Alpather Lake - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 13 km from Gulmarg Bus Station, Alpather Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake situated at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks in Gulmarg. It is one of the prominent tourist places that one must visit as part of Gulmarg Tour Packages.

Situated at a height of 4,390 m, Alpather Lake is a bowl-shaped lake that is fed by the melting snow from the nearby peaks. The picturesque landscape, less crowd, and a resemblance to the famous Lake Louise of Canada make it one of the great places to visit in Gulmarg. It is surrounded by rocky mountains and lush green meadows that are covered with beautiful wildflowers. It is also popularly known as the Frozen Lake as the lake gets completely frozen during winter.

The breathtaking Alpathar Lake at the base of Apharwat Peak is around 13 km away from the center of Gulmarg and is connected to the town in three ways - a trek or on horseback, cable car, and motorable road. But due to the proximity to the border, the road is only used by the Indian Army and is not accessible to civilians. So, one can either trek or catch a Gondola ride. The scenic beauty of this lake is every nature photographer's delight. However, besides the camera, one must not forget your skating gear as the crystal clear ice of Alpather Lake also serves as an excellent skating venue.

The lake is an absolute must-visit for trekking enthusiasts consisting of a one-day trekking expedition from Gulmarg to Alpather Lake. The 13 km trek is moderately difficult and one will need to follow the route starting from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg to Apharwat Ridge and then to Alpather Lake. If you are planning on a trip on foot, you will need a local guide, carry water, and some snacks. If you take a Gondola ride, then you will have a short uphill hike of 2 km from the Gondola Phase II of Mount Apharwat to Alpather Lake. There are several guides available here to help you reach the lake. If you are not able to hike, then you can also take a pony ride from the Gondola Phase II.

The best time to visit this lake is throughout the year. But it is suggested to visit from May to September as the snow melts and lush green all around, which is a sight to behold. There are no hotels or campsites nearby and you cannot even camp on your own. So, better make it a day's trip and go back to Gulmarg.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free. Rs. 2070 for Gondola Phase II (Both Ways), Rs. 1000 - 2000 for Guide