Things to Do in Gulmarg: A Complete Guide to Kashmir’s Winter Wonderland
With its pristine beauty, snow-covered peaks and lush green meadows, this perfect destination also provides people with an array of activities that they can indulge in. Irrespective of the season that you are visiting Gulmarg, this place will allow you to create unforgettable memories. Whether you are planning a short trip or a week-long visit, Gulmarg has something for everyone.
Gulmarg’s breathtaking scenery, thrilling activities, and peaceful getaways will attract you if you’re searching for the best places to visit in Gulmarg. Gulmarg tourist places will present you with a heavenly feeling, and if you are ready to take a trip to Gulmarg, then this is the guide where you will get to know about evaluating.
What is the Famous Thing in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg is famously known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’; however, the most famous attraction of the town is the Gulmarg Gondola. The Gondola is one of the biggest cable car rides in the world and the highest in Asia. The Gondola takes tourists up to Apharwat Peak presenting them with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire hill station.
During winter, the mountain becomes a hot spot for skiing attracting adventure seekers who want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors from all parts of the world come to the Gulmarg Gondola to enjoy these thrilling activities. If you want to explore the best places in Jammu & Kashmir. You can take a complete Kashmir holiday package.
Exploring the Best Things to Do in Gulmarg
As a first-time visitor, it is obvious to feel confused about the things that you can enjoy and do in Gulmarg and if you are also looking for the best things to do in Gulmarg then, take a look at the brilliant activities that you can enjoy in the hill station.
Adventure Activities
01
Gulmarg Gondola Ride
As a first-time visitor, it is easy to feel confused about the things that you can enjoy and do in Gulmarg, and if you are also looking for the best things to do in Gulmarg then take a look at the brilliant activities that you can enjoy in the hill station.
02
Ski and Snowboard at Apharwat Peak
Gulmarg is famous all around the world as one of the best places for skiing. For adventure lovers, it is quite an experience skiing from Apharwat Peak. The slopes are perfect for both novice and expert skiers, and the skiing and snowboarding equipment can be rented along with instructors who can also be hired.
03
Visit Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake sits at the very lap of Apharwat Peak and is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes that remains frozen for most of the winter months. The trek to the lake itself is an adventure, but once at Alpather Lake, one is left awestruck with the stillness and beauty it possesses.
04
Experience Snowshoeing and Sledding
Other than snowboarding and skiing, people can also enjoy other thrilling activities like sledding and snowshoeing. However, if you are strictly visiting Gulmarg to partake in all the adventurous things then, you need to visit the hill station during winter months when the entire hill station is covered with layers and layers of show.
05
Explore Khilanmarg
Now, if you want to enjoy trekking but are vary of long distances then a short trek from Gulmarg will lead you to Khilanmarg for Gulmarg sightseeing. This picturesque value offers you splendid views of the Himalayas which is the highest mountain range in the world. During summer, you will find the entire valley covered in wildflowers, and in winter, this place turns into a snowy paradise.
06
Visit St. Mary's Church
This century-old church is set right in the meadows, and it’s pretty wonderful. The Victorian architecture of the church and the beautiful, quiet atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for photographers and those in search of a bit of relaxation. The beauty of this vintage church is even more pronounced during the winter months.
07
Play Golf at Gulmarg Golf Course
Gulmarg is also the home to one of the biggest green gold courses on the globe. Play golf at this place if you are a golfing fan as it presents you with an entirely different experience, with nature taking its beautiful shape around the game. The place offers instructors that you can hire to try your hand at this amazing game.
08
Savor Kashmiri Food
This is a necessary experience in Gulmarg since it involves eating some of the best dishes from Kashmir. Visit local restaurants to enjoy an amazing feast of Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo, and Kahwa (local Kashmiri tea). Gulmarg is famous for its cuisine and leaving Gulmarg without trying the local dishes will make your trip incomplete.
09
Explore Tangmarg
Tangmarh, the gateway to Gulmarg is a highly picturesque town filled with local markets where you can shop from. You can simply enjoy the enchanting landscapes of this town as you will be able to see the breathtaking apple orchards, pristine streams, and dense forests covered in pine and fir. If you want to buy souvenirs then, this town is the perfect place to do the same.
10
Trek to Drung Waterfall
Nestled in the Kashmir region in Gulmarg, the Drung Waterfall is one of the most famous Gulmarg attractions. The waterfall is a natural wonder as it transforms into a frozen cascade during the winter months. Surrounded by serene landscapes and rocky cliffs, this spot is perfect for people who are looking for tranquillity and peace.
11
Seven Springs
It is called Seven Springs because of the seven springs of natural water outlets in Gulmarg. This place is situated on a little hill right near Kongdori where a majestic stream runs. It is now one of the tourist attractions, being known for the views surrounding this place. Here one can behold the very picturesque sights of both the Gulmarg and Srinagar valleys.
12
Maharani Temple
The Maharani Temple or Rani Temple was the temple built by Queen Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of the last Maharaja of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, who reigned here until 1915 and regularly visited it. It is one of the most stunning places to visit at Gulmarg owing to the distinctive characteristic of this structure.
13
Igloo Cafe
One of the newest attractions in Gulmarg is the Igloo Cafe which also holds the record for being the biggest of its kind. This snowy marvel allows people to have an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by stretches and stretches of snow. Since the cafe is entirely built out of snow, you will be able to capture the essence of Gulmarg here at this place.
14
Ningle Nallah
One of the most sought-after destinations in Gulmarg, Ningle Nallah is a beautiful mountain stream surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pastures decked in lush greenery. This beautiful stream flows through Baramulla approximately 10 km from Gulmarg and gets its primary sources of water from ice melting in Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake.
15
Kanchenjunga Museum
Initially built to act as a high-altitude military school, the Kanchenjunga Museum was eventually inaugurated to commemorate the first summit of Indian armed forces at the Kanchenjunga in 1997. Today, it bears an enviable collection of mountaineering gear and equipment that were used in the mountains by Indian army personnel.
These are the top destinations that you can visit during your visit to Gulmarg and create memories that you will cherish all your life.
What is the Secret Destination in Gulmarg?
Strawberry Valley is the best-kept secret of Gulmarg! Unlike the tourist-crowded sites, this hidden valley is a peaceful place with green meadows and summer-fresh strawberries. Few tourists come to this peaceful location, which makes it a great place for those in search of serenity and natural beauty.
The beautiful valley is perfect for your pictures and you can even try strawberry picking if you are visiting the valley during the correct season. Away from the hustle and bustle of other destinations, this untouched beauty in Gulmarg is a quiet escape.
Another lesser-known destination is Bota Pathri, a secluded and pristine area near the India-Pakistan border. Surrounded by thick forests, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. If you want to explore the best Gulmarg tourist places and make your trip comfortable. You can take a Kashmir Cab Service in Gulmarg and hassle-free journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of Gulmarg.
Are 2 Days Enough for Gulmarg?
We all know that it is not possible for people to take out a lot of time to visit places which is why most people plan a weekend trip to hill stations. Well, if you are thinking about whether 2 days will be enough for a Gulmarg Srinagar trip then, allow us to tell you that you can easily visit enough attractions in these two days.
Although you will not be able to enjoy all the destinations at a leisurely pace, you can explore all the major destinations and create unforgettable memories. Take a look at this 2-day itinerary that you can base your trip on.
Day 1:
Arrival and Sightseeing
After arriving in Gulmarg, the first thing that you need to do is to check in a hotel and we recommend you to pre-book a hotel to save time. After this, you can start your trip by visiting the Gulmarg Gondola and reaching the Apharwat Peak. Here, you can try different activities like sledding, skiing, and snowboarding depending on your interests.
After this, you can visit the St. Mary’s Church and the Maharani Temple which are the most famous places of worship in the hill station. You can spend your evening by taking a stroll around the Gulmarg Golf Course.
Day 2:
Adventure and Exploration
The next day, you should start by visiting the Alpather Lake which is one of the most stunning places in Gulmarg. If you have the time for it, you can also trek to Khilanmarg to know precisely why Gulmarg is known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’.
One of the most important Gulmarg places to visit is the Drung Waterfall where you can view the force and power of nature. You should also include a trip to the Strawberry Valley if you are visiting Gulmarg in the summer. After visiting all these places, you can get back to Srinagar and continue your journey.
If you have more time, you can extend your trip to include Bota Pathri, Ningle Nallah, and nearby villages.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
Just like all the other places, if you are wondering what is the best time to visit this paradise then, you will be surprised to know that you can visit this enchanting location anytime you want, depending on what you wish to see and enjoy.
Winter (December to February)
If you are seeking adventure and want to feel the adrenaline rush, then the winter months are perfect for you as you can enjoy different adventure activities like snowboarding, snowshoeing, skiing, and even sledding. The winter months are also ideal for people who love snow.
Summer (May to September)
These months are perfect for people who want to enjoy the lush greenery of Gulmarg and spend their time sightseeing and trekking. The summer months allow people to visit the Strawberry Valley and try strawberry picking.
Autumn (October-November)
Lastly, autumn is also a good time of the year to visit this stunning hill station as the entirety of Gulmarg will be golden this time. One of the best aspects of visiting Gulmarg during these months is that you will find less crowd and a quieter atmosphere during your trip.
Planning a trip to Gulmarg does not require you to worry about the season. You can easily plan a trip during any time of the year without worrying as this blissful space has something to offer to everyone.
Conclusion
Gulmarg has something for every kind of traveler. Whether it is about engaging in winter sports, exploring some concealed escapes,
or relaxing in the lap of nature, this hill resort has it all. Two days can be just enough to discover the highlights while more days give you the chance to relish the true magic of Gulmarg and enjoy all Gulmarg Kashmir tourist places.
So pack your bags and get going to enjoy the unmatchable beauty of this heavenly paradise!