Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam
Leh-Pangong-Khardungla-Numbra-Alchi
Places To Visit In Gulmarg
Alpathar Lake
Alpathar lake Calm, beautiful and a favorite picnic spot for tourists visiting Gulmarg, Alpather Lake is located on the valley down the twin Afarwat peaks at an altitude about 4,511 m. This serene lake in a triangular shape is placed in the backdrop of scenic hilly snow capped terrains. The lakeside gardens add the beauty to the surroundings.
This attractive lake remains frozen until June and during the summer streams of clear water bubbling through the lake with floating ice pieces. The lake can be reached by an adventurous trek through the snowy mountains. This is a perfect location for trekking enthusiasts..
Aru Valley
Shrine (Ziarat) of Baba Reshi, dedicated to Muslim scholar and saint Baba Reshi, is a sacred mosque in the valley of Gulmarg. This tomb was built in 1480. Baba Reshi was an important courtier during the period of King of Kashmir Zain-ul-Abidin and is considered as a holy shrine.
The five century old shrine was constructed with the architectural styles of Persian and Mughals. The shrine is located in a vast expanse of greenish lawns and it can accommodate many thousands at a time.
This sacred tomb is a highly revered religious attraction and thousands of devotees visit this shrine every year. Tourists can access by local means of transportation such as sledges and field chutes.
Baba Reshi Shrine
Located on the way to Chandanwari, the valley was named Betaab after the Bollywood movie by the same name! Earlier known as Hajan Valley, after the release of the movie, it was renamed as major part of the movie was shot here.
Set amid picture perfect environs complete with snowcapped mountains, gurgling streams, colorful willow trees & the warm sun; making it an ideal for an artist’s canvas! The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam.
St Mary's Church
A monument of the British Rule in India, St Mary's Church is a religiously important church in Gulmarg. The construction of the church dates back to 150 years and was done by famous British architectures in the construction style of British churches. This holy church is rare sight of a Christian church in Gulmarg and is reachable through trekking.
The church is located in the heart of the town and is surrounded by many old fashioned huts as well as an old hotel suitable for staying to view snow falling on the surroundings. The alpine trees around the church add a soft breeze to the cool environment. Gulmarg Golf Club is a nearby attraction to visit.
Things To Do In Gulmarg
Gondola Ride /Cable car
The wonderful attraction in Gulmarg is the Cable Car ride, which is also known as Gondola Lift/Ride (1 km west of Gulmarg’s bus stand). Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporations manage the Gulmarg Cable Car ride.
The ride is divided into two sections – Gulmarg to Kongdori and Kongdori to Apherwat. The Gondola passes over the pine forests, starting from a height of 2690 m above sea level and rise up to 3090 m while reaching Kongdoor.
Gulmarg is credited with the longest and highest cable car project in Asia (Running from Kongdoor to Apharwat at an altitude of 13400 ft,) The trial runs, load test and other necessary electro mechanical tests were conducted by M/S Pomagalski of France in March, 2005 successfully. The project was dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, J&K on 28-05-2005. The experience in this cable car is breathtaking and really memorable.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is an adventure option to do while visiting Gulmarg. Besides, it is a means of transport for tourists visiting Gulmarg. Ponies can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office and on all the important locations of Gulmarg tariffs are displayed.
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Trekking
ulmarg is a very popular trekking base in the Himalayan regions. Many trekking trails offering medium to hard adventurous trekking originates from the hilly terrains of Gulmarg. There are many resorts offering all supports for trekking expeditions and also there are many skilled guides.
Gulmarg-Khilanmarg, Gulmarg-Apharwat and Gulmarg-Alapther trekking trails are very popular among the trekking enthusiasts. The trekking through the breathtaking undulated snow covered sloppy Himalayan ranges is really an adventurous experience to extol.
Majestic views of Namga Parbat, enchanting snow covered valleys and dense forests make the trekking in Gulmarg a wonderful experience for any traveler. Ideal time for trekking is from April to November.
Skiing
Skiing and snowboarding are two main activities which can be carried out in Gulmarg and it has become the most popular spot for skiing in India. Winter comes here with all its majesty and snow falling makes the landscape covered with thick glossy smooth snow.
The slopes in Gulmarg are all natural, for the beginners it is best suited to choose the gentle slopes of ski runs that ranges from 200 m to 3 km. Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering located here also offers 10 day & 21 day short ski courses for newbies as well as advanced skiers.
Gulmarg has many ski resorts with all kinds of facilities for skiing. Tourist can get the help of skiing guides from the resorts or government shops. They offer all supports for an enthralling and exciting skiing vacation in Gulmarg. The best time for skiing is during January to March. Skiing races are also organized here during the festivals like Christmas and Easter.
Golf
Golf is the best attractive sport in Gulmarg. Gulmarg Golf Club, established in 1911, was a summer resort for the British and they started playing Golf in the vast expanse of majestic greenish grounds of the Club. This has been credited as the highest green golf course all over the country.
This majestic golf club offers an 18 hole and 72 par golf course facility for its privileged visitors. The attractive feature of this golf course is that they offer temporary membership, even for a day, for golf enthusiasts. Tourists can reach there on foot. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation maintains and manages this superb Golf course.
