Kongdori Gulmarg; Mini-Paradise in The Meadow of Flowers

Situated 4.5 kilometres away from Gulmarg Bus Station, Kongdori emerges as a unique bowl-shaped area situated between Gulmarg and the summit of the Apharwat mountain range in Jammu & Kashmir. It is a top attraction for tourists coming to Gulmarg on a Kashmir vacation.

Kongdori also attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the country and even internationally. It acts as a stopover for those riding the Gulmarg Gondola cable car, which is famous for being the biggest and highest cable car system in Asia.

The Kongdori station is located at an altitude of 8,530 feet, with the second part of the trip leading to the Apharwat mountain peak, which reaches 13,500 feet.

The cable car ride begins at the Gulmarg resort, situated at 2,600 metres, and carries passengers to Kongdori Station in the Kongdori Valley. The trip from Gulmarg to Kongdori takes about 10 minutes, and the return journey to Apharwat is 12 minutes.

During the journey, travellers are greeted with stunning vistas of the Nanda Devi Peak and the Pir Panjal range. Moreover, visitors have the opportunity to engage in other activities like horseback riding and snow skiing.

Must- visit popular Kongdori nearby places

• Drung Waterfall: The Drung Waterfall stands as a highly sought-after tourist spot in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg, Baramulla, and is among the most popular places to visit in Kongdori.It features a waterfall that flows down from towering peaks, and during the winter, it turns into a solid block due to the exceptionally cold weather. This solid waterfall is a must-see destination in the vicinity. It is one of the best places near Kongdori to visit, during winter.
• Strawberry Valley:  Strawberry Valley, though not widely recognized, boasts a stunning landscape and is one of the most beautiful places near Kongdori to visit. It is famous for its abundant strawberry fields. At the peak of the harvest, tourists have the opportunity to observe and participate in the strawberry picking activity.
• Apharwat Peak: Located at an elevation of 4200 metres above sea level, Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg stands out as a stunning location and is among the popular places to visit in Kongdori.It’s located in a secluded spot near the Line of Control with Pakistan, experiencing significant rainfall and blanketed in snow throughout the year. This peak is the hub for winter activities in Gulmarg.

Things to Do in Kongdori Kashmir Valley

Kongdori is the first halt on the Gulmarg Gondola ride. It is known for the perfect snow-laden slopes in winter, high-massifs, lush valleys, and sweeping meadows in summer. There are several things to do in Gulmarg and if you ask in particular about the things to do in Kongdori Kashmir Valley, then here are a few must-do things and places to explore in Kongdori Kashmir Valley

Gondola Phase 1

The Gulmarg Gondola is a popular activity and one of the most exciting things to do in Kashmir. Kongdori falls on the first phase of the gondola ride and is a breathtaking beauty. The Gulmarg Gondola ride is the best way for Kongdori Kashmir Valley sightseeing. 

Stage one ascends from Gulmarg, traversing the woods to Kongdori, a central plateau elevation of 2950m. Following this, you embark on the second stage and journey towards the renowned high alpine bowls of Gulmarg.

Prices for Kongdori from Gulmarg Phase 1: 810/- INR, this can also be considered the entrance fee to Kongdori. However, if you book a return journey from Gulmarg to Kongdori and from Kongdori to Apharwat, the entrance fee to Kongdori would be around 944/- INR.

Skiing

When in Gulmarg, it is impossible to go back without skiing and snowboarding. Gulmarg is the most popular destination for snow activities and attracts tourists and adventure lovers from all over the world. 

Various Kongdori tourist places have the perfect slopes for sports like skiing and snowboarding. Kongdori is truly a ski-lovers paradise.

Prices for skiing and snowboarding: Starting from 4,500/-

Sledging

Kongdori in Kashmir Valley is covered in a thick blanket of snow during peak winters, drawing thrill-seekers from all over the world. Kongdori Gulmarg is known to have some of the best snow slopes for sledge rides in Gulmarg. 

From adults to children, everyone enjoys sliding down the soft snow-laden slopes of Kongdori Gulmarg, as the chilled wind slaps against their faces, rendering them numb.

Prices for sledging: Starting from 500/-

ATV Riding

This route spans 13 kilometres, beginning at Gulmarg and ending at Kongdori. It winds its way through the towering pine trees in the woods, providing an enchanting glimpse of the meadow in Gulmarg. 

The path is less travelled and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to finish. Riders are always accompanied by an ATV driver. Riding the ATV is also permitted for those who wish to drive it themselves but with the driver’s guidance.

Kongdori Kashmir Valley sightseeing on an ATV is a truly adventurous experience.

The cost for exploring Kongdori tourist places on an ATV: is 8,000/- for the full circuit.

Hiking

Kongdori Gulmarg is a haven for those who love hiking, offering a series of picturesque paths that will guide you through coniferous woods, high-altitude pastures, and secluded communities. 

Embark on a hiking journey to discover the untouched splendour of the area, with paths that vary from easy walks ideal for novices to difficult trails for experienced hikers. There are many places to explore on the Kongdori Kashmir Valley treks.

During winter, you’ll have a whole new experience in the snow-covered mountains of Kongdori Kashmir Valley.

Prices for Hiking: Packages start from 8,000/-

How to reach Kongdori?

One has to first reach Gulmarg via Air or Train. The nearest airport is the Srinagar Airport and the nearest station is the Jammu Tawi Station.

After reaching Gulmarg, the most common way to reach Kongdori in Kashmir Valley is via the Gulmarg Gondola ride. Tourists can get the phase 1 tickets and easily reach Kongdori.

The other way to reach Kongdori in Kashmir Valley is on an ATV. This mode is quite expensive and extremely thrilling. People also opt for pony rides to reach Kongdori.

How to reach Kongdori, entirely depends on the choice of an individual. 

Best time to visit Kongdori

The best time to visit Kongdori is determined by the specific activities you’re interested in-

In the summer, from May to September, the climate is warm. This dry season facilitates hiking and trekking. It’s also convenient for tourists to navigate through the hills and forests during this time.

In the winter, from November to February, the area experiences heavy snowfall. This period is perfect for engaging in snow sports and skiing. Additionally, the winter season is less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the locations.

Kashmir is an amalgamation of culture, traditions, and a rich history. Gulmarg being its integral part fascinates tourists from different parts of the world. So the next time you visit Gulmarg, make it a point to discover the unexplored places in Kongdori, for an authentic Kashmiri experience.