Gulmarg Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Gulmarg

Maharani Temple, also known as Rani Temple, is situated at a knoll amidst the Gulmarg Hill station. The temple was constructed by Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of former ruler of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, whose reign ended in the year 1915. In ancient times, this temple was considered as the royal temple of the kings of Dogra. This temple, also renowned as Mohineshwar Shivalaya, is designed in such a way that it can be seen from all corners of Gulmarg.

The idols of the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva, and his consort, Goddess Parvati, are enshrined here. The temple is visited by the devotees of Shiva and Parvati through all seasons. The peaceful surroundings of the place also allow visitors to meditate in peace.

St. Mary's Church, built during the British reign in the year 1902, is located in proximity to Gulmarg. Constructed in the British architectural style, this church attracts tourists in large numbers. This 110-year-old church is one of the few Christian churches in the entire state and is considered as the heritage of the British Rule in India.

The church is surrounded by several huts and hotels, designed in old architectural style, where tourists can stay. The alpine trees surrounding the area add up to the beauty of the place. A mosque, a temple, and gurdwara are also located in proximity to the church.

Golf Course of Gulmarg was established in the year 1904 by the British and the first tournament in the region was organised in the year 1922. The British played golf in the lush-green grounds of the club, known as one of the most beautiful golf courses. Situated at the height of 2650 m above sea level, this golf club is considered to be one of the highest golf courses in the world. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in the 18-hole course by availing temporary membership of a day. This golf course is managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.

Ningle Nallah, located at a distance of 10 km from Gulmarg, is a beautiful stream that receives its water from the melting ice of the Apharwat Peak and the Alpather Lake during summers. The stream eventually merges into the Jhelum river near Sopore. The grassy pastures of the region attract families with children looking to spend quality time together. Meadows of blooming flowers, pine trees and the snow-capped mountains make for a beautiful sight. Visitors can easily reach the Ningle Nallah by road. Taxis to the destination can also be hired.

Outer Circle Walk, an 11 km long trek around the Kashmir Valley is highly recommended for individuals visiting Gulmarg. The participants are taken through the outer circle surrounding the valley, which crosses rows of pine trees, lush-green grasslands and beautiful landscapes.

The view of the Nanga Parbat, the world's fourth highest peak, which stands at a height of 8500 m, is a major attraction of the walk. Trekkers can also witness the beauty of the Haramukh and Sunset Peak, two popular tourist spots, during the walk.

Lien Marg, famous for its natural beauty, is situated at a distance of 10 km from Gulmarg. At a height of 8700 ft above sea level, the place is surrounded by dense pine forests. The grass-covered landscape makes Lien Marg suitable for camping and sports. The site is considered to be the ideal winter resort for winter sports enthusiasts. In order to reach this place, visitors have to walk across the bridge over the Ningle Nallah. Ponies which can be hired at the site are also a quick and convenient means of travel here.

Alpather Lake, located at a distance of 13 km from Gulmarg, rests at the foot of the 4511 m tall Apharwat Peak. The lake remains frozen through most of the year till mid-June. During summers the lake has clear water with floating pieces of ice creating a picturesque sight. Triangular in shape, the lake with a backdrop of snow-covered mountains also attracts sightseers. Visitors can reach Alpather Lake from Gulmarg after a day-long expedition. Pony rides also take visitors to the destination. Those interested in horse riding can make a day's trip, starting early in the morning. Adventure enthusiasts can climb the ridge of the Apharwat Peak that ascends straight up and then hike down to the other side.

Banibal Nag, located above the Ferozepur Valley, is 5 hours away from Gulmarg. It is a lake that is recommended to visitors for its scenic beauty.

The lake is situated at a height of 9600 ft above sea level. From the site, visitors can enjoy the view of Waters Meet, a noted picnic spot at Ferozpore valley.

Khilanmarg is situated at a distance of 4 km from the Gulmarg bus stop. Tourists can easily reach this place by walking across the meadows of the valley. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the valley is scattered with wildflowers in the spring season. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic views of the Nanga Parbat, the Himalayas and the twin peaks of Nun and Kun. Several scenic tourist spots are located in proximity to Khilanmarg.

View Point, located in the outskirts of Khilanmarg, is popular among sightseers because of its backdrop formed by the Himalayas. Khilanmarg also serves as a base for nearby tourist spots, such as Ferozpur Nallah, River Bahan, Alpather Lake and the Shrine of Baba Reshi. Visitors can camp here and indulge in activities like trout fishing.

Tangmarg, located at a distance of 13 km from Gulmarg, sits on a lower slope of the Pir Panjal Range. Popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Zandpal, Drung, Ningle Nallah, Baderkoot, Gogaldara and Babarashi, all come under the Tangmarg region. Most of the noted tourist spots like the Waters Meet, Ferozepur Nallah and Baba Reshi Shrine are also located in proximity to this place.

Dense forests, rolling hills, crystal-clear springs and snow-covered peaks are some of the prominent features of the place. It is also renowned for its local handicraft and art works.

Kokernag, located in proximity to Gulmarg, is a popular tourist destination. The place received its name from the local words "kuker" meaning "fowl" and "nag" meaning "snake". Situated at the height of 2000 metres above sea level, this place is known amongst tourists for its trout streams, gardens and freshwater springs. It is believed that the water of the springs of Kokernag has medicinal properties and serves as a remedy for indigestion. People also believe that it can satiate both hunger and thirst. The towns and villages closest to Kokernag include Daksum, Sagam, Wangam, Hangalgund and Zalergam.

Verinag is located at a height of 1876 m in the Pir Panjal Range at the foot of the Banihal Pass. The name of the spring is derived from Nila Nag, the son of a renowned Hindu scholar named Kashyap Rishi. Construction work at this place was initiated by Emperor Shah Jahan. In the year 1620, during the rule of Emperor Jahangir, the spring, which was circular, was renovated and was given an octagonal shape. Shah Jahan also constructed a garden and a pleasure house in the proximity for which building material was especially brought in from Iran.

The water of the spring is extremely clear and warm and is believed to have medicinal properties. 15 m deep with a circumference of 80 m, the spring is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and colourful flowers. This spring is known to be a chief source of the Jhelum river.

Drung is a tourist destination located within a few kilometres of Gulmarg. The place was recently discovered as an attraction of Gulmarg and is considered ideal for picnics and one-day trips during which visitors can try their hand at trout fishing and rock climbing. Visitors interested in archaeology can explore the ancient ruins of the temple there. A short trip over the hills takes trekkers to monuments, believed to be the ruins of the temples of Pandava.

Travellers wishing to stay long can book hotel rooms at Tangmarg, situated 3 km away from Drung. A downhill road from Tangmarg leads visitors to the Ferozepur stream.

Benji's Bar, situated at Highlands Park, is considered to be one of the most magnificent locations in and around Gulmarg. Visitors can not only enjoy the scenery but also rest assured that they will be fed as the place boasts an eating joint. The place also acts like a tiny museum with the personal memorabilia of the former owner being showcased there.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves, known for its vegetation and wildlife, is spread across an area of 180 sq km and rests at an altitude of 2400 to 4300 m above sea level. The reserve is a natural habitat for upland and pheasant birds. Birdwatchers can find many species of birds, like the griffon vulture, monal, snow cock and koklas, here. Resident and migratory birds including the European hoopoe, jungle crow, blue rock pigeon and Kashmir roller, to name a few, can also be seen here. The reserve also serves as a shelter for the endangered wildlife species like the serow; a medium-sized, goat-like animal, leopards, red foxes and musk deer.

Dicotyledonous plants and shrubs like the sorbaria tomentosa, indigofera heterantha, viburnum opulus and many others are found here. Various species of trees, such as pine, deodar, fir and chestnut, are present here.