Gulmarg

Gulmarg hill station is blessed with lofty snow-clad mountains, lush greenery, crystal-clear lakes and colourful flowers. It is a favourite holiday destination for travellers from all across the world. Also, it is one of the best skiing destinations in the world which is ideal for trained as well as amateur skiers. The several sightseeing options and the beauty of the places to visit in Gulmarg will take your breath away. The Gondola ride, Gulmarg gives you a birds eye view of the valley in the Pir Panjal range. Some of the several places to visit in Gulmarg are Tangmarg, Ferozepur Nallah, St. Marys Church, Khilanmarg, Baba Rezi Shrine & Maharani Temple. 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Course is a must-visit among places to visit in Gulmarg as it is one of the highest golf courses in India.

Gulmarg Overview

When to Visit Gulmarg?

April to June is the peak season to explore places to visit in Gulmarg. It is the best time to visit Gulmarg as Gulmarg weather in May is pleasant, cosy and ideal for outdoor activities. Gulmarg temperature hovers between 15°C to 30°C. Monsoons start from July and continue till September. The rains are intermittent making it difficult for travellers to carry out outdoor plans at places to visit in Gulmarg. Gulmarg weather is extremely cold during the winter months. During winter the places to visit in Gulmarg may not be suitable for people who cannot withstand subzero temperatures The temperature goes as low as -2°C and the valley is sprinkled with fresh snow. If you want to experience snowfall in Gulmarg, winter is the best time to visit Gulmarg.

How to Reach Gulmarg?

Srinagar is the closest airport to Gulmarg. If you want to fly to Gulmarg, you will have to take a flight from your destination to Srinagar. Srinagar airport is well-connected to most of the major cities in India. It takes approximately 90 minutes from Srinagar to Gulmarg by road. You can get buses from Srinagar that take you to Gulmarg, from where you can explore the places to visit in Gulmarg. If you prefer to travel by train, Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station to Gulmarg. It is 290km from Gulmarg and receives trains from all important cities of the country.

What are the Things to See & Do in Gulmarg?

Places to See in Gulmarg

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Out of all the places to visit in Gulmarg, this place is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to the vivid flora, fauna and birds that inhabit the valley. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is spread across a sprawling 180 sq km and located at an altitude varying between 2,400 m and 4, 300m above the sea level. In the reserve's deep woodlands, you may see hangul, serow, brown bear, leopard, red fox, and black bear once in a while. The forest is dominated by conifers which account for 90% of the vegetation. It is one of the best places to visit in Gulmarg especially for wildlife photographers.

Alpather Lake

This serene blue lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green meadows and pretty wildflowers making it one of the rarest gems in the list of places to visit in Gulmarg. It remains frozen from November to mid-June. It is a perfect trail (13 km) to trek for the adventurers who can lace up their trekking shoes and start from Gulmarg. It takes almost a day to trek to Alpather Lake. You can also take a Gondola ride, Gulmarg and trek or ride a pony to cover the remaining 1.5 km. The wildflowers that bloom in the summer around the lake attract many photographers, artists and poets.

Gulmarg Golf Course

A popular tourist spot among places to visit in Gulmarg, Gulmarg Golf Course is a massive 18-hole golf course that is situated at a staggering height of 9000 feet. The highest green golf course in the world, it looks amazing with the snow-clad mountains in the backdrop. There are trained professionals to help you with the game even if you are an amateur.

St Mary's Church, Gulmarg

This church, built 100 years ago, was inspired by the Victorian style of architecture. It is located close to the Gulmarg Golf Course. These two destinations are among the unmissable places to visit in Gulmarg. St Mary's Church looks unparalleled during the winters when it is laden with Gulmarg snow. The wooden walls of the church are beautifully decorated. The stained-glass artworks and frescoes add up to the beauty of the church and make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gulmarg. At night the church looks pretty with strings of light.

Maharani Temple

The royal temple of the Dogra dynasty, the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, looks magnificent lying amidst the green meadows. The temple is dedicated to Shiva-Parvati. It is one of the most religious places to visit in Gulmarg. In 1915, it was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh. The Hindu style of architecture was used to design this temple. A lot of visitors come here to attend the “Arti” (holy fire ritual). Dont forget to add this place to your list of places to visit in Gulmarg.

Food to Try in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Places to visit in Gulmarg have many food outlets where you can taste the authentic Kashmiri delicacies that are made using generous amounts of spices and dry fruits. The food in this region has been heavily influenced by the Mughal cuisine. If you are a non-vegetarian, dont forget to try Mutton Rogan Josh. This recipe has made its way to Indian kitchens owing to its subtle flavour and rich aroma. You will find it in most of the restaurants near places to visit in Gulmarg. Mutton Goshtaba is another dish that is a must-try for mutton-lovers. Try Dum Olav(aloo) with roti or naan. Potatoes are cooked in yoghurt gravy and are garnished with Kashmiri spices. Modur Pulav is sweetened rice made by adding ghee, milk, dry fruits and spices to the rice. Other popular dishes that are not to be missed as you plan a trip to various places to visit in Gulmarg are Yakhni, Kashmiri Tujj, Nader Monjje, Kahwah, Tabakh Maaz etc.

Things to Buy in Gulmarg

While you go around different places to visit in Gulmarg you might get tempted to buy souvenirs for your friends or family. You will find beautiful Pashmina shawls and wraps in Gulmarg. You can pick a variety of winter clothes from the local shops. Silk carpets, Kashmiri Pherans, wooden knick-knacks, papier-mache collectables and stone jewellery are found in the shops close to places to visit in Gulmarg.

have many food outlets where you can taste the authentic Kashmiri delicacies that are made using generous amounts of spices and dry fruits. The food in this region has been heavily influenced by the Mughal cuisine. If you are a non-vegetarian, dont forget to try Mutton Rogan Josh. This recipe has made its way to Indian kitchens owing to its subtle flavour and rich aroma. You will find it in most of the restaurants near places to visit in Gulmarg. Mutton Goshtaba is another dish that is a must-try for mutton-lovers. Try Dum Olav(aloo) with roti or naan. Potatoes are cooked in yoghurt gravy and are garnished with Kashmiri spices. Modur Pulav is sweetened rice made by adding ghee, milk, dry fruits and spices to the rice. Other popular dishes that are not to be missed as you plan a trip to various places to visit in Gulmarg are Yakhni, Kashmiri Tujj, Nader Monjje, Kahwah, Tabakh Maaz etc.

Things to Buy in Gulmarg

While you go around different places to visit in Gulmarg you might get tempted to buy souvenirs for your friends or family. You will find beautiful Pashmina shawls and wraps in Gulmarg. You can pick a variety of winter clothes from the local shops. Silk carpets, Kashmiri Pherans, wooden knick-knacks, papier-mache collectables and stone jewellery are found in the shops close to places to visit in Gulmarg.

Places to visit Near Gulmarg

Gulmarg offers a range of experiences for tourists, including scenic beauty, adventure sports, and cultural and historic attractions. Here are some of the top attractions around Gulmarg.?

Srinagar

Located about 51 km west of Gulmarg, Srinagar is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir and is known for its beautiful lakes, gardens, and houseboats. The city's famous Dal Lake is a popular attraction and is surrounded by Mughal-era gardens such as Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. Srinagar is also known for its handicrafts, including handwoven carpets and embroidered shawls. Tourists can also visit the Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, and the Jama Masjid mosque.

Pahalgam

Located about 98 km from Gulmarg, Pahalgam is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for trekking, camping, and white-water rafting. The town is situated at the confluence of the Lidder River and the Sheshnag Lake and is surrounded by meadows, mountains, and rivers. Pahalgam is also the base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, a Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave.

Anantnag

Located about 107 km south of Gulmarg, Anantnag is a historic town that was founded by King Lalitaditya in the 8th century. The town is known for its ancient temples, including the Martand Sun Temple, which is one of the largest and most well-preserved temple complexes in India. Anantnag is also known for its scenic beauty, including the Kokernag Spring and the Aharbal Waterfall.

Baramulla

Located about 35 km north of Gulmarg, Baramulla is a historic town that has several ancient temples and mosques. The town's Dastgeer Sahib Shrine is a popular attraction and is visited by both Muslims and Hindus. Baramulla is also known for its natural beauty, including the Manasbal Lake and the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kupwara

Located about 74 km north of Gulmarg, Kupwara is a scenic town that is surrounded by mountains and forests. The town is known for its apple orchards and is a popular spot for hiking and trekking. Tourists can also visit the Lolab Valley, which is known for its stunning beauty and is home to several other small villages.

Conclusion

Places to visit in Gulmarg are the crowning glory of a Kashmir trip. If you are visiting Kashmir, your trip will remain incomplete without going around places to visit in Gulmarg. Even before you reach Gulmarg, the vistas on the way will steal your heart away. You will get ample backdrops for postcard-perfect shots. Gulmarg translates to “Meadows of flowers”. It offers a magnificent view of the valley from the cable car. Plan a trip to Gulmarg and experience this beautiful creation of nature to the fullest.