Asia’s longest ski lift inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Kongdori, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. Photo Credits: X/@CM_JnK via PTI
Kashmir’s winter tourism got a jolt on Saturday (Dec 13, 2025) when Asia’s longest ski lift and a revolving conference hall at an altitude of 4,390 meters were inaugurated to rival the world-class facilities for skiers in north Kashmir’s Gulmarg.
“The newly commissioned ski lift and training facilities would provide a major boost to winter sports and professional skiing. The revolving conference hall at Apharwat would greatly enhance the visitor experience. Our vision is to make Gulmarg a global center for winter sports while ensuring the preservation of its fragile ecology and natural beauty,” said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Asia’s longest ski lift, measuring 726 meters, is located in Kongdoori and is priced at ₹ 3.65 crore. At Apharwat, a revolving conference hall cost ₹ 86 lakh. All told, Mr. Abdullah initiated tourism infrastructure projects worth more than ₹17 crore in Gulmarg and its adjoining areas “to advance J&K’s position as the world’s leading winter tourism destination”.
Sustainable investment in infrastructure
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Gulmarg Meadow was a major tourist attraction in 2024. Last year, it received over 7.68 million visitors and was the main venue for the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.
Mr. Abdullah also laid the foundation stone for the fencing of the Gulmarg Golf Course, a ₹4.77 crore project “aimed at protecting and enhancing one of the region’s iconic tourism assets”.
“Gulmarg remains the crown jewel of J&K’s tourism landscape and that continued investment in modern, high-quality infrastructure is necessary to unleash its full potential. These initiatives are not just infrastructure expansion but strategic investments that will create year-round tourism opportunities, create jobs for the local youth and elevate Gulmarg to international standards,” Abdullah said.
Published – 13 Dec 2025 21:34 IST
