Gulmarg over the years has become the prime destination for
promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a panoramic hill
station situated at an altitude of 2690 m above sea level amidst
the pine cover in the basin of
Pir Pranjal basin . The name 'Gulmarg' means 'meadow of flowers'
and without a doubt the town is an out of the world beauty, but
if you visit Gulmarg in the peak tourist season, the probability
is that you will not see even a single flower, the entire area
will be covered with thick layers of snow. As a matter of fact,
this probably is the reason, so many tourist come here. And with
a world class skiing facilities the city is also becoming famous
among the foreign tourists. Its proximity to Srinagar also
proves to be a boon. Another height of celebration in Gulmarg
along with its other tags - highest road, highest war zone,
highest tea stall, is the highest green Golf Course in the
world.
Attractions - Nature At Its Best
Gulmarg has become one of the favorite destinations of tourist
to Jammu and Kashmir. As the city changes color from green to
white, the main attractions of the town also changes. The skiing
and golf becomes the top most charms of the city.
Golf Courses
Golf course at Gulmarg has earned it another distinction, the
town with the highest green top golf course in the world. The
golf course was built in 1904 by the British and is situated at
an altitude of 2650 m. The golf course offers temporary
memberships too, along with good golf sets, so even if you
forget to bring along your kit, don't lose heart. Just pop on
the site and get ready for a scintillating round of puts.
Gondola Lift
Gondola lift is a kind of a lift, which is popularly known as
cable car. The lift in Gulmohar extends till the top of Aphrawat
peak to an elevation of 3980 m giving absolutely breathtaking
views of Gulmohar and nearby areas. The Gondola lift also
connects to the ski resort making it the highest ski resort
served by lift in the entire world.
Skiing:
In
winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona - that of the country's
premier skiing resorts. Skiing, to many who watch it on TV, seems
like a very elitist sport, requiring a high level of training and
expensive equipment. They are surprised, when they visit Gulmarg
for a day's expedition to "see the snow", that others with the
same level of physical fitness and training are skiing down
slopes. Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. One
doesn't requite a heavy woolen wardrobe - slacks or a Salwar
Kameez will do fine. In Gulmarg one will also be able to drift to
one of the many Ski shops and hire skis, sticks and goggles. Just
find yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope.
Neither does one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The
gentlest slope of 200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one
to go up. When one graduates to intermediate level - which will
happen after the first few days of practice, there are other
slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift. The
longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car,
which allows a ski run of 2,213m.
Alpather Lake
The mesmerizing Alpather Lake is around 13 km away from Gulmarg.
Spending a family time by the side of the lake is definitely
going to be a great experience, but for youngster reaching the
place itself is going to be wonderful. The lake is situated at
the foot of Apharwat peaks at a height and to reach there,
trekking becomes a great option. One can also take a ride on the
horse back to the lake. The main feature of the lake is, it
remains frozen till the month of June, and even after that you
can see ice caps floating in the lake.
GULMARG WALKS
Outer Circular Walk:
A circular road, 11-km in length, runs right round Gulmarg through
pleasant pine forests with excellent views over the Kashmir
valley. Nanga Parbat is clearly visible 137-km to the north,
Haramukh 60-km to the east while to the south one can see the
Ferozpore and Sunset Peaks and the Apharwat Ridge. Nanga Parbat,
the 'lord of the mountains', is the fourth highest peak on earth
at 8,500 metres.
Getting There
By Air
The closest airport to Gulmarg is at Srinagar. Srinagar receives
a flight from Delhi everyday. Srinagar is well connected to all
the major airports in India. From airport, you will have ample
of option to come to Gulmarg.
By Road
State road transport corporation of Jammu and Kashmir operates
both luxury and normal coaches to and from Srinagar to Gulmarg.
Local Transport
Public transport is the main player in local transportation
apart from taxis. To go to mountainous region of the town, you
can hire a horse or take a ride scenic ride in a cable car. |