» Gulmarg

The hill resort of Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. At an amazing altitude of 2730 meters above sea level the hill resort has a gently sloping topography. Gulmarg is 56 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border.

Gulmarg the hill resort with magical meadows and mountains. Then natural beauty of Gulmarg has attracted tourists since long. In fact the hill resort of Gulmarg literally means "the meadow of flowers". The snow-clad peaks and the lovely landscapes of Gulmarg have provided background for several Bollywood ventures. The slopes of Gulmarg make it Asia's only heli-skiing resort. There are immense beauty and adventure activities that make Gulmarg much more than a cool hill resort.

Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a club house which is a historical building in its own right. For the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships, including one-day memberships. Naturally, these facilities are available to players as Well, except that serious golfers usually carry their sets along. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is exhilarating.

In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resort. Skiing, to many who watch it on TV, seems like a very elitist sport, requiring a high level of training and expensive equipment. They are surprised, when they visit Gulmarg for a day's expedition to "see the snow", that others with the same level of physical fitness and training are skiing down slopes.

» Major Attractions of Gulmarg

Golf Courses : Situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, Gulamarg has got the highest green golf course in the world. The layout of the course is quiet striking and the layout is similar to a normalgolf course with land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course, which has a par of 72. The golf club was started by the British who used Gulmarg as a holiday resort, and opened it for golf lovers in the year 1904. At present the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation manages the club.

Alpather Lake : 13-km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4, 511 metre Apharwat peaks, this lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the year one can see lumps of ice floating in its cold waters. The walk from Gulmarg follows a well-graded Pony track over the 3, 810 metre Apharwat ridge, separating it from Khilanmarg, and then up the valley to the lake at 3,843 metres. The more adventurous trekkers can climb straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the ridge and descend the other side to the path. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening.

» Places to Stay in Gulmarg

Gulmarg houses a number of hotels that offer good accommodation and meals. Hotels of international standards are also available. JKTDC (Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation) has huts on the offer at Gulmarg and all these properties require advance booking from Srinagar when the season is onThe accommodation available there suits all budgets. One should not miss the opportunity of tasting the traditional Rogan Josh and other preparations in non-vegetarian and sweetmeats while visiting Gulmarg.

» How to Get there

Air : Gulmarg is in Baramula District and is 56-kms from Srinagar and Sonamar is 81-km from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is situated in Badgam District, which is well connected with all the major cities of India.

Rail : The nearest railhead is at Jammu.

Road : All sorts of transport are available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from private transport operators. Bus services to Sonamarg are available from Srinagar and Anantnag.