Gulmarg Tour
The Mountain Resort With Exceptional Beauty
Situated in the Baramulla district, Gulmarg is a splendid hill station with seamless natural beauty. The place is situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range. Gulmarg was discovered as a hill resort in the year 1927 during the British rule in India. The place was originally called Gaurimarg by the locals, but it was renamed to 'Gulmarg' by Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century.
Sultan was fascinated by the beauty of the grassy slopes and flower meadows of Gulmarg. This hill station served as a popular resort during the Mughal reign. Even the great emperor Jahangir once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from this valley. Gulmarg also boasts of having the highest green golf course in the world. The best time to visit Gulmarg is during winters between November to February.
Attractions of Gulmarg
Baba-Reshi
This Muslim shrine is located only a few kilometres from Gulmarg. The shrine is built on the slopes below Gulmarg and can be reached from either Gulmarg or Tangmarg. Devoted to a renowned Muslim saint, who was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin, the shrine witnesses thousands of devotees every year, regardless of any religion or faith.
Khilanmarg
This valley is the most beautiful place brimming with colorful flowers near Gulmarg. Located 6 km from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg treats you with breathtaking views of the majestic peaks with their reflections in Wular and other lakes. Spring is the best season to walk through this valley.
Alpather Lake
Around 13 km from Gulmarg lies the Alpather Lake at the foothills of the Apharwat peaks. The lake is blanketed with snow all year long. The lake remains frozen until June. It is a great place for trekking and attracts many trekkers.
There are many other places near Gulmarg which delight travellers to the core. The outer circular walk in Gulmarg is a wonderful way to have a glimpse of the Nanga Parbat, Harmukh, the rugged slopes of Ferozepur, Sunset Peak and the Apharwat Ridge.
Adventure Sports
Trekking
The northern Pir Panjal Range is the best trek route of Gulmarg. It offers views of the majestic Nanga Parbat, Khilanmarg, and the steep hills on the west of the valley.
Golfing
Gulamarg also houses the highest green golf course in the world. With a par of 72, the layout is similar to a normal golf course. The golf club in Gulmarg was started by the British and was opened for golf lovers in 1904. Presently, the J&K Tourism Development Corporation manages the club.
Adventure enthusiasts try out sports like skiing and paragliding too at Gulmarg in winters.
How To Get There
By Air: The closest airport is at Srinagar (57 km). Regular flights are operated to Srinagar from almost all the major cities in India.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railway station from Gulmarg.
By Road: Buses and taxis are operated regularly from Srinagar and several other major cities of the state.
