Gulmarg is one of the picturesque hill stations in India and among the popular places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir. Snowcapped Himalayas, freezing winds, meandering river streams, glistening lakes, endless meadows, vibrant flower valleys, and lush pine forests make Gulmarg one of the best places to visit in winter for snow lovers as well as honeymooners. The beautiful destination helps you reconnect with nature and offers peace of mind in every way. Reckoned to be the best skiing destination in India, Gulmarg attracts skiing enthusiasts from around the world. Besides, adventure lovers can go trekking, ice skating, golfing, snowboarding, cable car riding, etc. If you are planning a Kashmir Trip and Gulmarg is on your itinerary, then our list here can help you pick the best things to do in Gulmarg.
Skiing at Apharwat Peak
Gulmarg is the world’s third-highest ski resort and is known to have the best powder snow for skiing in India. If you are an adventure junkie, then a trip to Gulmarg is incomplete without trying skiing at Apharwat Peak, the longest ski slope in Asia. Situated at an altitude of 4,390 m close to the Line of Control (LOC) with neighboring Pakistan, the peak receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for most of the year. The peak is known for its smooth and steep gradients that are suitable for expert skiers. One can hire ski equipment from the Government ski rental shops stationed here. There are also experienced trainers from whom you can learn this sport. Apart from skiing, one can try other winter sports like snowboarding, sledging activities, and snowmobiling here. Winter months of January & February are the best months to visit Gulmarg for skiing as you will get an enormous amount of snow over there.
Gondola Ride to Kongdoori
Gondola Ride is one of the most exciting things to do in Gulmarg for all the visitors. The Kongdoori Gulmarg gondola is the second highest cable-car line in the world started jointly by Jammu and Kashmir government and Pomagalski, a French organization. The Gondola ride is divided into three phases with a total of 5 km. Phase I of the Gulmarg gondola takes visitors from the ski resort to the bowl-shaped Kongdoori Valley (10,100 feet) in a ride which lasts for 9 minutes whereas the second phase of the cable car ride takes you from Kongdoori Station to Apharwat Peak (13,500 feet) and the ride lasts for 12 minutes. The third and final phase of the ropeway ride is offered in 90 chairlifts from Kongdoori to Marry Shoulder, which lasts for 10-12 minutes. Besides its thrilling experience, the ride offers splendid views of Khilanmarg, Gulmarg, LOC, Pir Panjal and Nanda Devi ranges that attracts thousands of tourists as part of Kashmir tour packages.
Trekking to Alpather Lake
Positioned at an altitude of 4,390 meters, a trek to high-altitude Alpather Lake is another exciting thing to do in Gulmarg, among the must-include places in India tour packages. Situated at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks, it is one of the prominent tourist places in Gulmarg. Surrounded by rocky mountains and meadows, this bowl-shaped lake is fed by the melting snow from the nearby peaks. It is also called ‘Frozen Lake’ as the lake remains frozen during most of the months. It is one of the popular places for trekking in Kashmir that starts from Gulmarg and covers a distance of almost 13 km. This moderately difficult trek offers a challenging yet fulfilling experience. One can also reach the lake on a horseback through a well-graded track from Gulmarg. In winter, the frozen lake is a surreal sight with ducks walking on the ice instead of swimming in the water while in summer, the lake is surrounded by a lush landscape of flowers and trees, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Golfing in Gulmarg Golf Course
Situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, Gulmarg Golf Course is famed as the highest 18-hole golf course in the world, and also the longest in India. This place was used by the Britishers to play golf since 1911 and the golf course was inaugurated formally in 2011. Spread over an area of 7505 yards, the golf course is very beautiful that consists of a meadow with various varieties of beautiful and rare species of flowers. Designed by the legendary golfer and course designer, Peter Thomson, it hosts several national and international golf tournaments. Also, the golf course has a 3-hole learning academy where the novice can learn some tricks and tips. The course is open to both locals and tourists and offers a range of facilities, including a clubhouse and pro shop. The Gulmarg golf course is usually open between April and November, as it is covered by snow for the rest of the year and becomes a winter sports center for skiing and snowboarding.
Bird Watching in Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Spread over an area of around 180 sq. km in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a protected area known for its rich and rare Himalayan fauna and flora. It is home to many endangered animals like Kashmiri stag, black deer, brown bear, spotted deer, and snow leopard. It is also a haven for bird watchers as it is the second home for many migratory birds. A birdwatching tour in the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is one of the most exciting things to do that gives you the chance to spot some of the rare and lesser-known birds including Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, Snow Cock, European Hoopoes, Koklas, Griffon vulture, and Jungle Crow.
Photography at Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah is a beautiful mountain stream flanked by snow-capped mountains and lush green pastures from all four sides. The major source of Ningle Nallah is the Alpather Lake which is formed by the melting of ice in Apharwat Peak. After passing through mountains and valleys, the Nallah unites with River Jhelum. The snowy peaks, lush green pastures, and vibrant wildflowers make it one of the best places for photography. Also, the place is ideal for family picnics and camping. Trekking is the best way to reach Ningle Nallah, but it is recommended to start early in the morning. One can also hire ponies to reach the place.
Pony Ride at Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is a small picturesque valley located in Gulmarg. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, and green meadows carpeted with wildflowers, it is one of the scenic spots in Gulmarg and a perfect getaway for those who want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Khilanmarg is covered with blossoming and aromatic flowers in spring and is a hot shot destination for skiing enthusiasts in winter. On a clear day, one can get a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat (8,137 m), which is the fifth-highest peak in the world. Since it is not directly reachable by vehicles, one has to either walk or take a pony to reach this place from Gulmarg, one of the best India tourist places.
Fishing at Ferozpur Nallah
Originates from Ferozpur Peak, Ferozpur Nallah is a small mountain stream flowing through verdant valleys between the beautiful Chinamarg and Nurpur Pass. Blessed with pine trees, lush meadows and towering snow-capped mountains, trout fishing and angling is one of the top things to do in Ferozpur Nallah that attracts large number of anglers. Also, this place serves as an ideal picnic spot for both locals and tourists where one can do camping beside the stream and stay for a night while in Gulmarg, among the top places to visit in Kashmir.