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Enchanting Gulmarg : the Honeymooner’s Paradise

If you are planning your honeymoon, and if hills are your first choice, then nothing can compete with Kashmir. The crown of India mirrors paradise on Earth. At an altitude of 2650 m, Gulmarg (Meadow of flowers) is one of its finest destinations of Jammu and Kashmir. Here, besides the magnanimity of the mighty Himalayas, you will enjoy the blissful serenity of the stupendous nature and the perfect ambience. Moreover, we can’t miss out the fact that Gulmarg is a perfect spot to ski and golf.

History

Gulmarg has an intense history with Mughal Emperor Jahangir and King Yousuf Shah Chak. This place was the kings' summer retreat. Previously its name was Gaurimarg, named after Lord Shiva’s wife Goddess Parvati. But later King Yousuf Shah Chak changed it to Gulmarg (Meadow of flowers). He ruled the place during the 20th century until British arrived to colonize the place. They created The Ski Club of India in 1927. Two ski events are organized annually, one during the Easter and other on Christmas.

Recently Gulmarg is declared to be the Winter Games Capital of India by the famous Winter Games Federation of India. The place is the highest and the longest ski slope across Asia. In addition Gulmarg is also well-known for having the highest Gondola i.e. cable car network in the world.

Attraction & Activities

Gondola Lift, Gulmarg
Timing: Monday - Friday: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM| Saturday: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM| Sunday: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM | Public Holidays: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM

Gondola Lift in Gulmarg is Asia’s highest cable car network at a height of 13,500 ft. it was designed under the supervision of the famous French Company PUMA and presently is managed by the Kashmir Cable Corporation.

You will love to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas from the Gondola ride with your partner.

Located on the gorgeous Himalayan Peaks in the Gondola Village of Gulmarg, the Gondola cable car covers the distance from Kongdoor to Apharwat and from Gulmarg to Kongdoor. It completes a total distance of 5 Km and can handle 15,000 people per hour.

Khilanmarg
Horse Fare-Rs.850

This is an amazing valley in Gulmarg that welcomes all the best skiers. If you visit during the spring you can experience to walk through the roads, carpeted with freshly bloomed flowers everywhere. From there you can enjoy the view of the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas, the Nanga Parbat and Nun and Kun the twin towers.

Visit the Gulmarg Ski Area
Located at the Pir Panjal range, the Gulmarg Hill Resort is around 35 kilometers from Srinagar. This place is ideal for skiing because of the heavy snowfall. The area consists of the Gondola Terain, Poma Terrain and the tree skiing areas. Things to see here are the famous Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Apharwat Peak, Imambara Goom, St Mary's Church and more. The Golf Course of Gulmarg should not be missed here.

Apharwat Peak
At a height of 13500 feet, this tourist destination is located at a 13 km distance from Gulmarg. The snow capped peak is close to the LOC with Pakistan.

Cable Car to Kongdoor
This is a must visit when you are in Gulmarg. Check on the timings mentioned.

Timings; Monday - Friday: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM| Saturday: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM , Sunday: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM| Public Holidays: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM.

Nearby places

Verinag, Ningle Nallah, Ferozpore Nallah, Baba Reshi Shrine, Tangmarg, Pattan, Alpather Lake, Drung, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves and more.

How to reach Gulmarg ?

By Air:
The distance from Srinagar airport to Gulmarg is 56 Kms. The domestic airport is connected with all major cities across India. Cabs are available from outside the airport that will charge around INR 1500 to reach Gulmarg.

By Train:
The nearest railway station, at a distance of 290 kilometers is Jammu that is again well connected with almost all major Indian cities. Most popular trains are Rajdhani, Jaammu Tawai, Himgiri etc.

By Road:
Reaching Gulmar via road is also possible from Sonmarg, Srinagar and the rest of the neighboring places in Kashmir. You can hire a car or can also travel by bus services. It is a great drive of 1-2 hours to Gulmarg from Srinagar.

Best Time to visit Gulmarg : March to October