On the morning of 17 September 2026 our Gulmarg reel caught something guests always ask about weeks early: overnight snow on the Phase 2 upper area. The clip shows a chairlift seat hanging in fog, fresh white on the ground, and the line on screen: "Gulmarg Phase 2 Got Its First Snowfall Overnight! 17 Sep 2026." The caption called it the first glimpse of winter in Kashmir. It became one of our biggest reels of the year (about 530K views). If you are searching for gulmarg in winter, that frame is the honest place to start: snow can show up on the high slopes long before the meadow looks like a postcard.
Watch it on our Instagram: first overnight snow on Gulmarg Phase 2 upper area, 17 September 2026
Now, in November, the real winter is arriving: light snow fell at Kongdoori and Apharwat on the night of 10 November 2026, and the MeT Centre Srinagar forecast moderate snowfall in the upper reaches on 12 and 13 November, possibly Gulmarg's first significant snow of the season. That early September dusting was real. It is also easy to misread. Below we say what it means and what it does not, then walk through gulmarg in winter month by month with dated examples from our own reels and last season, plus the Gondola, the Tangmarg 4x4, clothes and our 2026 cab numbers.
The Phase 2 chairlift in the first overnight snow, 17 September 2026. From our reel.
What the 17 September Phase 2 snow means (and what it does not)
Phase 2 is the upper Gondola stretch towards Affarwat (Apharwat). When our reel says the upper area got overnight snow, it means the high ground turned white while Gulmarg town and the meadow can still be wet or green. That is normal in September and early October.
What it does not mean:
- The ski season has not started. Ski lifts and a proper snow base come much later, usually once settled snow holds through late November and December.
- You will not necessarily walk in snow in the Gulmarg market the next week. Early spells sit on ridges and Phase 2. The plaza can stay rainy.
- Weather is never guaranteed. A white Phase 2 today can melt or fog in for the next guest.
For context we also filmed related early spells the same month. On 5 September our Kaobal Gali reel showed the season's first snow on a mountain road through the windscreen. On 28 September two more reels caught rain in the Gulmarg market with a snow-dusted ridge behind and another white spell on Phase 2 ground. Same story each time: high ground first, meadow later.
Last season the first snow above Gulmarg on Affarwat (Sunshine Peak) came on the night of 2-3 October 2025. This year Phase 2 and the high passes turned white more than once in September. That is an early start on the peaks, not a promise of ski-resort conditions in October.
For the wider valley timeline see our guide on when and where to see snow in Kashmir.
Gulmarg in winter, month by month
| Month | What we usually see | Dated note |
|---|---|---|
| September | First dustings on high ground and Phase 2; meadow often still green or wet | 5 Sep 2026 Kaobal Gali; 17 Sep Phase 2; 28 Sep market rain + Phase 2 white |
| October | More peak snow possible; valley days cool and clear; meadow snow still uncommon | Last season Affarwat first snow ~2-3 Oct 2025 |
| November | Cold sets in; early meadow snow some years; chains and 4x4 talk starts after heavy spells | Settled resort snow usually late Nov onwards, never guaranteed |
| December | Proper winter base in many years; Chillai Kalan from 21 Dec; peak ski interest | Plains can get their first big snow much later (e.g. late Dec in recent seasons) |
| January-February | Deepest cold and the main snow window for most guests | Book with buffer days; Phase 2 can close on high wind |
| March | Snow still on high ground; lower slopes start to soften | Good for guests who want snow without the hardest cold |
If your dates are late November through February and snow is the whole point, put Gulmarg in the middle of the trip, not as a rushed last afternoon. Our Kashmir in winter page and the winter Kashmir packages 2026 guide cover how we shape multi-day winter plans. Our Gulmarg tour package (4 days, 3 nights) is from ₹16,999 per person (2 sharing, GST included); Message us for a date-specific quote.
Settled Gulmarg snow, 23 December 2025, from our reel. September Phase 2 dustings look nothing like this.
Gulmarg Gondola in winter
The Gondola is still the main way to reach the snow when the upper slopes are white. Phase 1 runs Gulmarg to Kongdoori; Phase 2 continues towards Affarwat, which is exactly where our 17 September and 28 September Phase 2 reels were filmed.
Book only on the official Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation site (etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com). Domestic fares there were ₹800 for Phase 1 and ₹1,000 for Phase 2 when we checked in late 2026; confirm on the portal when you book. Avoid touts at the plaza. Our Gulmarg Gondola tickets guide covers Tatkal, timings and sold-out days, and we can help you plan the slots.
In winter, Phase 2 can pause on high wind or heavy snow. Build slack into the day. Do not put a tight evening flight right after both phases.
The Gondola queue on a winter morning, 5 November 2026, from our reel. Book online and go early.
Getting there: Srinagar cab, Tangmarg 4x4 and snow chains
From Srinagar the drive is about 50 km. For a same-day return in 2026 our owner-confirmed fares are Toyota Etios / Swift Dzire ₹2,500 and Innova Crysta ₹3,500. Tolls and parking are included. Waiting time and any night charge are confirmed on WhatsApp when you book. Full cab options are on our Kashmir cab service page; the GBP listing for Srinagar to Gulmarg Cab Service also starts from ₹2,500.
After a heavy spell the last stretch above Tangmarg often needs anti-skid chains or a local union 4x4. Those are paid on the spot at union rates, not part of our fare. We arrange the handoff; we do not pretend the union jeep is our car.
If you would rather sleep below the snow line and go up by day, read our published post on a Tangmarg stay near Gulmarg. It pairs well with winter logistics.
Fresh snow on the road at night, December 2025, from our reel. This is when chains or a union 4x4 come in.
Phase 2 on 17 September 2026: snow on rocky ground, not yet a ski base. From our reel.
What to wear for gulmarg in winter
Pack for cold, wet and grip, not for a fashion shoot.
- Layers: thermal base, warm mid-layer, windproof outer jacket. A pheran over everything works once you are walking in the market.
- Waterproof shell: our 28 September market reel shows raincoats, not ski suits. Early winter is often wet before it is deep white.
- Footwear: shoes or boots with real grip. Phase 2 snow sits on rocky ground in the early spells.
- Gloves, cap, socks: wind on Affarwat bites even when the meadow feels mild.
- Sunglasses: snow glare on bright days.
More place-by-place tips sit on our Gulmarg travel guide.
How we'd plan a winter Gulmarg day
- Leave Srinagar early with a private cab (Etios or Crysta as above).
- Book Gondola tickets on the official site in advance; tell us if you want help planning the slots.
- Do Phase 1 and Phase 2 while the weather window is open. Keep lunch flexible.
- If the road above Tangmarg is closed to sedans, switch to the union 4x4 and carry chain money as a buffer.
- Back to Srinagar the same evening, or overnight in Tangmarg / Gulmarg if your package includes it.
FAQ
Is September or October enough for gulmarg in winter snow?
For peak and Phase 2 views, sometimes yes, as our 17 and 28 September 2026 reels show. For walking in deep meadow snow, usually no. Most guests who want playable snow aim for late November through February, and even then we say snow is never guaranteed.
Does an early Phase 2 snowfall mean skiing has started?
No. An overnight dusting on the upper area is a weather note, not the ski season. Wait for a settled base and open ski infrastructure later in winter.
How much is the Gulmarg Gondola ticket?
On the official J&K Cable Car Corporation portal, domestic fares were ₹800 for Phase 1 (Kongdoori) and ₹1,000 for Phase 2 (Affarwat) in late 2026. Fares can change, so confirm on the portal when you book.
Can you arrange the Tangmarg 4x4?
Yes. We coordinate the handoff. The 4x4 and chain charges are union rates paid on the spot, not part of our sedan fare.
Plan gulmarg in winter with us
If you want a same-day Gulmarg run, a winter package, or help with Gondola slots after an early snow spell like the one on our 17 September reel, call or WhatsApp us on 7006085655 (or call 9596044418). We are a Srinagar desk registered with J&K Tourism (JKEA00005366). Tell us your dates and whether snow is a must or a bonus, and we will say honestly what the slopes are doing that week.
Related reads
- Gulmarg Gondola tickets: Tatkal and timings
- Tangmarg stay near Gulmarg
- When and where to see snow in Kashmir
Travel Etios Kashmir, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar. J&K Tourism registered (JKEA00005366). Rated 5.0★ from 155 Google reviews. Call or WhatsApp +91 95960 44418 or +91 70060 85655, or email enquiry@traveletioskashmir.com.
