Legendary beauty of Gulmarg its prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the Kashmir. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jahangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter.
The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there– roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
Gulmarg has been aptly christened, which when translated, literally means “The Meadow of Flowers”. There are a few places on earth as appealing as Gulmarg Hill-Station. The famous hill station of Kashmir, Gulmarg is also counted among worlds best ski destinations, this hill station is not only famous among adventure lovers! its also famous among families to enjoy holidays with childrens. There are world’s best natural sights along with a huge scope of adventure activity that are fit to amaze any sort of traveler.
One of the most famous activity to enjoy in Gulmarg is Gondola Ride that reaches 3979 meters above sea level and one of the highest cable cars in the world. And off course, it gives the best views of the town and vicinity! Its Golf Club is the highest green golf course of the world. Travelers can savor a lot of activities besides sightseeing like Skiing, trekking and horse riding etc.
Gulmarg Tour Packages
Tourist Places in Gulmarg
Gondola Ride in Gulmarg
One of the most traveled destinations of India, Gulmarg is not only the 7th best skiing destination in the world, but it also boasts of housing the 2nd highest cable car in the world – the Gulmarg Gondola. People from all over the world visit this enchanting hill station to experience a thrilling ride with Asia’s longest and highest cable car. Gulmarg Gondola is a two-phase ropeway which carries 6 people at a time. The ride is divided into two phases, the first one is from Gulmarg resort to Kongdoori valley and the other phase is from the Kongdoori valley to Apharwat peak. It takes around 20 to 22 minutes to complete both the phases.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Gulmarg is known for the intrinsic beauty of its snow clad topography. These snow covered regions attract a lot of outdoor sports fanatics. Along with the major sports like Skiing and mountain biking, the trend of golf is also gaining great mileage in Gulmarg. Golfing in Gulmarg is usually a hit in the months of Summers. Adjacent to the snowy ski slopes, the lush green and invigorating surroundings, highly contribute to the setting up of a perfect golf course.
Alpather Lake in Gulmarg
High up in the Apharwat peaks of the Himalayas, lies the frozen Aplather lake which makes for a best picnic spot near Gulmarg. This stunning natural attraction is embraced by rocky mountains and meadows of wild flowers. The famous Alpather lake remains frozen for almost all months of the year.
With such a glistening ice covered environment, with sprinkles of green surroundings here and there, the place looks absolutely breathtaking. The scenic beauty of this famous lake near Gulmarg is every nature photographer’s delight and calls for some nice clicks throughout the region. Besides camera, one must not forget his skating gear as the crystal clear ice of the Alpather Lake also serves as an excellent skating venue.
Apharwat peak in Gulmarg
A summit as high as around 4300 metres, and which remains snow capped for almost all the months of the year, Apharwat peak in Gulmarg enthralls every breed of the tourists. Owing to its snow laden status, the peak has turned into a premium ski destination in the region. Perfect for both beginners as well as expert skiers, the peak is totally adventure packed. Being encapsulated by enchanting snowy peaks and a pristine lake, the glory and greenery of the region is reflected in its full grandeur.
Baba Reshi Shrine in Gulmarg
Baba Reshi Shrine is a pious and ancient spot settled on the slopes between Gulmarg and Tangmarg. It has its history dating back to 1840 and is dedicated to Baba Reshi; a Muslim saint and scholar who served as a major courtier during the reign of the king of Kashmir, Zain-ul-Abidin. The sacred shrine of Baba Reshi in Gulmarg holds a fusion of striking architecture and spiritual importance. Mughal and Persian style of architecture has been beautifully blended together to create it. This is a three-storied building with some notable wood carvings inside. You also get to see a unique roof spire, rising out of the roof top.