Snapshots
Dinner at the world’s highest revolving restaurant? Yes please! Gulmarg has established new regional and international records with its winter wonderland, which now includes incredible attractions. Apharwat Peak, situated at a height of around 14,000 feet, welcomed guests on Saturday to the opening of the highest revolving restaurant in the world. Similarly, the inauguration of Asia's longest ski drag lift crowned Gulmarg as the best destination for winter sports and luxury tourism. This work is an integral part of a larger initiative to enhance Gulmarg's tourist attractions, aiming to meet or exceed global benchmarks.
Gulmarg’s revolving restaurant makes a world record!
Firsts on a global and continental scale are nothing new to Gulmarg. With Asia's longest ropeway and the world's highest ski point accessible by gondola, this place is truly remarkable. Its biggest igloo café ever also caused quite a stir on social media earlier this year. Gulmarg has further solidified its position as a dynamic centre for winter sports and luxury tourism with the addition of a rotating restaurant and a new drag lift. And the result is one more gem in Gulmarg tourism!
What to expect at the world’s highest revolving restaurant!
Experience something truly special at the recently opened rotating restaurant, and savour fragrant Kashmiri Kahwa and sizzling delights while taking in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. Diners may enjoy unobstructed views of the stunning Himalayan scenery while the cosy cafe slowly spins around them. The café, a little haven on the mountain encased in glass, gradually spins around to expose a breathtaking 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and the ever-changing sky. Tourists can savour steaming plates of regional specialities and traditional Kashmiri Kahwa as they take in the breathtaking scenery.
Gulmarg tourism is about to get better!
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealed several initiatives at the inauguration that will increase the adventure and hospitality options in the region. There are so many places of interest in Gulmarg to look forward to! During the ceremony, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu & Kashmir inaugurated numerous projects, including:
- The Apharwat restaurant and meeting centre that spins around.
- The café serves as a versatile space for hosting parties and various activities.
- The 726-meter-long ski drag lift, which cost Rs 3.65 crore to build, is the longest of its kind in Asia.
If the drag lift delivers on its promise, Gulmarg will emerge as the preferred destination for intermediate skiers seeking longer, smoother ascents. The new addition will increase Gulmarg's status on the global winter sports map, according to a post on X by the Chief Minister’s Office. New ski training modules meant to foster local talent were also unveiled on the same day, in addition to the Integrated Skiing Training and Adventure Tourism Centre. Abdullah stressed that to realise Gulmarg's full potential as an all-season resort, regular investments in modern infrastructure are crucial.
To further improve the region's winter sports education, Abdullah also established the Integrated Skiing Training and Adventure Tourism Centre and instituted integrated ski training courses. The "crown jewel" of Jammu & Kashmir's tourist scene, Gulmarg, he said at the inauguration, and the key to realising its full potential would be to invest continuously in contemporary infrastructure.
Gulmarg’s record-breaking tourist places
Gulmarg, home to India's first glass igloo restaurant, is a popular stop for sightseers in the region. Located in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir, this glass-walled restaurant was constructed a few years ago by the Kolahoi Green Heights hotel of Gulmarg amidst a snowstorm. The hotel's first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola project included the construction of three additional igloos.
Gulmarg’s recent developments represent more than a series of headline-grabbing attractions; they reflect a deliberate effort to redefine the destination’s place on the global tourism map. The opening of the world’s highest revolving restaurant and Asia’s longest ski drag lift signals a confident move towards world-class winter infrastructure, without diluting the region’s natural charm. These additions elevate Gulmarg from a scenic winter escape to a fully integrated luxury and adventure destination.
What strengthens this narrative is Gulmarg’s legacy of record-breaking landmarks. The Gulmarg Gondola, Asia’s longest ropeway, offers access to one of the highest skiing points in the world, while the glass igloo restaurant remains India’s first of its kind and a major draw for experiential travellers. Together, these attractions reinforce Gulmarg’s reputation for combining engineering ambition with dramatic Himalayan landscapes.
Beyond premium experiences, the emphasis on ski training centres, modern lifts, and adventure tourism infrastructure reflects a long-term vision focused on sustainability and local skill development. By investing simultaneously in tourism, sports education, and hospitality, Gulmarg is positioning itself alongside globally recognised mountain resorts.
As travellers increasingly seek destinations that offer scale, novelty, and authenticity, Gulmarg stands out as a rising winter tourism hub with strong international appeal today.