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.
