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Gulmarg has added two major attractions to its winter landscape this season, marking a significant leap in both adventure tourism and high-altitude hospitality.
Over the weekend, Apharwat Peak (already famous for its powdery slopes) became home to the world’s highest revolving restaurant, perched just shy of 14,000 feet. Alongside it, the region introduced Asia’s longest ski drag lift, reinforcing Gulmarg’s standing as one of the subcontinent’s most dynamic winter destinations. Both unveilings are part of a larger initiative to upgrade Gulmarg’s tourism infrastructure and position it firmly among the world’s top alpine getaways.
A Dining Experience Above The Clouds
The new revolving restaurant offers an experience unlike any other in the Himalayas. Designed as a warm, glass-clad refuge on the mountain, the café rotates gently to reveal a 360-degree panorama of snow-draped peaks, deep valleys, and the shifting colours of the sky. Visitors can sip on traditional Kashmiri Kahwa or enjoy hot local delicacies while watching the landscape glide past like a moving postcard.A Major Boost to Gulmarg’s Winter Infrastructure
At the inauguration, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unveiled a series of projects aimed at expanding the region’s adventure and hospitality offerings. These include a revolving conference hall at Apharwat, a new multipurpose event space, and the headline-grabbing drag lift — a 726-metre stretch built at a cost of Rs 3.65 crore.The drag lift is expected to transform the skiing experience in Gulmarg, especially for intermediate skiers seeking longer, smoother ascents. In a post on X, the Chief Minister’s Office highlighted that the new addition would strengthen Gulmarg’s presence on the global winter sports map.
The day also saw the launch of the Integrated Skiing Training and Adventure Tourism Centre, along with new ski training modules aimed at nurturing local talent. Abdullah emphasised that consistent investments in modern facilities are essential for unlocking Gulmarg’s full potential as a year-round destination. “These initiatives go beyond infrastructure,” he said. “They create opportunities, support local livelihoods, and take Gulmarg closer to international standards.”
A Region That Thrives On Breaking Records
Gulmarg is no stranger to world-firsts and continental milestones. The destination already holds the distinction of hosting the world’s highest ski point accessible by gondola and features Asia’s longest ropeway. It also set social media abuzz earlier this year with the world’s largest igloo café.With the addition of the revolving restaurant and the new drag lift, Gulmarg strengthens its reputation as an evolving hub for both luxury travel and winter sports.
