Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir has taken its winter tourism appeal to new heights by unveiling the world’s highest revolving restaurant at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level on Apharwat Peak. The new attraction, inaugurated on December 13, 2025 by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, gives visitors a chance to enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of the snow clad Himalayas while dining in a uniquely warm and cosy setting above the clouds. This development boosts the hill station’s reputation as a premium destination for both luxury travel and winter sports.
What makes this dining experience unique
Unlike most mountain cafes, the restaurant slowly rotates throughout the meal, letting guests take in uninterrupted vistas of towering peaks and sweeping valleys without leaving their seats. The menu highlights local Kashmiri flavours such as aromatic Kahwa and piping hot regional delicacies, making the experience as much about taste as it is about scenery. The space also doubles as a revolving conference and meeting hall, adding a versatile element to the landmark structure.
How this fits into Gulmarg’s bigger tourism push
The revolving restaurant is part of a larger infrastructure upgrade aimed at positioning Gulmarg as an international winter tourism hub. Alongside it, authorities inaugurated Asia’s longest ski drag lift at Kongdori, stretching over 726 metres and designed to improve slope accessibility for skiers and adventurers. These additions align with efforts to elevate the region’s facilities To global standards and attract both domestic and foreign travellers.
Why this matters for tourism and local economy
Officials say these projects are strategic investments that create year round tourism potential, generate jobs for local youth and strengthen Gulmarg’s standing on the global winter sports map. The combination of scenic attractions, modern infrastructure and unique experiences like high altitude dining is expected to draw more visitors even amid broader challenges facing Kashmir’s tourism industry.
Gulmarg already holds several notable records, including the world’s highest gondola, Asia’s longest ropeway and the world’s largest igloo cafe. The addition of the highest revolving restaurant adds another extraordinary element to the destination’s growing list of global firsts, making it a must visit for travellers seeking both adventure and memorable experiences high in the Himalayas.