The term “Meadow of Flowers” accurately describes Gulmarg. While day-trippers from Srinagar and travellers from across the world throng the valley in the summer, skiers and snowboarders from all over the world descend on Gulmarg, India’s top ski resort, in the winter. But those who want to capture the beauty with their cameras or just their eyes can do so all year long in Gulmarg. Here are some places to visit in Gulmarg that you could find helpful while planning a trip to Gulmarg and other valleys of Kashmir before we list the top locations to visit in Gulmarg.
Here’s how you can reach Gulmarg:
By Air: The Srinagar Airport is the one closest to Gulmarg. It is roughly 56 kilometres from Gulmarg. To get there, there are taxis accessible outside the airport. The airport has frequent daily connections with all the major domestic airports.
By Train: The Jammu Tawi railway station is about 290 kilometres from the area. The domestic railheads are all connected to this railway station. To go to Gulmarg from Station, one can take a bus or a taxi.
By Road: Gulmarg is connected to the major cities by the national route 1-A, which has decent road connectivity. Both privately owned and publicly operated deluxe buses are regularly accessible to tourists.
20 best places to visit in Gulmarg and things to do
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is one of the most popular places to visit in Gulmarg for nature lovers as it is home to a wide variety of plant, animal, and bird species. In addition, the sanctuary has a picturesque aspect thanks to conifers and green vegetation.
The main draw of the reserve is the threatened Musk Deer. Other animal species include the Red Fox, Brown Bear, Black Bear, and Leopard. Ornithologists will also find heaven in the biosphere reserve. Numerous migratory and local species can be found in the area, including the Griffon Vulture, Blue Rock Pigeon Monal, Snow Cock, Kashmir Roller, and Jungle Crow.
Timings: 10 AM- 4 PM
Fees: Rs 500
Gulmarg Gondola
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The second-longest and second-highest cable car in the world is the Gulmarg Gondola. In two phases, it transports over 600 people every hour to and from Apharwat Mountain. Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 transports passengers from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station. Apharwat Peak and Kongdoori Mountain are connected by Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2.
Timings : 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fees:
- Phase 1
- Return Pass: Rs 750
- Phase 2
- One Way: Rs 250
- Day Pass: Rs 950
- Chair Lift
- Adult- Rs 250
- Children below 11 years of age aren’t allowed
Strawberry Field
One of the most picturesque places to visit in Gulmarg is the lovely Strawberry Field, a popular location in old Bollywood films. Visitors can take a pony ride or walk to this beautiful area of Gulmarg. Fresh strawberries are ready to be picked and enjoyed during the summer.
Apharwat Peak
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One of the most stunning places to visit in Gulmarg is Apharwat Peak, which is roughly 4,200 metres above sea level. Reaching the top depends on the weather and is located on the second leg of the Gondola Cable Car ride from Gulmarg.
The stunning top is snow-covered for most of the year, and the slopes are some of India’s best for snowboarding and skiing. The Line of Control (LOC) is just a few kilometres away from this summit is also notable. Of all the tourist destinations in Gulmarg, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular.
Alpather Lake
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The Alpather Lake, about 13 km from Gulmarg, is one of the charming spots to explore in and around Gulmarg. The magnificent water feature is surrounded by rugged mountains and lush meadows and is located at the base of the twin Apharwat Peaks.
Out of all the places to visit in Gulmarg, this location is a favourite of nature lovers and photography enthusiasts because of its stunning topography and ideal location for photographs. It is also one of Kashmir’s top lakes. The pony ride along the well-maintained icy trails from Gulmarg adds to the interest of this tourist attraction.
Skiing in Gulmarg
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Gulmarg is currently quite popular due to its ski resorts. The area is perfect for both amateur and expert skiers, and there are numerous skiing operators and schools that can instruct you on the sport.
Fees:
- Ski with 30 minutes training: Rs 3,000
- Snow Scooter: Rs 3,500
- Jacket and boot rent: Rs 250 per person
Gulmarg Golf Course
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The Gulmarg Golf Course, one of India’s biggest and tallest 18-hole golf courses, is located on the lower Gulmarg hills. Omar Abdullah, the former chief minister of J&K, did not open the building until 2011. Renowned golf course architect Ranjit Nanda created it. Gulmarg has become one of the most popular places to visit in Gulmarg and a well-liked golfing destination in India.
Timings: 8:30 AM- 10 PM
Children’s Park
A location in Gulmarg designated for children’s entertainment is called Children’s Park. They can keep busy with rides and activities such as swings and slides. You can also rent a pony and ride around the area.
Timings: 9 AM- 6 PM
Fees: Rs 20
Khilanmarg
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One of the top tourist places in Gulmarg is the little, picturesque valley of Khilanmarg, which offers stunning views of the top tourist places in Gulmarg. You will fall in love with Khilanmarg when you see the Himalayan peaks and feel the coolness in the air.
Drung Waterfall
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A very well-liked tourist destination in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg, Baramulla, is the Drung Waterfall. It is a gushing waterfall surrounded by gorgeous mountains, and because of the bitterly cold winters, it entirely freezes over. Therefore, a must-see attraction in the region is this ice waterfall.
Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah, a mountain stream surrounded by snow-capped mountains and verdant fields, is located 10 kilometres from Gulmarg. The primary source of Ningle Nallah is the water created when the ice in Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake melts. It is well-liked for camping and picnics.
Seven Springs
The magnificent stream known as Seven Springs has seven separate water outlets. The springs, situated on a hillside close to Kongdori, provide a breathtaking view of Srinagar and the Gulmarg valley. From the foot of the Apharwat mountain, a gondola cable ride can transport you to this enchanted location with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and the blossoming valley below.
Gulmarg Snow Festival
The tourism ministry hosts the Gulmarg Snow Festival, a two-day event established in 2003 to promote winter sports and travel. Through the organisation of winter sports events, including skiing, snowboarding, snow sledging, and ice skating, the festival provides a variety of delights to its guests.
Kanchenjunga Museum
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A small exhibit of contemporary military and mountaineering gear used by the Indian Army in the Himalayas is on show at the museum. The museum was first built as a High-Altitude Warfare School and was established to honour the Indian Army’s first ascent of Kanchenjunga in 1997.
Timings:
- Summer: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Winter: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ferozepur Nallah
Another gorgeous mountain stream, Ferozepur Nallah, runs through the valleys between Chinamarg and Nurpur Pass. This Nallah is well known for the summertime trout fishing activity that is done there.
Saint Mary’s Church
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The Saint Mary’s Church in Gulmarg is a magnificent example of Victorian architecture standing strong after more than a century. It is next to the golf course. The church is only reachable by foot and is renowned for its stained-glass artwork.
Timings: 8 AM-5 PM
Tangmarg
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Nearly 13 kilometres (km) separate the little town of Tangmarg from Gulmarg in Kashmir’s Baramulla region. The main sights in this tiny hamlet, known as the entrance to Gulmarg, include Baba Reshi Shrine, Ningle Nallah, Baderkoot, and Gogaldara, among others.
Ziarat of Baba Reshi
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A Muslim shrine called Ziarat of Baba Reshi was constructed in the 13th century on the hillsides below Gulmarg. Baba Payam-Uddin, a revered Muslim saint, passed away here in 1480 and is buried in the Ziarat, or tomb.
Shopping in Gulmarg
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Gulmarg is not a place to go shopping and doesn’t have as many amenities as Srinagar. But there are always souvenirs to purchase. Pashmina shawls, walnut products, dry fruits, silk carpets, papier-mache souvenirs, and stone jewellery are just a few items available in Gulmarg.
Timings: 10 AM- 9 PM
FAQs
What are the top tourist spots in Gulmarg?
The Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg Skiing, Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Maharani Temple, and Ningli Nalla are the prominent tourist attractions in Gulmarg.
What would be the ideal itinerary for Gulmarg?
Day 1: Fly into Jammu or arrive at Srinagar's airport. Transfer to the Gulmarg hotel. Register at the hotel and spend the day relaxing. Day 2: After breakfast, depart for the local tour. Visit the Gulmarg biosphere reserve, a haven for nature and animal photographers. Visit the highest golf course in the world, Gulmarg Golf Course, after that. Day 3: Visit Rani Temple and Baba Reshi Shrine after going to Apharwat Peak, the top ski resort, where you can have a Gondola ride.
How does one commute within Gulmarg?
Most visitors to Gulmarg walk because it is a small hill town. For a journey around the town, you can also reserve a cab, which can cost you anywhere from Rs 900 to Rs 1,500.
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