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Gulmarg in Kashmir is most famous as a ski resort destination but it is not for nothing that it qualifies as a place that can be visited throughout the year. Famous for its Gondolas (cable cars) which make it the highest-life accessible ski destination in the world, the name Gulmarg means 'meadow of flowers' and you see the reason for this name when you visit between March and October. Often, unfairly treated as just a day trip from Srinagar this emerald meadow deserves more. It is said to discovered by the 16th century ruler Yusuf Shah Chak and later it became popular with the British and the Mughals. Much later, Bollywood too paid its ode to this beauty of the hills. So, let's get set for a trip to Gulmarg, the place where every season is the best season to visit.
How to Reach
A taxi from Srinagar airport to Gulmarg will cost between Rs1200-1500. The journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Shared taxis are also available from Srinagar town to Tanmarg. From Tanmarg, you can get one more shared sumo car to Gulmarg. For more driving directions see here.
Photo Courtesy: Basharat Alam Shah
Gulmarg Biosphere
After checking in you can start your trip from the Gulmarg biosphere reserve which is a birdwatcher's paradise. It is also ideal for watching the musk deer, flying squirrel, red fox and black and brown bear.
Photo Courtesy: Basharat Alam Shah
Ring Road and Valleys
Take a pony ride or preferably walk around the 7km loop of a road around town which is known as the inner ring road and the 11 km outer ring road which will lead you through pine lined roads to the Kashmir Valley view point and the alluringly named Strawberry Valley. Gulmarg also boasts of the world's highest and India's longest golf course. The Maharani temple popularised by 1960s Hindi movies is one of the distinct structures here.
Photo Courtesy: Basharat Alam Shah
Skiing (for winters only)
Khilanmarg is another destination, an alpine meadow which is above the golf course. Skiers can slalom down from Kongdori (3.5 km run frm 10,500 ft) or Apharwat (5.2 km from 13,450 ft). Equipment can be hired for 500 rupees and above from the many ski shops nearby.
Photo Courtesy: Peter
Alpathar Lake
If the adventurer in you wants to try out newer vistas, try trekking up to the Alpathar, a less frequented mountain lake. You will need permission from the Army checkpost in Apharwat to do this.
Photo Courtesy: Ajay Panachickal
A Shrine and a Waterfall
Pay your respects at the Ziarat of Baba Reshi, a Muslim saint and head to the Nigli Nalla, a snow fed stream and waterfall.
Photo Courtesy: Basharat Alam Shah
Mountain Biking
Though you won't get the skiing season now, you can do mountain biking from June till September and enjoy some awesome downhill mountain biking.
Photo Credit: julian correa
Gondolas
Now, we come to the highlight of Gulmarg, the Gondolas. See the world beneath you from a height of 3995 meters and be awestruck. A sightseeing trip from the top starts from Rs 300. A day pass is also available for skiers. There is not much shopping to be done in Gulmarg and things are way too expensive compared to Srinagar so reserve your shopping for Srinagar.
Photo Courtesy: Vladimir Yaitskiy
