Gulmarg

Fast Facts
Altitude : 2730 meters
State : Jammu and Kashmir
Languages : Kashmiri and Hindi
Attractions : Skiing

Introduction : Welcome to Gulmarg the hill resort with magical meadows and mountains. Then natural beauty of Gulmarg has attracted tourists since long. In fact the hill resort of Gulmarg literally means "the meadow of flowers". The snow-clad peaks and the lovely landscapes of Gulmarg have provided background for several Bollywood ventures. The slopes of Gulmarg make it Asia's only heli-skiing resort. There are immense beauty and adventure activities that make Gulmarg much more than a cool hill resort.

Location : The hill resort of Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. At an amazing altitude of 2730 meters above sea level the hill resort has a gently sloping topography. Gulmarg is 57 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border.

Past : British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India.

Sites In and Around : The gorgeous hill resort of Gulmarg is dotted with sites of interest for the tourists. Khilanmarg is the spot for skiing in winters. You must enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range from Khilanmarg. It takes a couple of hours by pony, to reach Kilanmarg as it is slightly longer on foot. Then there is the Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. From Khilanmarg the lake lies across the Apharwat peak. Adventure seekers must take the one-day and thirteen km trip to the Alpather Lake from Gulmarg. While at Gulmarg you may even visit the shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim mystic saint.

Adventure Sports : For the adventure seekers Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for skiing. You may easily hire the skis and sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, and caps. With all the equipments and the Ski instructors at hand it is the best bet to enjoy the holidays at Gulmarg. The skiing season at Gulmarg is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varying between 8,700 and 10,500 feet make the ski runs the highest in India. It is noteworthy that Gulmarg is the only heli-skiing resort in Asia. Even the amateurs can enjoy with the ski lifts and the chair lifts.
Gulmarg also boasts of a gorgeous green golf course that happens to be the world's highest too. You may even hire the golf sets from Gulmarg. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players.
Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long walks. In case you take up the outer circle walk you can enjoy the pine forests and wonderful vistas. The beauty of the Kashmir valley will not fail to mesmerize you. Then there are the Nanga Parbat and the Haramukh that you may explore.

How to Reach : The airport at Srinagar at 57 km is nearest to Gulmarg. The airport caters to the air transport to the hill resort. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India. The railway station in Jammu is the nearest to Gulmarg that caters to the rail transport to the hill resort.

Best Time to Visit : The hill resort of Gulmarg is a gorgeous place to be at throughout the year. There are winter months from November to February that are ideal for skiing. The adventurers are known to throng the hill resort as soon as the snow falls. As it is the summer months from May to September offer pleasant weather to the tourists. The sun scorched souls from the plains flock to the hill resort as a summer retreat.

Where to Stay : Accommodation in Gulmarg is easily available. There are several hotels and huts that cater to the needs of the tourists. There are hotels that suit the varying budgets of the tourists to Gulmarg. All the basic facilities are available to make your stay in Gulmarg comfortable. You may check out for accommodation options run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation or the private parties. It is advisable to go in advance reservations in the peak seasons.
Delicious and hygienic food is easily available in the restaurants and the eateries of Gulmarg. In the non-vegetarian food there is the traditional dish of Rogan Josh that must taste.

Travel Information : Off late there have been security issues concerning the safety of tourists in Gulmarg. Due to the fear of terrorism it is advisable to update oneself of the current law and order situation in the area.