GULMARG - WINTER TRAVEL BLOG
Gulmarg is known as the Meadow of Flowers. This scenic town is located 2650 meters (8500 ft.) above sea level in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gulmarg is a scenic beauty year around but during winters the valley turns into a fairytale. you will be welcomed by the white tipped Himalayas, exotic snow covered slopes, enchanting forest and meadows fully covered in a white blanket of Snow.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN GULMARG
Gulmarg in winter is a magnificent experience, fully covered in a white blanket of Snow. In the recent past Gulmarg has become the hub for many adventure activities—
- Get the panoramic view of most of the town via Gulgmarg’s Gondola Ride, world's second highest cable cars. It offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and birds eye views of the entire valley.
1st phase takes the height of 8530 ft. to Kongdori Station and the 2nd stage goes up to the height of 12293 to Aparwath station (open only if the weather permits)
For detailed guide on Gulmarg's ropeway read : Gulmarg Gondola Ride
Hop on a Snowmobile and ride through the snow covered meadow. If you are an adrenaline junkie, opt for 45-minutes of high-speed ride that covers the best viewpoint and brings you close to the border.
There is an Ice-Skating Rink near the cable car station. Rent equipment and find an instructor to help you to glide.
Skiing, there are various options for beginners as well as expert skiers. The ski trail ranges from 300m to 3km and heli-skiing for experts accessible only through helicopter.
The official ski season is from December to April and there are various options for beginners – heli-skiing (from 15,000ft).
If skiing is not your thing, then try your hands on Sledging - Take a thrilling ride down the slopes via handcrafted sleds made by locals. Porters pulls the sled taking you through the less steep icy slopes.
No list is complete without out Trekking, Gulmarg offers a thrilling and unique opportunity to satiate your trekking appetite. A 3 km trek from Aparwath Station (2nd phase/halt of gondola ride) takes you to the frozen lake of Al-Pathar Lake, which is completely frozen during winter. Walk or skate across the lake or simply admire the mountains reflected on the surface.
The Gulmarg Winter Music and Adventure Festival is conducted to promote the rich culture of the valley. It is organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir tourism. The Festival showcases - music, photography, movies, dance performances, food, and adventure activities.
EXPLORE THE TOWN
Gulmarg offers a memorable experience with a fair share of thrill, adventure and sightseeing. Major attractions apart from ropeway are -
Maharani Temple
Mohineshwar Shivalaya or Maharani Temple is one of the oldest Hindu style architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple was built in the year 1915, by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh of Dogra Dynasty. It was the royal temple of the Dogra Kings of Jammu and Kashmir.
Timings : 6am-9pm | Entrance Price : Free
Highlights : Nestled in a small hillock, the temple is peaceful and serene.
St. Mary’s Church.
Victorian-style St. Mary's Church, set on a wild landscape. This 20th century church was built in the year 1902 and later the facade was renovated 2003
The church has a straight green roof with gray stone walls and wooden trimming. The interior of the church is complete with wooden panels and beautiful stained glass artwork. You can also see scenes from the Bible on the frescos located inside the Church.
Timings : 6am-5pm | Entrance Price : Free
Gulmarg Golf Course -
Gulmarg golf course, counted among the most beautiful golf courses in India, is composed of both slopes and inclines. The 18-hole golf course sits at the height of 2650 meters (8,690 ft.) above the sea level and is the highest golf course in the world. The Gulmarg Golf Course offers the splendor of Srinagar and Nanga Parbat on either side.
It was built by Neville Francis Fitzgerald Chamberlain in 1890 with a 6-hole course, later was modified and extended several times; presently it is an 18-hole golf course.
Timings : 08:30 am to 10:00 pm
Entrance Price : ₹ 800(Indians) | ₹ 1200(Foreigners)
Al-Pathar Lake
An easy 3 km trek from Aparwath Station (2nd phase halt of gondola ride) takes you to the Al-Pathar Lake also known as the frozen lake. The lake completely freezes during winter i.e. between November to Mid-June. Walk or skate across the lake or simply admire the mountains reflected on the surface.
Timings : 08:30 am to 10:00 pm | Entrance Price : Free
Highlights : Jaw-dropping views of snow-capped mountains in winters and during summer the lake is surrounded by beautiful green meadows with the riots of multi-coloured wildflowers.
➖ Carry adequate amounts of water, energy snacks and proper clothes to shield yourself from cold and rough weather.
Khalinmarg Valley
Khalinmarg is a serene valley located about 5 km from Gulmarg. It offers a panoramic views of mighty Himalayan peaks, Nanga Parbat, the Himalayas, and the twin peaks of Nun and Kun. Several scenic tourist spots are located in proximity to Khilanmarg. During winter the entire valley is submerged under thick carpet of snow, making it a favorable destination for Ski lovers. You can reach here by pony or 1.5 hrs. trek.
Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peaks is a beautiful peak, located at an altitude of about 4200 meters above sea level. Most parts of the year are covered with snow due to heavy snowfall. The Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan is just a few kilometers away. Apharwat slopes attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world, it has the highest and the highest ski slopes of Asia.
- Getting to this place by cable car ride from Gulmarg depends on the weather conditions.
Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah is a mountain stream that flows through the valley. It has a picturesque view of snow-capped mountains and during summer there are meadows with wildflowers on either side of the stream. The main source of Ningal Nallah is water formed by melting ice in Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake which merges into the Jhelum River.
Timings : 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
Ferozepur Nalla
Ferozepur Nallah is also called Shinmahinyu by the local people of Kashmir. The water at the stream here is very clean and clear, the locals believe that the water from Ferozepur Nallah is blessed by the spirits of mountains.
Entrance Price : Free
Highlights : Sky piercing pine trees, snow enveloped mountains and water streams famous for trout fishing.
➖ Though they may be partially or totally frozen in the winter, they are still worth a visit.
Gulmarg’s Children Park
Stroll or relax into the park, soak in the views of mountains, towering conifers and scenic beauty. The park also has activities - toy trains, swings, zorbing and slides to keep kids engaged.
Tangmarg
It is another stopover while visiting Gulmarg, located at the foothill of Pir Panjal ranges. The main attraction of Tangmarg is Baba Reshi Shrine and Drung - known as the frozen waterfalls
Baba Reshi Shrine
Nestled at the height of 2,133 meters (7000 ft.) it is the resting place of sufi saint Baba Payam Uddin Reshi.
It is also known as Ziarat of Baba Reshi. The original structure dates back to 1840 in Mughal and Persian style architecture with elements of Kashmir - intricately carved Deodar pillars and exquisite workmanship. It has been renovated several times and now it is a 3-storey modern building
Entrance Price : Free
Highlights : Big minaret outside the shrine and the glass and exquisite kashmiri style wood work.
Location : Baba Reshi shrine is located in Ramboh village in Baramulla district near Kunzer, Tangmarg and Gulmarg. you can also make a stop here while returning to Srinagar.
Drung Waterfall
Drung Waterfall is one of the places that should not be missed. During winters when the temperature dips below zero, the water of the fall freezes completely while it falls down and creates huge icicles. There are a few stalls nearby that serve tea and hot snacks as well as a small temple nearby.
LOCAL FOOD TO TRY IN KASHMIR
Try the traditional 36-course Kashmiri wazwan (mutton, chicken and their chutneys) served on a large plate (called a trami).
- Tsot - a small round bread topped with poppy and sesame seeds
- Harissa with kashmiri bread
- Sheermal, bakarkhani, and kulcha
- Salted Tea called Sheer / noon chai / Kashmiri Kahwa.
- Tabak Maaz (deep fried ribs of a lamb)
- Rogan Josh (lamb marinated in cockscomb flower or Mawual),
- Lahabi Kabab or Moachi kabab,
- Goshtaba lamb meatballs cooked in a sumptuous gravy made with yogurt,
Vegetarian
- Nadru Yakhni (yogurt based curry made with lotus seeds or nadru)
- Phirni , Ruangan (Paneer), Muji Chetin (reddish and yogurt chutney)
- Dum Olav (Aloo) with roti or naane etc.
Try Kashmiri Wazwan in Srinagar main market.
SOUVENIRS
There are various stores in town that sell Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina shawls, brass items and stone jewelry and dry fruits. However, you will get all these items in Srinagar itself, where options will be more and less expensive compared to Gulmarg. So we recommend you to buy any souvenirs from Srinagar itself.
WINTER WEARS
For the winter months (December to March) carry heavy woolen, jacket, thermals, gloves, woolen socks, mufflers and windproof jackets. During the months of March and April and October carry light woolens and jackets. Also proper shoes are recommended to protect you from extreme weather.
HOW TO REACH GULMARG?
Gulmarg is well connected by road to the major cities.
🛧 Airport :
Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport also called Srinagar Airport. It is around 56 km from Gulmarg and taxis / jeeps are available just outside the airport.
🚆 Railways :
There are no direct trains for Srinagar or Gulmarg. so the route would be -
▪️ Jammu Railway Station/Udhampur by Train
▪️ Jammu Railway Station/Udhampur to Banihal by Van or Bus
▪️ Banihal to Srinagar by unreserved passenger train
▪️ Srinagar to Gulmarg by jeep or car
*The car Journey from Udhampur to Gulmarg is about 7-8 hrs. but it would give little dent in your pocket.
🚖 By Road
The national highway 1-A connects Gulmarg to major cities. State owned and private deluxe buses are frequently available.
I hope, above information on Gulmarg sightseeing was of help. If you have any queries, please feel free to ask in the comment section. You can also follow me on my social media handles - Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter to see inspiring photos and get instant updates regarding new places and blog posts.
