|
Gulmarg
|
| Gulmarg's
legendary beauty, prime location and
proximity to Srinagar naturally make
it one of the premier hill resorts in
the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’
by shepherds, its present name was given
in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf
Shah, who was inspired by the sight
of its grassy slopes emblazoned with
wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite
haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected
21 different varieties of flowers from
here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a
mountain resort of exceptional beauty-
it also has the highest green golf course
in the world, at an altitude of 2,650
m, and is the country's premier ski
resort in the winter. |
 |
|
| The
journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of
reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues
of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice
fields interspersed with picturesque villages.
Depending on the season, nature's colours could
be the translucent green of spring, summer’s
rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when
scarlet chillies festoon windows of village
homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg
begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one
point, known simply as View Point, travellers
generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes
and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains,
almost within touching distance. |
 |
|
General
Information
|
|
Area
:
|
3.5
km long; 1km wide Altitude 2,650
m. |
|
Best
season :
|
Throughout
the year. |
|
Clothing
:
|
Summer:
Light woollens; winter: Heavy
woollens. |
|
|
Tourist Attraction
|
| Horse
Riding |
| This
is the best activity by which all the sites
of Gulmarg can be seen. Horses can be hired
directly or through the Tourist Office. |
| Sledging |
| A
flat wooden board is taken up the hilltop
and, without a navigator, allowed to
slide downhill on the snow-covered slopes.
Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are
always available on hire. |
 |
| Skiing
& Winter Sports |
| Some
of the best slopes in the country for
beginners and intermediate skiers are
available at Gulmarg. Skiing equipment
is available on hire from the Ski-Shop. |
|
| In
winter Gulmarg's natural slopes and inclines
turn into the country’s premier skiing resort.
Not all tourists who visit in winter come for
skiing - some simply are there to watch the
skiing or to enjoy a holiday in the snow. Many
of these are infected with the excitement of
the skiers, and have donned their first pair
of skis within a short while of their arrival. |
| Among
the multitudes of slopes, there are
a few which are serviced by ski lifts.
Most of the skiing becomes centred on
these slopes, which are specially suited
to beginners and intermediate level
skiers, with ski runs ranging from 200
m to 3kms, instructors are available
for both levels. |
 |
| As
in the summer, when each individual
sets his own pace for a holiday, so
also in winter, skiing can be as adventurous
as the holidaymaker can want. There
are a number of slopes, not serviced
by ski lifts, of varying lengths and
gradients. |
|
| Each
of these is quieter than the immensely popular
ones with skilifts. Advanced skiers often trek
in the snow for several hours to the very top
of Apharwat peak, to make a descent lasting
no more than 30 minutes. And now, with the operation
of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car, it has become
all the more convenient for skiing enthusiasts,
as they can gain a ski run of nearly 3 kms with
the help of this cable car which goes up to
Kongdori. |
| There
are a host of snow sports at Gulmarg at this
time of the year. Tobogganing,
the most popular among them requires no skill.
No skill is required - a flat wooden board is
taken up the hill and is allowed to descend
downhill. There are also snow scooters
and snow bobbing, neither requiring
special skills. |
| Others
|
| Gulmarg
offers a beautiful Golf Course where equipment
is also available on hire. |
| A
Cable Car(Gandola) is also installed
which is great hit with tourists and it takes
tourists upto Kongdori. |
| Trek
to Alpather Lake can be undertaken which
is lake 13 Kms away from Gulamrg. This lake
remains frozen even in June. |
| There
is another spot called Khilanmarg which
offers unparalled view of the Himalayan peaks
. |
| The
famous shrine of Baba Reshi is also located
near Gul Marg noted muslim saint who is revered
by all faiths. |
|
|
|
Suggested Tours
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gulmarg
Travel Reservation Form
|
|
