Gulmarg is a hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town had witnessed
militancy in the 1990s, but after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003,
the town is now peaceful.
British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during
their colonial rule in India. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present
name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the
sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite
haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from
here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also
has the highest green golf course in the world, and is the country's premier ski
resort in the winter.
Location - Gulmarg are Located in the Baramulla district, 57
kms southwest from the capital city of Srinagar, it is perched at an altitude of
2730 meters above sea level.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several hotels and huts that cater
to the needs of the tourists. There are hotels that suit the varying budgets of the
tourists to Gulmarg. All the basic facilities are available to make your stay in
Gulmarg comfortable. You may check out for accommodation options run by the Jammu
and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation or the private parties. It is advisable
to go in advance reservations in the peak seasons. Delicious and hygienic food is
easily available in the restaurants and the eateries of Gulmarg. In the non-vegetarian
food there is the traditional dish of Rogan Josh that must taste.
HOW TO REACH
BY
AIR - The airport at Srinagar at 57 km is nearest to Gulmarg. The airport caters
to the air transport to the adventure destination. Regular flights connect Srinagar
with the other major cities in India..
BY RAIL - The railway station in Jammu is
the nearest to Gulmarg that caters to the rail transport to the adventure destination.
BY ROAD - The road to Gulmarg is very beautiful and is lined with poplar trees all
through. All sorts of transport are available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand
at Batmallo and from private transport operators.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Gulmarg is during summers between November to February.
WHAT TO SEE
Khilanmarg - A 40-minute journey through valleys of wild flowers from
Gulmarg to Khilanmarg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic peaks with their
reflections in Wular and other lakes.
Baba-Reshi - It is a charming shrine a few kilometres
from Gulmarg. Drung is a developing resort where the downhill road [3.5 km] from
Tangmarg reaches the Ferozepore stream. On the hill across the river there are the
ruins of an ancient temple and a meadow slightly higher up the hill.
Alpather Lake - Streaks of floating ice in this triangular lake, nestled in a hollow
under the shadow ofApharw-
- at mountain are a visual delight. A well-graded pony
track joins Apharwat Ridge with Gulmarg.
Ferozpore Nallah - It 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.
Ningle Nallah - This beautiful
mountain stream flows from the melting snow and on Apharwat peak to Alpather Lake.
It is about 10 kms from Gulmarg.The stream continues down into the valley below and
joins the Jhelum River near Sopur. This long, grassy valley is a popular picnic spot
and the walking path carries on, crossing the Ningli (also spelt as Ningle) Nallah
by a bridge and continues on to the Khilenmarg, another grassy meadow and a good
spot for camping.
Trekking In Gulmarg - Gulmarg is an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir
Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be viewed to the north from several view points, including
Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the woody hillside from Gulmarg.
Golf In
Gulmarg - Gulamarg has got the highest green golf course in the world. The layout
of the courseis quiet striking and the layout is similar to a normalgolf course with
land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course, which has a par of
72.
Skiing In Gulmarg - Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be seen to the north from several view points, including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the forested hillside from Gulmarg. From a distance, the Pir Panjal appears somewhat rounded, but when you are actually walking up its slopes, you will find that its smoother peaks rise above evergreen clad slopes that seem quite equal in steepness to those of the main Himalayas.
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The charm of staying on a Kashmiri houseboat in a cedar-panelled bedroom with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel is truly irresistible. Fancifully bedecked and romantically named, these houseboats vary in their degree of luxury, quite like hotels. Houseboat stays have long been in fashion in Kashmir and have been attracting travelers for years. Keeping houseboats is a family business and you are treated much like family members during your stay. Apart from luxurious bedrooms, dining rooms, lounge and attached bathrooms, you also have balconies where you can spend your time eye feasting. Travelers can easily choose from a wide range and categories of houseboats. Some of these houseboats also offer tourists free shikara rides on Dal Lake.
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