Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Gulmarg, initially known as 'Gaurimarg' Emperor Jahangir's favorite, situated at an altitude of 2,730m in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It lies 56 kms west of Srinagar, and has an excellent view of Nanga Parbhat. The name `Gulmarg' means Meadow of Flowers with an excellent trekking base. In winter it used to be India's premier skiing resort. Gulmarg gets very cold at times. The huts arw winterised meaning that they are insulated form the cold outside, and are ideal to stay in during the winter. The huts are fully furnished with attached kitchens and a cylinder of gas for cooking can be hired from the tourist office. There are several private hotels, ranging from the upmarket to the budget category, all with dining facilities.

How to reach there:

Gulmarg is 52 km south-west of Srinagar on the north side of Pir Panjal.

Road: J&K State Road Transport Corporation offers regular deluxe sightseeing and ordinary bus services from Srinagar. In winter it is only upto Tangmarg (13 km from Gulmarg), rest by jeep. The road journey from Srinagar is through picturesque rice fields and avenues of poplars.

What to see:

Golf Club: Gulmarg has long been famous for golfing. The 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Club is in existence for 100 years. The Clibhouse, with its sloping roof, has a rare character. Golfing holidays are popular throughout the summer. A number of national and State level tournaments are held during the year, details of which can be obtained from J & K Tourism, which also maintains the course. Temporary membership is permitted on payment of a daily fee.

Skiing: Come winter and Gulmarg's slopes turn into a premier ski resort. Not all winter tourists come to ski, some are there to enjoy the snow. Among the multitudes of slopes are a few serviced by ski lifts. Most skiing is centred around these slopes, suited to beginners and intermediate-level skiers, with runs ranging from 200-900 metres. Instructors are available on payment from the ski shop run by the department of tourism, government of India. Equipment is of international standards and skiing here is cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Heli skiing is offered in season. In summer chair lift is used for sightseeing. For the not-so-adventurous are other snow sports such as tobog-gaining where no skill is required. There are snow scooters also.

Trekking: There are several delightful walks around the resort, the most popular one being to Khilanmarg, 4 km away, and Apherwat, 7 km away on the same route. From Apherwat, with its unrivalled view of the surrounding countryside, it is an uphill trek to Alpather Lake frozen for most of the year. Ningal Nallah and Lienmarg are both 10 km from Gulmarg, and are popular for day excursions and picnics. Tosa Maidan is a three-day trek from Gulmarg. All these journeys can be made on horseback with fixed rates for each. The rates can be ascertained at the tourist office who will also provide guides.

Outer Circular Walk: This 11 km walk runs around Gulmarg through pleasant pine forests. Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), the 8th highest peak in the world is visible to the north and Haramukh (5,148 m) to the south.

Khilanmarg: This smaller valley is about 6 km away from Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The valley is filled with flowers during spring, and is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs.

Alpather: Beyond Khilanmarg, 13 km from Gulmarg at the foot of 4,511 m Apharwat peak, this lake is frozen until mid June, and even later in the year, floating lumps of ice can be seen in the lake.

Ningle Nallah: This mountain stream is 10 km from Gulmarg and it originate from melting snow and ice on Apharwat peak and Alpather Lake. The walking path crosses the Ningle Nallah by a bridge and continues on to Lienmarg, another good grassy meadow and a good spot for camping.

Ferozpore Nallah: This stream is about 5 km from Gulmarg and is reputed for good trout fishing. From here one can continue to Tosamaidan, a 3 day, 50 km walk to one of Kashmir's most beautiful meadows. It can be reached from the Tangmarg road, or from the outer circular walk.