Gulmarg is a small town nestled in the Pir Panjal Range located only about 52 km from Srinagar in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. This popular tourist destination of Kashmir valley is situated at an elevation of 2,650 meters surrounded by lush greens, deep ravines, pine-forested hills, and snow-capped mountains.
Also known as Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg attracts thousands of tourists every year and it is a ideal destination for families, couples, and adventure lovers.
Renowned for being one of the best skiing destinations in India, the beautiful hill station offers several sightseeing opportunities for tourists such as Khilanmarg, Tangmarg, Alpather lake, etc.
The place can be visited all year round and offers various adventure sports in winter such as skiing, and snowboarding. The slopes of Gulmarg have been declared as 7th best for skiing in Asia. apart from Skiing, the hill station offers other adventure and thrill activities to tourists such as the Gondola ride which is the second-highest cable car network in the world.
Various attractions can be explored via a gondola ride such as the majestic Apharwat peak. Other travel activities such as trekking to Khilanmarg and Alpather Lake can be enjoyed during your tour to Gulmarg Kashmir.
Top travel attractions in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is an incredible tourist destination offering beautiful views of nature and a blissful holiday. The hill station is a great escape from the daily chaos of life and promises a memorable trip for tourists. You can explore various destinations in Gulmarg which are under
Khilanmarg:
Khilanmarg is one of the most stunning places to visit . It is a miniature valley situated just 6km away from Gulmarg around 2000 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by panoramic glimpses of tallest Himalayan peaks and lush green landscapes. This beautiful meadow is accessible only via a pony ride as there is no direct road to Khilanmarg.
This place can be visited in both the summer and winter seasons. It gets beautified with blossoming and vibrant flowers in summer providing a nature feast to the eyes. In winter the place gets covered with thick layer of snow mostly best for snow activities such as skiing.
Baba Reshi Shrine:
Baba Reshi Shrine is a popular Muslim shrine and is one of the most beautiful religious places near Gulmarg. It was built in the 13th century on the slopes below Gulmarg in the Rambodh village of Baramulla district. This Ziarat is dedicated to the Muslim saint, Baba Payam –Uddin who died here in 1480.
The Baba Reshi shrine is visited by hundreds of visitors particularly Muslims throughout the year and is regarded as one of the most visited tourist attraction.
Drung waterfall:
the Drung waterfall is an excellent tourist attraction located in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a cascading waterfall set among the majestic mountains and gets completely frozen in winter due to below-zero temperatures. That is why Drung is also known by the name Frozen waterfall.
This waterfall is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level and attracts thousands of tourists all over the world. The gushing waterfall mixes with the water that originates from the magnificent glaciers and creates a memorable sight to watch. In the summer season, one can immerse in the natural beauty of the Drung waterfall with cascading waters and lush greens around.
The place offers the best eye-catching views in the winter season when everything is frozen and the waterfall forms icicles.
There are also tea stalls around where you can enjoy snacks and tea while having views of the magnificent waterfall.
St. Mary’s Church:
Saint Mary Church is a Victorian architectural wonder located near Gulmarg Golf Course. This church was commissioned in 1902 during British rule with grey bricks around a green roof and designed with wooden interior walls.
The church is regarded as one of the top most tourist destination of Gulmarg offering stunning views to tourists of the snow-clad mountains in the backdrop.
There are numerous drawings inside the church premises highlighting scenes from the Bible and its verses. The altar of the church beholds the idol of Christ on the cross with the idol of Mother Mary and angels on both sides of Christ’s idol.
Every year various Christian festivals are celebrated in the church which include Christmas, easter, Good Friday, and the birth anniversary of Saint Mary.
Tangmarg:
Tangmarg is a small hill station located 13 km from Gulmarg. Also known as Gateway to Gulmarg, this picturesque place lies on the lower slopes of the Pir Panjal range surrounded by rolling hills, lush greens, snow-dressed peaks, dense forests, and crystal clear springs.
During your trip to Tangmarg, you can also explore other places near this town such as Zandpal, Ningle Nallah, Baderkoot, Gogaldara, etc.
Alpather Lake:
Alpather Lake is a high-altitude lake situated about 13 km from Gulmarg set between two twin peaks of Apharwat. Popularly known as Frozen lake it completely freezes from November to June due to subzero temperatures.
If you are an adventure freak, then you should definitely visit Alpather Lake in your vacation to enjoy thrilling adventures.
You can reach this lake by going on a one-day trek from Gulmarg about 13 km in distance following a route from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, Apharwat Ridge, and then Alpather Lake.
In summer, the lake is surrounded by lush green forests and colorful flowers making it a perfect place to escape the daily stress of life.
The lake offers even more mesmerizing views in winter with ducks walking on the frozen lake instead of swimming in the water.
Apharwat Peak :
Apharwat Peak is the highest point on the Gulmarg plateau. It is a popular destination for trekkers and climbers. From the peak, there are commanding views of Nanga Parbat, the second highest mountain in Pakistan.
Nanga Parbat :
Nanga Parbat is the second highest mountain in Pakistan. It is a popular destination for trekkers and climbers. From the peak of Apharwat Peak, there
Things to do in Gulmarg Kashmir
Skiing: Skiing is one of the most thrilling experiences that attracts adventure addicts from every corner of the world. Situated at an elevation of 3,950 meters above sea level, Gulmarg is regarded as third third-highest ski resort in the world. At 4,390 meters above sea level, the base of Apharwat Peak is the starting point of skiing in Gulmarg.
You can enjoy skiing in two interrelated phases. Phase one is accessible via Gondola which connects Gulmarg to Kungdori from where you can ski right back to the village. The second phase can also be reached via Gondola and it connects Kungdoori to Apharwat peak.
One of the easiest ski runs on the Apharwat is about 7.5 km long, the intermediate is 16.5 km long and the most difficult run is 6 km long.
The ideal time for skiing is between mid-December to Mid April, when there is enough snow offering the best experience for skiing lovers.
Pony riding: Pony riding or Horse riding in Gulmarg is a traditional travel activity amidst the majestic Himalayan views and picturesque surroundings. You can wander through meadows, forests, valleys, and the stunning landscapes of Gulmarg on horseback giving you a leisurely experience.
On horseback, you can discover the offbeat destinations of Gulmarg explore the quaint villages, and interact with locals.
Pony riding is one of the most preferred travel activity in Gulmarg allowing tourist to create lifelong memories.
Gondola ride: Gulmarg features Asia’s highest and longest cable car project- the Gondola. The trip to Gulmarg is incomplete without a Gondola. The two-stage ropeway takes visitors at a height of 13, 780 feet providing breathtaking views of landscapes and snow-capped mountains.
The ropeway project was a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski.
The first phase begins at Gulmarg resort at 2600 meters to Kungdoori station in the Kungdoori Valley and takes about 9 minutes to complete the distance. The second stage comprising of 36 cabins and 18 towers takes skiers to a height of 3,747 meter on Kongdoori mountain which is the shoulder of Apharwat Peak and it takes 12 minutes to complete the ride.
The two-stage ropeway carries about 600 people per hour and is one of the top most activity to be enjoyed on Gulmarg vacation.
Golfing: Golfing is another travel activity adding more adventure to your Gulmarg tour. Apart from being a renowned tourist attraction, Gulmarg also boasts the world’s most scenic and highest golf course.
The golf course is situated in Gulmarg meadow in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Lying at an altitude of 2650 meters, this golf course was opened in 1911 by the British officials. Playing golf amidst breathtaking views of Himalayas give golfers a unique experience.
Golfing in Gulmarg is most suitable in the summer season when the weather is pleasant with warm refreshing surroundings offering peace of mind which is significant in playing golf.
Golfers in Gulmarg enjoy a visual delight of snow-clad peaks, fresh meadows, and dense forest creating beautiful everlasting moments.
Photography: photography is another activity to be enjoyed in Gulmarg. Capture the spectacular views of Gulmarg snow peaks in your lens and thus create lifelong memories of your Gulmarg trip.
If you are a photogenic person, then Gulmarg is the best ever destination where you would get immense opportunities for capturing nature’s beauty. There are various places in Gulmarg where you can witness the unmatched beauty of nature such as Khilanmarg, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake and Ningle Nallah.
Types of Gulmarg Packages
Often referred to as Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg is a pristine flawless meadow flocked with tourists all over the year. With Gulmarg travel packages, tourists get to explore this beautiful hill station at affordable prices along with opportunities to visit famous places, stay at the best hotels, and cherish the beauty of its rich culture. Whether you are looking to spend a family vacation or an unforgettable honeymoon destination, one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gulmarg honeymoon packages: embark on a romantic journey with your spouse to one of the most lovely honeymoon places in the world, with our Gulmarg honeymoon packages. For those who want to spend some quality time in nature’s lap along with some adventure, then Gulmarg is the best destination for your honeymoon.
With honeymoon packages for couples, You can travel to famous attractions of Gulmarg, discover the offbeat places, and enjoy skiing with your partner among the snow-clad peaks of Gulmarg.
Blessed with picturesque natural beauty, enjoy sightseeing, photo walks, shopping and local cuisines with your better half by booking any affordable honeymoon tour package and creating romantic memories.
Gulmarg Family Packages: With our Gulmarg Family packages, enjoy a relaxing holiday with fun activities along with your whole family. Our tour packages are for families, to explore various sightseeing places, and historical tours along with adventure activities with kids and elderly people.
our customized family holiday packages offer you the best prices based on your choices and budget.
Best time to visit Gulmarg
Although visited throughout the year, the best time to visit Gulmarg is the winter season between October to February. Gulmarg is an alluring tourist destination featuring beauty in every form in all seasons
Summer (March to June): if you love to explore nature, then the summer season is the most ideal time for you to witness the quaint beauty of Gulmarg. Summer brings extra charm to Gulmarg holding panoramic visuals of rolling mountains with flower-filled meadows.
The temperature in summer ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius creating opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, golfing, pony rides and nature walks.
Winter (October to February): adorned with pearl white snow, Gulmarg in winter becomes a hot spot for skiing lovers all over the world. The place holds the position of being one of the most excellent skiing slopes in Asia with thousands of adventure enthusiasts visiting the place.
Winter season is also the best time to visit for newlyweds who wish to spend a romantic vacation amidst the snow-clad peaks.
How to reach Gulmarg Kashmir
Gulmarg is connected to all the major towns of Kashmir and can be easily accessed by all means
By road: you can reach nearby cities and towns. After reaching Srinagar airport, you can hire a cab or bus to reach via Srinagar-Tangmarg road which is about a 51 km drive.
By air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport about 56 km away. from there, you can book a cab to reach Gulmarg which will take one and half hour.
By rail: Jammu Tawi Railway station is the nearest station to Gulmarg located about 290 km away. From Jammu, take a cab or taxi which will take around 7 to 8 hours to reach .
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the original name of Gulmarg?
The previous name of Gulmarg was ‘Gaurimarg’ after the name of Lord Shiva’s wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg meaning The Place of Roses or Meadow of Flowers.
2. What is the name of the Gulmarg temple?
Maharani temple or Mohineshwar Shivalalaya is one of the oldest and beautiful temples located in Gulmarg. It was built in 1915 and belongs to Dogra kings. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.
3. What is the Gulmarg festival?
the Snow Festival was started in 2003 and aimed to promote winter sports and enhance tourism here. It is a two day long snow festival enjoyed by many tourists witnessing snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow fighting.
4. What are the accommodation options available in Gulmarg?
the hill station offers numerous stay options suiting every visitor’s budget and requirements. There are various hotels, resorts, guesthouses and homestay options where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday in the meadow.