Srinagar, Apr 3 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) on Thursday announced the launch of a joyride for tourists between Kongdori and Mary Shoulder in the picturesque resort of Gulmarg.

The ride will be available on a trial basis from today till April 15.



“The trial run aims to gauge tourist responses and gather feedback to enhance the experience further,” officials said.



Managing Director of JKCCC, Syed Qamar, said the ride is open to tourists aged 15 to 55 years, priced at Rs 600 per person.

Covering a total distance of 3.2 kilometers to and fro, the ride offers a vertical rise of 498 meters, promising an exhilarating experience amid Gulmarg’s breathtaking landscapes.

"The ride will, however, not halt at Mary Shoulder, ensuring a captivating journey," Qamar said.

The chairlift connecting Kongdori to Mary Shoulder over the years has been used by skiers during winter, remaining unutilized during the summer months.

"This initiative seeks to make better use of the infrastructure while offering a new experience to visitors," he added.



Another official explained that many tourists are unable to access the second phase of the Gondola ropeway due to its limited capacity—nearly half of what the first phase accommodates.

"We can’t carry everyone to Gondola phase two, but this joyride addition will provide tourists with a unique opportunity to explore," he said.

The Gulmarg Gondola, considered the flagship attraction of Kashmir tourism is possibly India’s most popular ropeway at a height of 13,500 ft . It covers an aerial distance of five kilometers. Last year Gulmarg Gondola hosted over 1 million tourists.

The Gondola has two phases - first phase takes a person from Gulmarg bowl to Kongdori bowl at a height of 2,650 m while the second phase soars to the sky touching Apharwat at a height of 13,400 feet .



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