Detailed Description

Gulmarg (“Meadow of Flowers") is a hill station situated 55 km from Srinagar at an altitude of 8694 feet in the Pir Panjal range to the west of the Himalayas.

 

Today, Gulmarg is one of the preferred destinations for travelers living in major cities of India, but mostly thronged by couples and families for sightseeing and leisure during summers and is a popular skiing destination in winter.

 

Gulmarg is dotted with beautiful places that will enthrall you in its splendor so Let’s have a look!!!

 

 

 

Maharani Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Maharani Temple is perched atop a hillock in the middle of the beautiful town of Gulmarg and is easily visible from every corner of this beautiful town and whenever someone rings the temple bell, one can hear across the valley.

 

The Temple was built in the year 1915 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.The temple is in good shape and is one of the last few monuments that belonged to the Dogra dynasty who ruled over the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir.

 
The temple is extremely popular as it was seen as the backdrop for the song 'Jai Jai shiv shanker, kaanta lage na kankar' starring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz.The views from temple complex are excellent and one can spend some time here in peace looking at snow capped peaks.

The temple can be visited on all days of the week from 06:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m.

 

 

 

St. Mary’s Church:

Built in the beginning of the 20th century during the British rule, this Roman Catholic Church is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture.

 

The church is set amidst a meadowsque's golf course of Gulmarg and has been the setting for a number for Bollywood movies from the good old 70's to the recent 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. A nice and peaceful church with surrounding mountains adds to the atmosphere beyond comparison. The beauty, serenity and the quietness of the place attracts the mind of all ages, though no service (prayers) happens here but once in a month a priest comes from Srinagar. The care takers of the church are nice and friendly and visiting tourist can learn more about the church from them.

 

The church is only accessible by trekking and there is no entry fee for visiting. The church can be visited on all the days of the week between 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Gulmarg Golf Course:

Gulmarg Golf Club is one of the highest golf courses in the world situated in the valley along with other picturesque parks, lakes and fish ponds.

 

Golf in Gulmarg began in early 1920’s when the officers of the British army came here to spend their summers. Ever since then golf tournaments have been frequently held here between armatures and professionals.

 

The golf course was redesigned in the year 2011 and at 7505 yards it happens to be the longest golf course in the country with 18 holes and par 72 making golfing a unique experience.

 

The golf course is open to all and anyone can learn and play a quick game of golf and there are guides, trainers along with caddies at your service.

 

The golf course generally is operational from April to September and is closed during winter months. Apart from golfing tourist can also try their hand at Billards and Table tennis at the Gulmarg Golf Club.

 

 

 

Children’s Park:

The Children’s park in Gulmarg is picturesquely located amidst large meadows and is surrounded by snow peaked mountains at the backdrop. While tourists enjoy sightseeing their children can play and have fun at the park which is full of exciting games and activities.

 

Believed to be the highest children’s park in the world the park is home to a beautiful lake and activities like horse riding, buggy riding and zorbing ball are one of the most popular activities enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

 

 

 

Kongdoor (Phase – I):

The gondola lift (cable car) operates in 2 phases; Phase – I (Kongdoor) @ 8,530 feet and Phase – II (Apharwat Peak) @ 12,300 feet above sea level.

 

Perched at an altitude of 8,530 feet lies Phase – I known as Kangdoor valley. The bowl-shaped Kongdori valley is a little paradise in its own right and is carpeted with fragrant and blossoming flowers in summer and becomes a ski destination during winter.

 

During Summer(May to September) the Kongdoor valley emanates pristine beauty and is surrounded by greenery from all sides thus making it ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities like trekking and hiking.

 

During Winter(December to March) the valley is covered with snow and is the best place for tourist to indulge in snow fights and enjoy winter sport activities like sledge rides and snowmobile rides.

 

 

 

Apharwat Peak (Phase – II):

The Gondola ride to Apharwat peak (Phase – II) is amazing with a view of snow clad mountains and pine trees, the Apharwat summit (Phase – II) is located at a height of 12,300 feet above sea level. The summit receives heavy snowfall all round the year and is a few km away from the LOC with Pakistan. Reaching phase – II is highly dependent on weather conditions.

 

The views from summit are spectacular comprising of panoramic vistas of the Himalayan ranges, Gulmarg and its surrounding valleys. Apharwat peak is quite popular with skiing enthusiast and the snow covered landscape provides enough challenge for even the most experienced skiers.

 

When here, tourist can dig into the powdery snow and go for a fun snow fight or make their own interesting versions of snowman and create wonderful memories with their loved ones.

 

During summers, the Apharwat peak is entirely different from what it looks like in winters; the lush surroundings will make you feel very close to nature. All in your entire trip to Gulmarg will be incomplete without a visit to the Apharwat Summit (Phase-II).

 

 

 

Alpather Lake:

Alpather is a small meadow 13 kms from Gulmarg at the base of the Apharwat peak and the Alpather Lake is one exciting place for a day's excursion from Gulmarg.

 

The lake is triangular in shape and has snow covered mountains at its backdrop. Apart from being a picturesque sight, the lake also provides an adventurous opportunity to the visitors, who can take up activities like horse riding, trekking and ridge climbing to reach the lake.

 

The lake remains frozen till mid May and even in the month of June one can see several chunks of ice floating on the water.

 

Best way to reach: Take a gondola ride up to Phase two, after that a pony ride or a trek if you're fit and love hiking.

 

 

 

Ningle Nallah:

Ningle Nallah is a striking stream and an impressive meadow which is carpeted with wildflowers. Located at a distance of 10 km away from Gulmarg the beautiful stream receives water from the melting ice of the Apharwat peak and Alpather Lake in summers.

 

Tourists generally visit the Ningle Nallah between the months of March to October and it is a very popular picnic spot and is visited by both locals and tourists alike. The stream makes its way passing through a few mountains and lush green valleys.

 

When here one can see beautiful meadows full of blooming flowers, surrounded by snow capped mountains as well pine trees.

 

This is an ideal spot for a family picnic or a camping trip with friends. The ambiance of the place is very relaxing and enjoyable and is located en route to Lienmarg and Khilanmarg and is easily accessible by road.

 

There is no entry fee for visiting the Ningle Nallah and can be visited all days of the week from 09:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Ferozepur Nallah:

Ferozepur Nallah is an exquisite mountain stream flowing through the valleys between the beautiful Chinamarg and NurpurPass.

 

Camping during summers beside this stream is one of the best things to do and also trout fishing is permissible here, hence it definitely makes an ideal picnic spot to enjoy with friends and family. Tourist visiting here during winters can also enjoy skiing on the mountain slopes near it.

 

Pine covered and snow carpeted mountains surrounding Ferozepur Nallah is one sight your lens would absolutely love to capture. For the more adventurous ones, the Ferozepur Nallah is also the base camp for Tosamaidan Trek, which spans about 50 km and lasts for a duration of 3 days.

 

Timings: All days of the week; 08:00 a.m. - 05:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Khilanmarg:

The beautiful valley of Khilanmarg is one of the most popular sightseeing spots near Gulmarg. Tranquil and Serene, Khilanmarg is adorned by a variety of flowers during summers and one can easily trek to Khilanmargand enjoy spectacular views of the Nanga Parbat and twin peaks of Nun and Kun of the Himalayan ranges.

 

During winters Khilanmarg becomes a skiing destination and is ideal for adventure sport activities like skiing andsnowboarding.

 

Khilanmarg is 4 km from Gulmarg and can be easily reached by trekking or on horseback. There are several scenic spots located in the proximity of Khilanmarg and tourist can enjoy some of the most fantastic views of nature.

No Entry Fee.

Timing: 07:00 to 05:00 p.m. (All days of the week).

 

 

 

Nagin Valley:

The Nagin valley or Nageen valley was opened to public in the year 2012 after being kept hidden from tourist for almost 22 years due to instability in the region.

 

The picturesque valley is a 10 km stretch on the Gulmar – Botapathri road and is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.

 

The valley partly lies in the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve which is popular for its lush alpine meadows, blue pines and wildlife which includes musk deers, leopards, red fox and Hangul.

 

When here tourist can enjoy walking through the clouds which is truly a wonderful experience and while exploring one will notice the mountains change their colors as the sun makes its journey towards the west.

 

Today Nagin valley has been developed as an eco tourism destination and for adventure enthusiasts there are well equipped camping sites available in the valley.

 

 

 

Strawberry Valley:

Walk down the valley and explore the hidden gem of Gulmarg the “Strawberry Valley”. Gulmarg produces some of the juiciest strawberries in India and tourist can get a taste of the fresh strawberries while visiting Gulmarg during summer.

 

Apart from fresh strawberries the beautiful valley is famous for being the backdrop of many Bollywood movies.
Tourist can spend a small picnic and captures some beautiful moments between the strawberry farms.

 

 

 

Lienmarg:

Situated 10 km from Gulmarg is a stunning meadow ‘Lienmarg’ blooming with wild flowers and surrounded by thickets of pine forests where one can enjoy the glory of mother nature at its best.

 

During summers Lienmarg attracts a lot of tourists especially campers and trekkers because of its idyllic beauty. While in winters its serves as a perfect destination for winter sport activities.

 

Reaching Lienmarg is an adventurous experience as one has to cross the Ningle Nallah and then pass by beautiful meadows and pine forests which can be done on horseback. There is no entry fees for this place and the entire meadow can be seen in duration of 3 to 4 hours.

 

 

 

Baba Reshi Shrine:

Dedicated to Baba Payamuddin the shrine was built in 1480, the year of his demise. Baba Reshi was a renowned Muslim scholar in the court of King Zain-ul-Abidin who ruled Kashmir in the 15th century.

 

This 500-year-old shrine was constructed in the architectural style of that era and it was dominated by Persian and Mughal influences. Inside the tomb are beautifully-crafted wooden artworks reminiscent of the bygone era. The tomb can accommodate more than a 1000 devotees at any given time. Surrounded by lush green lawns, this shrine attracts hordes of visitors both for its religious and historic significance. It is also believed that childless couples are blessed with one after praying here.

 

The shrine is on the way from Tanmarg to Gulmarg and one can visit the shrine any time from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on any day of the week.

 

 

 

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve:

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a blend of enormous wild flora and fauna. The reserve is spread over an area of 180 sq km, and is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species.

Whether you are a bird lover, naturalist or simply looking for adventure, a hike through the rich vegetation of the biosphere is must for every tourist visiting Gulmarg.

The main attraction of this reserve is the presence of a Musk Deer while the other animals that can be sighted are snow leopards, Hangul, Black bears, Red fox, and Brown bears to name a few. The biosphere is also a delight for bird watchers as a variety of resident and migratory birds can be traced in this reserve. Those looking for more adventure can opt for spending a night at the camping sites close to the reserve.

Best time to watch mammals at the reserve: September to March.

Best time for bird watching: March to May.

 

 

 

Kanchenjunga Museum:

Have you ever thought how our brave soldiers make their way through the ice cold Himalayan ranges, glaciers and ridges and fight wars with the enemy??

 

If you are keen to know then head straight to Kanchenjunga Museum where you will see on display old and modern warfare and mountaineering gears and equipments used by the Indian army since 1947.All these equipments have been displayed very nicely in the museum.

 

The museum is housed in the premises of high altitude warfare school (HAWS) which is a training school of the Indian army.

 

No Entry Fee
Timing: Summer – 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Winter – 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Finally, Gulmarg is best explored on foot as this is the best way to enjoy and absorb its beautiful landscape. Tourist can also hire ponies and explore the beauty of Gulmarg at their own pace. Also skiing along the slopes of Apharwat and Kandoor is a precious feat which one can achieve being in the beautiful settings of Gulmarg.So go prepared and absorb the inimitable essence of skiing at this amazing winter destination and share the same with your loved ones.