Nestled in the Pir Panjal Range in a cup-shaped valley, Gulmarg has been specially touched by nature’s splendid hand, and is a place which the gods would also love to visit. This magnificent tourist destination in the valley of Kashmir is great for both a family, honeymoon and snow adventure sports lovers.
Dubbed as one the best skiing destinations in India, Gulmarg is adorned with lofty snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, small lakes, and a large variety of flowers.
Gulmarg hill station is blessed with lofty snow-clad mountains, lush greenery, crystal-clear lakes and colourful flowers. It is a favourite holiday destination for travellers from all across the world. Also, it is one of the best skiing destinations in the world which is ideal for trained as well as amateur skiers. The several sightseeing options and the beauty of the places to visit in Gulmarg will take your breath away. The Gondola ride, Gulmarg gives you a birds eye view of the valley in the Pir Panjal range. Some of the several places to visit in Gulmarg are Tangmarg, Ferozepur Nallah, St. Marys Church, Khilanmarg, Baba Rezi Shrine & Maharani Temple. 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Course is a must-visit among places to visit in Gulmarg as it is one of the highest golf courses in India.
Gulmarg also offers its fair share of thrill & adventure to the tourists. The most popular adventure activity in Gulmarg is skiing, which can be enjoyed by both amateur & experienced skiiers. Other than that, tourists can also enjoy a Gondola cable car ride, enjoy trekking & trout fishing.
Our Gulmarg travel guide offers you the most detailed & authentic information you need for planning a trip. Get all the information you need on Gulmarg tourism like best time to visit, top tourist attractions, best way to reach & more with our exclusive Gulmarg tour packages that come at the best deals.
You must visit Gulmarg to explore the backing stands of the splendid mature pines traversing you to the elevation of bald Mt Afarwat. To make it to the mountain, you can either trek on foot or take help from ponies at a meager amount of INR 300 per hour. However, the easiest way out is using the two-stage gondola cable car that flutters you to 3747m. The impressive clear day views from the top are worth the ride. During this ride, you’ll encompass Nanga Parbat which is the world’s ninth highest mountain peak located across Pakistan.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
Summer Season In Gulmarg (March Till June, Temperature 15°C To 30°C)
Summer in Gulmarg is ideal for nature lovers, with the temperature remaining between 15°C and 30°C, indicating pleasant weather.
Monsoon Season In Gulmarg (July To September, Temperature 13°C To 17°C)
Gulmarg can also be visited during the monsoon. The rains are intermittent & aren’t heavy. Monsoon season marks its beginning in July & continues till September.
Winter Season In Gulmarg (October To February, Temperature -2°C To 12°C)
Gulmarg is extremely beautiful during winters, with skiing becoming a favorite activity for many tourists. Sightseeing is also quite enjoyable during winter in Gulmarg.
How to Reach Gulmarg?
What are the Things to See & Do in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg Gondola
Asia’s largest and highest and world’s second-largest and second highest cable car project, Gulmarg Gondola is the top attraction in Gulmarg. In fact, a Gulmarg tour without a ride on the popular cable car is considered incomplete. This must-do activity in Gulmarg is perfect for family vacationers, romantic couples as well as adventurers seeking to get to the top the mountain for the best skiing experience (in winter). The scenic views of mountains and valley during the cable car ride are also unforgettable and unmatched. The gondola can ferry 6 people at a time and 600 people per hour.
Gondola Cable Car Riding Levels
The cable car ride takes place in two levels/stages.
- Phase I: from the Gulmarg resort to Kongdori Station (2600 m) in the bowl-shaped Kongdori Valley which takes 9 minutes to reach.
- Phase II: from Kongdori Station to Kongdori Mountain (3747 m), the shoulder of Apharwat Peak which takes 12 minutes
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Out of all the places to visit in Gulmarg, this place is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to the vivid flora, fauna and birds that inhabit the valley. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is spread across a sprawling 180 sq km and located at an altitude varying between 2,400 m and 4, 300m above the sea level. In the reserve’s deep woodlands, you may see hangul, serow, brown bear, leopard, red fox, and black bear once in a while. The forest is dominated by conifers which account for 90% of the vegetation. It is one of the best places to visit in Gulmarg especially for wildlife photographers.
Alpather Lake
This serene blue lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green meadows and pretty wildflowers making it one of the rarest gems in the list of places to visit in Gulmarg. It remains frozen from November to mid-June. It is a perfect trail (13 km) to trek for the adventurers who can lace up their trekking shoes and start from Gulmarg. It takes almost a day to trek to Alpather Lake. You can also take a Gondola ride, Gulmarg and trek or ride a pony to cover the remaining 1.5 km. The wildflowers that bloom in the summer around the lake attract many photographers, artists and poets.
Gulmarg Golf Course
A popular tourist spot among places to visit in Gulmarg, Gulmarg Golf Course is a massive 18-hole golf course that is situated at a staggering height of 9000 feet. The highest green golf course in the world, it looks amazing with the snow-clad mountains in the backdrop. There are trained professionals to help you with the game even if you are an amateur.
St Mary’s Church, Gulmarg
This church, built 100 years ago, was inspired by the Victorian style of architecture. It is located close to the Gulmarg Golf Course. These two destinations are among the unmissable places to visit in Gulmarg. St Mary’s Church looks unparalleled during the winters when it is laden with Gulmarg snow. The wooden walls of the church are beautifully decorated. The stained-glass artworks and frescoes add up to the beauty of the church and make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Gulmarg. At night the church looks pretty with strings of light.
Maharani Temple
The royal temple of the Dogra dynasty, the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, looks magnificent lying amidst the green meadows. The temple is dedicated to Shiva-Parvati. It is one of the most religious places to visit in Gulmarg. In 1915, it was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh. The Hindu style of architecture was used to design this temple. A lot of visitors come here to attend the “Arti” (holy fire ritual). Dont forget to add this place to your list of places to visit in Gulmarg.
Food to Try in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Places to visit in Gulmarg have many food outlets where you can taste the authentic Kashmiri delicacies that are made using generous amounts of spices and dry fruits. The food in this region has been heavily influenced by the Mughal cuisine. If you are a non-vegetarian, dont forget to try Mutton Rogan Josh. This recipe has made its way to Indian kitchens owing to its subtle flavour and rich aroma. You will find it in most of the restaurants near places to visit in Gulmarg.
Mutton Goshtaba is another dish that is a must-try for mutton-lovers. Try Dum Olav(aloo) with roti or naan. Potatoes are cooked in yoghurt gravy and are garnished with Kashmiri spices. Modur Pulav is sweetened rice made by adding ghee, milk, dry fruits and spices to the rice. Other popular dishes that are not to be missed as you plan a trip to various places to visit in Gulmarg are Yakhni, Kashmiri Tujj, Nader Monjje, Kahwah, Tabakh Maaz etc.
Activities In Gulmarg
Going on adventure activities in Gulmarg is as famous as the popular sightseeing places in the region. Here are some of the best adventures and activities you can consider in Gulmarg:
- Gulmarg Gondola ride
Going on a Gondola ride is inarguably one of the most popular things to do in Gulmarg. The two-tiered Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable car projects on the continent. The whole ride experience is divided into three distinct phases, with Phase I connecting Gulmarg starting point to Kongdori and Phase II connecting Kongdori to Apharwat. Phase III, or the “Chairlift Phase”, connects Kongdori to Mary Shoulder. During the Gulmarg Gondola ride, you can enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding terrain and even catch a glimpse of the Nanga Parbat.
Horse riding
It is a must-try activity you can avail of during your Gulmarg trip. Witnessing the magnificent scenic visuals while covering great distances on horseback is one of the most fun things to do in Gulmarg. Horse riding is available at most nooks and corners of the town, with Khilanmarg being the most prominent location.
Skiing
As an iconic winter sports destination, skiing is one of the top things to do in Gulmarg. This thrilling winter adventure needs no new introduction. The best time to go skiing in Gulmarg is during January and February. It is the period when the surrounding area remains covered by a thick blanket of snow, making it ideal for winter sports. Apharwat Peak is a great place for skiing adventures in Gulmarg, and you can get all the necessary equipment on rent from the ski rental shops nearby.
Trekking
Trekking is a wonderful slow-paced adventure activity you can opt for in Gulmarg. It is a fantastic way to explore the vast green meadows, frozen lakes, rocky terrain and snow-capped mountain peaks. Some of the most famous trekking routes you can go for are the Gulmarg-Khilanmarg trek, the Gulmarg-Alpathar Lake trek and the Gulmarg-Drung Waterfalls trek.
Golfing
If you are interested in learning how to play golf or want to have a friendly game, Gulmarg is the best place for it in Jammu and Kashmir. It is an ideal activity to do during the summer season. The spectacular 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Course is the go-to site for learning and playing golf in the region.
Bird watching
It is one of the most fun things to do in Gulmarg. The dazzling range of flora in the region has made it a popular habitat for local wildlife. The most suitable place for observing and taking pictures of birds in the region is the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. Spread across 180 square kilometres, it is home to several bird species, including Kashmir Roller, Blue Rock Pigeon, Koklas, European Hoopoes, etc.
Picnics
Another fun thing you can do during your trip to Gulmarg is host picnics with family or fellow travellers. Surrounded by alluring natural landforms, having a picnic amidst Gulmarg can help you relax and enhance your vacation experience. Some of the best picnic places in Gulmarg are Ferozepur Nallah, Ningle Nallah and Strawberry Valle