Gulmarg
India’s paradise i.e. Gulmarg is known for its natural beauty. Here is the country’s largest golf course and skiing. Many great Bollywood films have also been shot in Gulmarg.
Kashmir is called the paradise of the earth and what makes this paradise more beautiful Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district. Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station. This place is also known as the land of flowers.
Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, which is also known as the land of flowers. Gulmarg, situated at an altitude of about 2730 meters, was discovered by the British in 1927.
It is said that earlier Gulmarg’s real name was Gaurimarg which was given to it by the shepherds here. Then in the 16th century, Sultan Yusuf Shah named it Gulmarg.
The lush green slopes here attract tourists throughout the year. Gulmarg is not only a city of snow-capped mountains, but it also has the world’s largest golf course and the country’s major ski resort is also here.
Gulmarg has always been special for tourists. Most couples come here for their honeymoon, and apart from this, it is the best place for Bollywood. Skiing, Kong Dori Gondola (Udan Khatola), Tangmarg, St. Mary’s Church, Ningali Nallah and Otter Circle Walk, Baba Reshi’s Dargah, Fishing Pod, Bannibal Nag, Kautar Nag, and Sonmarg are the places to visit and adventure in Gulmarg.
Gulmarg was once known as Gaurimarg
- Gulmarg, the beautiful hill station of Jammu and Kashmir, was earlier known as Gaurimarg but during the 16th century Yusuf Shah Chak was influenced by this beautiful valley and named it Gulmarg.
- Mughal emperor Jahangir often came to Gulmarg to spend his holidays, he had planted a garden of 21 types of flowers here.
- During the British rule, in the year 1904, the British built a golf course here to play golf.
- In the year 1915, Maharani Mohini Bai, wife of the then king of Kashmir Hari Singh, built a grand Shiva temple in Gulmarg.
Tourist Places in Gulmarg
Gondola Lift
If you are on a trip to Gulmarg, then first of all do not forget to visit the Gondola Lift, which is the only cable car system in Asia about 13500 feet above sea level.
Gulmarg Ski Area
The hill resort of Gulmarg, which is a part of the Pir Panjal mountain range of the Himalayas, is about 35 km from Srinagar. Due to the heavy snowfall here, this place has become a favorite ski area for tourists and its residents.
Golf Course Gulmarg
The golf course is the highest green golf course in the world situated at an altitude of about 2650 meters above sea level.
Afarwat Peak
The most favorite tourist spot of tourists, Afarwat Peak is located at a distance of about 13 kilometers from Gulmarg. These snow-capped mountains are very close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan.
It is located on the second leg of the gondola cable car ride from Gulmarg and reaching the peak is dependent on weather conditions.
The beautiful summit is covered with snow for most of the year and the snow-clad slopes are the best for snowboarding and skiing in India. Another noteworthy point is that the Line of Control (LoC) is only a few kilometers away from this peak. This is definitely one of the most visited places out of all of Gulmarg.
Baba Reshi Mandir
Baba Reshi Mandir is a dargah primarily dedicated to Baba Reshi, established in the year 1480. Built-in 1480, the shrine of Baba Reshi is one of the religious places in and around Gulmarg.
It is accessible by a motorable road from the main Gulmarg valley and your Gulmarg sightseeing tour would not be complete without a visit to this holy place.
The old Kashmiri architecture of the dargah – lattice work on the windows, carved deodar pillars, and exquisite craftsmanship – makes the temple an absolute wonder. The temple is dedicated to Baba Reshi, a Muslim scholar and saint who spent his day meditating and praying in the valley.
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is a small valley located in Gulmarg, which is the best place for skiing in Gulmarg in winter. The view of this valley is worth seeing in the spring season. The whole valley is filled with lush green grass and the beautiful view of the mountain ranges around the lush green grass is the most amazing view of the valley of Kashmir.
Khilanmarg is a small and picturesque valley that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and is one of the best Gulmarg tourist places.
The lush green meadows, alpine forests, and flower-laden valleys will cast a spell on you. The slope of 600 meters from Khilanmarg to Gulmarg becomes the site for winter skiing scenes in Gulmarg.
The location of the Himalayan peaks and the wonderful chill in the air will make you fall in love with Khilanmarg instantly. You can also visit famous restaurants in Kashmir here.
Tangmarg
Tangmarg, located in the Baramulla district, is located at a distance of about 13 kilometers from Gulmarg. It is famous for handicraft works in the entire region. One of the most famous Gulmarg sightseeing places,
Tangmarg is a quaint little town and is connected by a 5 km long trekking route and a 13 km long metal road to Gulmarg. You cannot leave it which is a secret that Kashmir has kept safe for so long.
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is home to many endangered animals. Here you will also find many unknown types of trees and plants.
Home to several species of flora, fauna, and avifauna, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Gulmarg for wildlife lovers.
Biodiversity blooms here in its richest form. Conifers and green herbs give a beautiful look to the entire sanctuary. It provides ample opportunities to capture animals in the natural environment.
The endangered musk deer is the main attraction of the reserve. Other species of animals include hangul, panther, brown bear, black bear, and red fox.
The Biosphere Reserve is also a paradise for ornithologists. The area is home to a large population of indigenous and migratory birds, which include, inter alia, the Griffon Vulture, the Blue Rock Pigeon Monal, the Snow Cock, the Kashmir Roller, and the Jungle Crow. Also, it will be even more fun to watch it during winter in Kashmir.
Verinag
Verinag is a watercourse situated at the base of Banibal Pass of Pir Panjal. Verinag flow is a source of the Jhelum river itself.
Maharani Mandir
Maharani Mandir, situated on a small hillock, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Maharani Mandir was built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh – the last Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the places to visit in Gulmarg.
The temple has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was here that the shooting of Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz starrer Aap Ki Kasam took place.
Alpathar Lake
Surrounded by pine and deodar trees, this lake is situated below the Afarwat peak. The water of this beautiful lake remains ice till mid-June.
The stunning water body is situated at the foot of the twin abducted peaks and is surrounded by rocky mountains and lush green meadows.
The breathtaking topography and the perfect setting for photography have made this destination one of the prime lakes of Jammu and Kashmir for nature lovers as well as photography enthusiasts. And what makes this tourist attraction even more interesting is the pony ride from Gulmarg through the well-paved snowy trails.
Strawberry Valley
In the summer season, you can enjoy a lot of fresh strawberries by coming here. Travelers can walk or take a pony ride to this ancient part of Gulmarg. During the summer, fresh strawberries are ripe for plucking and flavoring.
Firozpur Village
The view of Firozpura village located in Tangmarg is spectacular in the winter season. You will feel as if you have come to some area of Switzerland.
The pair of Ningle Nala and Ferozepur Nala are two mountain streams flowing through lush green valleys. The grassy pastures along the streams make these attractions one of the best places for camping and picnics in Gulmarg.
Among them, Firozpur Nala is also a famous tourist attraction for Trout fishing in Gulmarg. Both places are the best options for nature lovers as they offer mesmerizing views of the landscape and opportunities to be close to nature.
St. Mary’s church
Gulmarg is one of the major attractions of Gulmarg for sightseeing. Set against a beautiful backdrop of lush green meadows, tall alpine trees, and tall snow-capped mountains, the church was built in its Victorian style of architecture dating back to the early 20th century. Giving the appearance of a small countryside chapel, the church has brownstone walls and a green roof with wooden trimmings.
Pastoral views of the wild landscape, vast stretches of forests, ancient churches and hotels, and huts serve as the perfect backdrop for wonderful photographs. This is the reason why this attraction has become a subject of attraction not only for religious travelers but also for photography enthusiasts.
Gulmarg Sightseeing Kanchenjunga Museum
We strongly recommend the famous Kangchenjunga Museum if you are looking for Gulmarg tourist places to visit. The museum displays modern warfare and mountaineering equipment. The famous museum was initially established as a high-altitude war school but was later converted into a museum.
Lien Marg Gulmarg Attraction
If you want to go a little further than Gulmarg, then this can be the right place. Located at a distance of 10 km from Gulmarg, the Lien Marg is situated at an altitude of 8,700 feet above sea level.
The place is acclaimed for its lush green deodar forests. You can come here to enjoy some exciting winter sports and make your travel experience worthwhile.
Imambara Gum Gulmarg
If you want to visit a holy place in Gulmarg, then Imambara Ghoom is the right place. It can be considered one of the best places to visit in Gulmarg with family. This is the place where you can enjoy some of the best views of the Himalayas and have a great time amidst nature.
How to Reach Gulmarg
By Air: The nearest airport to Gulmarg is the Srinagar Airport in Srinagar which is located at a distance of 56 km.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gulmarg is Jammu Tawi Railway Station which is located 290 km away from Gulmarg.
Best time to visit Gulmarg
Like the rest of Kashmir, the best time to visit Gulmarg is a year-round destination. Except in the month of September, tourists can take a gondola ride and enjoy snow throughout the year.
However, the months from mid-December to February are suitable for snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding. the weather is very nice.
During March-September you need light woolen clothes. During October-February, the temperature drops to -4 degrees and it is necessary to carry thick woolen clothes.
3 thoughts on “Gulmarg – The Valley of Flowers”