This is a complete Gulmarg travel guide for tourists, locals, and adventure lovers. Wherever you feel like making your trip an exhilarating or a leisurely one, it is time to visit Gulmarg. This Gulmarg Travel Guide will help you get familiar with the Gulmarg tourism attractions, places, and things to do in Gulmarg. We will also touch upon the Gulmarg tour packages and give some recommendations for spending your dream vacation. Surrounded by snowcapped mountains and green meadows, it easily counts among the jewels of Kashmir and will suit any kind of traveler: families, couples, or individuals. Well, it is time to start the voyage and discover this wondrous place and everything it offers.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
When planning to visit Gulmarg, one of the essential features that should not be overlooked is the best time to visit Gulmarg. This is particularly true as the weather affects almost all your travel experience. The weather in Gulumarg differs from season to season in terms of the attractiveness of the tourist attractions. The climatic condition of Gulmarg varies depending on the season in which one is planning to travel.
- Best Time to Visit Gulmarg for Winter Sports
As for winter sports, the season is best from December to February in Gulmarg. In this period, the town usually appears with a blanket of snow due to the freezing weather characterized by snowfalls. It is the perfect time for any enthusiast to ski or snowboard. These activities can be done at Gulmarg during winter because that is the best time for such activities.
- Best Time to Visit Gulmarg for Summer Adventures
If you are not attracted to snow, then probably the summer season which starts from March to June, will suit you best. The temperature is moderate, probably between 10 to 20 degrees celsius, which is suitable for trekking, golfing, or sightseeing. The summer weather in Gulmarg is mild, mainly sunny, and alpine, making the place ideal for trekking and a perfect vacation.
Top Attractions and Best Places to Visit in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a place of interest for all types of travelers and tourists. Here is the list of the best places to visit in Gulmarg:
1. Gulmarg Gondola
A major attraction located in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, which is actually one of the highest cable cars in the entire world. The gondola is currently broken into two parts; the first takes visitors to the Kongdoori station, and the second is up to the Apharwat peak, which is quite adventurous and provides a picturesque view of the mountain ranges and valley. In winter, the presence of snow forests adds beauty to the place, especially when it comes to photographs. If one really wants a bird’s eye view of the stunning Kashmir valley and the scenic beauty of Gulmarg, one has to catch a Gulmarg Gondola.
2. Apharwat Peak
For all the lovers of adrenalin and splendid views, Apharwat Peak proved to be one of the places to visit. This place is all the more used for skiing during the winter season and is ideally included in the itinerary of the tourists visiting Gulmarg. It is also revegetated during summer and provides good trekking opportunities and picnics. It is also a suitable place for snowboarding; the general environment of the peak also offers a calm, serene where individuals can enjoy some quiet time away from the usual busy activities of society.
3. Khilanmarg
The other scenic spot is Khilanmarg, which is a small green meadow at a height of approximately 2,900 meters. It is almost near Gulmarg and provides tourists with breathtaking views of snow-laden mountains, including Nanga Parbat and the valley. But during the winter, it becomes a picture-perfect landscape of snow and thus is famous for the so-called winter sports like skiing and snow slumbers. The flowers are exceptionally bright in color during the summer. Hence, it is a good place for nature walks and picnics.
4. Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake situated at the base of the Apharwat Peak and is generally frozen except in the summer months. The view of the location that encases this lake with snow-clad mountains and green cover makes the adventure trekkers embark on this valley. Climbing to Alpather Lake is a moderate challenge, but it is an exciting path for visitors and those who do not like crowded places. They are blessed with nature’s beauty on one side of the lake, which is surrounded by snowy mountains, which gives the impression of being mesmerizing.
5. St. Mary’s Church
For lovers of architecture and history, St. Mary’s Church in the town of Gulmarg is a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Located in the southern part of the country, the British constructed this church in 1920. It has captivating construction and an environment that offers tranquility. It is located in Colorado, an area that is encompassed by towering pine trees. Therefore, it is ideal for everyone considering spending some moments of quiet and solitude or touring the beautiful landscape. The old church construction enhances the area’s aesthetic value and provides some historical significance to the region.
6. Outer Circle Walk
The’ Outer Circle Walk’ is a perfect adventure for nature lovers and anyone interested in long, leisurely strolls around Gulmarg. It is a 6-kilometer trail around the town that offers attractive picture-taking opportunities for meadows, valleys, and forests. It is an ideal vacation for those who need to breathe fresh air and view the sceneries of the region in a relaxed manner. It is beautiful in summer because it is the flowering season, and walking is mostly enjoyable in cool weather.
7. Golf Course
Gulmarg is also one of the intriguing places that houses one of the highest golf courses in the world, the Gulmarg Golf Course. This version of the park is an 18-hole course built to synchronize with the surrounding environment, making it a paradise for golfers. The course has stunning scenery of trees and greens, especially the tall pine trees that give a fitting environment for any golfer. During the winter, the course is also white due to the accumulation of snow on the ground.
8. Meadow of Flowers
As the name suggests, Gulmarg is literally ‘the meadow of flowers’ during summer. It may be a home for nature enthusiasts as one can see many wildflowers in various colors in the green meadows. If you are interested in flower photography, that is definitely the place to go; if you like birds, they are frequently seen around this area, and if for nothing else, it is a natural retreat from the hustle and bust of city life.
Things to do in Gulmarg in Summer
Gulmarg is an excellent spot where tourists can enjoy nature and adventure activities during summer. For all sightseeing freaks, there is no dearth of activities to indulge in the natural beauty of this beautiful valley. This comprehensive Gulmarg Travel Guide gives nature and adventure enthusiasts the idea and plans for the exciting activities to be performed in Gulmarg.
1. Trekking and Hiking in Gulmarg
Numerous trekking trails will allow the visitors to experience the unspoiled scenic beauty of Gulmarg. There are several famous treks around this place, and they are as follows:
- Alpather Lake Trek
- Khilanmarg Trek
- Ningle Nallah Trek
2. Gondola Ride in Gulmarg
The Gondola of Gulmarg is one of the highest cable cars in the world, and it is an added advantage for tourists who prefer this location. The sightseeing of this place also includes the famous Gondola ride, which is a must for all tourists. This cable car transports the tourists from Gulmarg to the top of Apharwat Peak, where one can have a photo-realistic view of all the central mountains and valleys around it. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or just a sightseeing tourist, the Gondola is a good way to view Gulmarg’s pretty picture. This activity should not be missing from any of your Gulmarg Travel Guide.
3. Golfing in Gulmarg
Golf lovers will be able to enjoy their sportfully while in Gulmarg. The Gulmarg Golf Course is about 2730 meters above sea level; it is the second-highest golf course in the world, with an enchanting background of mountains covered with snow and extensive stretches of greenish meadows. They are the places where you can devote your time to golfing and admire the views simultaneously. Visiting the Gulmarg through golfing is another fun and engaging activity one can undertake during the warm summer.
4. Horse Riding in Gulmarg
There is also a thrilling experience in horse rid, which ising popular mostly in Gulmarg. It is possible to experience the scenic beauty of Gulmarg on the back of a Pony. Pony offers you the opportunity to go on small hikes.
5. Camping in Gulmarg
Just think of yourself contouring the beautiful fields of Gulmarg and then having a tent night. Gulmarg offers you such heavenly, comical moments without obstructions between yourself and the sky.
6. Sightseeing in Gulmarg:
You can also spend your time in Gulmarg just processing and documenting scenic beauty. You can ride a pony and delve even more and artistically try to take a look at all the greens and the beauty that the place brings.
Things to do in Gulmarg in Winter
Gulmarg can be more entertaining and adventurous during the winter season. As listed below, one can undertake activities to maximize such short days and dull nights during winter.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Gulmarg
Skiing and snowboarding activities are, however, mainly done during the winter, and this is because Gulmarg experiences significant snowfall during winter. You can also experience skiing at Apharwat Peaks and Kongdori. It is also important to note that equipment such as the kits can be hired from the venue.
Sledging in Gulmarg
Sledging is a cold-weather recreational activity that most people, especially kids, enjoy. It is one activity tourists can fully engage in during their tour at Gulmarg during periods of high snowfall. You can hire Sledges locally and sledge here at Gulmarg.
Ice Skating in Gulmarg
During the winter, you have an excellent opportunity to skate over natural ice in numerous rinks in Gulmarg. You can get the skates from the local stores and engage in this local exercise.
Gondola in Gulmarg
Gondola riding always proves quite exciting, especially if they are on a trip during the cold season. There, you can experience the beauty of frozen pastures, mountains, and trees and perform other activities at the Kongdori Peak and Apharwat Peaks.
ATV Car Ride in Gulmarg
Riding an ATV is one of the most thrilling things to do in Gulmarg. ATVs are abbreviated as Terrain Vehicles, which ensure an adventure journey over the terrain at very low costs. Book your ATV here.
Snow Tubing in Gulmarg
Tubing is a relatively new activity in Gulmarg, but it is quite enjoyable and entertaining. Specifically, Snow Tubes can be implemented anywhere in the Gulmarg and Kongdori areas. There, you can hire the required instruments.
How to Reach Gulmarg?
By Air:
Srinagar airport is nearest Gulmarg; the distance between the two places is about 51 kilometers. You can hire a taxi or a car from the airport, and it will take nearly 2 hours drive to reach Gulmarg. Many airlines have daily flights to Srinagar from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore; therefore, taking a flight is the best and easiest way to get there.
By Train:
The Gandibal Railway Station is the nearest railhead, which is about 50 kilometers away from Gulmarg. However, Srinagar railway station is not well-connected and has direct reach to many places; the nearest station is Jammu. From there, transport can be arranged by taxi or bus to Gulmarg. It will take longer to get there, but the views are picturesque.
By Road:
Gulmarg by road is linked to Srinagar and other places in and around the state of Jammu and Kashmir. You can hire a taxi or board the bus from Srinagar, which is approximately 2 hours away from the place. The trip involves driving through valleys, and the views are very attractive. This Gulmarg Travel Guide will help you know more about the best way to travel to this place.
Weather In Gulmarg
Gulmarg has a a pleasant climate throughout the year and is cold in particular due to the higher-level altitude level. Summers here are quite pleasant. The climatic condition of this place is moderate, with temperatures varying from 13 to 29 degrees Celsius, which makes it an ideal holiday destination to avoid the summer heat. July is the monsoon period now, but the valley presents splendid pictures of greenery from all sides. As for the weather system in the valley, it begins to experience cold seasons as the temperature drops from -4 degrees to 11 degrees Celsius. It remains cold during the night throughout the half months from January to March and consistently experiences snowfall during this period.
Conclusion
Summing up, Gulmarg is a fabulous place with various attractions and beautiful views. Some of the activities found include skiing and trekking. This Gulmarg Travel Guide contains all the information you might need to have a great travel in and around this destination. Whether you are searching for Gulmarg tour packages or plotting your Gulmarg trip plan, it is said to be a fabulous destination regardless of the kind of traveler you are. For the newlyweds, Kashmir tour package for honeymoon will ensure you have peace you have never experienced before while in Kashmir. Regardless of the type of vacations and experiences you are searching for, Gulmarg is a place you can never leave without remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions In Gulmarg
Gulmarg is situated at an altitude of 8694 feet above sea level. It is a popular tourist place to visit during summer as well as in the winter season.
You have no permission to visit Gulmarg.
It is also better to visit Gulmarg in the summer as well as in the winter season. Nevertheless, it is more popular for its winter season.
The mountain tops are capped with snow all year, while the meadow and valley areas do not receive snow in the summer.
Gulmarg is known for its special winter games, such as the gondola Apharwat Peak.
