Gulmarg

Gulmarg is located 52 kms south west of the capital city of Srinagar and lies close to the Indo-Pakistan border area. Immensely beautiful, the landscape of Gulmarg offers a pleasant and comfortable stay to its visitors. Today the place. has been famous for the different adventure activities and gives a fabulous background to many bollywood movies. The original name of Gulmarg was gaurimarg. Its name has been changed by Yousuf Shah Chak after collecting 21 kinds of flowers.Gulmarg, "Meadow ofFlowers", was discovered in 16th century during the reign of Sultan Yousuf Shah. Historians describe the famous love couples, Habba Khatoon, poetess of Kashmir and King Yousuf Shah Chak, and Jehangir and Noor Jehan visiting Gulmarg for enjoying life.. Gulmarg is on full bloom during the Summer with flowers like bluebells and daisies. This wonderland of nature was first discovered in the year 1927 by the Britishers as a place of recreation and relaxation amidst the glory of nature during pre independence India. During summer months Gulmarg is famous for its highest green golf course in the world which is at an altitude of 2732 mtrs. Since 1972, proved by the famous Australian golfer Mr. Peter thomson who played golf at gulmarg. Gulmarg is blessed with nature- the magical meadows and the snow capped mountains is a wonderful tourist destination in the world. One of the best adventure destinations of India, Gulmarg is called the Meadow of Flowers. The towering peaks provide the required background to the landscape of Gulmarg which is one of the finest heli-skiing resorts in the whole of Asia.

Skiing and Winter Games in Gulmarg.

Gulmarg is having the best ski resort in the country. The place maintains the standards naturally friendly service for which Kashmir is famed. It has been identified european skiing resort in the past. It holds a position as one of the highest lift served ski resorts in the world. Kashmir is also one of world's best heli skiing regions with thousands of possible 2200 meter descents. Gulmarg hosts several national winter games championships and recently in 2008. The slopes provide excellent opportunities to cross country and downhill skiing events. The resort has modern infrastructure helps in keeping the slopes fit for skiing and other winter sports related activities all times. The gentle slopes, having runs of upto 200 meters, are the best for beginners while the steeper runs of 500 meters for intermediate level skiers, and yet other stretches of over 2500 meters, precipitously steep, for top level skiers. T-bars and chair lifts, on five runs for beginners and intermediates, are operated throughout the day. Gulmarg also offers heli-skiing, being the first destination in asia to do so. A helicopter takes you upto the apherwat peak from where you choose your own descent route. In winters you can use toboggans, sledges, snow cycles and Snow Scooters. To get on the next level of Adventure, fun and excitement that snow generates The tempting ski doos are used for patrolling during winter. Visitors can try their luck for a ride on one of these. Gulmarg is famous among skiers for its unique powdery snow, natural slopes and suitable combination of snow with sunshine. British Army Officers, Maj. Metcarp and Maj. Hadow, set up the first Ski Club of India at Gulmarg in 1927. Today, every ski event from Giant Slalom to lnternational standard cross-country is organised in Gulmarg. Ski Training Courses are organised by J&K Youth Services & Sports and Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering having offices in Gulmarg and Srinagar. The skiing courses generally start from December when substantial volume of snow is present. Championships are also organised by some private resort owners in Gulmarg. Ski equipment is available at government- run ski shops and private ones as well. T-Bar ski lifts are available for beginners and intermediate skiers Professional skiiers passionately ski down from the Apharwat mountain base and snow board lovers try sliding from Kongdori and around Gulmarg, enticing watchers to try their feet on the board. White Christmas celebration and Snow Festival including ski competitions are held every year in Gulmarg with much fanfare . Gulmorg gets snowfall periodically from November to April, sometimes above 15 ft and mostly gets the first and last snowfall of the Valley.

Places of Interest

-Khilanmarg

The little paradise can be reached by moving about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus station. The green meadow is carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing overs and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provides a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph. The little paradise can be reached by moving about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus station. The green meadow is carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing lovers and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provides a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph.

-Tangmarg

32km, is the famous stopover enroute to Gulmarg. Connecting Gulmarg by a 13 km metal road and an exciting 5 km trekking route. During Winters, warm clothes, long boots and water proofs are available on hire.

-Drang

3.5km from Tangmarg, a motorable road leads to this famous picnic spot. A day trip from Gulmarg can be made far enjoying at the Ferozepur nallah 'river'. Once a Tax collection point while passing into the Valley, 'Drang' has now became a favorite tourist spot among visitors who enjoy a get-together over lunch along the riverside

-Alpather Lake

Found 13 kms from Gulmarg at the foot of the Apharwat peak reaching a height of 4511 meters. 3843 mtrs, 13km, is a one-day trek from Gulmarg via Khilanmarg and 1.5km walk from Gondola Phase II top of Apharwat. The lake is frozen in winters and stays as it is till the middle of June. Lumps of ice are seen floating on the cold waters and the most striking thing is that theducks are seen walking on the lake instead of swimming. The lake area makes a good horse riding afficionadoes starting early in the morning and returning by the evening.

-Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves

The protected reserve area is situated at a distance of 48 km from Srinagar to its south west. It is well known for some of the best preserved rare species and even few endangered ones that include the musk deer. The reserves also boasts a rich avi -fauna population those that can be seen in the winter days when the migratory ones flock the reserve from the hotter regions.

-Ziarat of Baba Reshi

Located on Shalimar Road, the temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in AD 1883 dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central lingam measuring seven-and-a-haIf feet in height, twelve Shiva lingams of crystal measuring from 15 inches to 38 inches. The marigold flower sellers outside the temple keep most attractive garlands which are offered at the sanctorum.

Attractions in Gulmarg

Gondola ( Highest Gondola ride in the world ) Another highest in the World in Gulmarg is Gondola Cable Car, installed by a world renowned French company. The first phase is up to Kongdori, 3045 meters, where a sledge or ski can be hired even in Summer when the slopes are covered with snow. The second phase connects Kangdori with Apharwat, 4060 meters, a ridge that offers breathtaking view in all seasons and adventurous slopes for downhill skiing / snow boarding. It has became the best alternative for heliskiing, making Gulmarg the most economical Ski Resort in the world. Sledges and Snow Scooters. Imported Snow Beaters. Ski equipment's Ski instructors & Skiers Medical assistance

Other Attractions in Gulmarg

Gulmarg has Asia's longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. Gulmarg has World's highest 18 hole golf course situated at a height of 2,650m.Horseriding and Buggy Ride in Gulmarg is a delightful experience. The green carpeted meadows offer a pleasant view and perfect level of slopes to the golfers . Gulmarg has a Golf Club established in 1902 with Capt. John Hill as first Honorary Secretary. The 8-hole golf course of 1892 has developed into on 18 hole golf course par 72, where competitions are held every summer. It is the highest golf course in the world.