Gulmarg Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Gulmarg in Kashmir Valley stands out because of its magnificent natural beauty, which attracts numerous visitors. A dramatic combination of flowing pastures, snow-capped mountain peaks, and clean alpine lakes provides a magnificent sight.

Visitors choose Gulmarg due to its peaceful setting and thrilling activities, such as skiing alongside trekking and gondola rides, which draw them to the destination.

So, are you also planning your trip? Here is a complete Gulmarg Travel Guide.

This guide will give you all the information you need to enjoy your trip to paradise on Earth. In this guide, we have compiled all the tips, places to eat and visit, and activities you can do in Gulmarg.

About Gulmarg

Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla region of Jammu and Kashmir in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas. It is 2,730 meters above sea level.

Formerly known as Gaurimarg, Yusuf Shah named it “Gulmarg” in the sixteenth century.

In addition, Gulmarg was once an important leisure and adventure resort during the British colonial era.

The area contains the picturesque Alpather Lake and the historic Maharani Temple.

How to Reach Gulmarg?

Reaching anywhere in the world has become a piece of cake nowadays because of all the options that are present. To reach Gulmarg, Kashmir, two of the safest and most popular methods are given below:

1. By Airways

The closest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar Airport, which is very well-connected to the major cities in India.

It is 60 km away and offers superior transportation services to Gulmarg.

For Gulmarg visitors, Srinagar Airport offers taxi and car rental services. Travelling from the airport to Gulmarg takes about two hours by bus or taxi.

2. By Train

Gulmarg can be reached by train through Jammu Tawi Railway Station, 297 kilometres from the destination.

The Udhampur Railway Station, located 230 kilometres from Gulmarg, offers an alternative mode of transportation.

Buses and taxis frequently run from Jammu to Srinagar and Gulmarg. The journey is enhanced by spectacular views along the way on a scenic road.

Places to Stay in Gulmarg

Staying in Gulmarg is a soothing and relaxing experience that most tourists desire. Following are some of the best places to stay in Gulmarg:

1. Grand Mumtaz Resorts Gulmarg

The resort provides a pleasant, cozy atmosphere ideal for visitors looking for leisure among snow-covered mountains. The picturesque surroundings of the resort make it suitable for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

• Location: Near Golf Club, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir 193403
• Highlights: Scenic views, Wooden interiors, Multi-cuisine restaurant, Bonfire & cultural events, Corporate-friendly

2. Hotel Hilltop

Hotel Hilltop is affordable but sophisticated, with fantastic mountain views. Families and honeymooners largely choose it for its excellent accommodations and first-rate hospitality. This hotel is ideal for skiing or snowboarding excursions as it is close to the Gondola ride.

• Location: Near Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg
• Highlights: Budget-friendly, Gondola-close, Mountain views, Travel-desk assistance, Cozy café

3. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious accommodations in Gulmarg, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Pir Panjal range. Those looking for exquisite cuisine, luxury comfort, and wellness activities will find an ideal fit in this resort.

• Location: Hotel Khyber Rd, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir
• Highlights: Luxury stay, Heated pool, Spa wellness, fine dining

4. The Vintage Gulmarg

Renowned for its elegant architecture and friendly service, the Vintage Gulmarg is a boutique luxury hotel. The property is a great choice for those who wish a mix of comfort and elegance.

• Location: Circular Road, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
• Highlights: Boutique luxury, Rooftop restaurant, Spa services, Peaceful retreat, Modern aesthetics

Places to Visit in Gulmarg

In Kashmir, Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and it has many tourist attractions. Below are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Gulmarg:

1. Apharwat Range

The Apharwat Peak is a true jewel of Gulmarg, surrounded by pristine beauty. Mountaineers from all over the world are attracted to Apharwat Peak because of its sheer size. Visit this excellent destination when you visit here.

• Duration: 2- 3 hours
• Timing: April to October.
• Price: Entry is free, but activities are chargeable.
• Highlights: Adventure sports, especially skiing and snowmobiling.

2. Alpather lake

Alpather Lake can be reached by trek or pony ride. The alpine lake remains frozen for many months, so tourists come here to admire its beauty.

• Duration: Ideal for a half-day trip.
• Timing: April to October.
• Price: Free Entry, but activities are chargeable
• Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

3. Maharani Temple

Gulmarg’s cultural legacy can be discovered at Rani Temple, which remains as popular as Maharani Temple.

• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Timing: March to November
• Price: Free Entry
• Highlights: Architecture, Panoramic views

4. St Mary’s Church

It is one of the oldest churches in Kashmir, Shepherds Valley in Gulmarg. Built by the British in the 19th century, the building showcases British architecture.

• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Timing: March to October
• Price: Entry is typically free.
• Highlights: Heritage site, Lush greenery, Peaceful ambiance

Things to Do in Gulmarg

In Gulmarg, there are a variety of activities available to travelers, whether they’re looking for fun activities or challenging ones. Here are some of them:

●  Skiing and Snowboarding: People can engage in skiing and snowboarding at Apharwat Peak.

●  Gondola Ride: Live the experience of a lifetime with the Gondola Ride, which provides incredible views of the Himalayan mountain ranges through the highest cable car worldwide.

●  Trekking: Visitors can experience scenic trekking through routes leading to Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, and other attractive sites.

●  Golf: Visitors can play golf at the highest extant golf course in Gulmarg, surrounded by breathtaking scenic landscapes.

Places to Eat In Gulmarg

Every state in India is known for its diverse and local cuisine. In the case of Kashmir, Gulmarg has a lot of options to try the best dishes in the place:

●  Highland Park Restaurant: It maintains a comforting ambiance to serve authentic Kashmiri culinary dishes, including Rogan Josh and Kahwa.

●  The Khyber Himalayan Resort Dining: A fine dining experience with a mix of Indian, Continental, and traditional Kashmiri dishes.

●  Bakshi Restaurant: A popular budget-friendly option serving North Indian, Mughlai, and Kashmiri specialties in a simple setting.

Tips for Visiting Gulmarg

●  The best time to visit Gulmarg during winter is between December and February, when snow activities are abundant. Summer’s May-September season is also ideal for sightseeing if you wish to do so in a pleasant environment.

●  During the winter, wear multiple layers.

●  During peak tourist seasons, accommodations and transportation should be booked in advance.

●  Because of the high elevations, acclimatization is essential to preventing altitude sickness.

●  Local taxis and ponies can be hired for convenient travel within Gulmarg.

Conclusion

Now that you know everything about Gulmarg, you can plan your trip easily. Winters in Kashmir are thrilling, while summers are peaceful and offer a variety of recreational activities. Whatever the season, you are sure to have an unforgettable vacation.