Introduction
Gulmarg is a beautiful hill station of Jammu and Kashmir State. It was established by British Government in their reign in 1927. Earlier this place was known as Gaurimarg. Later in the 16th century, the Mughal ruler Yusuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg. (Source Wikipedia)
If we count the major hill stations of India from the tourism point of view, Gulmarg’s name will be at the top. Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, this is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, thrilling skiing slopes and the world’s highest cable car, Gulmarg is a jewel in the crown of Kashmir. Having recently experienced its beauty firsthand, I speak highly of this magical place.
Numerous tourists come here during winter to enjoy snowfall. I also visited this on 29 February 2024 and I am sharing my experiences.
Kashmir is called heaven on earth and the route to this heaven passes through Gulmarg. This place is situated at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. This place is also called the land of flowers. In winter the slopes here are covered with 7-8 feet thick snow cover and attract tourists for skiing and in summer it attracts tourists with its lush green environment
Table of Contents
Here are 11 mind-blowing beauties of Gulmarg, explained in simple words
1. Snowy Peaks
This Tourist Place is famous for its pristine snow-clad peaks kissing the sky. These majestic mountains offer mesmerizing views and are like heaven for adventure-loving nature lovers.
2. Gondola Ride
The Gondola Ride, one of the highest cable cars in the world, provides access to the upper reaches of Afarwat Peak. Gondola ride is one of the most thrilling experiences. It consists of two stages. Which can be booked online. In winter, Gondola ride is mainly limited to stage one as the full enjoyment of snow is available in stage one.
After April, when the snow of the first phase melts, the snow of the second phase can be enjoyed. Sometimes the stage even stops when there is heavy snowfall. Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys.
3. Skiing Paradise
4. Summer Beauty
5. Frozen Lakes
This Place is a valley of many picturesque lakes that freeze during the winter months, creating a surreal landscape. The most famous of them is Alpathar Lake, whose crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
6. Pine Forests
This area is filled with dense pine forests which add to its captivating beauty. Walking through these forests is like stepping into a fairy tale, where sunlight filters through tall trees and birds chirp sweetly. There is snow on these trees in winter, as if nature has opened a treasure of beauty. During the Gondola ride, the Gondola stops for a few seconds above these cedars so that you can capture this memory on camera.
7. Cultural Richness
8. Adventure Activities
9. Winter Sports Activities
10. Local Cuisine
11. Warm Hospitality
Last but not least, the warmth and hospitality of the local people adds to the charm of Gulmarg. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and treated to traditional Kashmiri hospitality, making their stay truly memorable. You may also like to visit Pahalgam a most visited place in Kashmir.
Reaching Gulmarg
Located about 50 kilometers from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, it is easily accessible by road. One can hire a taxi from Srinagar or opt for shared cabs, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach. Nearest Airport is Sheikh ul Alam Airport (IATA code SXR)
Taxi from Srinagar generally goes only till Tangmarg, from there you can get local union taxi for Gulmarg whose return fare is Rs 2000/-, from here you can rent boots, jacket and gloves for walking on snow and to protect yourself from cold. You can keep in mind that there is a lot of bargaining, so definitely bargain.
Additionally, Srinagar Airport provides helicopter services during the winter months, providing a breathtaking aerial view of the snow-clad landscape. For air ticket and package you may visit Make My Holiday Travels.
Accommodation
Best Time to Visit
While here is a year-round destination; the winter months from December to February are especially enchanting, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. During this period, the snow covered slopes provide excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. However, the summer months from May to September also attract tourists with pleasant weather and vibrant grasslands adorned with colourful flowers.
Name of Gulmarg and its Fame
Reputation as a major tourist destination has strengthened over the years, attracting travelers seeking adventure, tranquillity and natural beauty. Its pristine surroundings have made it a favourite destination for Bollywood filmmakers, further enhancing its fame. Additionally, Gulmarg has gained recognition on the international stage for its exceptional skiing facilities, hosting various winter sports events.
Food and Culture
The Local cuisine is a delightful blend of Kashmiri, Mughlai and Tibetan influences, offering a variety of delicious dishes. From traditional Kashmiri Wazwan to piping Hot Momos and Thukpa, the local cuisine is a treat for the taste buds. Furthermore, Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage is evident in the warm hospitality of the local people, who take pride in sharing their traditions and customs with visitors.
Sightseeing
Conclusion
This destination itself, with its stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures and warm hospitality, truly captivates the hearts of all the tourists who visit here. Whether you are an adventure lover looking for adventure on the slopes or a nature lover looking for peace amidst the mountains, everyone takes something back home from Gulmarg. My recent visit to this winter wonderland has left me with memories to last a lifetime, and I eagerly await the day when I can return to its enchanting embrace.
You’ve written terrific content on this topic, which goes to show how knowledgable you are on this subject. I happen to cover about Website Traffic on my personal blog Article Star and would appreciate some feedback. Thank you and keep posting good stuff!
Your blog post article-star.com is a way to knowledge. Thank you for visiting our blog.