Gulmarg - Pahalgam
About the city
Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) is an old- established hill resort at 2700m, which can be visited at any time of the year, though the weather tends to be unpredictable. The ski resort operates from December to March, and equipment hire is cheap. Once the snow has melted Gulmarg boasts what may be the highest golf courts in the world. There is some splendid walking; the 11 km circular path gives superb views all over the Kashmir Valley as far as Srinagar and the 8000m peak of Nanga Parbat to the north. At Babareshi (5 km) is the tomb of a Muslim saint that has become a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike. Khilanmarg (4 km) is another meadow ideal for a picnic and, for more serious walkers, there is icy Alpather Lake 13 km away. A recent addition here has been the Gondola (cable car) that makes tourists up from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and now Alphather. You get a wonderful view of the small pine clad valleys below and the snow clad mountains above.Gulmarg is a wonderful winter destination. It is one of the finest ski resorts of the country where both beginners and experienced skiers equally enjoy the gentle slopes.
The Favourite Haunt of Emperor Jehangir
Gulmarg is a hill station in the disputed Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. IT is often regarded as one of the most beautiful locations on the planet. The town is now enjoying a period of peace and quiet. It is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the ‘Line of Control'.Demography
Gulmarg had a population of about 664. Males constitute 99% of the population and females, around 1%. Gulmarg has an average literacy rate of 96%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. The male literacy is about 97%, and the female literacy is around 22%.History
The British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jahangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here.Golfing Holidays
Gulmarg in summers - It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. Temporary members are also welcome: the payment of a daily fee entitles one to play 18 holes on course maintained by the State Tourism Department. A limited supply of golfing equipment is available for hire.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
Sledging at Gulmarg - 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.Snowmobile ride in Gulmarg - 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 ski lifts. 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.