English
English
English
Planning Kashmir trip? Famous Gulmarg Gondola ride temporarily suspended for safety check. (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: Tourists planning a visit to Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir will not be able to use the iconic Gondola ride from September 14 to September 17 as the service undergoes its annual inspection and maintenance exercise.
The Gulmarg Cable Car Corporation has announced that the temporary suspension is part of a routine safety procedure aimed at ensuring smooth operations, technical reliability and passenger security.
During the four-day shutdown, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Gulmarg Gondola will remain unavailable for tourists. Authorities have advised travellers to consider the closure dates while planning their Kashmir itinerary to avoid inconvenience during their visit.
The annual closure is part of a mandatory safety inspection carried out to examine the condition and performance of the cable car system. Technical teams will conduct detailed checks of important components, safety mechanisms and operational systems to maintain the reliability of the ropeway service.
Officials have clarified that the shutdown is temporary and the gondola is expected to resume operations after the completion of inspection work on September 17. The maintenance exercise is aimed at improving passenger safety standards and ensuring a better travel experience for thousands of visitors who use the cable car every year.
The Gulmarg Gondola closure is an important update for domestic and international tourists planning a Kashmir vacation during this period. Visitors who have included the famous cable car ride in their travel schedule may need to modify their itinerary or explore other attractions in the Valley until services restart.
Tourists have also been advised to purchase Gondola tickets only through the official Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation platform after reopening. Authorities have cautioned visitors against unauthorised agents and local touts to avoid fake bookings and unnecessary problems.
The Gulmarg Gondola is among the highest operating cable car systems in the world and remains one of the biggest tourism attractions in Jammu and Kashmir. Located in the Pir Panjal mountain range of the Himalayas, the ropeway offers spectacular views of snow-covered peaks, forests and valleys.
The cable car is especially popular among adventure tourists, skiing enthusiasts and travellers looking for panoramic views of Kashmir’s natural beauty. The Gondola also provides easier access to higher altitude areas that are difficult to reach by road, making it a major part of Gulmarg’s tourism infrastructure.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation was established in 1988 and has played a key role in developing ropeway services across the region. The organisation manages important cable car projects designed to improve connectivity to mountainous tourist destinations while supporting adventure and nature tourism.
Ropeway systems have become an important tourism facility in mountain regions as they provide safe access to remote locations and improve visitor experiences.
Gulmarg remains one of the most visited destinations in Kashmir, attracting tourists throughout the year because of its scenic landscapes, adventure activities and peaceful environment.
Although the gondola closure is limited to four days, travel operators and tourists are closely tracking the reopening schedule due to the popularity of the attraction. A smooth restart after the inspection will be important for maintaining tourist confidence and ensuring uninterrupted tourism activities in the Valley.
The Gulmarg Gondola service is expected to restart from September 17 after completion of the annual safety inspection. Tourists planning a Gulmarg visit after the reopening date should check official updates before booking tickets and finalising their travel plans.
Officials have maintained that the temporary shutdown is only a safety measure designed to ensure long-term reliability and secure operations of the famous cable car system.
