Gulmarg is a city in the baramulla of Kashmir (India), a hill station, a major ski resort, and a notified area committee. The settlement sits inside the limits of the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas.
Gulmarg is a hill station in Jammu & Kashmir, India, for a little introduction. Pir Panjal is located in the western Himalayas at 2.650 metres above sea level (8,690 ft). Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak, who frequented the square with his wife Habba Khatoon in the 16th century, gave the name Gulmarg, literally translating as “meadow of flowers.” Gulmarg was also the favorite of Emperor Jahangir of the Mughal who had reportedly collected up to 21 wild flowers from here for his garden.
During the English reign, Gulmarg functioned as a getaway for British government officials who tried, like Shimla and Mussorie, to escape the hot sunshine in North India. Golf was one of the favourite pastimes they enjoyed here because of the establishment of three golf courses in Gulmarg, one of them for women alone. Of the three, one still survives and is the highest golf course worldwide at a height of 2,650 metres.
For anyone in every season, Gulmarg has something to offer. The luxuriant green wilderness makes it more like a picnic location that is great for families and children. The Gulmarg Gondola cable car is the world’s second tallest gondola and a unique experience. Trekking to Apharwat’s summit and Alpather Lake is something adventurous.
Come in winter, the whole site is deeply blanketed in the snow, a feast for the eyes. This is a terrific site to chase snow and enjoy the first live snowfall. It is also one of India’s most renowned ski resorts. The road connection to Gulmarg is great and you can reach Gulmarg in around 2 to 3 hours at most from Srinagar. It doesn’t take long hours to drive. There are plenty of hotels and your cell phones stay connected. Almost every hotel has internet too.
How to Reach Gulmarg
You must first reach Srinagar in order to travel to Gulmarg. You can take either the Jammu – Srinagar Highway, or the Mughal Highway, through the Shopian, to persons arriving by their car. Once you arrive in Srinagar, go towards Gulmarg through Tangmarg, a 2-3 hour trip that stretches over around 60 km.
But if you didn’t go by your own vehicle, Srinagar has a strong air, train and bus transportation connection to the rest of the nation. Either by flying or taking a train in the town, regardless of which part of the nation you live in.
Gulmarg Altitude
Gulmarg is located at an altitude of 2,650 meters, 8,694 ft.
How to Reach Gulmarg from Srinagar?
If you were driving a car or riding a bike, then the route to reach Gulmarg would be as below.
Srinagar – Magam – Tangmarg – Gulmarg = 60 Kilometers
It is basically a straight journey from Srinagar to Tangmarg on a level, little uphill route. Even at a hill station, you won’t feel like driving. The true steep rise begins after Tangmarg and a twisting route up to Gulmarg. Another god’s role is that for the full 60 km, the road is smooth and in good shape.
You can choose one of the following alternatives to visit Gulmarg when you landed at Srinagar by aircraft or rail.
Srinagar to Gulmarg Taxi
A private cab for the trip would be the best, easiest and convenient approach. The taxi rates from Srinagar to Gulmarg would go from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 2500 with a gasoline and driving compartment, depending on the sort of cab you choose. You may either search the airport or hire a cab in advance and pick you up from the airport or from your train station.
Srinagar to Gulmarg Shared Taxi
For budget travellers, if you go in a group and can share 5 to 6 persons, I would still recommend a private cab. If you travelled alone, however, you may also get a shared cab; this is primarily a Sumo in Cashmir. However, the problem is that it’s not going to be easily found. Either the tourist taxi stop near the Nehru Park, or the main Srinagar Bus station is your best option to find a shared cab. Look for Magam or Tangmarg, if you cannot find a straight taxi in Srinagar. You may catch a taxi for Gulmarg from any of these spots. The rate for the shared cab wold is roughly Rs. 100 per passenger, from Srinagar to Tangmarg. It would therefore cost Rs. 50 to Rs. 70 per passenger from Tangmarg to Gulmarg.
How to reach Gulmarg from Srinagar by bus
You have two possibilities when you go by bus. The morning JKSRTC daily touring bus from Tourist Reception Center is offered during the summer season. However, my recommendation is not to rely on this service. The usual buses the folks go via would be a better alternative. But the problem is that this bus is only accessible until Tangmarg. There is no transportation from Srinagar to Gulmarg, which is a little unexpected in the fact that Gulmarg is a famous tourist destination.
How to reach Gulmarg in Winter
All that was said above in Summer was about reaching Gulmarg. But it’s a very different scenario in winter. All Gulmarg is covered in a few feet of snow, and the road that leads here is likewise. The last section from Tangmarg to Gulmarg cannot thereafter be climbed in the ordinary automobile. In that period, this trail is followed by just 4 to 4 cars and also by snow chains.
In winter, I would advise you not to bring your own car. From Srinagar to Tangmarg, you may only take one more cab and from Tangmarg to Gulmarg, another 4 additional. It’ll therefore be difficult if you’ve brought your own vehicle or motorbike to park it because you can’t get it all around Gulmarg.
The Tangmarg snow chains cost around Rs. 700 to Rs. 800 for a taxi.
Nearest Airport to Gulmarg
Airport Srinagar is Gulmarg’s closest airport. The trek may be accomplished in 2 to 3 hours and is located around 60 kilometres from Gulmarg. Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Air Asia and IndiGo are the primary regular carriers operating flights to Srinagar.
Nearest Railway Station to Gulmarg
The nearest railway line to Gulmarg is Srinagar railway station. However the problem is that it is not fully linked and operating yet. It takes at least another 18 months to 2 years to make complete connection when this article is written. You can arrive by rail right now until Udhampur. Then you’ll have to get to Ramban from Udhampur via bus or cab. You will then take another train from Ramban to Srinagar when you get at Ramban. This would make it simple to just take a bus or shared cab from Udhampur to Srinagar straight.
Weather of Gulmarg
Gulmarg is either chilly or comfortable due to its height of 2,690 metres. The summer is brief here, however you still need a blanket to sleep during the evening in months such as June and July. The Gulmarg summers are often extremely nice; nonetheless, the temperature during midday sometimes reaches up to 37 degrees Celcius. However, the average temperature ranges from 13°C to 29°C, so that the plains’ heat may be escaped.
In July, Monsoon comes here, changing the Gulmarg wetlands and valleys into the lush greenery. However, here it does not rain too much and the average precipitation is relatively modest.
The temperatures are starting to settle in around mid-September. It can snow every day after mid-December but the snow normally starts sticking on the ground in mid-January. The whole town is covered deep in the snow for much of January and February and becomes one of the most renowned ski resorts in our land. In these months the average temperature varies from -5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
It actually depends on what you’re searching for when you visit Gulmarg best. Not everybody has the same purpose to come here. Some individuals are hoping for snow and catching their first snowfall here, while many others are looking for sanctuary from sparkling sun. An fan of photography will look forward to some amazing photos, while an adventurous addict will focus on winter sports.
Whatever your motive, Gulmarg is undoubtedly one spot that won’t deceive you. February is the greatest time to visit if the snow is what you are seeking. Spring comes at the end of March, and April and May are wonderful to get your family together. Notice that at this time it tends to be a little crowded. February, August and September are the finest if you are interested in photography. July, August and early September will make someone yearning for lush valleys all around.
August will be the finest for you if you desire some privacy and want to get away from the crowd. From April through June, you have to avoid being here.
Clothes for Gulmarg
This will also change as the optimum time to visit. What clothes you are supposed to carry for Gulmarg depends on when you arrive here. Heavy wooles, gloves, woollen socks, silk jackets, thermal baths and top quality heavy wind-resistant jackets are required for January and February. When you come in March, there will be some light woollens with a heavy jacket. Pack a lot of cottons and a light jacket between April and August. September and October are going to be much like March when light woollen and heavy jacket are needed. Your Gulmarg Clothes for November and December, consisting of hot wool and windproof warm jackets, will be the same as in January and February.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg
In fact, Gulmarg is a tourist site in itself. This little village is surrounded by gorgeous green meadows and it is worth seeing. Gulmarg’s greatest tourist draw is its natural beauty and quiet all around. There are certain sites that may be considered cherry at the top; a few sites in Gulmarg that may be dubbed tourist sites. Gulmarg is the ideal choice for persons who love snow and love trekking and for couples who wish to experience the peacefulness of Gulmarg together.
Numerous Bollywood shootings were made in Gulmarg and correctly in order to present a beautiful view of the heavens in the snow-capped mountains.
Gulmarg’s natural beauty and peace are the main attractions. You should be visited here for beautiful lush green wetlands all around and quiet stillness interrupted only from occasional horse complaining. As noted below, there are more tourist attractions in Gulmarg.
- Gondola Lift
- The Gulmarg Ski Area
- Alphather Lake
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Nagin Valley
- Golf Course
- Khilanmarg
1. Gondola Lift
You may be here to try your hand in skiing when you visit Gulmarg. The Gondola lift is one of the hill station’s key attractions and is one of Asia’s only cable cars at a height of more than 13,500 feet above sea level. The elevator is named after Gulmarg Gondola village. It is 5 kilometres long and provides amazing views across the valley. When you visit Gulmarg, it is absolutely a must see.
2. The Gulmarg Ski Area
The ski area Gulmarg comprises the valley of Gondola and Poma grounds. It is one of the most popular ski resorts since it leads you out into the valley amid pine trees. Not only skiing but also snowboarding, snow scootering and snow bobbing have many more activities. This is the sky for adventure enthusiasts.
3. Alphather Lake
Around Gulmarg, around 13 kilometres from the picturesque Alphather Lake, snowcapped highlands of the Apharwat range are encircled by the surroundings. It is frozen until mid-June and is visited for a whole day. The lake is crystalline, as it came down directly from the Himalayas and brings peace like no other spot.
4. Baba Reshi Shrine
The Baba Reshi Shrine is frequently called a picturesque little shrine encircled by elaborately sculptured walls. Known for its delicious langar, take a taste when you’re there. The sanctuary is also recognised to be of historic importance since here parents pray for the health of their children. Make sure you dress properly and visit this spot for the wonderful peacefulness.
5. Nagin Valley
After 22 years of prohibition on admission, Nagin Valley was recently opened to tourists. It provides a trekking paradise to hire camping equipment and set up their sites in the valley. In addition, the road drive into the valley itself is a view to see as the waves go down to the roadways and give an amazing experience. The LOC, which is a few kilometres distant, provides a holiday from this hectic town district.
6. Golf Course
What could be better than acres of green grass and mountains and mountains around?? Gulmarg Golf Course is 2.600 metres elevation, making it one of the world’s highest green golf courses. The race often has numerous gold titles and was first launched by the British. One can have a temporary membership which can even experience one day how British Royalty formerly spent its time!
7. Khilanmarg
A magnificent meadow of Khilanmarg, covered with flowers, 6 kilometres from the Gulmarg bus range, gives a panorama of the entire Himalayan region with an additional benefit to Nanga Parbat. In April, when the entire region is swamped with flowers, it is sheer bliss. Skiing is in the centre of a valley in the vicinity of winter. A natural-lovers must visit!
Things to do in Gulmarg
Besides the natural beauty of the site and the tranquilly of leisure, there are three main activities in Gulmarg that you may enjoy. First is the Gondola tour, which is Gulmarg’s largest attraction. Secondly, the hiking procedure. Gondola Phase 2 station is the quickest journey to Alpather Lake. You may walk from Gulmarg to the lake if you are in for more adventure and have physical fitness. Actually, if you had time, there are various different walking paths from Gulmarg.
Please go to How to Plan a Gondola trip and how to Trek to Alpather Lake for info on Gulmarg Gondola and Alpather Lake.
However, if you have come here in winter, you should ski at Gulmarg. For specialists and someone brand new, options are accessible here.
Where to stay in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of our country’s biggest tourist attractions. This village becomes a significant ski resort, come winter. Families travel here for the famed trip on the gondola for their spring and summer holidays in schools. Tourists still get to the greenery of the location after rainfall. It’s a tourist draw all year round. Therefore, there are lots of hotels here. Indeed, more hotels than homes may be seen here.
The search for a budget hotel in Gulmarg is not an option. Overall, no hotel would charge you for the off-season less than Rs. 2000 – Rs. 2500. These costs get considerably higher during the busy tourist season. The lone cheap hotel, Motel Pine View, is located near Tangmarg, around 14 kilometres from Gulmarg and you may get a hotel for Rs 1200 a day.
Bank / ATM in Gulmarg
J&K Bank is located in Gulmarg with branches of Baramulla Cooperative Bank and ATM services. It’s a well-known tourist city, thus banks are always available and ATMs are always working.
Hospital in Gulmarg
A modest hospital exists in Gulmarg and drugs from the local chemist’s store may also be purchased. But the patient has to be returned to Srinagar for anything severe.
Mobile Network in Gulmarg
Prepaid phones in J&K, including Gulmarg, do not function anywhere. So that your phone is operating well here as long as you have a post-paid connection on whichever network you are on. Data will also have strong connection. However, your telephone is as useful as a paper weight if you have a prepayment connection.
Shopping in Gulmarg
Shopping in Cashmere is all about the purchase of handicrafts in Cashmere, freshly plucked Tea leaf and dry fruits, ornamental linens, brass, silverware, Pashmina Shawls, carpets and carved furniture. In Gulmarg, there are no major retail markets and your product choice will be rather restricted. In Gulmarg almost everything is costly and you’ll wind up paying a little bit excessively.
What to eat in Gulmarg
You should consume only Cashmiri cuisine not just Gulmarg, but when you set foot anywhere in Cashmir. The following is a list of meals you can try.
Non Vegetarian Dishes
- Mutton Roghan Josh
- Gushtaba (soft meat balls cooked in natural yoghurt, white curry)
- Rishta (Soft Meat Balls in delicious Gravy, Red Curry)
- Tabak maaz (Deep fried ribs of a lamb)
- Kanti(small chunks of meat cooked with a lot of onions)
- Seekh-Tuji – Marinated and freshly barbecued meat pieces eaten with chutney
- Grilled Mutton called Tilli or Tekh
- Marzunga Korma
- Shami Kabab
- Meeth Maaz
Vegetarian Dishes
- Veg Dum Aaloo
- Tamatar Zaman (Paneer)
- Nundur Yakhin (Lotus Stem prepared in Yogurt)
- Haak (Kashmiri Saag)
Where to eat in Gulmarg
In Gulmarg there are several restaurants to eat. Just stroll to the main market and there are stores surrounding. You may order at your hotel as well, but I found a better decision to go to the market and dine there.
Gulmarg is a costly place in general. It will be tough to find a hotel here anywhere under Rs. 2000 a day.
There’s even costly food here. In an Okay restaurant, you’ll spend Rs. 20 for one small tawa roti. Veg, Non-Veg, all the rice here is pricey so remember it when you’re planning a vacation.
Guides and owners of ponies in Gulmarg are a great annoyance. Without someone giving you a pony ride or to be your guide, you cannot walk 100 metres here.
Guides don’t have anything to give at all. No site you can’t visit without a guide in Gulmarg. You’re just going to be charged for going with you and nothing else. If you hired one, you are only squandering money.
Another problem are pony owners. There’s poo all over the meadows and these fellas are kind enough to watch you go.
The type of disturbance created by these pony owners and guides is so high that there even was a police complaint against them some time ago that visitors are harassed.
Mechanic
In Gulmarg you may conduct some modest reparations and mend some punctures. However, you have to turn to Tangmarg and Srinagar again if you need any big reparations.
Petrol Pump
In Gulmarg there is no gas pump but several as you travel 60 km from Srinagar to Gulmarg. There is no oil pump. Tangmarg is the nearest one. Get a tank in Srinagar and the whole journey will be easy to last.
Road Condition
The whole route is a nice drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg. This is a two-lane road, however there is calm traffic. Road to Tangmarg from Srinagar is an average mix, although it is still in great condition from Gulmarg to Tangmarg.
