Gulmarg

Gulmarg- The skiing School and Honeymoon.

Situated at an altitude of 2730 m. above sea level , Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located in Pir Panjal Range of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the World's second-highest Gondola ride.

    Among one of the top honeymoon locations Gulmarg boasts of being a beautiful town without the crowd like Manali and Shimala. Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub as an Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is located here. A lot of courses on treeking , mountaineering, skiing, etc. are offered by ITSM at a great prices here. However, if you planning to do a course, it is advisable to book it well in advance.

History of Gulmarg:

Gulmarg- The meadow of Flowers.

Originally called Gauri Marg meaning (the path of Devi Gauri) it was renamed to Gulmarg ("meadow of Flowers") by Sultan Yusuf Shah of the Chak Dynasty who frequented the place with his queen Jabba Khatron in the 16th century. Wild flowers of 21 different varieties were collected by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his gardens in Gulmarg.

   In the 19th century , Britishers civil servants started using Gulmarg as a retreat to escape summers in northern Indian plains. Hunting and golfing were their favourite pastime three golf courses were established in Gulmarg including one exclusively for women. One of the golf courses servives and at an altitude of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft.) Is the world's highest golf course.

    In 1927, Britishers established a ski club in Gulmarg and two annual ski events were hosted one each during Christmas and Easter. Central Asian explorer Aural Stein also visited Gulmarg during this period.

Later on after Indian Independence , Indian planners sought to develop a destination for winter sports in India. The department of tourism of the government of India invited Rudolph Matt , in 1960 to select a suitable location for such purpose. In 1968, Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering was established in Gulmarg to train ski instructors . Over the next decade Indian planners invested Rupees 30 million to transform Gulmarg into a world class ski destination.

Gulmarg became a centre for skiers from Asian nations. In mid-1980s , Heli-Skiing was introduced in Gulmarg in collaboration with Swiss Skiers Sylvian Saudan of Himalaya Heli-Ski club of France.

Places to visit:

Top 20 tourist attractions to see in Gulmarg:

1.Gulmarg Gondola:

Gulmarg gondola, One of the main attractions of Gulmarg is the the second highest cable car in the world. The Gondola ride gives you the most extravagant views of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg combined.
       One of the most travelled destination 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. 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 is a two phase rope way 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 from here to Apharwat Peak . It takes around 20 to 22 minutes to complete both the phases.
      With the Gondola ride, enjoy the breathtaking sights of the beautiful Gulmarg valley and take back a memorable experience. When you are in Gulmarg you really can't miss enjoying some great time with your family and friends.

 2.Skiing in Gulmarg:

Gulmarg is a very beautiful location placed in Jammu and Kashmir where one may go along with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful view along with adventure sports.
   The Gulmarg Gondola which has recently been constructed within a span of five years is over 20 years old in reality.

This is what you need to know before going for some snow and skiing fun in Kashmir's Gulmarg:

1. The slopes at Gulmarg are lift for both experienced as well as those who are new to the spirit of skiing.

2. Gulmarg is fitted with all the amenities to make it a smooth ride for you , including the essentials such as a cable cars. In fact , Gulmarg is home to one of the world largest gondolas in the world.

3. Gulmarg has six bunny slopes ( One's with gentle inclines and fit for beginners) as well as slopes in higher reaches for expert skiers.

4. The Gondola at Gulmarg will take you to a height of 3980 m. , making it an all the more thrilling experience.

5. Gulmarg has some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels to stay in while on your skiing trips ; you should ideally book beforehand.

6. Regular patrolling is done by a team of experts to keep a check on safety standards at Gulmarg ; the team also ensures swift action in case of an accident.

7. If it is your first time skiing , classes start at around INR 1500 for a day . While most of the trainers are not certified on the international standards, these are local people and are impressively skilled.

8. Most of the skiing gear that you would need is available at various rental points in Gulmarg and you need not kit up beforehand.

3.Khilanmarg:

Khilanmarg , Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a small valley about 6 kilometres (3.7metres.) away from the Gulmarg. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the Spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir valley. It's a 600 metres (2000feet) ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg. 
    The view spans from the Himalayas from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100 m. (23,300 f.t.) peak of Nun and Kun to the southeast. Khilanmarg is a great destination for skiing and mesmerizing view of the Himalayas.

Places to visit near Khilanmarg:

The top places near to Khilanmarg care Srinagar which is 40k.m. from Khilanmarg, Gulmarg which is located 3 k.m. from Khilanmarg, Dachigam national park which is located 63 k.m. Mcleodganj which is located 269 k.m. from Khilanmarg, and Dalhousie which is located 226 k.m. from Khilanmarg.

Things to do in Khilanmarg:

The top things to do in Khilanmarg are Alpathar lake , Gondola cable car, Gulmarg Skiing, Golf courses, and Ferozpur Nallah and various adventures things .

Best time to visit Khilanmarg:
During summers , the place is filled with sheer splendour, all thanks to the bloosming flowers and verdant locales. 
    For all lazy bums, who do not wish to indulge in adventure sports and want to experience the beautiful sights that the place has to offer, summer would be preferable. 
      And for all the adventure freaks, skiing opens up in the winter season. During the months of November-February would be best for them.


4.Alpathar Lake:

Sandwiched between mighty mountains and lush green meadows covered with flowers , the Alpather lake located in Gulmarg is spellbinding. This lake stays frozen until most part of the year. Even if you visit in mid-june , you will get to see the frozen version of Alpather lake. Summer time lasts from May to September and this is when you can get to see the clear blue water of the lake. The white iceberg that floats here and there are adorn the lake during the greater part of the calendar year.   
          The backdrop of the lake is what makes this place special to any other lake. The lake is located 13 k.m. away from the main Gulmarg town. The picturesque location attracts locals and tourists alike and is one of the favourite picnic spots around Gulmarg in good weather.

    Frozen or Fluid , the Alpather lake in Gulmarg has towering mountains that are always snow-capped and can be the best background for photographic captures for tourist groups. You can click pictures all day and still not get enough of this location.
    Imagine a snow covered field with a little sneak peek of green here and there, this best describes the pictures here in the winter season. For people who have never seen much snow , this frozen will take their breath away !

What to do in Alpather lake?

Alpather lake trek:
One of the most famous things to do near Alpather lake in Gulmarg is treeking. The trek is around 14k.m. and goes through steep terrains. This trek is not recommended for beginners owing to its difficulty level. So , if you are planning to take this trek to keep in mind a few points such as:
Undertake the trek with the help of a guide, 
Start the trek early in the day ,
Carry basic things like a water bottle, snaks, biscuits and first aid boxes.

Ice Skating:

If you carry your Skating gear along , you can make the most of the frozen lake in winters . The crystal clear layer of ice of the Alpather lake in Gulmarg serves as a good ice skating ground.

5.Mahrani Temple:

Situated in the middle of Gulmarg , the Mahrani temple is an example of religions interwined with a Muslim priest performing rituals in the temple .
   Mahrani temple was built by Mohni Bai Sisodhi, wife of Maharaja Harisingh in 1915. This temple belongs to the Dogra Kings of Jammu and Kashmir.

6.Ningli Nalla:

Ningli Nalla is a stream situated in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is nestled 10 k.m. from Gulmarg and is a huge attraction for the holidaymakers. This stream is fed by the ice that melts from Apharwat. Ningli Nalla is a major tourist attraction and serves as the spot for enjoying a picnic. This place never disappoints it's visitors.

It is known for:

Ningli Nalla is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan range.

The stony terrains around it enhance its visual appeal even more.

This stream serves the purpose of supplying the water for drinking to the rural dwellers.

Due to its surroundings , it is often visited by the cattle for grazing.

Ningli Nalla, apart from the charm is also renowned for being a trekkers delight. It's uneven land and slopes challenge trekkers to test their strength.

Camping is a popular activity that can be done here for an unforgettable experience.

Best time to visit:

Ningli Nalla is a place that is blessed with the beauty of nature in surfeit . Since this place has a pleasantly cool climate for most of the year. Thus, a visitor doesn't need a special time for starting a journey to Ningli Nalla.

Watch out:
Do not forget to stay in an overnight camp at Ningli Nalla. The rethamic flow of the waters and the melody of nature is a tranquilizing combination to which anyone can succomb. Moreover, carry extra batteries for the camcorders to ensnare the memories forever.

Reaching there:
Baramulla is the nearest township and is well connected via roadways, railways and airways. The state-run buses/private vehicles, trains and flights can be chosen for reaching there conveniently.

Nearest Railway Station: Baramulla Railway Station.
Nearest airport: Srinagar airport.

7. Ziarat of Baba Reshi:

The Ziarat of Baba Reshi is a popular shrine of Baramulla, situated near the Alpather Lake at 13 k.m. from Gulmarg and belongs to Saint Baba Payam - Din. Baba Payam-Din was a well known Muslim saint as well as a courier of the King of the Kashmir, Zain-ul-abidin . The shrine is that very site where Baba-Payam-Din died in 1480 after spending his days in prayer and meditation.
        The main feature of this shrine is the grave of Baba-Payam-Din, covered with a sheet of cloth decorated with unique workmanship. The shrine is popular for granting the boons granted , revisit this shrine v, to make grateful offering in honour to the great saint.

8.Shopping in Gulmarg:

There aren't too many options for shopping in Gulmarg. For the scarce ones that are , the prices tend to be more than those in areas around the town. It is highly recommended, to heed to Shrinagar,  for your shopping spree, for a more enjoyable shopping experience.

9.Tangmarg:

Tangmarg is a town and tehsil in Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2014 Tangmarg was granted a subdivision and trifurcated into 3 Tehsils (Tangmarg, Kunzer & Karhama), with sub-divisional Magistrate SDM office located at Tangmarg. The Tangmarg town is central to more than 100 village in the vicinity.

10.St. Mary Church:

Standing tall , even after a 100 odd years , is the Victorian architectural wonder of the Saint Mary Church located near the Golf course in Gulmarg. This might well be your messiah to experiencing the ancient architectural wonders thatcour country is the most renowned for.
        More like a tiny countryside Chapel in appearance , this church is made of grey stone walls . The Church looks the most scintillating during the winter season especially when it is surrounded by snow.

11.Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve:

The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is home to some rare mountain species.
              Spread over an area of 180sq.km., Gulmarg Biosphere reserve is home to many common and rare species of Fauna ,Flora and avifauna . Located at an altitude varying between 2400 and 4300 metres above sea level, this reserve is among those regions where biodiversity is in its richest form. Nature has blessed this sanctuary with expansive patches of conifers and green herbs that give it a scenic appearance. 
             

Here, you can catch sight of the endangered Musk deer- the main attraction of the park . Also seen in this park are Hangul, Leopard, Brown bear, Black bear and Red Fox . A paradise for ornithologists , this area has a huge population of indigenous and migratory birds. 

   The best time to visit this place is from September to March (for mammal viewing) and March to May ( for bird watching) .

12. Golf course, Gulmarg:

Famed as the highest 18 hole golf course in the world, this golf course also the longest in India. Situated at an altitude of 8700 feet above sea level, this place was used to play golf by Britishers since 1911 and the golf course was inaugurated formally in 2011.

    

The golf course is a very beautiful and consists of a meadow with a various varieties of a beautiful and rare species of Flowers. The flowers are in full bloom during the months of June to September. Visitors are allowed to take their cars inside for a ride and enjoy a ride in one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

13.Ferozpur Nallah:

Also known as Shinmahinyu , Ferozpur Nallah is a mountain stream that originates from the Ferozpur peak. It lies at a distance of about 5 k.m. from Gulmarg and is popular spot for trout fishing and angling . The place is a great to spend a sunny afternoon in , as it is surrounded by beautiful snow -capped mountains and a forest of pine trees.

14.Kanchenjunga Museum:

Though the museum was developed as a high-altitude warfare school initially, it was later set up to commemorate the First summit of Indian Army to Kanchenjunga in 1997. The museum houses excellent displays of modern warfare, mountaineering equipment and gear used in mountains by the Indian Army. Other expeditions like the first successful expedition to the Everest have been given a due place here. The museum is a symbol of respect for the Indian Army and shows how the soldiers spend their lives while guarding the borders of the nation. Some of the equipment housed here includes rope , grappling tool, etc. One can also learn about the usage and function of these from the information provided on the plaques kept beneath the displays.

15. Gulmarg Snow Festival:

Gulmarg snow festival was started in 2003 to promote and encourage winter sports and tourism here. A two day long snow festival in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. The festival aims to attract tourists and is organised by the tourism industry. A number of snow sports takes place during the time of the festival and tourists can enjoy a large variety of delacies ,the festival has to offer.

     The fest just not only projects Gulmarg as a tourism hotspot but also brings together the lost traditions of this place.

16.Imambara Goom:

Imambara Goom is sacred religious spot in Gulmarg that is also famous for its unmatched views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, with scenic beauty all round , this one is nothing short of a fairy tale setting wherein all you want to do is to just sit and contemplate the scenic beauty.

   Imambara is a good place for experienced seekers, wanderers and God Lovers.

17.Apharwat Peak:

Located about 4,200 metres above Mean Sea Level (MSL) , Apharwat Peak is the best location for winter activities in Kashmir . With snow covering the peak most of the year , it makes a perfect location for skiers vand snow boarders every month . From beginner skiers to advanced ones , all of them are fond of this place during winters . However , in Summer , lush greenery blooms, creating conditions for perfect horse back rides through the mountains. Another interesting fact about the Apharwat Peak is that the line of control vwhich divides the Indian and Pakistan controlled parts of Kashmir, is barely a few kilometres from the Peak.

18.Strawberry Valley:

Strawberry valley is the hidden gem of Gulmarg. Hike here the valley or simply take a taxi from the city to explore the green meadows with delicious strawberries and the perfect weather that summer has to offer.

Do Visit the strawberries here, if you visit the valley in summer.

19.Seven Springs:

Seven Springs is the majestic stream , known for its seven different outlets of water. Located on a hillock near Kongdori, the springs offer a spectacular view of the valley of Gulmarg and Srinagar. A Gondola Cable ride from the base of the Apharwat Mountain can take you to this enchanting place with sweeping Vistas of snow-capped mountains and the blooming vale below.

20.Childrens Park , Gulmarg:

Last but not the least, Gulmarg Children Park undoubtedly makes the list to top places to visit in Gulmarg. The beautiful meadows and the green pastures with ponies is nothing short of a child's Wonderland . It's dreamy beauty is perfectly accentuated with various rides for kids including live pony rides.

This place is a must visit and you should dedicate a couple of hours to this spot just to experience the serinity and calmness of nature here.

Visit Gulmarg, Visit India!