GULMARG
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is the northern-most state of India and located mostly in the Himalayan mountains. The Kashmir valley is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, and Jammu's numerous shrines attract tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year, while Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture.
Gulmarg literally means meadow of flowers. It is a majestic hill station in the district of Baramula and
situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level. The area is exquisitely situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range with snow covered
mountains, lush green meadows, deep ravines, evergreen forested hills and valleys.
Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub and the “Heartland of Winters sports” like trekking, mountaineering, snowboarding , skiing, etc. and also serves as
the perfect family getaway and one of the top honeymoon locations.
Season
Winter begins to creep from October and between the end of December to mid of February there will be enough snowfall. March to June is summer season and you can witness the surroundings in their natural colors as Gulmarg is popularly known as the Meadow of Flowers and ideal for all sightseeing and adventure activities.
Nagin Valley
This valley in Gulmarg is a fascinating view for a person to experience and located at an altitude of 9000 ft. A haven for trekkers and nature lovers, this Valley stretches for about 10 kms and guarded by snow-capped mountains. This stunningly beautiful valley is famous for its lush alpine meadows, blue pines and wildlife which proudly includes the musk deer, leopard, red fox and Kashmir stag. The almost wet climate results in lovely blooms all year around.
Apharwat Peak
This peak is around 13500 feet above sea level high, situated near the Alpathar Lake and provides
a magnificent view during summers and winters. It’s a heaven of earth, covered by white carpet of snow. Apharwat slopes are the longest and the highest
ski slopes of Asia. These snow enclosed peaks are considerably popular with all kinds of ski aficionados and offer supreme challenges for the even the
best skiers around. This peak is totally encapsulated by enchanting snowy peaks and a serene lake, with a calm surface that reflects the glory of the
peaks and the adjoining greenery in all its grandeur
During summers, the Apharwat peak is entirely different with the lush green surroundings and the well-bred horse paddocks make for an exciting combination.
Alpather Lake (Frozen Lake)
Frozen Lake, located beyond Aparwath, remains completely frozen until mid-June. Triangular in shape, the lake lies at the foot of the twin 4,511 m Apharwat peaks, the lake has a backdrop of scenic hilly snow-capped terrains. Beyond its substantial static months of frozenness; small flecks of ice along with clear water are visible floating on the surface of the lake. The chilled lumps of ice swings on the layer of blue transparent water with the glistening rays carve a spectrum of myriad colors with drops of frozen water in the lake manifesting the colorful and blissful soul in the frozenness of the lake.
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Home to numerous species of flora, fauna, & avifauna, the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a place to visit in
Gulmarg for wildlife lovers. The conifers and green herbs give the entire sanctuary a scenic appearance.
The endangered Musk Deer is the main attraction of the reserve. Other species of animals include Hangul, Leopard, Brown Bear, Black Bear, and Red Fox. The biosphere
reserve is also a paradise for the ornithologists. The area has a large population of indigenous and migratory birds including, inter alia, Griffon Vulture,
Blue Rock Pigeon Monal, Snow Cock, Kashmir Roller, and Jungle Crow.
Shrine of Baba Reshi
Built in 1480, the Shrine of Baba Reshi is one of the religious places to visit in Gulmarg. The old Kashmiri architecture of the shrine – lattice work on windows, carved deodar pillars, and excellent craftsmanship – of the shrine makes it an absolute wonder. The shrine is dedicated to Baba Reshi, a Muslim scholar & saint who spent his days meditating and praying in the valley.
Maharani Temple
Maharani Temple is known to be built in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh – the last Dogra king of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
St. Mary’s Church
Set in the beautiful backdrop of verdant meadows, tall alpine trees, and high snow-clad mountains, the church built in the early 20th century boats of its Victorian-style architecture. Giving the appearance of a tiny countryside chapel, the church has gray stone walls and a steep green roof with wooden trimmings.
Gulmarg Gondola
Asia’s largest and world’s second largest cable car project called Gulmarg Gondola is one of the prime attractions. The gondola ascends extends almost to the peak of Apharwat, at an elevation of 3980 metres above sea level. The total aerial distance covered by Gulmarg Gondola is 5 kilometres and it gives panoramic views of the Himalayas as it keeps ascending higher and closer to the Apharwat Mountain. The cable car ascends 1,330 vertical metres to a height of nearly 4,000m of vast snow slopes.
Golf Course
The layout of 18 hole, par 72 golf course is very striking, surrounded by towering conifers and with at least 18 different species of wild flowers is a golf club in Gulmarg. Situated at a height of around 2650 metres and spread around 7505 yard area, it is the highest golf course in the world.
Skiing
Apharwat slopes had been rated as Asia’s seventh best ski destination and season start from December till
early April. The perfect slopes of this twin peaks gives a person the best experience of twists and turns to enjoy skiing.
The Gulmarg skiing and snowboarding is suited to advanced and expert riders who enjoy off-piste backcountry terrain and also best appreciated by those with
a propensity for hiking and skinning, and laid-back riders who can cope with an “adventure”. This ski terrain is virtually unlimited and includes alpine bowls,
chutes, cornices, glade skiing amongst ancient pines, and glacier skiing without the glacier.
