Location : The valley
of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3 sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 m, 56-km
south west of Srinagar.
Tourist Attractions : Gondola ride to Apharwat (cable
car), Khilanmarg, Splendor of nature and Snowy Mountains.
Best Buys : Kashmiri shawls, kashmiri carpets, Tibetan
handicraft items.
Best Hangouts : Khilanmarg, skiing, horse riding.
Best Activity : Gondola ride to Apharwat (cable car),
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Srinagar, Jammu, Leh,
Kargil, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
When to Visit : April and June
About Gulmarg
About 56 kms from Srinagar at 2730 meters, Gulmarg is one of the most
alluring tourist destinations in India with lush surroundings and bewitching
sights. Gulmarg's incredible beauty,
prime
location and closeness to Srinagar naturally make it one of the most visited
hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by
shepherds, Gulmarg's (meaning the "Meadow of Flowers") present
name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was spellbound
by the sight of its grassy slopes bedecked with wild flowers.
Gulmarg is a favourite haunt of the travellers from round the world for its
luxuriant surroundings, salubrious climate and bewitching sights. Today
Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of unimaginable beauty - but it is
also popular for its golf course, which is highest in the world and skiing
during the winter season. This is also an excellent trekking base. In
winter, it is used to be India’s premier skiing resort.
Major Tourist Attractions in Gulmarg
Skiing & Heliskiing
Gulmarg boasts of Asia's one of the most famous Heli-skiing resort. With
the arrival of the December, the verdant green slopes of Gulmarg are
carpeted with snow, giving shape to some of the finest natural slopes for
ski runs of all levels.
Golf Courses
Gulmarg is also has one of the world's highest green golf courses at an
altitude of 2,650 m, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building
of its kind. There are facilities for the both the beginners and the
professionals.
Gondola Lift
Gondola Lift offers a fun filled ride of a most unusual kind. Gulmarg's
newly constructed Gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine clad
slopes, is breathtaking.
Getting There
Air : The nearest Airport from here is situated in Badgam District,
which is well connected with all the major cities of the country.
Rail : The nearest railhead is at Jammu.
Road : J&K SRTC operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus
services from Srinagar. In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg (11 kms
from Gulmarg), the remaining distance being covered with smaller vehicles.
Tourist taxis also operate between Srinagar and Gulmarg.
Accommodation
There are numerous hotels available in various standards for accommodation
purpose in Gulmarg. Some of them being luxury, several being comfortable in
addition to JKTDC's winterized, completely furnished huts, which are great
value for money and the best bet budget travellers.
