Gulmarg was definitely one of the most sought after destination on our year-end winter Kashmir Expedition in 2018. With all the name and fame about this winter wonderland, we were all set to explore Gulmarg, not to forget the mention of the world's highest gondola ride. But for our kind of experience, we thought of ditching the cable car ride and took one of the most enriching hikes through the snowy serenity of Gulmarg to the top - where the cable car ends. Crushing the snow under our feet to walk and leaving new trails behind is a different feeling - kind of makes you feel the pioneer. So we reached the top to witness serendipity of a tableland with postcard size huts draped with snow blanket over them. You feel like traveling back in time with all the stillness around. But, again we decided to turn the tables and infused some live renditions by Aabid Pasha accompanied by Ritu Thakur and Shahnawaz Kawsor. The music soared high with every strum on the guitar and what a morning it could be - birds fluttered around, wind danced to the strums and trees felt pampered. We thanked the nature for all - for mountains, for the Himalayas, for snow, for birds, for trees, for wind, for music, for ourselves - for almost everything that we could. Before we left, we did gather all the info we could about Gulmarg. Here, take a look at things to know about Gulmarg in this Gulmarg Guide before heading up to this snow resort town in Kashmir Valley:
General Info
One of the best hill stations of India, Gulmarg is one of the most visited places in Kashmir valley. Kashmir Valley may be not considered among the safest places to travel but Gulmarg enjoys its distance from this phobia of terrorism. Originally known as Gauri Marg meaning the way of Devi, it got changed to Gulmarg in 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah who visited Gulmarg frequently with his Queen Habba Khatoon. Gulmarg translates to Meadow of Flower and rightly so, Gulmarg is home to many of the varieties of wild mountain flowers. This cup-shaped valley in Pir Panjal Range of Himalaya is among Asia's best skiing destinations.
Where is Gulmarg?
In the Pir Panjal Range of Western Himalaya, Gulmarg is situated at an altitude of 2,650 meters and is 51 km from Srinagar. Overlooked by Mt Apharwat, Gulmarg is in Baramulla region.
Why Should You Visit Gulmarg?
Gulmarg has something for everyone in every season. From the cable car ride which is the second-highest Gondola in the world to Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake Trek - a list of things to do in Gulmarg is full of several other adventures and sports activities. In winter, Gulmarg changes from lush green to serene white and with it comes the perfect powder snow. The Ski resort of Gulmarg is one of the best skiing resorts in the world. Gulmarg can be the best place to experience the first snowfall. Besides the adventure activities, there are plenty of ancient and religious sights around Gulmarg.
Is Gulmarg Safe?
Hearing the word Kashmir Valley can bring a phobia along with it. Is it safe to visit Gulmarg and Kashmir valley? A simple answer to this question is YES. Gulmarg is populated all throughout the year with tourists from all over the world. Gulmarg is not affected by terrorism or for that matter any form of troubles for tourism in the Valley.