Gulmarg Tourism (2019) - Jammu & Kashmir > Top Places, Travel Guide

"The Skiing School and Honeymoon"

Gulmarg Tourism

Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located in Pir Panjal Range of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world's second-highest Gondola ride.

Among one of the top honeymoon locations, Gulmarg boasts of being a beautiful town without the crowd like Manali and Shimla. Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub as Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering is located here. A lot of courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, etc. are offered by IISM at great prices here. However, if you are planning to do a course, it is advisable to book it well in advance. There are a lot of other private tour operators in Gulmarg as well which provide similar courses and facilities for skiing, snowboarding and trekking. Known for its scenic beauty, Gulmarg has also been a popular destination for shooting of various Bollywood films

Places to Visit In Gulmarg

Kongdori - Gulmarg Gondola

Skiing in Gulmarg

Khilanmarg

Alpathar Lake

Maharani Temple

Ningli Nalla

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Gulmarg Packages

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Romantic Kashmir - Gulmarg, Sonmarg & Srinagar Package

3 Nights

Starting from ₹17,500

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Neverending Honeymoon - Gulamrg, Srinagar, Pahalgam Package

5 Nights

Starting from ₹19,000

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Gems of Kashmir Tour - Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam & More

6 Nights

Starting from ₹24,000

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Admirable Gulmarg, Srinagar & Pahalgam Package

5 Nights

Starting from ₹22,500

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Alluring Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Srinagar Deal

3 Nights

Starting from ₹16,500

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Summer Super Saver Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Srinagar Package

3 Nights

Starting from ₹16,000

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Tourist Scam

The dropping point for cabs is located around 600 metres from the Gondola booking office. The pony hawkers might try to scare you off by saying that the distance is 3 km. They will quote an exorbitant price ( around INR 1000) by saying it is the official price of the J&K government. It is advised to not fall into the tourist scam and only hire pony if required. The rates are negotiable and will cost you around INR 500 (to and fro).

History of Gulmarg

Gulmarg, one of the charming luxury hill stations in the country, has a legendary history that is often spoken of. The place got its current name in the 16th century from Sultan Yusuf Shah before which it was called ‘Gaurimarg’ meaning ‘the fair one’ by the local shepherds and residents. The history of this city dates back to the era of Emperor Jahangir, impressed by the valleys and meadows who came to this place as a summer retreat. Mughal kings ruled this place for decades before the colonial rule which marked this city for its beauty and charm. The Britishers established ski grounds and resorts for the holiday season during Christmas and Easter. After the end of colonial rule, Gulmarg became a part of the independent princely state of Jammu and Kashmir where now it is a top tourist destination flooded by people serenading its beauty.

Ski Station of India

Gulmarg is famous as one of the most famous ski destinations in India. During the winters it attracts a huge number of tourists who come here to gain the wonderful experience of skiing on the snow loaded slopes of Gulmarg Valley. Not only for skiing, but Gulmarg is also famous for its Gondola rides which are world’s second highest cable cars. Full of breathtaking landscapes Gulmarg is the literal paradise on earth.

Valley of Flowers

Winters see Gulmarg transforming into a winter wonderland, and as the summer arrives the beauty of Gulmarg does not fade away, it only becomes more beautiful. In the autumn season, Gulmarg is filled with the beauty of flowers that blossoms in the brightest of their colours, leaving Gulmarg in the sheet of vibrant colours peeking out from every nook and corner of the valley.

Restaurants and Local Food in Gulmarg

Like most of the areas around it, the essential and most popular bits of Gulmarg's cuisine include Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo and Yakhni. A menu bit more local would list down, Qabargaah (Fried Rack of Lamb; The Kashmiri Muslims refer to this dish as "Tabakh maaz"), Modur Pulaav (Sweet Pulao, usually taken as a dessert) and Muj Gaad (Fish with Raddish).
Along with this Raazma-Gogji (kidney beans with turnip), Sheer Chai(salted pink tea with almonds), Kehwah (sweet green tea with almonds and cardamom) and Sheekh Kabab (spicy ground lamb on skewers) are preparations which almost define Gulmarg's cuisine.
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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Srinagar airport or Jammu railway station. Transfer to the hotel in Gulmarg. Check-in at the hotel and rest for the day.
Day 2: Leave for the local tour after breakfast. Visit the Gulmarg biosphere reserve which is a paradise for both wildlife and photo enthusiasts. Then, visit the Gulmarg Golf course, which is the highest golf course in the world.
Day 3: Head to Apharwat peak, the premier ski resort where you can enjoy Gondola ride and afterwards, visit Rani temple and Baba Reshi Shrine. Back to hotel.

Best Time to Visit Gulmarg

Commuting within Gulmarg

Gulmarg Photos

Gulmarg Gondola - One of the World's Largest Operations Cables in Gulmarg

The Shiva temple of Gulmarg was previously the royal temple of Dogra kings

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Holidify's Opinion

What's Great?

A great destination to visit in both summers and winters. Stunning landscapes throughout the year.

What's Not So Great?

Terrorism activities and curfew are very common in parts of Jammu and Srinagar which affect tourism. Outside private vehicles are not allowed in Gulmarg except for drop and pick at the hotel.

For Whom?

A paradise for the honeymooners and romantic vacation. Perfect for adventure lovers as it is a great ski destination.

Top Hotels In Gulmarg

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

9.0 (223 reviews)

₹ 16,675 onwards

The Vintage Gulmarg

8.7 (69 reviews)

₹ 9,250 onwards

Hotel Signature

8.0 (19 reviews)

₹ 2,300 onwards

Hotel Affarwat

8.0 (19 reviews)

₹ 4,000 onwards

Heevan Retreat Gulmarg

7.8 (80 reviews)

₹ 7,000 onwards

Nedous Hotel Gulmarg

7.3 (17 reviews)

₹ 6,600 onwards

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How To Reach Gulmarg

Making shrinagar the base, Gulmarg can be accessed easily via a taxi.

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Gulmarg Reviews

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Ratheesh Ramachandran 10 months ago

Had an unpleasant experience with the guys who bring horse for riding. They force you for horse riding and finally threaten. You can walk to the cable car point in Gulmarg and take tickets to go up. The taxi drivers will stop way before the cable car point as per the agreement with the horse wallas. Even the police their take bribes. But you are free to walk. Never go for horse ride in Gulmarg. Have fun.

Nivedha Narayanaswamy 1 year ago

Carry optimal winter clothing to the peak. Winter gear like boots, coats, gloves and hats are available on daily rent basis at the foothills, you do not have to buy them. While on the Gondola ride, visit Phase II first, before camping out on Phase I. Carry an umbrella as well.

Pallavi Siddhanta 1 year ago

- With invariably low temperatures, travellers must make it a point to be well equiped with wollens, hand gloves, boots and overcoats. Also, ensure that you have enough money stashed on you as there are only 2 ATM's there which can not be completely relied on.

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