Perched at an altitude of 2,650m, it is one of India’s premier hill resorts. Historically a favorite haunt of Emperor Jahangir, Gulmarg today is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty – it also turns into India’s premier ski resort in winter. The famous shrine of Baba Reshi, a highly revered Kashmiri Sufi saint, is another attraction of Gulmarg and is thronged by thousands of devotees all year round. There are plenty of attractions such as pony riding, the Gondola Cable Car offers rides to the upland meadow of Kongdori for viewing the Himalayan peaks in summer and for downhill skiing in winter.



The drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg is a memorable experience. The road meandering through a colorful track. Also known as “ Meadows of Flowers”, is some of the best tourist spots of the world. Cup shaped rolling meadows that surrounded by thick fir and deodhar forests on three sides is the most beautiful hill resort in Kashmir valley. Despite of being a hotspot tourist destination, a sense strange of tranquility can mesmerize anyone. They are few hotels, transportation and no local population. Gulmarg comes into its own in the four months of winter. During this time Gulmarg experience at least 2 feet of snow, usually more, and turns into a ski resort. Gulmarg is packed usually in winter as well as summer during May-June, so it’s necessary to book in advance.

Sights And Activities

Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is a small valley, 6 km from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadows of Khilanmarg is carpeted with flowers in the spring and snow in winter. It is a fine place to view the surrounding valley of Kashmir. All through summers ponies are available for rides around the area. Even till August you will view the traces of snow at some corners. From the peak of Khilanmarg, you can watch the sweeping view of great Himalayas.

Alpather Lake
The lake is located at the feet of the twin Apharwat peaks. The lake is remain frozen until mid June. From Gulmarg it is 13 km trek either walk or on a pony. It takes four hours by pony, but the last couple of kilometers have to be negotiated on feet because of the large sharp stones and fields of snow that guard the entrance to the lake. Alpather lake makes an exciting day’s excursion, starting early morning and return at late evening.
Summer Activity
A walk or ride on horseback around Gulmarg, across the grassy meadows is an ideal activity. Or else you can play golf on the highest green golf course in the world.

Gondola Chair Lift
The Gondola Chair Lift operates every day round the year from 10 am to 6 pm. Poma type cable cars take you to up to Khilanmarg, a 10 minutes ride to an elevation of 1,300 feet higher than Gulmarg.

Winter surrounding is not green at all
everywhere is white. After Auli in Uttarakhand, Gulmarg is second best skiing resort in India. The place is more popular as it is also offer excellent opportunity to soak in other ice sports like toboggan, ice scooters and skating. In the winter place is filled with hordes of tourists. Ski runs of 400-500 meters are connected to Poma type ski lifts. The skiing season starts when there is sufficient snow, usually around the middle of December.