger. In season, book days or weeks ahead. A limited number of tatkal tickets, at a higher fare, are released at 5 pm for the following day.
Yes. January and February are Gulmarg’s most reliable ski months, and there are beginner slopes near the base with ski schools and equipment hire. Lessons and gear cost a few thousand rupees a day. The high runs off Apharwat are for experienced skiers only.
Baramulla district
All destinationsMore places to visit in Baramulla
- GulmargMeadow of Flowers
- Alpather LakeThe frozen lake below Apharwat
- St Mary’s Church, GulmargThe Victorian church in the meadow
- Maharani TempleThe royal Shiva temple of Gulmarg
- Baba Reshi ShrineSufi shrine in the Gulmarg forest
- Drung WaterfallThe waterfall that freezes
- Ningle NallahPicnic stream below Apharwat
- Outer Circle Walk, GulmargThe 11 km forest loop
- Buta PathriMeadow near the LoC beyond Gulmarg
- ParihasporaLalitaditya’s lost capital
- Kaman Post (Aman Setu)The peace bridge at Uri
- WatlabHilltop shrine over Wular Lake
Nearby
Other places in the valley
Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg
The frozen lake below Apharwat
Alpather Lake
The 11 km forest loop
Outer Circle Walk, Gulmarg
Picnic stream below Apharwat