Gulmarg (Srinagar, India)

The valley of Gulmarg , a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar . The name means 'Meadow Of Flowers' and in the spring it's just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not's and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide. Gulmarg is reach with magical meadows and mountains. British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India.Natural beauty of Gulmarg has attracted tourists since long. In fact the hill resort of Gulmarg literally means "the meadow of flowers". A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.

Gulamrg is the perfect skiing destination for many adventure seekers. One can hire all the equipment needed, such as skis and sticks, snow boots, mufflers, woolen socks, jackets, goggles, etc here. One can take skiing lessons from ski instructors too.

Skiing & Heliskiing:
Asia's one of the most famous Heli-skiing resort is at Gulmarg, Kashmir. Come December, and the verdant green slopes of Gulmarg are blanketed with snow, forming some of the finest natural slopes for ski runs of all levels.

Golf Courses:
Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships. Naturally, these facilities are available to players as well, except that serious golfers usually carry their sets along.

Sightseeing:
There are so many major attractions, which draws the attention of tourists in Gulmarg. Few of them are:

Khilanmarg:
This smaller valley is about a 6-km walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley . It's a 600-metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the hill. The effort is rewarded, if it's clear, with a sweeping view of the great Himalayas from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100-metre peaks of Nun and Kun to the southeast.

Shrine Of Baba Reshi / Ziarat Of Baba Reshi:
This Muslim shrine is on the slopes below Gulmarg and can be reached from either Gulmarg or Tangmarg. The Ziarat, or tomb, is of a well-known Muslim saint who died here in 1480. Before renouncing worldly ways he was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin. Every year thousands of devotees visit this shrine regardless of the faith they believe in.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves:
The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.

Alpather Lake:
Beyond Khilanmarg, 13-km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4, 511 metre Apharwat peaks, this lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the year one can see lumps of ice floating in its cold waters. The walk from Gulmarg follows a well-graded Pony track over the 3, 810 metre Apharwat ridge, separating it from Khilanmarg, and then up the valley to the lake at 3,843 metres. The more adventurous trekkers can climb straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the ridge and descend the other side to the path. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening.

Best Time to Visit: In Summer - May to September, In Winter - November to February

How to reach:
Gulmarg can be easily accessed through air, train or road.
By Air: Gulmarg is in Baramula District and is 56-kms from Srinagar District . The nearest Airport from here is situated in Badgam District,which is well connected with all the major cities of the country.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is at Jammu.
By Road : The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approximately 2 hours in bus.

So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in Gulmarg with us.