The Gulmarg Gondola project was conceived in the late 1980s to boost tourism and winter sports in the region. Phase 1, from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, was completed in 1998, while Phase 2, extending to Apharwat Peak, was finished in 2005. Initially managed by the Jammu and Kashmir government, its operation has seen some transitions over the years. The Gondola has significantly contributed to Gulmarg's popularity as a premier skiing destination and has made the stunning Himalayan landscapes accessible to a wider audience.