Gulmarg-” The Meadow of Flowers”

September

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GULMARG

“THE MEADOW OF FLOWERS”

The heartland of winter sports in India and Asia’s seventh best ski destination, Gulmarg has a lot for you to explore and discover. Gulmarg is a town, a hill station and a popular skiing destination in the Baramula district of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Originally named –Gaurimarg or “the fair one” by shepherds, it was renamed as Gulmarg -“Meadow of Flowers ” by sultan Yusuf shah. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty. It also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country’s premier ski resort in the winter.

THINGS TO DO IN GULMARG

A RIDE ON GULMARG GONDOLA

Being world’s second highest cable car project, a gondola ride in Gulmarg is a must .it’s a two-tiered ride, in the first phase visitors are taken to kongdori which is at a height of 2600 mts ,for the second phase they are taken to aparwath peak which is at a height of 3747 mts . On a clear sky day we can have a view of the magnificent Nanga Parbat from there.

SKIING    

Being Asia’s seventh best ski destination, known for its excellent gradients, Gulmarg is the best place to ski in India. For beginners, there are three baby slopes available with expert ski instructors (you can hire ski instructors for a day, a week and even for a month). For veteran skiers the slopes of the Aparwath Peak are ideal.

HELI-SKIING

Skiing in which the skier is taken up the mountain by helicopter.

Heli-skiing was introduced to Gulmarg in 2011 with the opening of Kashmir Heliski (formerly Gulmarg Heliski), a heliski operation that was started by industry experts passionate about heli-skiing Kashmir.  

SNOWBOARDING

Being India’s premium destination for winter sports. Gulmarg is a great place to go snowboarding with  your friends and family.

HANDS ON GOLFING

Gulmarg is reckoned to have world’s second highest golf course, which is situated at an altitude of 2650 m. It is an 18-hole golf course and is spread over an area of 7505 yards. With such picturesque surroundings, playing golf is indeed a great idea.

 

 

Gulmarg Weather

Due to its high elevation, Gulmarg has a humid continental climate where the wet winter season sees heavy snowfall, especially for its latitude. Summers are moderate in temperature and length, whereas shoulder seasons are relatively cool.

Best seasons to visit  Gulmarg

Spring(March-April)

The best season to visit gulmarg would be undoubtedly the spring ,when the beautiful gulmarg is in its best self.    It presents a picture of an unforgettable tapestry which is amongst the most beautiful any place in the world has to offer.

Avg. Max.temp. –20 C

Avg.min.temp.-5 C

 

Summers (April-June)
Fruits spill out of brimming baskets; strawberries and cherries, peaches and apricots; all the bounty of a fertile land. Pale green paddy fields rise in tiered steps upon the hills.Sun shining on the vast green fields making there green hues even more beautiful.

Avg. Max.temp. –29 C

Avg.min.temp.-9 C

Winters (November-February)

The white sheet of snow covering this paradise far and wide concealing the resonating its  beauty. The soft snowflakes adorning the coniferous, the misty hazy breath, the chilly breeze gently tingling your senses, the tender sunlight deflecting from the ice capped peaks and spreading the much-needed warmth. All so milky and pure. It is the picture of true heaven on earth.

Avg. Max.temp. –2C

Avg.min.temp.-  -6C

 

JOURNEY TO GULMARG

The most enchanting part of Gulmarg is the journey to the place .imagine travelling on Roads bordered by beautiful  avenues of Poplar Tree give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colors could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chilies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, you can stop your vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within your hand’s reach.

 

HOW TO REACH GULMARG

1.    By Air. The nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Srinagar which is 56 kilometers away. …

2.    By Bus. Gulmarg is well-connected with regular bus services from Srinagar, Sonmarg and other neighboring towns in Kashmir. …

3.    By Train. Jammu is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 290 kilometers. …

4.   Road/Self Drive. Gulmarg is well connected through the roads .You can take a cab of drive till there with your own vehicle.

 

Places to visit near Gulmarg

 

Shrine of Baba Reshi

The shrine of Baba Reshi is 500 years old and holds an important position as a religious place in Gulmarg. Dedicated to Baba Payamuddin (a Muslim scholar and the disciple of Baba Zainuddin Reshi), Baba Reshi shrine is a must visit for those who are childless. The influence of Mughal and Persian architecture can be seen and the beautifully-crafted wooden artworks inside the shrine are the main attractions for the history buffs. The massive hall that can accommodate 1000 people at a time is also no less an attraction here.

  St. Mary’s Church

A Victorian style Church, St.Mary’s is a small place of worship in Gulmarg. The church is famed for its stained glass artwork and utter peace. The church is only accessible by trekking, so one also has the option of experiencing a little adventure on the way.

Alpather lake

Alpather Lake is one exciting place for a day trip from Gulmarg. Situated at the feet of the twin Aparwath Peaks, the lake is around 13 kms from Gulmarg. Aparwath Lake is one of the most scenic places you could be at.

 

Gulmarg biosphere reserve

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a great place to witness the rich flora and fauna of the region. Situated around 48 kms from Srinagar, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is placed at an altitude of 2400m above sea level. The reserve is a safe shelter for many wildlife animals like Himalayan Musk Deer, Red Fox, Brown and Black Bear. It wouldn’t be incorrect if we call Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve a bird watchers’ paradise as it is the second home for many migratory birds.

 

Maharani temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maharani Temple is perched atop a hillock in Gulmarg. It is reckoned to have been built by Queen Mohini Bai Sisodhia, the wife of the erstwhile ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh and thus is named as Maharani Temple or Rani Temple. This red-rooftop temple along with being a sacred place is also a popular tourist attraction in Gulmarg.

 

Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg is the most popular sightseeing place near Gulmarg. It is situated at a short distance of 4kms from Gulmarg and is a beautiful little valley. Tranquil and serene, Khilanmarg is adorned by varieties of flowers in summer time. One can easily trek to Khilanmarg and enjoy the views of Nanga Parbat and the twin peaks Nun and Kun.  

About the author, Liya James

Hi, I am Liya!! I first traveled the globe when I was four months old when we immigrated to the United States from Indonesia, and I have been roaming the world every chance I get ever since. I've been to 15 countries and counting. I am passionate about experiencing new cultures and sharing my adventures with others. I believe that travel is the best education, and I am excited to continue learning and sharing these adventures with you.

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