Gulmarg Tourism (2020) - Jammu & Kashmir > Top Places, Travel Guide

"Heart of Winter Sports in India"

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 destinations in India, 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, and snowboarding are offered by IISM. 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.

Top Gulmarg Itineraries

Top Places to Visit In Gulmarg

Gulmarg Gondola

Skiing in Gulmarg

Alpather Lake

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Strawberry Valley

Gulmarg Golf Course

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Gulmarg Packages

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Romantic Kashmir - Gulmarg, Sonmarg & Srinagar Package

3 Nights

Starting from $236

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Neverending Honeymoon - Gulamrg, Srinagar, Pahalgam Package

5 Nights

Starting from $256

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

6 Nights

Starting from $324

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Admirable Gulmarg, Srinagar & Pahalgam Package

5 Nights

Starting from $303

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Alluring Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Srinagar Deal

3 Nights

Starting from $222

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Summer Super Saver Gulmarg, Pahalgam & Srinagar Package

3 Nights

Starting from $216

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Tourist Scam in Gulmarg

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).

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.

From Gaurimarg to Gulmarg

Gulmarg, one of the charming luxury hill stations in India, 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.

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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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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Top Hotels In Gulmarg

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa

8.9 (153 reviews)

$ 225 onwards

The Vintage Gulmarg

8.6 (46 reviews)

$ 92 onwards

Nedous Hotel Gulmarg

8.3 (17 reviews)

$ 35 onwards

Hotel Affarwat

8.2 (21 reviews)

$ 38 onwards

Heevan Retreat Gulmarg

7.7 (87 reviews)

$ 87 onwards

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FAQs on Gulmarg

What is famous about Gulmarg?

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

What is not so good about Gulmarg?

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.

Who should visit Gulmarg?

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

What is the best time to visit Gulmarg?

The best time to visit Gulmarg is in Summer from March - June. The hill station is often visited for the adventurous opportunities that await visitors and the scenic views of the surroundings from the town. If you are a nature enthusiast who loves the heat, the months April, May and June are the best months for a visit. Gulmarg is also known as the 'meadow of flowers' due to the fields of blooming flowers that cover the lands of the city in Summer. However, If skiing is what you are looking forward to, December to mid March are recommended.

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What is the local food in Gulmarg?

What is the best way to reach Gulmarg?

Making shrinagar the base, Gulmarg can be accessed easily via a taxi.
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How much does a package cost for Gulmarg?

The packages for Gulmarg start at INR 11000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the things to do in Gulmarg?

The top things to do in Gulmarg are Gulmarg Gondola, Skiing in Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, Alpathar Lake, Maharani Temple, Ningli Nalla. You can see all the places to visit in Gulmarg here

What are the places near Gulmarg?

The top places near to Gulmarg are Srinagar which is 37 km from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg which is located 3 km from Gulmarg, Dachigam national park which is located 60 km from Gulmarg, Mcleodganj which is located 268 km from Gulmarg, Dalhousie which is located 225 km from Gulmarg

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Gulmarg Reviews

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Ratheesh Ramachandran 2 years 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.

Pallavi Siddhanta 2 years 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.

Nivedha Narayanaswamy 2 years 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.

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