Altitude | 2,690 meters above sea level |
Location | Jammu and Kashmir, India |
Distance from Srinagar | 56 kilometers |
Famous for | Ski resort, natural beauty |
Popular activities | Skiing, trekking, hiking, golfing |
Gulmarg, also known as the "Meadow of Flowers," is a breathtaking hill station located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Known for its stunning beauty and world-class skiing facilities, Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The town is situated at an altitude of 2,690 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green meadows, and dense forests of fir and pine trees. The main attraction of Gulmarg is its gondola ride, which takes visitors to the top of the Apharwat Peak at an altitude of 4,200 meters. The ride offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Gulmarg is also famous for its skiing facilities, which are among the best in Asia. The town has two skiing areas, namely the Gulmarg Ski Resort and the Apharwat Peak Ski Resort. The Gulmarg Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 2,730 meters and offers skiing and snowboarding facilities for beginners and intermediate skiers. The Apharwat Peak Ski Resort, on the other hand, is located at an altitude of 4,200 meters and is suitable for advanced skiers.
Apart from skiing, Gulmarg also offers a variety of other adventure activities such as trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, and golfing. The town has several trekking trails that lead to some of the most beautiful destinations in the region, such as Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, and Ningle Nallah. Horse riding is also a popular activity in Gulmarg, with several operators offering horse riding tours to nearby attractions such as the Strawberry Valley and the Ningli Nallah.
Overall, Gulmarg is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kashmir. With its stunning natural beauty, world-class skiing facilities, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant food and shopping scene, the town offers something for everyone. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff, Gulmarg is sure to leave you mesmerized and longing for more.
Things to do
Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination, and there are many things to do and see in the area. Some of the top activities and attractions in Gulmarg include:
- Skiing and snowboarding at the Gulmarg ski resort: Gulmarg is known for its world-class ski resort, which offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
- Trekking and hiking in the surrounding mountains: The town is surrounded by the beautiful Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, which offers many opportunities for trekking and hiking.
- Visiting the Gulmarg Golf Course: The Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses in the world, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Exploring the old temples and shrines in the town: Gulmarg has a number of old temples and shrines that are worth visiting, including the Shrine of Baba Reshi and the Kongdoori Temple.
- Taking a gondola ride to the top of Apharwat Peak: The gondola ride in Gulmarg takes visitors to the top of Apharwat Peak, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Enjoying the local cuisine: Gulmarg is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes such as Kashmiri rogan josh, dum aloo, and goshtaba.
- Shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs: Gulmarg has a number of shops and markets where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs, such as pashmina shawls, carpets, and handicrafts made from wood and copper.
- Relaxing in the natural hot springs: The town is home to a number of natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.