13 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town in Jammu and Kashmir surrounded by the Pir Panjal Range of the great Himalayas, and it is 56 km away from Srinagar. A valley of clouds, hills, and natural beauty, Gulmarg rightly justifies its name, which means meadow of flowers.

With an altitude of 2650m, Gulmarg is best known for skiing, not to mention the tranquil beauty that this snow-covered small town holds. The breathtaking atmosphere of Kashmir can be found everywhere in Gulmarg. Here in this article, we are suggesting the top-notch spots that one should not miss as a traveler while in Gulmarg.

Here is the list of the 13 Most Famous Places to Visit in Gulmarg, Kashmir:

Destinations with an Epitome of Beauty

1. Valley of Strawberry

Hearing only the name of this fruit itself brings joy to our mind, and imagine witnessing a valley full of bright red color! The clear blue sky above and under your feet, a layer of green grass, what a beautiful view that would be. Just like a picture hanging on your wall, the strawberry field will seem.

The best time of the year to consider visiting this place would be during the summer season as the strawberries start ripping then, and besides pouring the marvelous sight into your eye, you can also taste a few of them.

• Visiting Time: Summer months (June to August) for fresh strawberry picking.
• Special Tip: Buy fresh strawberries or enjoy strawberry products like jams and syrups.
• How to Reach: Located about 1 km from Gulmarg, the valley is accessible by a short trek or pony ride.
• Why Visit: This lush valley is famous for its wild strawberries that bloom during the summer months. It offers scenic views, making it perfect for a peaceful retreat.
• Things to Do: Stroll through the strawberry fields, enjoy the picturesque landscape, and capture stunning photos.

2. Khilanmarg

Imagine yourself taking a ride on the back of a pony and going through woods covered in pure white snow, a sunny day, a grassy meadow, wildflowers, an alpine forest, and surrounded by the peaks of the great Himalayas! Now, stop just thinking. That vision is right from Khilanmarg.

With barely a walking or pony riding distance of about 6 km from Gulmarg, this off-beat tourist spot is excessively unexplored by many travelers, mainly because of the unavailability of commuting vehicles. But if you can bear the walk to experience the view of a truly amazing, enchanting small valley, then Khilanmarg is definitely for you.

• Visiting Time: Spring (for flowers) and Winter (for snow activities).
• Activities: Trekking, horse riding, and in winter, skiing, photography of the scenic mountains and meadows, and snowboarding.
• Special Tip: Carry a camera for exceptional photography opportunities.
• How to Reach: A 6 km trek or pony ride from Gulmarg will take you to Khilanmarg.
• Why Visit: Khilanmarg offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and is a popular spot for skiing in the winter and trekking in the summer.

3. Museum

Initially built for a school of warfare and later turned into a museum, this Kanchenjunga Museum proudly exhibits the warfare of the Indian Army and all the mounting equipment needed in the hills. This place falls under a must-to-go spot in Gulmarg. The museum is open to all with different timings during Summer and Winter.

During Summer, the museum opens its gate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter season. The museum is located at a high altitude which would give a feeling of chilly and fresh air and a view of the surrounding beauties.

• How to Reach: The museum is located within Gulmarg and is easily accessible by road.
• Why Visit: A small but insightful museum that showcases the history and heritage of Gulmarg, including items related to the region’s military history and local culture.
• Things to Do: Explore historical artifacts and learn about the region’s rich past.

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4. Ferozepur and Ningle Nallah

There are two Nallahs in Gulmarg, one is Ferozepur Nallah, and the other is Ningle Nallah, and each one of them has got serene elegance with their stream while they flows through the hills. These hill streams are full of naturally pure, clean drinkable water. They serve as the ideal place to have various outdoor activities like safe swimming, fishing with family and friends, a riverside picnic, etc.

One can also spend the night here camping out upon the river side’s soft green grass or book a nearby hotel and relish the delicious local cuisine. Either way, these places give the best one-day experience to hold for a lifetime.

• Visiting Time: Summer and early autumn.
• Activities: Picnicking, trout fishing (with permission), relaxing by the tranquil waters, and short treks.
• Special Tip: Ideal spots for family outings and relaxing away from crowded areas.
• How to Reach: Located about 10 km from Gulmarg, both nallahs (streams) are accessible by road.
• Why Visit: These serene streams are perfect for a day trip from Gulmarg, offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot for picnics.

5. Tangmarg

Tangmarg is a picturesque little town in Baramulla, just like we see in any romantic movie. This beautiful spot is known as the gateway of Gulmarg. With many other attractive visiting spots (such as Gogaldara, Baba Reshi’s memorial, Baderkoot, Ningle Nallah, etc.)in this village, people can easily plan a whole vacation here exclusively.

This small town holds a pious beauty that you cannot miss if you ever go to Gulmarg. Tangmarg is also considered a trekking path connecting Gulmarg by a 13 km long road. It is also a prominent halting spot for every vehicle towards Gulmarg. If you plan to go to this place with your vehicle, remember only the local taxis are permitted to move from Gulmarg towards the Tangmarg region because of the risky condition of the roads.

• Visiting Time: All year, but roads can be snowy in winter.
• Activities: Sightseeing and stopover for refreshments on the way to Gulmarg, Visit the local markets for handicrafts, enjoy scenic walks, and visit nearby tourist spots like Baba Reshi Shrine..
• Special Tip: Often a base camp for trekkers heading into the mountains.
• How to Reach: Tangmarg is located about 13 km from Gulmarg and is well-connected by road.
• Why Visit: This small town is the gateway to Gulmarg and offers a charming mix of local markets, scenic views, and peaceful surroundings.

6. Apharwat Peak

The captivating heavenly views of Apharwat Peak are among the many tourist destinations of Gulmarg. One can catch a glimpse of the controversial LOC (Line of Control) between India and Pakistan situated only a whisker away by some kilometers. The peaks remain snow-capped throughout the time of the year, giving tourists a wonderful experience in activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Also, all the sports of the winter season occur here in Gulmarg. With an altitude of 4200m above sea level, this white-covered meadow place is not very far (the maximum time required to reach is 3 to 4 hours) and is one of the outstanding traveling destinations of Srinagar.

• Visiting Time: Year-round; for skiing – December to April.
• Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, Gondola ride, trekking, and enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
• Special Tip: At the top, you can often see into Pakistan.
• How to Reach: Reach the base of the peak by Gulmarg Gondola and then trek or ski to the top.
• Why Visit: At an elevation of about 4,390 meters, Apharwat Peak is a haven for adventure seekers. It is famous for skiing and offers breathtaking views.

7. Biosphere Reserve

Flora and Fauna have always made the day of any traveling soul great. The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is such a blossoming place that one should visit it at any cost while in Gulmarg, and if traveling with kids, then it is much more a must-visit place. Spreading across 180 square km, this biosphere is enriched with biodiversity and is home to many aboriginal types of animals, birds, fauna, and avifauna.

The famous musk deer draws most of the visitors to this place. Other interesting attractions include animals like snow leopard, Hangul, red fox, black bear, and many more; birds like Snow cock, Kashmir Roller, Inter Alia, Blue-Rock Pigeon Monal, etc. This place is home to many endangered wildlife creatures.

• Visiting Time: Best during the summer months.
• Activities: Wildlife photography, bird watching, nature walks, and exploring the rich biodiversity of the region.
• Special Tip: Bring binoculars for a closer look at the wildlife.
• How to Reach: Located 48 km from Srinagar and close to Gulmarg.
• Why Visit: The reserve is home to various flora and fauna, including the rare musk deer and vibrant bird species. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

8. Children’s Park

Children will love this place, Gulmarg Children’s Park; it has a beautiful scenic view of the surroundings. Snow-tucked peaks on the horizon, elegant grassy walking path, reign of floating clouds, all these will fill your and your children’s minds with freshness and good vibes and will add more joy to the rides (toy train, slides, swings, buggy rides, etc.).

It is a huge garden full of tranquil beauty with the latest addition of an artificial water place (lake)that you can enter by giving an entry fee of Rs. 20 per person. Further, you can ride a pony inside the garden to look all over the garden.

• Visiting Time: Open year-round, but best during the summer.
• Activities: Family picnics, Children’s rides, zorbing, scenic walks around the park, and mini-train for kids.
• Special Tip: Good place for families to relax while children play.
• How to Reach: Located in Gulmarg, easily accessible by road.
• Why Visit: A fun spot for families, the park offers several activities for children, including rides, swings, and a beautiful picnic area.

9. Banibal and Alpather Lake

Gulmarg has gifted us two beautiful lakes, Banibal Nag, and Alpather Lake. The Alpather Lake presents an out-of-the-world treat to the eyes in the winter season. Bordered by the snowy Apharwat peaks and Rocky Hills, Alpather Lake offers the best topography.

Popularly known as the frozen lake for its completely freezing nature from November to June, Alpather is also a famous trekking place. Located at a distance of 5 km from Gulmarg, Banibal Nag is an offbeat tourist spot near Ferozepur valley. Its high altitude location gives one nice view and thus makes it a highlight among the surrounding places.

• Visiting Time: Early summer as the lake is frozen until June.
• Activities: Trekking, photography, soaking in the natural beauty, and horse riding.
• Special Tip: The lake is triangular-shaped and is stunning against the mountain backdrop.
• How to Reach: Located 13 km from Gulmarg, accessible by a trek.
• Why Visit: Alpather Lake is a high-altitude lake located at the foot of Apharwat Peak. Known for its pristine beauty, the lake remains partially frozen even in summer.

10. The Seven Waterfalls

The name came because nature has blessed it with seven waterfall exits, and seven different and wonderful water outfalls in a grand majestic way. The city of Gulmarg and Srinagar can be viewed from the summit of the Springs.

Tourists can reach this place in Kongdori by a joyful ride on the gondola cable car. The ride starts from Apharwat mountain and takes up to the seven springs through a mesmerizing view of the enchanted peaks and panoramic landscape. As it is located on a mound of a hill.

• Visiting Time: Spring (April to June) when the snow melts.
• Activities: Viewing from the Gondola or a moderate hike, Trek to the waterfalls, enjoy a picnic by the water, and take in the stunning views..
• Special Tip: Best viewed as part of the Gondola ride for a panoramic vista.
• How to Reach: About 8 km from Gulmarg, accessible via a short trek.
• Why Visit: These cascading waterfalls offer a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

11. Golf Course

If you want to spend a few days away from the everyday workload at your office by having a lifetime experience, then Gulmarg is waving at you. Gulmarg hosts the best sporting programs relating to Golf around the world, holding the record for having the longest course and the highest number of holes (18).

A non-player can also play Golf here on a chilly sunny day or simply plan a vacation to see the Golf field and the game. The area becomes crowded with various bloomed flowers from June to September. People can take their vehicle inside the golf course to look around while enjoying the ride.

• Visiting Time: Summer (May to November) when the course is open.
• Activities: Golfing, Play a round of golf, take lessons, or simply enjoy the scenic surroundings, and sightseeing.
• Special Tip: Non-golfers can enjoy a cup of tea at the clubhouse.
• How to Reach: Located in the heart of Gulmarg.
• Why Visit: One of the highest golf courses in the world, the Gulmarg Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience amidst lush greenery and stunning mountain views.

12. Maharani Temple

The sacred worshiping place of Maharani is located at the center of the city, Gulmarg. The most interesting fact about this temple is that Muslim priests do the ceremonies here, and the Hindu gods Shiva and Mata Parvati are worshipped here.

The eve of Shivratri gives a prominent view of this site, and around the other time of the year, it remains a spiritual tourism spot.

• Visiting Time: Year-round.
• Activities: Religious visits, sightseeing, Visit the temple for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and photography.
• Special Tip: The temple has a significant historical value and provides a panoramic view of Gulmarg.
• How to Reach: Located in Gulmarg, easily accessible by foot or road.
• Why Visit: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia of Jaipur. The temple stands out with its striking red roof and serene location.

13. Lien Marg

For trekking, Lien Marg has been serving as the most preferred route for travelers from all over the world. Although this place is a little distant from Gulmarg, it still touches the scenic beauty that Gulmarg beholds. Located at about 8700m above sea level, Lien Marg also attracts tourists for its long Pine trees.

Those long wooden beauties soothe the eyes with their surreal surroundings and are a perfect background for capturing moments. A whisker away (nearly 10km) from Gulmarg, Lien Marg is a familiar destination for various winter sports.

• Visiting Time: Summer and autumn for the best weather conditions.
• Activities: Picnicking, leisure walks, Trekking, camping, and photography in the meadow’s serene environment, and horse riding.
• Special Tip: Perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
• How to Reach: Accessible by a 10 km trek from Gulmarg.
• Why Visit: Lien Marg is a picturesque meadow surrounded by dense forests, offering breathtaking views of the valley and mountains.

How to Reach Gulmarg, Kashmir:

By Air:

• The nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Srinagar, which is approximately 56 kilometers away.
• Srinagar airport is well connected with major cities in India.
• From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gulmarg, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.

By Rail:

• The nearest railway station to Gulmarg is at Jammu, which is about 290 kilometers away.
• Jammu railway station is well connected with all major cities in India.
• From Jammu, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to Srinagar and then proceed to Gulmarg.

By Road:

• Gulmarg is connected by road with Srinagar, Jammu, and other major towns in Jammu & Kashmir.
• The state road transport corporation (SRTC) as well as private operators run regular buses to and from Srinagar.
• A private vehicle or hired taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg is a popular and convenient option, offering the flexibility to stop and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Local Transport:

• Within Gulmarg, travel is limited as the area is environmentally sensitive. Small taxis and ponies can be hired for local sightseeing.

Seasonal Considerations:

• In winter, the roads can be covered with snow, and chains or a 4WD vehicle may be necessary.
• Always check the weather and road conditions during the winter months as heavy snowfall can disrupt travel plans.

Travel Tips:

• If traveling during the winter, pack heavy woolens, including thermals, and ensure your vehicle has antifreeze.
• During the peak tourist season, it’s wise to book accommodation and travel in advance.
• Keep some buffer time in your schedule for roadblocks or delays, especially in winter due to weather conditions.

Conclusion

The beauty of nature brings joy and energy to our boring life, and Gulmarg, being a part of the epitome of beauty (Kashmir), is unquestionably blessed with amazing countryside views and topography. The winter offers a hypnotizing glimpse of the surroundings of each corner of all the sites here. Therefore, we hope all the places mentioned here will surely help you make a memorable trip. Some other significant tourist sites of Gulmarg include the Memorial of Baba Reshi, the Main Market of Gulmarg, St. Mary’s Church, Nagin Valley, Gondola Lift, Kongdori, Imambara goom, etc. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags ASAP and head to Gulmarg to explore the ultimate beauty of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Alpather Lake in Gulmarg?
Alpather Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located at the foot of the Apharwat Peak, known for its scenic beauty and snow-capped surroundings.

2. How far is Baba Reshi from Gulmarg?
The distance between Baba Reshi and Gulmarg is approximately 13 km. It is a popular religious site near Gulmarg.

3. What is Gulmarg famous for?
Gulmarg is famous for its skiing resorts, snow-covered mountains, and beautiful meadows. It is also known as a popular winter sports destination in India.

4. What are the best places to visit in Gulmarg?
Some of the best places to visit in Gulmarg include Alpather Lake, Strawberry Valley, Ningle Nallah, and the famous Gulmarg Gondola ride.

5. What is the distance between Srinagar and Gulmarg?
The distance between Srinagar and Gulmarg is around 50 km, and it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

6. What is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
The best time to visit Gulmarg is from December to February for snow activities and May to August for pleasant weather and sightseeing.

7. What is Gulmarg famously known as?
Gulmarg is famously known as the “Meadow of Flowers” due to its picturesque meadows filled with blooming flowers in the summer.

8. How far is Ningle Nallah from Gulmarg?
Ningle Nallah is around 10 km from Gulmarg and is a serene stream surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains.

9. What activities can tourists enjoy in Gulmarg?
Tourists can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and taking a Gondola ride to the Apharwat Peak. In summer, activities like nature walks and visiting Strawberry Valley are popular.

10. Where is Gulmarg located?
Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

11. What is the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world, taking tourists from Gulmarg to Apharwat Peak. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains and is a must-do activity in Gulmarg.

12. How far is Gulmarg from Baramulla?
The distance between Baramulla and Gulmarg is approximately 39 km, and it takes around 1.5 hours by road.

13. What is the significance of Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg?
Strawberry Valley is a hidden gem in Gulmarg, known for its lush greenery and strawberry fields. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, especially in summer.

14. Is Gulmarg a good place for family vacations?
Yes, Gulmarg is a great family vacation destination with activities like sightseeing, Gondola rides, nature walks, and snow sports that cater to all age groups.

15. Are there lakes in Gulmarg?
Yes, Gulmarg is home to Alpather Lake, a serene, high-altitude lake, which is a popular spot for trekking and sightseeing. The lake remains frozen in winter, adding to its beauty.