Gulmarg is one of the most popular skiing destinations in India that has got absolutely stunning beauty along with the picturesque landscapes. The snowfall, the panoramic mountains, the valleys, and everything is just beyond perfect. It is a sure-shot summer getaway for people who like chilling winters.
Gulmarg Gondola is one of the famous places to visit in Gulmarg and is the second-highest cable car on the planet. The cable car rides are unquestionably meant to catch the excellence and quality of this place. The Gondola ride gives you the most luxurious sight of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg merged.
The first phase of the Gondola takes visitors to the height of 8,530 ft. to Kongdori Station and the second phase of the Gondola goes up to the tallness of 12293 ft. Visitors can enjoy horse riding or can visit the glorious "Strawberry Valley", Leopards Valley, and ride up to "Kongdori" to see the frozen lake of "Al-Pathar".
Best Time To Visit Gulmarg
Between March and June is the best time to visit Gulmarg. The hill station is popular for its scenic views of the surroundings and the adventurous opportunities. Between April and June is the best time to visit Gulmarg for nature enthusiasts. Owing to the fields of blooming flowers that covers the lands of the city, Gulmarg is also known as the ‘meadow of flowers’. The months between December and March are recommended if you are looking for skiing.
History of Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a small village located in the Pir Panjal Peaks in the extreme western part of the Himalayan range of India. It was established as a Ski Resort by two British Army officers in 1927. It was considered as the favourite vacation destination for the Mughal and British rulers.
Places To Visit In And Around Gulmarg
1. Apharwat Peak
Situated at a height of 4,390 meters above the sea level in Gulmarg, this place receives a very heavy amount of snowfall. Moreover, an interesting fact about this place is that the line of control is situated at a distance of just a few kilometres from this place. Apharwat peak offers the tourists an amazing sense of awe along with the scenic and majestic views of the valley. This is definitely a must-visit tourist attraction in Gulmarg.
2. Gulmarg Gondola
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the world's highest operating cable cars. The highest lines are inclusive of the Dagu glacier in Sichuan, China. This lift ferries about 600 people on an hourly basis to and from the Kongdoori Mountain.
3. Alpather Lake
This lake is quite popular among tourists owing to its very nature of being frozen from the month of November to mid-June. The charming and spell-binding aura of this place is all and all a very soothing travel experience.
4. Ningle Nallah
The Ningle Nallah is quite a charming tourist destination to visit in Gulmarg. This alluring mountain stream flows through the phenomenally green valleys. The snow-capped mountains which are there in the backdrop of the blooming wildflowers successfully make a dreamlike setting for the overall place. And it is after passing through the mountains along with the valleys that this stream mixes into the Jhelum which is situated near Sopore.
If you want to know how a paradise may look like, then Khilanmarg is the kind of place which you should visit. The place is carpeted with flowers of varied colours and a divine ambience. And it is in the spring season that the beauty of this place is at its peak.
6. Maharani Temple
What is quite surprisingly interesting about this place is that in this particular temple all the rituals are specifically performed by a Muslim priest. Now, that is a great and unique reason to visit this tourist destination all the more.
How To Reach Gulmarg
Gulmarg is considered as one of the top travel getaways in India. Situated in the Pir Panjal Range, many people know Gulmarg as a renowned skiing destination as well. Check the deets on how you can travel to Gulmarg.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Delhi
- Nearest airbase. Srinagar Airport
- Nearest railhead. Jammu Tawi Railway Station
- Distance from Delhi. 861 Kms
By Air
The nearest airport which is situated in Gulmarg is in Srinagar Airport (SXR) aka Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport. The airbase is owned by the Airports Authority of India along with the Indian Military. The airport was given the status of the International Airport in 2005. After deboarding at the airport, one can take local modes of transport like bus or taxi towards Gulmarg which should take an hour or two to reach here.
- Distance from Srinagar Airport. 59 Kms
By Train
The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT). It is considered to be the largest railway station of the region and also one of the major railheads serving the city. The railway station is well-connected with other major cities of the country. After deboarding at the station, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of local transportation available.
- Distance from Jammu Tawi Railway Station. 290 Kms
By Road
Gulmarg has overall good connectivity with nearby regions. There are interstate and private buses available which frequently travel to and fro Gulmarg. If you don't want to travel on a bus, then you can also consider hiring private taxis from nearby cities. Otherwise, travelling by your own two/four wheeler is also a good option to travel here.
- Distance from Jammu. 316 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Gulmarg
Q. Is Gulmarg safe for tourists?
Ans - One of the most popular destinations in Kashmir, Gulmarg remains safe for tourists and it is hardly affected by any civil unrest in Srinagar.
Q. What is special in Gulmarg?
Ans - All of Gulmarg is very special in itself. It is a destination that can be visited any time of the year for different reasons. In winters, you can visit Gulmarg for skiing and in summer, you can visit to witness the natural charm of the meadow of flowers.
Q. What makes Gulmarg a worldwide popular tourism destination?
Ans - Gulmarg is a worldwide popular tourism destination because it offers a wide range of adventurous activities and scenic beauty of the Himalayas.
Q. In which month it snows in Gulmarg?
Ans - The winter season in Gulmarg starts from November and remains till March. However, you can see snowfall in Gulmarg during the peak winter season towards the end of December month.
