Gulmarg is one of the beautiful places that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means the meadow of flowers. Originally, Gulmarg was called Gaurimarg, named after Lord Shiva’s coasts. Gulmarg is located around 52 km to the south west of Srinagar in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Apharwat Peak

Apharwat Peak, 13500 feet high, is a famous tourist destination located around 13 km away from Gulmarg. Apharwat slopes are the longest and the highest ski slopes of Asia and is a famous destination of ski enthusiasts from all over the world. There is a cable car service called Gondola to reach on top of the hill. The Gondola with 36 six seat cabins lifts through 1330 m height and covers nearly 5 km distance at 3980 m on Apharwat Peak. A thirty-minute walk will take you to the actual peak. There is facility for horse riding around Lake Alpather. The place is covered in snow even during the summer time. So the visitors are advised to carry adequate winter clothing.

Gulmarg Ski

Heavy snowfall in this region has made it a favourite ski area for foreign as well as inland residents. Anyone coming here is spellbound at the spectacular view of the snow peaks. The skiing area consists of the gondola terrain, lower tree skiing areas and the poma terrain in the town. A good option is to go and ski in the old fir and pine trees that take you into the valley. It is also possible to do heli-ski type runs from great heights off a gondola. Apart from skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snow scooters and snow bobbing are popular activities seen here. Imambara Goom, Alpather Lake, St Mary’s Church, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Baba Rishi Shrine, golf course, Apharwat Peak are other interesting sites in this region. Tourists who plan to stay in the ski area can get comfortable hotels and guest houses.

Golf Course

Golf Course in Gulmarg is situated at a height of 2,650 m above the sea level. It is the highest green golf course in the world. This 18-hole golf course is completely managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation. Temporary membership for one day is available at the club for the golfers. Gulmarg golf course is among the most beautiful golf courses in India. It is composed of both slopes and inclines. This golf course was inaugurated in 1904. First Golf Championship was organized in 1922 at this golf course.

Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg is situated at a distance of 4 km from the Gulmarg . Tourists can easily reach this place by walking across the meadows of the valley. Surrounded by the mountains on all sides, the valley is scattered with wild flowers during 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.

Kongdori

Kongdori is a bowl shaped area between Gulmarg and the summit on the Afarwat mountain range in J&K, India. It offers some stunning options for skiers and boarders. Kongdori is also a stop or a station during the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car journey. Experience the thrill and the excitement of riding the highest cable car in the world and enjoy the stunning vistas of the Kashmir landscapes. The Gondola operates in two phases, PHASE 1 and PHASE 2. Each Gondola is a small yellow colored cabin with space for 6 adults. The cabins are slung on high tensile strength cables which move continuously. The Gondolas have two stops, where they slow down to enable Embarking and Disembarking of Tourists. During the ride itself, you will go through tall fir trees, which then open out to grassy slopes below dotted with wildflowers in summer and snow in winter.