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Gulmarg, Kashmir |
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General Information about Gulmarg
Area: 3.5 km long; 1 km wide
Altitude: 2,650 m
Best season: Throughout the year.
Clothing: Summer: Light woolens; winter: Heavy
woolens
Information about
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is one of the beautiful place that can be
visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means the
meadow of flowers. Originally, Gulmarg was called
Gaurimarg, named after Shiva’s coasts. Gulmarg's
legendary beauty, |
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prime
location and proximity to Srinagar make it one of the premier
hill resort in the country. Gulmarg, the hill resort is
located only 52 km. to the south west of Srinagar in the
Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is situated
at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level and has a gently
sloping topography. Its present name 'Gulmarg' was given in
the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the
sight of its grassy slopes filled with wild flowers. Gulmarg
was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected
21 different varieties of flowers from here. During the
colonial rule over India, the British discovered the hill
resort of Gulmarg in 1927. Gulmarg also hosted the British
Resident and his fellow Europeans.
Gulmarg attracts various tourists due to its natural beauty.
The snow-clad peaks and the lovely landscapes of Gulmarg have
provided background for several Bollywood ventures. Today
Gulmarg is not merely a hill resort - but it also has the
highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of
2,650 m and also the Asia's only heli-skiing resort in the
winter. There is immense beauty and various adventure
activities that make Gulmarg more than a cool hill resort. It
is a convenient base for trek to the Himalayas and also offers
various winter sports facilities to the tourists. Gulmarg can
be visited throughout the year. The winter months from
November to February are ideal for skiing. The months from May
to September are pleasant to visit the place. |
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Journey to Gulmarg
The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of
reaching there-roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar
give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed
with picturesque villages. Depending on the season,
nature's colours could be the translucent green of
spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues,
when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes.
After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through
fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as
View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for
a few minutes and look out a spectacle of |
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snow-covered
mountains, almost within touching distance.
Adventure Sports in Gulmarg
Golfing
It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. There is
also a green 18-hole golf course in Gulmarg which is also the
world's highest golf course. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in
existence for over a hundred years and there are records,
dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The
Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its
quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. The Golf Club
offers short-term memberships to the players. The payment of a
fee entitles one to play on the golf course. One can also hire
the golf sets from Gulmarg.
Walking
Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long
walks. Walking along Gulmarg’s circular path you only have to
look down to have a complete view of the valley including
Srinagar. A fine view can also be had of Nanga Parbat, the
naked mountain which is over 26,000 feet and dominates the
entire region. |
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Skiing & Winter Sports
Gulmarg is the main skiing resort for the adventure
lovers. Some of the best slopes in the country for
beginners and intermediate skiers are available at
Gulmarg. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and
10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. The skis,
sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof
jackets, goggles, caps and various other equipments are
available on hire from the Ski-Shop in Gulmarg. The
Skiing instructors are easily available in Gulmarg. Even
the amateurs can enjoy the |
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skiing with
the ski lifts and chair lifts. In winter Gulmarg's natural
slopes and inclines turn into the country’s premier skiing
resort. Not all tourists who visit in winter come for skiing -
some simply are there to watch the skiing or to enjoy a
holiday in the snow. Among the various slopes, there are a few
which are serviced by ski lifts. Most of the skiing becomes
centred on these slopes, which are specially suited to
beginners and intermediate level skiers, with ski runs ranging
from 200 m to 3kms, instructors are available for both levels.
As in the summer, when each individual sets his own pace for a
holiday, so also in winter, skiing can be as adventurous as
the holidaymaker can want. There are a number of slopes, not
serviced by ski lifts, of varying lengths and gradients. Each
of these is quieter than the immensely popular ones with
ski lifts. Advanced skiers often trek in the snow for several
hours to the very top of Apharwat peak, to make a descent
lasting no more than 30 minutes. And now, with the operation
of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car, it has become all the more
convenient for skiing enthusiasts, as they can gain a ski run
of nearly 3 kms with the help of this cable car which goes up
to Kongdori. There are a host of snow sports at Gulmarg at
this time of the year. Tobogganing, the most popular among
them requires no skill. No skill is required - a flat wooden
board is taken up the hill and is allowed to descend downhill.
There are also snow scooters and snow bobbing, neither
requiring special skills. The best season for skiing is from
November to February.
Gondola Lift Ride
For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly
constructed Gondola lift through pine-clad slopes is an
experience of a lifetime. This Gondola will take you up above
15,000 feet and is one of the highest in the world. Here, you
can touch the skies and merge with the clouds.
Tourist Attractions in Gulmarg
The gorgeous hill resort of Gulmarg is dotted with various
places of interest like Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Wular Lake
and Manasbal Lake. |
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Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is the famous spot for skiing in winters.
From Khilanmarg, you can enjoy the views of the Kashmir
valley and the Himalayan range. It takes a couple of
hours by pony, to reach Kilanmarg as it is slightly
longer on foot.
Alpather Lake
The Alpather Lake is a picturesque alpine lake that
remains frozen until late June. The lake lies across the
Apharwat peak. The adventure tourists can take the
one-day and thirteen km trip to the Alpather Lake from
Gulmarg. |
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Wular Lake
The Wular Lake is situated on the route from Gulmarg to
Srinagar on Baramula Road at Sangrama. The Wular lake is the
largest fresh-water lake in Kashmir and the second largest in
India. It looks like the Genevo Lake of Switzerland. It has a
beautiful setting, with Haramuk Mountain at its head. The
sunset at the lake is breathtaking.
Manasbal Lake
The Manasbal lake is situated only a few kilometers away from
the Wular lake. It is known for its lotus blossoms.
How to reach Gulmarg
By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Srinagar about 57 km from
Gulmarg. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major
cities in India.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Jammu.
By Road:
Gulmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar, Pahalgam,
Sonamarg, Jammu and various other cities of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gulmarg is 56 kms from Srinagar. |
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