Gulmarg is a very popular hill station of Kashmir and one of the notable skiing destination of the world. Located in the Baramulla District of Kashmir Valley, it is very close to the LOC (Line Of Control) between India and Pakistan.
“Gulmarg” means “A Meadow of Flowers” or “A Path among Roses” to be exact and it surely stands on its name, because it blooms with thousands of meadows in the warmth of sun during the summer.
Photo Credits: Hanan Bhat
Apart from its vast meadows and scenic beauties, it also offers a ton of fantastical places and adventure to visit & explore. Let’s have a look at some of those..
Things to do in Gulmarg
The Gondola Ride to Khilanmarg
Want to have a bird’s view? Like to know what it feels to be at the top of the world? Then you should definitely check out the Gondola Ride of Gulmarg. It is the second highest in the world and it’s a ride worth taking. It places you at a very small valley called Khilanmarg from which you can see almost all of the Great Snow-capped Mountains likes the Nanga Parbat & Nun Kun.
Photo Credits : Alpine Adventures
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Touch the Sky at Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak is the highest summit situated there. The second phase of the Gondola Ride from Gulmarg takes you to this place. The LOC is just a few kilometres away from this spot. It is covered by snow for almost all year. So, even if you don’t find snow anywhere, the Apharwat Peak will never get your hopes down.
Go for the Santa Clauss’ Ride – The Sledge
Now, after reaching the high altitudes and exploring them, the next question which arises is how to get down? Would it be as exciting as the ascent was or would it be just a normal downright boring trip. Well, it will definitely not be boring if you take a Sledge on your way back. You can actually feel the rush breezing through your veins if you take this ride, that’s guaranteed.
Photo Credits Shabir Mirza
4.Take a Pony & Explore
Although you can visit many areas alongside the region by trekking itself but going upon a pony would definitely be an experience lost if you ignore it.
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Carpet Of Flowers
If you are visiting it during Summer or Spring, then you are sure to get your eyes mesmerised by it. The carpet of flowers there in spring will slowly take your breath away.
Photo Credits: Zubair Mir
Children’s Park – Another Lush Green Meadow
The Children’s Park is a big garden surrounded by mountains on all sides. The peace and serenity you get after going there is immeasurable.
The Man Made Beauty
Among all these natural beauties, Gulmarg also has a man – made artificial lake which due to its planned design is best for picnic.
How to travel on Ice – Walk or Ski?
Well, Gulmarg is famous destination of Kashmir and if there is one thing which makes it famous, then that would certainly be Skiing. You can Ski anywhere in the Gulmarg valley by simply hiring a pair of ski boards and ski sticks. If you are an amateur, even then you can have fun. There are a lot of Ski Trainers available in Gulmarg.
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Going for Spiritual Relief
Gulmarg also has a lot of religious places & shrines like The St. Mary’s Church, Shiva Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine etc. For people who like to take a time of from all the hustle, these places will simply make you feel close to God and will refill your spiritual energy.
Church -Photo Credits : Adnan Shah
Sports
If you thought that Skiing and Sledging are the only enjoyment you can find in there, then you are wrong. Gulmarg features a bunch of sports like Ice Skating, Ice Hockey and heck even Golf also. Gulmarg not only contains one but many Golf courses at some of the highest platforms in the world to give you an immense joy of playing.
Photo Credits: Dawood Hassan
How to reach Gulmarg
You can easily go there by car or bus if you reach any surrounding main cities. If you plan on going there by air, just drop in at Srinagar Airport which is a mere 65 km away from Gulmarg.
Where to Stay
Gulmarg offers a range of Hotels, Resorts and Lodges to choose from, according to your budget. Some Top Hotels of Gulmarg would be Hotel Highland Park, Welcome Hotel, Hotel Hilltop, Hotel Pine Spring, Royal Park Hotel, Khyber Resorts etc.
When to Visit:
As Gulmarg provides a wide array of attraction spot in it, thus it can be visited nearly any time of the year according to your wish. But it would be better to visit it during November to March for the snow lovers and if someone wants to enjoy its Summer Lush Gardens and Meadows, then the best time of the year would be from April to October.
So, don’t waste anymore time thinking whether it would be a good trip or not.
Come and see it for yourself. We are sure you will not regret to “Walk Among the Flowers” of Kashmir.
Check places to stay in Kashmir here.