GULMARG
Alt : 2730 meters Km: 52 “Gul” means flower and “Marg” means a meadow, this “Meadow of Flowers” has abounding colorful wild flowers during summer all around its bowl shaped gorge, enclosed by the mountains covered under dense pine forests with top under snow till mid- summer. Amidst the meadow is a Golf Club established in 1902 with Capt. John Hill as first Honorary Secretary. The 8-hole golf course of 1892 has developed into an 18-hole golf course par 72, where competitions are held every summer. It is the golf course in the world. Gulmarg is believed to be discovery of lovers-Emperor Jehangir would visit with his beloved Noor Jehan and similarly it was the escape destination of romance for Yousuf Shah Chak and his beloved Habba Khatoon. In 16th century Yusuf Shah Chak changed its name from Gaurimarg (Path of Gauri, wife of Lord Siva) or Gurmarg (Horses meadow) to Gulmarg ‘the meadow of flowers’, making it a destination of Royal lovers. The passionate summer and adventurous winter makes Gulmarg most favorite destination among tourists and locals.
Gondola Cable Car Gulmarg:
Gondola Cable Car, has first phase up to Kongdori, 3045 meters,
second phase connects Kongdori with Affarwat, 4060 meters,
a ridge that offers breathtaking view in all seasons and adventurous slopes for downhill skiing | snowboarding. Gulmarg is famous among skiers for its unique powdery snow, natural slopes and suitable combination of Snow with sunshine.
British Army Officers, Maj. Metcarp and Maj. Hadow, set up the first Ski Club of India at Gulmarg in 1927 . The J&K Youth Services & Sports and Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering organize Ski training camps from Basic to Advance courses for which advance booking is required from their offices in Gulmarg and Srinagar. Courses usually start from December onwards when substantial Snow is present in the Ski area. The Ski equipment is available at the Govt owned Ski shops and the private ones. The ski lifts are available for the beginners and intermediate skiers. The Advance and experts skiers and snowboarders use the higher altitude slopes in Apharwat range near Kongdori. Special rate Ski passes are also available for Gondolas for the phase I and pahse I.
Heli-skiing
World famous skier Sylvan Sudan introduced Heli-skiing in Gulmarg in 1987 making it Asia’s first Heli-skiing resort, the team of same group is now
introducing new destinations for heli-skiing in Kashmir. White Christmas celebration, New Year and winter festival including ski competitions are held every year in Gulmarg with much fan-fare. Gulmarg gets snowfall periodically from November to April, sometimes above 14 ft and mostly gets the first and last snowfall of the Valley. At Kongdori and Affarwat snow remains till mid June where Sledging is great fun for the visitors. Gulmarg: Best time to visit: Round the year.
Places of Interest
St. Mary’s Church
Gulmarg has an old St. Mary’s Church a top a meadow built in 1902. One can easily walk upto the Church or take the road instead via Club. Rani Temple near the main market at the entry point is most fascinating , its presence atop a mound with its red colour stupa symbolizes itself with the soothing valley. Maharaja Palace a few meters away from Circular Road is another attraction for the visitors. A newly developed Lake and Children’s park is quite captivating.
Alapathar Lake
Alapathar Lake, 3843 m, 13km, is a one-day trek from Gulmarg via Khilanmarg, where as on reaching at Affarwat by Gondola Phase Il its just 1.5 km walk. During summertime nature lovers can trek to this crystal clear lake surrounded by the mountains.
Tangmarg
Tangmarg, 32 km from Srinagar, is the famous stopover enroute Gulmarg. The road (13km) from Tangmarg moves through pine trees and lofty mountains. 06 km trek from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is an exciting route for the trekkers, the local people usually use the trek for downhill journeys and when the road is blocked due to heavy snow. During winter warm clothes, long shoes gloves and rain proofs are available on hire at the shops, which have to be returned after coming back from Gulmarg. This is also a check point for all the vehicles passing on towards Gulmarg. People of Tangmarg and nearby villages have a major role in servicing the tourists being the habitation to Gulmarg.
Baba Rishi
Ziarat of Baba Rishi, 8 km from Gulmarg, is the famous shrine of noted Muslim saint, Baba Payam-ud- Din RA (AD 1475) who belonged to a noble family from Srinagar. Baba renounced the world and became disciple of Sheik-Noor-ud-Din Noorani. The road off the Tangmarg-Gulmarg route leads through the dense pine tree to this famous shrine where people from diffirent areas of the valley come to perform the first haircut (Zarra Kasni) of their new born child. Another route at Gulmarg entry point leads to the shrine which is suitable for only light the vehicles during fine weather. Drang, 3.5km from Tangmarg, a motorable road leads to this famous picnic spot. A day trip from Gulmarg can be made for enjoyment at Ferozepur nallah ‘river. Once a Tax collection point “Guzarwan” while passing into the Valley, “Drang’ has now become a favorite tourist spot among visitors who enjoy a get-together over lunch along the riverside.
Nagin Valley
Nagin Valley : J&K Tourism Department has recently opened Botpathri (or Bota Pathri) in Nagin Valley for tourists which, at an altitude of 9000 ft between Ferozepur nallah and Nighli nallah in the Nagin valley, Botapathri is 10 Kms from Gulmarg, 5 kms from the Line of Control.
Ringawari
Ringawari: An upcoming tourist spot 17 km -from Tangmarg near a village called Badarkoot (off the Kunzar road), Ringawari is a open valley surrounded by the dense pine forests, its localy called mini Gulmarg for which it has become a favourite picnic spot of the people. A stream ‘peshkol’ flowing through the meadows of Ringawarai adds to its charm. This area is also connected by treks to Khag valley in Budgam through Badarkoot village and Doomkoot mountain enroute a valley with dense pine forests called’Gattapather’ valley of dark. A 43 km road from Tangmarg via Badarkoot to Poonch is also being constructed to connect the valley with the Pirpanchal range. Tourists are advised to take a guide Tangmarg for this day tour.
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