11/05/2026
Gulmarg Gondola Rides Surge as Vande Bharat Express Boosts Kashmir Tourism in 2026
Kashmir’s iconic tourist destinations, particularly Gulmarg, are witnessing a sharp rise in visitors this summer, largely aided by the new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu Tawi and Srinagar.
The semi-high-speed train, flagged off on April 30, 2026, by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, has more than doubled capacity from the earlier 8-coach version. It covers the 300+ km distance in under 5 hours, providing comfortable, all-weather connectivity and attracting large numbers of domestic tourists.
Official data shows over 4.23 lakh tourists visited Kashmir in the first four months of 2026. Gulmarg has emerged as a major hotspot, with the Gulmarg Gondola — one of Asia’s highest cable car rides — attracting nearly 5,000 riders daily. The Gondola operates in two phases: Phase 1 from Gulmarg (2,650m) to Kongdoori (3,050m) and Phase 2 up to Apharwat Peak (3,979m), offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains and meadows.
Current ticket prices are approximately ₹810 for Phase 1 and ₹1,010 for Phase 2 (round trip). Hotels, markets, and local businesses in Gulmarg are bustling with activity.
Officials credit the Vande Bharat Express for driving this growth, making Kashmir more accessible and boosting tourism significantly.