Detailed Description

Scenic Gulmarg is known for its unparalleled beauty and its virgin forests that are a welcoming sight for all tourists.
At Gulmarg there are a variety of things to do like skiing, heli skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and other winter sport activities.

 

 

Tourist can hike or trek through the beautiful pine forests to get a view of some of the beautiful and hidden landscapes of Gulmarg. Tourist can also pack a picnic and head for Khilanmarg or Ningle Nallah and breathe in some cool fresh air and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley.

 

 

After a wonderful day of fun filled activities, tourist can indulge in a variety of Kashmiri cuisines available at Gulmarg and end their day on a high note.

 

 

So let’s have a look at the exciting activities one can do and make the best of this beautiful place on earth.

 

 

Learn Skiing

 

Skiing was first introduced to Gulmarg by 2 British army officers who had established the first ski club in Gulmarg in the year 1927 but it is only during the last decade that Gulmarg got its due recognition as a skiing destination around the world.

 

 

Due to its geographic location Gulmarg receives some of the heaviest snowfalls in Kashmir and is home to some of the highest ski slopes in India, where travelers can indulge in snow sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing and sledging while holidaying in Gulmarg, where the atmosphere is full of serenity and calmness.

 

 

So when here, skiing is one thing tourist must try. For beginners, there are baby slopes available along with ski instructors whom you can hire for a day, a week and even for a month and learn skiing to perfection.For experienced skiers the slopes of the Apharwat peak are ideal, with the smooth and steep gradients making it a perfect place for powder skiing.

 

 

Over the years Gulmarg has become a favorite skiing destination with Mumbaikars too, as it is faster and easier to reach Gulmarg from Mumbai than to any other ski destinations in India. For reaching Gulmarg, one has to take a direct flight to Srinagar and then it’s just a 2 hour drive from Srinagar airport.

 

 

Furthermore, Gulmarg is an inexpensive ski destination as compared to other ski destination outside India. For example: A place like Switzerland may cost about 100 times the cost of skiing in Gulmarg. Hence during Winters (November to February) Gulmarg is thronged by foreign tourist from all over the world.

 

 

Skiing equipment is easily available on rent at Gulmarg on per day basis, at the many government run ski shops. It is also strongly recommended to shop for your winter wear beforehand, especially for skiing, one should get a good water proof and wind proof jacket along with snowshoes, a pair of water-resistant gloves, and also a pair of woolen socks, woolen cap and some good dark sun-glasses would be useful.

 

 

 

Take a Gondola Ride

 

Of the many things to do in Gulmarg, a Gondola ride is probably the one thing that tops the list of any tourist visiting Gulmarg.

 

 

Believed to be the world’s second highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg gondola is a 2 stage ride. In the first phase tourist are taken to Kongdoori which is situated at a height of 8,530 feet and in the second phase the tourist are taken to an elevation of 13,780 feet at Apharwat peak. The time taken by the Gondola (cable car) will be around 10 to 15 minutes to reach one phase to the other.

 

 

The Gondola has a seating capacity of 6 and is fully covered; the views from the Gondola are truly breathtaking on a clear sky day wherein tourist can witness glimpses of the grand Himalayan ranges apart from getting a bird’s eye view of Gulmarg.

 

 

During peak tourist season (March – June) tourist may find long serpentine queues hence tourist are advised to reach early and return early in order to avoid long queues.

 

 

Also during peak tourist season (March – June) tourists are advised to book their Gondola rides for both phases online at http://www.gulmarggondola.com (Here they will get the status and current rates for the ride).Once the booking is done online tourists can obtain a printout and exchange it for an original ticket from the e-counter at the Gondola entrance.

 

 

During off seasons and non tourist seasons tourists can buy tickets directly of the counter as during this time there is generally a lesser crowd and no long queues.

 

 

During winters ski and snowboarding enthusiast can buy a day’s pass for phase-I and do multiple ski rounds using the Gondola throughout the day.

 

 

Please note: Remember to carry a photo id of at least one member of your family or group which will have to be produced for e ticketing at the ticket counter to get the boarding pass for the Gondola ride.

 

 

Closing time for Phase 1 is  @ 05:00 p.m.
Closing time for Phase 2 is  @ 03:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Try your hand at Golf

 

Golfing is a way of life in Gulmarg, situated at an altitude of 2650 m the golf course at Gulmarg is known to be the second highest in the world. Set amidst a picturesque surroundings playing golf here is indeed a memorable experience.Spread over an area of 7505 yards the golf course is a 18 hole course and its layout is different from most golf courses with land slopes and inclines along the area of the course which is of par 72.

 

 

Tourist visiting Gulmarg during summer i.e. (April to September) can try their hands at golfing as this is the ideal time to do so. The course remains closed during the winter months from December to April due to heavy snowfall in the region.The golf course also has a 3 hole learning academy where beginners can learn some quick tricks and tips on golfing and can hire a golf kit from the Gulmarg golf club.

 

 

 

Horse Riding

 

With rolling hills and soothing lush greenery all around, exploring Gulmarg on a horseback is something you will remember for a lifetime. Horse riding or pony riding is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful countryside and meadows of Gulmarg.

 

 

Gulmarg is abounding with horses and ponies which are readily available for hire, even if you are trekking or camping; horses can be used for carrying your luggage and trekking equipments up to the highlands of Gulmarg.

 

 

While horse riding in Gulmarg is something you will enjoy thoroughly while exploring the magical land at the same time you can include various other adventure activities like trekking, hiking and camping during your trip.

 

 

This recreational activity can be enjoyed by both children and adults and some of the best routes and locations where tourist can enjoy horse riding are Gulmarg to Khilanmarg – 5 km, Gulmarg to Apharwat 13 km.

 

 

 

Horse riding can be best enjoyed during the summer months (April to June) when beginner’s can learn some horse riding tips from the trainers but, during monsoons and winters horse riding should be avoided as the conditions are not favorable.

 

 

 

Trekking

 

 

If you are a trekking enthusiasts then, there is good news for you as you will be spoilt of choices when it come to the trekking trails in Gulmarg.Every year armature and professional trekkers from around the globe throng Gulmarg to enjoy treks along the vales of Gulmarg to the mighty peaks surrounding the alpine town.

 

 

The main attraction in Gulmarg and its surrounding areas are the walks tourists will enjoy through the grassy meadows and thick pine forests full of rich birdlife and harmless wildlife.Gulmarg is the base for short treks to the Pir Panjal Mountains, a day’s trek to Khilanmarg, Apharwat peak and Alpather Lake.

 

 

 

Another popular trek is to Ningle Nallah and Ferozepur Nallah which goes through the brooks, forests and lush green meadows of Gulmarg.For the more fearless and adventurous trekkers is a 5 days trek to Tsoa Maidan, the trek originates at Gulmarg and spreads across Ferozepur Nallah and beyond to the remote hamlets of Tejjan, Danwas and Tsoa Maidan.

 

 

It is advisable to hire a local guide as treks deep into the valley may be pretty harsh, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the territory of Gulmarg and its surrounding areas.

 

 

An ideal trekking program in Gulmarg:

With base at Gulmarg, a wonderful trekking holiday can be enjoyed over a period of 4 days to some of the best trails near Gulmarg.

 

Day 1 – A trek to Pir Panjal range.
Day 2 – A trek to Khilanmarg.
Day 3 – A trek to Apharwat peak and Alpather Lake.
Day 4 – A trek to Ningle Nallah.

 

 

Essential items to be carried during a trek

 

Water proof shoes, rain gear, monkey cap, light woolens, walking stick, dry snacks, dry fruits, water, gloves, sun blocks, torch along with a personal first aid kit.

 

 

Best time for trekking

 

 

For trekking enthusiast the best time to visit Gulmarg is from mid April to August. Trekking should be avoided during early spring (February - March) in Gulmarg as there may be a few showers and also during this time the snow begins to melt and hence the entire plains of Gulmarg gets muddy and mucky which is not favorable for trekking purpose.

 

 

So if you have planned a trekking trip to Gulmarg, waste no more time, come to Gulmarg and lose yourself in the legendary beauty of the mighty mountains of Gulmarg.

 

 

Other Winter Sports

 

Snow mobiles

 

If you have never ridden a snowmobile before and are keen on experiencing an adrenaline rush then Gulmarg is the ideal place to do so during winters (December to March).

 

 

Also locally known as snow machine, a ride on the snowmobiles can be experienced at Kongdoor(phase - I) as the location offers an adventurous escape into the heart of Gulmarg, with miles of perfectly groomed trails and endless powder filled bowls and meadows to explore.

 

 

Each snowmobile is accompanied by an experienced pilot or guide to serve tourist better and help them explore Gulmarg. Be it old or young visiting tourist must experience the breathtaking ride on the snowmobile as the memories of riding it will surely stay with them for a lifetime.

 

 

 

Sledging

 

Sledging at Gulmarg is one of the most popular activities which can be enjoyed all year round as long as snow remains on the slopes of Gulmarg.

 

No special skill is required for this activity wherein a flat wooden board is taken up the hill and is allowed to descend downhill on the snow-covered slopes. Sledges in Gulmarg are easily available on hire.

 

 

Snow boarding

 

Snowboarding is relatively new in India and was started about a decade ago to boost tourism; Gulmarg being located on one of the best geographical locations has some of the best natural slopes for snowboarding in India.

 

 

There are 2 points from where one can snowboard at Gulmarg. One from Kongdoori (Phase – I) which is a natural slope of 450 m (1400 feet) and offers an exhilarating snowboarding experience to snowboarders and is ideal for beginners.

 

 

The second point is from Apharwat peak (Phase – II) which is about 800 m( 2600 feet) descend and offers a once in a lifetime experience. The steep snowy terrain here is strictly for skilled and advanced snowboarders.

 

 

Furthermore, Gulmarg has excellent facilities for snowboarding as equipments and guides are easily available. Also every year adventure sport operators conduct week long snowboarding courses between December and February so budding adventure enthusiasts can make the most of it during this time.  

 

 

 

Go Ice skating at the rink

 

Winters in Kashmir are exhilarating as the temperature drops to zero or below zero degrees, hence during this time lakes and ponds transform into sheets of ice.

 

 

As a result outdoor, skating rinks are set up in frozen lakes and ponds of Gulmarg where ice skating lovers can assemble and take part in regional and national level competitions or simply enjoy some fun filled moments.

 

 

The rink in Gulmarg is situated close to the Gondola base station and overlooks the Gulmarg golf course. The ideal time for ice skating in Gulmarg is during the months of January and February. So, if you are keen on learning ice skating several professional operators will provide you with the required equipments and instructor.

 

 

Heli Skiing

 

 

Heli skiing activity was started in Gulmarg in the year 2010 and there is an interesting history to it. A decade ago the famous French skier Sylvain Saudan had started Heli skiing in the Himalayas for European skiers. He would take the skiers by helicopter on top of the mountain peaks surrounding Gulmarg and from there they would ski down from the immense Himalayan slopes.

 

 

Heli skiing  in Gulmarg is the ultimate skiing experience; where the helicopter flight experience alone is spectacular and after you have finished taking pictures of the amazing vistas the ride down(skiing) the mountain is even better.
Heli skiing in Gulmarg operates from Gulmarg Ski Village, which is located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayan Mountains. Punch peak is one of the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal towering at 15,567 feet and offers a descent of more than 6,561 feet vertical drop.

 

 

Every year professional skiers from all over the world come here to experience the thrill and adventure of skiing in the vast untouched snow fields of Gulmarg.Tourist keen on skiing must ride the absolutely untouched terrain which is without any crowds and the run is absolutely yours.

 

 

The entire trip is handled by experienced guides and pilots who are experienced alpine helicopter professionals with safety & security of participants being their top priority.

 

Heli skiing base: Apharwat peak.
Heli skiing season: December – March.

 

 

 

Outer Circle Walks

 

Gulmarg is a small alpine town and a visit here makes one feel like living in an artist’s dream.

 

 

So if you are the one who likes taking long walks then the outer circle trek is just for you. The trek is a 10 km trail where participants are taken through the outer wider surroundings of the valley which crosses, rows of pine trees, lush green grasslands and beautiful landscapes.

 

 

On a clear day one can enjoy the splendid views of the Nanga Parbhat, Haramukh and sunset peak that adds to the memorable experience of the trek.

 

 

The trek lasts for about 2 hours and tourist can enjoy some wonderful Kodak moments while exploring the picture perfect landscape of Gulmarg. Tourists who are handicapped, senior citizens or those who cannot walk for a long distance can opt for a pony ride and enjoy the experience of the outer circle walk.

 

 

Best Time: Outer circle walks can be enjoyed in both summers and winters. During summers the entire valley is green and stunning while in winters the entire landscape is covered with thick snow.

 

 

Ideally take the outer circle walk during late afternoon’s around 04:00 p.m. so that at by the end of the trek you can enjoy views of the beautiful sunset at Gulmarg.

 

 

Enjoy Kashmiri Cuisines

 

Just like its picturesque beauty the cuisines of Kashmir are heavenly. A trip to Gulmarg is incomplete without tasting the rich delicacies like Wazwan and other exquisite dishes.

 

 

The cuisines of Kashmir are a blend of different cooking styles that of Kashmiri pundits, Muslims and Mughals which have a unique flavor and aroma that makes it hard for any tourist to resist.

 

 

A visit to the famous hotels and restaurants of Gulmarg will give tourist an experience of enjoying Kashmiri tea (Kahwa) and various vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes that they will never forget in a lifetime.

 

 

So, don’t miss to relish some of the local delicacies of Kashmir during your trip to Gulmarg.