Fast Facts
Location : 56 kms from Srinagar, Jammu and Kasmir
Attractions : St. Mary Church, Shiva Temple, Shrine Of
Baba Reshi, Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake etc.
Best Time To Visit : Throughout the year.
Introducing Gulmarg
One
of the most beautiful towns in the Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg is essentially a
series of cup-shaped rolling meadows. Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla
district of Jammu & Kashmir, at a distance of 56 kms from Srinagar - the
summer capital of the state. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, the
present name of town was given by Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century.
Gulmarg was also a favourite haunt of Mughal Emperor Jehangir who once
collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Literally meaning "the
meadow of flowers', Gulmarg is blessed by mother nature and it dotted with
innumerable colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not's and Buttercups.
Surrounded by dense fir and deodar forests on three sides and the imposing
snow-clad peaks, Gulmarg is considered as one of the premier hill resorts in
the country. Set an altitude of 2,730 mts above sea level, Gulmarg is not
only a hill resort of unparalleled beauty, but it also offers excellent
opportunities to adventure seekers. Gulmarg has the world's highest green
golf course and the country's premier ski resort. On the whole, it is not
possible to describe all the beauty of Gulmarg in words, better you visit
the hill station and enjoy a memorable vacation alongwith thrilling
adventure sports.
How to Reach Gulmarg
By Air : Nearest airport from is located at Srinagar,
which is 56 kms from Gulmarg. From Delhi all major airlines operate daily
flights for Srinagar. Besides Delhi, there are many flights from important
cities of India to Srinagar. The flight from Delhi to Srinagar takes an hour
and 15 minutes time. From Srinagar J & K SRTC operates regular deluxe
and ordinary bus services. You can also hire a prepaid taxi to Gulmarg.
By Train : Gulmarg is not connected to rest of the country
with rail route. Nearest railway station is located at Jammu which is served
by several trains from rest of the country.
By Road : Good motorable road connects Gulmarg with
Srinagar. During the winter the road remains snow covered mostly so the
buses ply up to Tangmarg (13 kms below from Gulmarg), the remaining distance
distance being covered with taxis or other smaller vehicles. A luxury bus
leaves Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar, every morning during the peak
tourist season and returning the same evening. Tourist taxis also ply
between Srinagar and Gulmarg, the taxis cost about Rs.1100 for the return
trip.
Places Where You Can Stay
When you plan a visit to Gulmarg you need not worry much about
accommodation options. Gulmarg has several hotels and tourist lodges which
offer comfortable stay to guests at reasonable rates. If you visit Gulmarg
in the peak season then it is advisable that book hotels well in advance.
Some of the popular hotels of Gulmarg include Welcome Hotel, Hilltop Hotel,
Nedous Hotel, Highland Park etc. You can also stay at hotels run by the
Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.
Tourist Attractions in Gulmarg
St. Mary Church : Built during the British rule, the 110
year old St. Mary Church was renovated in 2003. With the renovation the
church got a new look and the first Christmas mass was held in 14 years.
Close to the church lies the 18th hole of Gulmarg Golf Club, a par five, is
a downhill travel from St. Mary's Church to the club house, a drop of 300
feet.
Shiva Temple : Actually the royal temple of Dogra kings of
Jammu and Kashmir, the Shiva Temple is also known as Rani Temple or Maharani
Temple. Set on a small hillock in the centre of Gulmarg, the temple can be
seen from all the corners of the town. Shiva Temple was constructed by
Mohini Bai Sisodhia, the wife of the ruler of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh
(last ruler of Kashmir) in 1915. In the year 1998, the Dagger Divison,
headquartered at Baramulla renovated the temple. Now this temple is managed
by the J & K Dharmarth Trust headed by Dr Karan Singh, son of Maharaja
Hari Singh. Shiva Temple remains open everyday from 6 am to 9 pm, Aarti is
performed twice a day for devotees.
Shrine Of Baba Reshi : Shrine of Baba
Reshi is situated on the slopes below Gulmarg and visited by thousands of
devotees every year. It is the tomb of a famous Muslim saint who died here
in the year 1480 AD. It is said that before renouncing worldly pleasures he
was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin.
Tourist Attractions Around Gulmarg
Khilanmarg : A small valley, Khilanmarg is about 6 km walk
from the Gulmarg bus terminal and it is also the site for Gulmarg's winter
ski runs. Khilanmarg remains carpeted with beautiful flowers in the spring
and offers a spectacular view of the Great Himalayan range and the Kashmir
Valley.
Alpather Lake : Alpather lake lies at a distance of 13 km
from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4,511 metre Apharwat peaks. A lovely
lake, Alpather lake remains frozen until mid-June and here you can see lumps
of ice floating in its cold waters. To reach the lake take a walk from
Gulmarg followed by a thrilling pony ride over the 3,810 mts Apharwat ridge
and then up the valley to the lake at 3,843 mts. If you are an experienced
trekker then you can climb straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the
Apharwat ridge and descend the other side of the path. You can also take an
exciting full day's excursion to Alphater Lake from Gulmarg, starting early
morning and returning late evening.
Adventure Sports in Gulmarg
Trekking : Gulmarg makes an ideal base for trekking in the
northern Pir Panjal Range. While trekking you can see Nanga Parbat to the
north from many view points, including Khilanmarg in the west and the
Haramukh. From a far distance, the Pir Panjal Range will appear rounded, but
when walking up its slopes, you will find that its smoother peaks rise above
lush green slopes. Gulmarg also offers some wonderful opportunities for long
walks and provides a close look of the beauty of the Kashmir valley. While
walking you can enjoy the soothing environs of the pine forests and
breathtaking vistas across Gulmarg.
Golfing : Set an altitude of 2,650 mtr above sea level,
Gulmarg also has the highest green golf course in the world. For last
several decades Gulmarg has been a favoured destinations for golfers. In
fact, the Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for about hundred years
and here you will find records, dating from that period. Presently the Jammu
& Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation manages the club. Temporary
members are allowed here and limited golfing equipments are available for
hire.
Horse Riding : Horse riding is the best leisure activity
by which you can see all the sites of Gulmarg. You can hire the horses
directly or through the Gulmarg Tourist Office.
Sledging : Sledging is an interesting adventure option and
it doesn't require special skills. Sledges, actually a flat wooden board is
first taken up at the top of hill and without a navigator allowed to slide
downhill on the snow-covered slopes. You may hire sledges and sledge
pullers, which are easily available at Gulmarg. Tobogganing is another
popular snow sports at Gulmarg and it can be enjoyed during snow-time. Snow
scooters and snow bobbing are other snow sports which do not require special
skills.
Skiing : Gulmarg is home to some of the best slopes (vary
from 8,700 ft to 10,500 ft) in the country ideal for beginners and
experience as well. During the winter season Gulmarg's snow-covered natural
slopes and inclines turn into a premier skiing resort and draws adventure
seekers from far and wide. Besides the ski-enthusiasts, some simply visit
Gulmarg to watch the skiing or to enjoy a vacation in the snow. Ski
enthusiasts can find all essential gear and equipments, and professional ski
instructors in Gulmarg. Now with the operation of Gondola Cable Car in
Gulmarg, skiing has become convenient for the skiing enthusiasts. With the
help of the cable car the skiing enthusiasts can gain a ski run of nearly 3
kms which goes up to Kongdori.
Shopping in Gulmarg
Gulmarg does not offer much to shoppers, better you shop in Srinagar which
is home to a number of markets.
