Gulmarg, the enchanting meadow which was once studded with numerous wildflowers that won the heart of the royal kings can offer you a great and exotic vacation indeed. Read on to learn what all places you need to visit during your Gulmarg sightseeing to enjoy and entertain yourself.
Gulmarg, a picturesque hill station in vicinity to Srinagar draws thousands of tourists from far and wide owing to its legendary beauty. The rustic ambiance and pastoral green stretches of Gulmarg present you with a refreshing and revitalizing scenery. Gulmarg in the yesteryears was called Gaurimarg but later it came to be known as Gulmarg.
Can't get enough of the snowy whiteness of the winters? Then head to Gulmarg, India's very own answer to Switzerland! An ideal skiing destination thronged by celebrities, tourists and travelers from around the world, Gulmarg is the place to be in February for winter sports lovers.
It tops the list of honeymooners and several other tourists and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The valley is indeed spectacular with stunning and unmatched landscape with amazing hospitable people. Grab any chance to visit the valley!
Get enthralled at the sight of the grassy slopes of Gulmarg being emblazoned with various sorts of colorful wildflowers. Today Gulmarg is famous worldwide as one of the best golf resorts. If you're planning a vacation at Gulmarg then you must know what all places you should visit in and around Gulmarg to enjoy a really fulfilling vacation out there.
Here are the most beautiful places to visit in Gulmarg, Kashmir
1. Gondola Lift
Gulmarg boasts of Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The Gondola here is the world's second highest operating cable since the closure in 2008 of the Mérida cable car in Venezuela. Gondola lift no doubt is one of the top attractions of Gulmarg. It has been designed in technical collaboration with foreign company Puma and is administered by Jammu and Kashmir Ropeway Corporation.
This Gondola lift is one of Asia's most notable cable car structure that would transport you to an altitude of about 13500 feet. You can experience a unique, totally out of the world Gulmarg from such a high altitude once you are seated in your Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdori Mountain, at the shoulder of nearby Apharwat Peak (4,200 m).
2. Golf Course
The Gulmarg Golf Course is quite famous all across the world in that it is one of the highest Golf Courses in the entire world. This golf course comprises 18 holes and is administered completely by the Tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir. It would indeed be a wonderful experience on the part of any tourist to visit the Gulmarg Golf Course and get the scope to view a class apart golfing.
3. Ski Area
Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination in the heavenly region of Kashmir. Gulmarg is a well-known paradise for passionate skiers. In the winter, this turns into one of the world's most popular ski resorts. People come down from all over the world to ski the Himalayas right here! Heavy snowfall makes the region a wonderful ski resort. The ski resort of Gulmarg falls amid the Pir Panjal mountain rangers. It receives skiers from all across the globe.
There are a lot of ski shops and schools that help even novices get a feel of the sport. And when it snows, it snows! This ski area consists of various types of ski terrains such as Gondola terrain, Puma Terrain, Lower tree ski terrain. Snow scooter riding, snow bobbing are some of the common activities that skiers practice in this area.
It is one of the most popular skiing destinations around the world. You can find comfortable options to stay and eat in the area. Khyber, a resort and spa, has the Gondola ski lift a minute away from its entrance, which makes it an ideal resort for skiing. You can book your stay at the famous Khyber Resort or other ski resorts and luxury hotels that offers stunning panoramic views of the snow covered valleys of the Himalayas and the vast Alpine forests.
Other affordable resorts also provide good accommodation, while the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg offers certified instructors, ski equipment and clothing suitable for the climate. Enjoy your honeymoon with some with some champagne and chocolates.
4. Baba Reshi Shrine
This Shrine has been built in memory of the great Muslim ascetic Baba Reshi. The Shrine was built around 1480. This great saint served during the rule of king Zain ul Abidin, who was the ruler of Kashmir at that time. The architecture of the Mosque shows a fine blend of Mughal and Persian architectural styles. Also the intricate wood carvings that decorate the interior of the Mosque would fascinate a tourist like anything.
5. Apharwat Peak
If you wish to get some really thrilling experience, don't miss your trek to the Apharwat Peak. It would indeed elate your heart, mind and soul giving you a sufficient rush of adrenalin.
6. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves
The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve extends over a sprawling 180sq meters. It houses some of the rarest species of fauna, avifauna, and flora and is thus the source of richest biodiversity at an elevation of 4300 meters above the sea level. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, this Biosphere Reserve would indeed interest you a lot.
7. Shiva Temple
The Shiva Temple is a wonderful place to visit when you are at Gulmarg. This temple stands on the hill top and is emblematic of the royal era. Mohini Bai Sisodia, queen of King Hari Singh the erstwhile king of Kashmir was the one who constructed this temple. That’s the reason why it’s also called ‘Maharani temple’. The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that you can get a glimpse of it from every corner of Gulmarg.
8. St Mary’s Church
This Church of Gulmarg holds special significance because it is the oldest religious structure of Gulmarg, constructed some 110 years ago. It comes with a unique Victorian architectural style and the construction of this church dates back to the British colonial era. In the year 2003, it came with a new look because it received a renovation in the shape of a new façade.
Nearly 14 years later the holy Mass of Christmas was held in this church post renovation. It is indeed a must-visit place once you are at Gulmarg.