Gulmarg is a hill resort that everyone should visit at least once in a life and is the most beautiful place in the country. This cup shaped meadow offers the sight of the grassy slopes dotted with wild flowers. From all sides of this resort you can have an equal view of the Himalayan mountains that veil its beauty scrupulously. The fir woods and water stream glaciers on mountains and the snow capped mountain peaks is a real visual treat. And for the people of Indo-Gigantic plains this hill resort has more than its beauty, its ubiquitous calm and the coolness offers them a real summer retreat from the soaring temperature back at home. Come to this hill resort that is just 57 km from the Srinagar city and located at an altitude of 2,650 m and you can enjoy the hues of nature through out the year.

As known as ‘Gaurimarg’ by the shepherds, this hill station was renamed to ‘Gulmarg’ meaning ‘the meadows of flowers’ by the Sultan Yousuf Shah of Kashmir in the 16th century. It is said that the Mughal Emperor Jahangir was very much impressed by its beauty and had once collected 21 varieties of flowers from this hill resort. Many travelers had been to this place and defined Gulmarg as the most beautiful hill resort one can find in India.

Major Tourist Attractions

Alpather Lake

Alpather Lake is a triangular lake under the shadow of Apharwat hill. This is an example of visual fantasy. This lake is 13 km away from Gulmarg. The lake is fully frozen or partly frozen with logs of ice depending upon the season.

For tourists interested in horse riding, Alpather Lake will be an excellent place of interest as one can go in the morning and return in the evening to have a day filled with adventure and fun. The lake is connected to the town through a small ridge. As the lake is frozen one cannot expect activities like boating in the lake.

Baba Reshi Shrine

This sufi shrine is situated at an altitude of 2133 m above sea level in the slopes of Gulmarg. This is the shrine of a Muslim saint called Baba Reshi. The shrine is noted for its splendid wooden architecture. Baba Reshi was a courtier of king Zain ul abiding and became famous for giving up the worldly pleasures.

The roads leading to the shrine are closed due to traffic. Other modes of hill transport (sledges, filed chutes, etc…) can be availed. Expert riders come to the rescue of travellers when the weather whites out. Presently safe modes of transport are available.

Gondola

Gondola, a scenic hamlet in Gulmarg, is renowned for the beautiful surroundings and pleasant ambience. The village is located at the picturesque backdrop of majestic and lush green Himalayan peaks. One can view the eye feasting natural beauty all around the village. The village is apparently calm and unexplored.

The major attraction in Gondola is the Gondola lift. Gondola lift is a cable car operating between Gondola in Gulmarg to Kongdoor. The enjoyable pleasure trips in the cable car are breathtaking and offer an experience for lifelong memory. The exquisite view of the down hills and greenish valleys are really enchanting for any nature lover.

Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg a highland meadow is a popular destination among golfers. It is just 4 km away from Gulmarg. One can reach by walk or pony or through dandi. This is an exciting scenic attraction. One can have a picturesque view of the snow capped mountains, the Wulur Lake, the Alpather Lake and rice fields.

Horse riding is one other popular activity here. One can view Mt. Naga Parbat during days when the skies are clear. The meadow is carpeted with flowers during spring season. It is a place of natural beauty. A few minutes spent on viewing this landscape is mind blowing.

Skiing

Skiing is the most popular sporting activity here. Mountain skiing is undertaken in the Apharwat hill and Pirpanjal ranges. Skiing equipments are available on rent basis. Normally it takes 30 minutes to ski from Apharwat peak to Gulmarg town. The ski slopes are long in distance and are very high in altitude.

The slopes run between 200 m to 3 km. Snow Skiing has become a popular cultural and adventurous activity in Gulmarg. The Gulmarg ski slopes are the longest and highest in Asia and have found notes in the Guinness book of world records. Training for skiing is also given here.

Trekking

Trekking is another popular sporting and adventure activity in gulmarg. Pir Panjal range, Nanga parbat, Khilinmarg are excellent choices for trekking in Gulmarg. Trekking in Gulmarg is easier as the walk is smoother and the steepness also increases gradually. One can enjoy the scenic view of the valley while walking.

Trekking here is popular among close by residential schools. Trekking equipments and requirements are available on rent basis. Long treks include a walk to Ferozpur Nala, Tejjan, and Samaidan. Taking a walk to Tosamaiden will be much longer. Group trekking and short trips are very common. Gulmarg is also called as trekkers paradise.

Getting There
Air : 45 km From The Airport in Badgam . Daily Flights Are Available From Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail : 302 km From The Jammu Railway Station.
Road : Linked By Good Metaled Road, 56 Km From Srinagar. It Takes Around 2 Hours.

Staying Options
Pine Palace : Located Near the Gandola (World’s Highest Lift),
Highland’s Park : 56 Km from Air Port, 345 Km from Railway Station,
Hotel Hilltop : 64 Km from Air Port, 364 Km from Railway Station, 1 km from Bus Stand