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Gulmarg literally translates to “Meadow of flowers”. From the breathtaking views of the tall mountains, to the tranquil lakes, lush vegetation and streets sprinkled with wildflowers of different hues, the crowning glory of Jammu & Kashmir is a sight to behold!
Among my favorite destinations, owing to the ideal balance of natural beauty and adventures it offers, Gulmarg is India’s most popular destination for skiing and other snow sports. Surrounded by the majestic Pir Panjal Range, the hill station turns into a snow wonderland in the Winter season and becomes blissfully scenic in the summers.
If you are planning to immerse yourself in the place’s endless charm, let’s go through a detailed itinerary to explore Gulmarg.
Contents
Top 10 Things To Do In Gulmarg
1. Take A Ride On A Gondola
Taking a Gulmarg gondola ride is a must-do activity. Gulmarg Gondola is the world’s second-highest cable car project and it offers a two-tiered ride.
The first phase takes visitors to an elevation of 2,600 meters at Kongdori, and the second phase brings them up to 3,747 meters at Apharwat Peak. You can cherish the breathtaking views of the majestic Nanga Parbat from the gondola on a clear day.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 920 (first phase) and INR 2,070 (second phase)
- Time Required: Half-day
2. Enjoy Skiing And Other Snow Sports
You can’t not experience the thrill of skiing when in Gulmarg! It’s the perfect spot for beginners as well as experts owing to its excellent slopes. If you are a novice and want to learn skiing, then there are three baby slopes at Gulmarg Ski Resort for you where you can hire experienced ski instructors to teach you. They are available on a day, week, and month basis.
Pro skiers can enjoy the smooth and steep gradients of Apharwat Peak, which is an ideal spot for powder skiing in India. You can also include snowboarding and sledding if you want to make the most of your time in Gulmarg.
Cost of skiing and snowboarding: INR 500 per hour
3. Give Golfing A Try
If you are visiting Gulmarg during the summer months, you can try your hand at golfing. Home to the world’s second-highest golf course, Gulmarg Golf Course is set at an altitude of 2,650 meters, covering an area of 7505 yards.
There is a 3-hole learning academy for those wanting to hone their skills, along with an 18-hole layout for experts. Golfing is a sought-after activity here as the golf course is surrounded by mountains adorned with a variety of flowers, making up for a picturesque setting.
- Timings: 8:30 am am to 10 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 800
Traveling soon? Book your room from this list of the top stays in Gulmarg!
- Trek To Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah is a popular picnic spot located 8 kilometers from Gulmarg. Originating from Allaptri Naag, this stream passes through the beautiful villages of Wagoora and Kalantara. One of the best ways to get there is by trekking early in the morning.
Camp somewhere close to the stream to have the best night experience. Make sure that you carry all the required camping gear from Gulmarg. If you don’t want to spend the night there, then you can explore the area during the day and return to Gulmarg afterward.
- Picnic At Ferozepur Nallah
One of the must-do activities in Gulmarg is spending quality time beside Ferozepur Nallah. It flows through Chinamarg and Nurpur Pass, and is at a distance of 5 km from Gulmarg. A great place for picnics with family and friends, if you are visiting Ferozepur Nallah in winter, then you can even ski on the nearby mountain slopes.
- Capture Instagrammable Photos
Photography in Gulmarg is a real treat! The hill station boasts of snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and picturesque lakes. It is also a great place to capture the culture and traditions of the locals. Capture the traditional Kashmiri attire, the local markets, and the unique architecture of the buildings.
Gulmarg offers a wide range of photographic opportunities to amateur as well as professional photographers. If you want to capture stunning landscapes, Gulmarg is one of the most ideal destinations in India to capture on a good camera phone or DSLR camera.
- Enjoy The Thrill Of Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Gulmarg is a memorable experience as you get to witness gorgeous scenery of water streams, meadows, and woods. The most exciting trails start at the peak of Mountain Apharwat. You can reach there by a gondola. The best time to experience this is between May and October.
Rent per day: INR 900
TWT Tip: For a safe mountain biking experience in Gulmarg, keep the following in mind:
- Before embarking on the mountain biking trip, research the terrain so that you have a fair idea.
- Understand the difficulty level so that you know whether you are prepared for potential hazards, if any.
- Invest in quality mountain biking gear for a safe ride. Besides a good mountain bike, you need to have a high-quality helmet, gloves, and other protective gear.
- Map out your route in advance and plan for rest stops along the way. Make sure to check the weather in advance and take all necessary safety precautions.
- Indulge In Shopping
Gulmarg market shopping is a fun way to enjoy a couple of hours in the town. You can buy a plethora of products ranging from branded merchandise and food items to clothing and traditional handicrafts. Here’s a list of the top shopping destinations in Gulmarg:
- Top Choice
- Faiz Shawls
- Shahab Textiles
- The Main Market
- Ladakh Art Palace
- Mr. Khan’s Tailor Shop
- Haji Akbar Cloth House
- The Attic Snowboard Shop
- Paraglide Above The Pristine Valleys
Adventure sports like paragliding are a must-try for adrenaline junkies as well as nature lovers in Gulmarg. A unique and unforgettable experience, it will leave you with memories for a lifetime. Paragliding in this hill town is a safe and well-organized activity, with trained pilots and modern equipment.
Make sure that you follow all safety instructions and listen to your pilot at all times. Depending on weather conditions, the flight usually lasts for around 20 minutes. You can also capture some amazing photos and videos while you are up on a GoPro!
Cost: INR 3,300
- Go On Nature Walks
Going for nature walks in Gulmarg is a popular thing to do among nature lovers. There are many destinations where one can see a variety of flora and fauna along with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The most sought-after ones are Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Khilanmarg, Strawberry Valley, and Tangmarg.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Gulmarg
- Kongdori
At an altitude of 2,600 meters, Kongdori is the first phase of the Gulmarg gondola ride, which is one of the world’s highest cable cars. This phase, nestled in the Pir Panjal range, is the entry point to an enthralling expedition featuring splendid vistas of the majestic snow-capped mountains. As you ascend, you can immerse in the beauty of the lush meadows and thick forests.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach: You can reach the Gulmarg Gondola base station via a private taxi from anywhere in the town. From there, buy a ticket for the first phase and it will take you from the base station to Kongdori in just 15 minutes.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 920
- Time Required: Half-day
- Apharwat Peak
Located in the Pir Panjal range near Gulmarg, Apharwat Peak is a magnificent alpine destination that provides awe-inspiring vistas from an altitude of 4,390 meters. This is the second phase of the Gulmarg gondola ride and is famous for its perennial snow coverage, drawing in winter sports enthusiasts for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sledding.
If you are visiting in the summer season, then you should know that the peak transforms into verdant meadows and thus, an ideal place for trekking amidst breathtaking mountain views.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- How to reach: To reach the Gulmarg Gondola base station, simply take a private taxi from any location in the town. Once you arrive at the base station, purchase a ticket for the second phase. This ticket will allow you to travel from the base station to Apharwat Peak in just 20 minutes.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 2,070
- Time Required: Half-day
- Khilanmarg
Situated at an altitude of 610 meters, Khilanmarg meadow is a small valley located 6 km away from Gulmarg. This charming destination offers lovely views of the tallest Himalayan peaks. It is an ideal combination of spellbinding natural beauty and thrilling adventure activities, making it a top choice for countless visitors.
- Best time to visit: December to Mid-February
- How to reach: Khilanmarg is located just 5 km away from Gulmarg and a pony ride to get there will cost approximately INR 500.
- Timings: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: 3-4 hours
- Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake visit should definitely be included in your Gulmarg itinerary. Also known as the Frozen Lake, it is located at a high elevation between the twin Apharwat Peaks. The lake is frozen from November to June. It is a popular destination for a one-day trek (distance of around 13 km) beginning from Gulmarg.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- How to reach: Alpather Lake is located 13 km from Gulmarg town. You have two options to reach there – trek to the lake or rent a car or bike for the day. You can return on the same day if you choose the latter.
- Timings: 6 am – 5 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: The entire day
- Drung Waterfall (Frozen Waterfall)
Situated in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg, Baramulla, Drung Waterfall is a highly sought-after destination for tourists. This cascading waterfall is surrounded by magnificent mountains and it freezes entirely in the winter months due to the incredibly frigid climate.
- Best time to visit: December and February
- How to reach: You can reach Drung Waterfall only via an ATV or the chain taxis in Tangmarg. The cost of hiring a cab for this journey is around INR 2,000.
- Timings: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: 3-4 hours
- St. Mary’s Church
The Victorian architectural marvel of Gulmarg’s St. Mary’s Church is over a century old! Standing tall near the Golf Course, it is famous for its exquisite stained-glass artwork.
- Best time to visit: March to June
- How to reach: Hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the main market area of Gulmarg. From there, walk for 10-15 minutes towards the church. It is located near the Gulmarg Golf Course and is visible from the main market area.
- Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Maharani Temple
This popular Lord Shiva-Goddess Parvati temple stands on a small hill in Gulmarg. It is also referred to as the Rani Temple or Mohineshwar Shivalaya. The temple’s striking red roof creates a beautiful contrast against the surrounding green meadows.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- How to reach: You can hire a private taxi from anywhere in Gulmarg to reach the temple.
- Timings: 6 am to 9 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
Did you know?
The iconic Bollywood song Jai Jai Shiv Shankar of the hit movie Aap Ki Kasam was filmed at the Maharani Temple.
- Strawberry Valley
Strawberry Valley, a hidden gem nestled in Gulmarg, is known for its natural allure and charm. The vibrant meadows, adorned with blooming red strawberries, lure tourists from all over India.
- Best time to visit: April to June
- How to reach: If you are staying nearby, then you can hike to reach the valley. Alternatively, a private taxi can also take you to the destination.
- Timings: NA
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Igloo Cafe Gulmarg
The first of its kind in India, this unique café is located in Baramulla. Igloo Café is nestled amidst the breathtaking snow-capped mountains and colorful meadows of flowers. It is constructed with premium fabricated glass imported from Austria, which mimics a mirror. The igloo can comfortably seat up to 8 individuals.
- Best time to visit: December to February
- How to reach: The Igloo Café is only 1 km from the bus stand. You can easily walk from there. Or you can hire a taxi or private car to get to the café directly.
- Timings: 10:30 am to 9 pm
- Entry Fee: NA
- Time Required: NA
Did you know?
Tables at this café are completely made of snow. There is also a designated art space that has intricate wall carvings.
- Children’s Park
Surrounded by beautiful conifers, drifting clouds, and magnificent hills, the sprawling Children’s Park in Gulmarg is a popular tourist attraction, especially for kids. Among its attractions are toy trains, car rides, buggy rides, slides, and swings.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- How to reach: The park is around 3 km from the main town. You can book a cab to get there.
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 20
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
What Is Special About Gulmarg?
Gulmarg, a town located 60 kilometers from Srinagar, has been a popular tourist destination of Jammu & Kashmir for its lush green meadows and breathtaking vistas.
One of its main attractions is the Gondola rides. The world’s highest cable car, the gondola’s first phase takes you to an altitude of 2,600 meters at Kongdori station, while the second phase goes up to 4,390 meters.
During the Winter months, Gulmarg gets covered in a blanket of powdered snow, making it a paradise for skiers. The snowy slopes here offer great adventures for snowboarders.
Moreover, Gulmarg offers exquisite handicrafts, shawls, brass items, stone jewelry, dry fruits and saffron for shopping enthusiasts.
Gulmarg is also popular for its elaborate Kashmiri cuisine. Some of the most popular and flavorful foods are:
- Dum Aloo
- Kashmiri Pulao
- Khatte Baingan
- Kashmiri Wazwan
- Phirni
- Kahwa
- Apricot Jam
3-Day Travel Itinerary For Gulmarg
Day 1:
- Take the Gulmarg Gondola cable car ride to Kongdori or Apharwat Peak.
- Indulge in snow activities after reaching.
- Have lunch at one of the cafes at the mountaintop.
- Return to Gulmarg for dinner and rest.
Day 2:
- Take a day trip to Khilanmarg.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch and take a leisurely walk around the meadows.
- Go shopping in the evening. Faiz Shawls and Shahab Textiles are popular shopping spots in Gulmarg.
Day 3:
- Visit the famous Gulmarg Golf Course.
- Enjoy a round of golf or simply admire the picturesque views.
- In the afternoon, visit the Baba Reshi Shrine, a popular religious site in Gulmarg.
- Have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the evening at leisure.
TWT Tip: This travel plan can be customized according to your interests and preferences. Make sure to check the weather conditions before planning outdoor activities. Also, consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience.
TWT Summary
From skiing to cultural experiences, Gulmarg has something for everyone, making it the ultimate destination for your trip to Kashmir. Situated in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is known as one of the top skiing destinations in India. But Gulmarg is much more than just a hill station, it is a place where you can truly connect with nature, find inner peace, and discover the rich culture of India. Don’t forget to enjoy a gondola ride, indulge in snow fights, sip on some kahwa and slow-walk through the meadows for a memorable Gulmarg holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions On Gulmarg
1. What safety precautions should be taken while skiing in Gulmarg?
- Wear proper skiing gear such as a helmet, goggles, gloves, and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the cold and any potential accidents.
- Know your skiing ability and stick to slopes that are suitable for your level. Do not attempt to ski on difficult slopes if you are a beginner.
- Pay attention to the signs and instructions provided by your trainer. He can ensure your safety and guide you to the appropriate slopes.
- Do not ski off-piste or in areas that are not marked safe. This can be dangerous and put you at risk of avalanches or getting lost.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of other skiers around you. Avoid skiing too close to others to prevent collisions.
2. How much does the entry ticket to the Gulmarg Golf Course cost?
The entry fee to Gulmarg Golf Course is INR 800 per person.
3. Which are the top places to visit in Gulmarg?
The most sought-after tourist attractions of Gulmarg are:
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Strawberry Valley
- Khilanmarg
- Alpathar Lake
- Apharwat Peak
- St. Mary’s Church
- Maharani Temple
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Ferozepur Nallah
- Ningli Nallah
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Children’s Park
- Golf Course
4. Which are the most sought-after activities in Gulmarg?
The best activities in Gulmarg include the following:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Heli-skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Gondola rides
- Sightseeing
- Hiking
- Trekking
- Paragliding
- Golfing
- Camping
- Picnicking
5. Which are the must-try local dishes in Gulmarg?
- Dum Olav
- Kashmiri Pulao
- Sheer Chai
- Aloo Palda
- Kahwa
- Kashmiri Naan
6. What is the distance between Gulmarg and Srinagar?
The distance between Gulmarg and Srinagar is approximately 53 kilometers by road.
7. Is it safe to travel to Gulmarg?
Yes, Gulmarg is safe and it remains popular among tourists from all over India throughout the year. However, it may rarely be affected by unrest in the Kashmir region. Thus, it is recommended to monitor the news in advance and postpone your trip in case there are reports of possible violence or unrest in Kashmir.
8. How many days are needed to explore Gulmarg?
The number of days needed to explore Gulmarg varies depending on individual preferences and interests. However, a typical itinerary for exploring Gulmarg requires a minimum of 4-5 days to fully experience its beauty and activities. However, if you have more time, you can extend your stay and explore the surrounding areas as well.
9. What are the transportation options for tourists in Gulmarg?
If you are a tourist in Gulmarg, then a taxi is the fastest and the most convenient option for you. Taxis are available for local transportation as well as for longer distances. You can easily find them on the streets or book through hotels and tour operators. Taxis are the most comfortable conveyance option.
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