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📍 Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir
🏛️ Sightseeing Attraction

Alpather Lake

Alpather Lake, popularly referred to as the Frozen Lake of Kashmir, is a striking high altitude alpine tarn situated at 14,400 feet (4,390 metres) at the f...

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About Attraction

About Alpather Lake

Alpather Lake, popularly referred to as the Frozen Lake of Kashmir, is a striking high altitude alpine tarn situated at 14,400 feet (4,390 metres) at the foot of Mount Apharwat. Located 13 km beyond Gulmarg, this crystal clear glacial water body is one of the most iconic trekking highlights in Jammu and Kashmir.

Alpather Frozen Lake Apharwat Peak Gulmarg

Glacial Waters and Floating Icebergs

The triangular shaped lake remains completely frozen solid with thick sheet ice from November until early June. Even during mid summer, glistening ice floes and miniature icebergs drift gently across deep turquoise blue meltwater, framed by steep rocky ridges and wild alpine meadows.

Trek from Gondola Phase 2

Truth is, modern travelers reach the lake by taking the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car up to Apharwat Station (Phase 2) and completing a scenic 1.5 hour mountain trek across the ridge. Sturdy trekking boots and warm windproof layers are essential due to thin mountain air and sudden weather shifts.

How to Reach Alpather Lake

  • Via Gondola Phase 2: Ride Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori and Phase 2 to Apharwat Peak, then trek 3 km (1.5 hrs) over rocky trail to the lake.
  • Direct Horse Trek: Full day guided pony trek from Gulmarg bowl covering a steep 13 km uphill mountain trail (4 to 5 hours each way).
  • From Srinagar: 51 km to Gulmarg base by taxi, followed by cable car ascent and mountain hike.
  • Local Guides: Hiring authorized local mountain guides is recommended for navigating snow patches and rocky boulder sections safely.

Best Time to Visit Alpather Lake

  • June to September (Trekking Window): Melting snow opens the trail with mild daytime temperatures (10°C to 18°C); floating icebergs on blue waters.
  • July to August: Wild alpine wildflowers bloom across the rocky slopes along the walking path.
  • October to May (Frozen Winter Period): Lake is frozen solid under deep snow; approachable only with technical mountaineering gear or winter ski touring.
  • Ideal Visiting Hours: Start the hike by 9:00 AM from Gondola Phase 2 to return safely before afternoon cloud cover and cold winds.
Tour Packages

Tour Packages for Gulmarg

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Accommodation

Hotels Near Alpather Lake

Hotel Signature ★★★ Hotel

Hotel Signature

Hotel Signature is a 21 room hotel and restaurant and is located at Gateway of Gulmarg. If…

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The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa ★★★★★ Hotel

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is spread over 7 acres of a sylvan coniferous forest. A …

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Highlands Park ★★★★ Hotel

Highlands Park

Highlands Park is a heritage property spread over eight acres of exquisite gardens in a ma…

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Grand Mumtaz Resorts ★★★★ Hotel

Grand Mumtaz Resorts

Grand Mumtaz Resort is a neat and well kept hotel offering comfortable rooms. The centrall…

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Hotel Shaw Inn ★★★ Hotel

Hotel Shaw Inn

Shaw Inn is set in Gulmarg, Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking …

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The Rosewood ★★★★ Hotel

The Rosewood

A luxury hotel nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2739 m The Rosewood Gulmarg offe…

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📸 Photo Gallery

Alpather Lake & Gulmarg Photo Gallery

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Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic landmarks, temples, and scenic spots in Gulmarg.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Alpather Lake

Essential visitor information regarding timings, entry tickets, location, nearby attractions, and travel guide in Gulmarg.

Because its high altitude glacial waters remain completely frozen solid for over seven months each year, from November until early June.

It is a moderately demanding 3 km trek (about 1.5 to 2 hours) over loose stones, rocky ridges, and occasional snow slopes.

Due to high altitude (14,400 ft) and rocky terrain, it is recommended primarily for physically fit individuals and adventurous trekkers.

Yes, local horsemen offer pony rides from Gulmarg town or Kongdoori directly up the mountain trail to near the lake ridge.

No separate inner line permit is required, but visitors must carry valid photo IDs and their Gondola Phase 2 boarding tickets.

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