Gulmarg Resort is a mesmerizing place in Jammu and Kashmir that attracts visitors with its untamed natural beauty. It is also well-known as a hub of adventure sports. Originally named Gaurimarg (“the fair one”) by shepherds in honor of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, the resort was renamed Gulmarg (“meadow of flowers”) by Sultan Yusuf Shah of the Chak Dynasty in the 16th century.
Gulmarg is one of the best skiing destinations in Asia and attracts skiing enthusiasts from across the world. The town is famous for its snowy, world-class ski slopes, and the highest gondola ride in the world. The resort also has professional ski schools, instructors, and world-class equipment for rent.
Apart from skiing, visitors can enjoy snowboarding, trekking, cable car rides, and heli-skiing. There are pine forests, alpine valleys, and frozen lakes that make for some best clicking opportunities. During the warmer months, Gulmarg turns into a popular tourist destination in Kashmir for hiking, golfing on the world’s highest golf course, and exploring some exotic flora and fauna.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg
As is the norm, Team NRI has come up with some top places to visit in Gulmarg that will completely mesmerize you! Scroll down to know more.
1. Khilanmarg – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, hiking, photography
- Best Time to Visit –Spring, summer, and winter for different activities.
Khilanmarg has several opportunities for adventure sports like skiing in winter. For adventure sports enthusiasts, it is the preferred destination for thousands of visitors. The beautiful meadows covered with fragrant flowers in the spring season create a soothing experience. Tourists can see the Nanga Parbat peak in the vicinity and also the twin peaks of Nun and Kun make it a must-visit place for tourists in Kashmir.
2. Golf Course – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, hiking, photography
- Best Time to Visit –May to November.
Golf Course is located at an altitude of more than 8000 feet, at about 7,500 yards it is the country’s largest and boasts of more than fifteen varieties of wildflowers that bloom between April and September. It remains covered by snow from December to April and after that becomes a popular tourist destination for sports aficionados for the rest of the months.
3. The Alpather Lake – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Trekking, photography, nature walks.
- Best Time to Visit –Summer (May to September) for trekking, winter for experiencing the snow.
The lake is just 13 km away from Gulmarg and has a scenic backdrop of the very beautiful hilly and snow-capped mountains. Adventurous tourists can easily take the one-day trek from Gulmarg which is dotted with wildflowers and makes for great photo opportunities.
Summer time—from May till September–is the best time to visit as the frozen lake now turns into sparkling bluish water. The white icebergs, though small, are amazing to watch.
4. Bota Pathri – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities–Trekking, hiking, nature walks, wildlife photography.
- Best Time to Visit –Summer (May to September) for pleasant weather and nature trails.
Bota Pathri is also known as Nagin Valley and is a quiet and less explored location in Gulmarg that offers peace and unspoiled natural beauty. Situated amidst verdant valleys, it offers an ideal opportunity for birdwatching, nature walks, and picnics.
5. Drung-Waterfall Gulmarg
- Popular Activities–Trekking, hiking, nature walks, cultural experiences.
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and summer (April to June) for pleasant weather and clear views.
Just 15 km from Gulmarg, it was recently discovered and has no hotels or other accommodations around. However, nearby Tangmarg has plenty of options for lodging & boarding.
Drung is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir for trout fishing and rock climbing facilities. It is an ideal place for short trips or a quick picnic. Some historical sites over the hills are believed to be the ruins of Pandava temples.
6. Biosphere Reserve Gulmarg
- Popular Activities–Wildlife spotting, nature walks, birdwatching, educational tours.
- Best Time to Visit –Spring and summer (April to June) for wildlife exploration and pleasant weather.
The Biosphere Reserve is located on the outskirts of Gulmarg, around 7-8 km away is this popular tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir. It has some exceptional and really exotic species of wildlife. In fact, the Musk Deer is one such species that can be spotted here.
It is a dense forest and one can chance upon a wide range of animals like the Leopard, Musk Deer, Hangul, Black Bear, Red Fox, Brown Bear etc.
7. Lien Marg Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Trekking, camping, skiing (winter), nature walks, birdwatching.
- Best Time to Visit –Summer (May to September) for pleasant weather, winter (December to February) for skiing.
At more than 8,500 feet Lien Marg is promoted as the preferred destination for honeymooners. The dense pine forests and blooming wildflower buds in the middle of sloping grasslands make for an awe-inspiring strolling location. It is a great spot for picnics, sports, and camping as well. It is also suited for winter sports and tourists flock here in great numbers.
8. St. Mary’s Church- Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Sightseeing, photography, spiritual retreat.
- Best Time to Visit –Throughout the year, especially during pleasant weather conditions.
Saint Mary’s Church belongs to the British era and is located near the golf course in Gulmarg. Constructed in the early twentieth century, it is made of grey stone walls. During the winters when the Church is surrounded by snow, it makes a scenic setting.
The church is on a green field surrounded by a golf course on three sides. The rest of the area is surrounded by mountains.
9. Maharani Temple- Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Pooja , cultural exploration, photography.
- Best Time to Visit –Throughout the year, especially during festivals for a cultural experience
The Rani Temple was once a royal temple of the Dogra dynasty. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated on a small hillock in the heart of Gulmarg town. The most interesting fact about this temple is that it can be seen from every corner of the town.
10. Ningli Nallah – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Religious worship, cultural exploration, photography.
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and summer (April to June) for pleasant weather, winter for snowy landscapes.
It is a popular picnic spot which is just 9 km from Gulmarg. The Ningli Nallah is known to be a stream that has its origin in Allapatri Naag and it runs through picturesque villages. Ningli Nallah has some medicinal properties and is a rich source of stones and sand.
Ningli Nallah is an ideal place to camp beside the stream. It is best to explore in the daytime and move to Gulmarg before sunset.
11. Ferozepur Nallah – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– fishing, picnicking, trekking, nature walks.
- Best Time to Visit – Spring and summer (April to June) for fishing and picnicking, early autumn for trekking.
Popularly known as a trout fishing hub, Ferozepur Nallah is ideal for spending a sunny afternoon. Ferozepur Nallah is one pristine place for photography that you would definitely love to capture. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the Ferozepur Nallah is also the base camp for the Tosamaidan Trek.
12. Afarwat Hill – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities – Skiing, snowboarding, trekking, hiking, heli-skiing, photography.
- Best Time to Visit –Winter (December to February) for skiing and snowboarding, summer (May to September) for trekking and hiking.
Apharwat Peak receives the heaviest of snowfalls in Jammu and Kashmir and remains covered with snow almost throughout the year. The slopes here are the longest and the highest ski slopes in Asia and most ski enthusiasts visit here at least once.
13. Nagin Valley – Gulmarg
- Popular Activities– Trekking, hiking, camping, birdwatching, photography.
- Best Time to Visit –Summer (May to September) for pleasant weather and clear views.
A popular place for trekkers and nature lovers, this Nagin Valley is part of the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve which is famous for its lush alpine meadows, blue pines, and wildlife which proudly includes the musk deer, leopard, red fox, and Kashmir stag.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re visiting for skiing or simply to bask in the natural beauty, Gulmarg Resort is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences year-round. From beginners looking to test their skills on the gentle slopes to seasoned skiers in search of challenging landscape, Gulmarg offers something for everyone.
Gulmarg is a year-round destination to visit. However, summer months from May to September are an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of the place. For winter sports, the winter months from November to February are the best.
Bakshi Restaurant, Gulmarg Restaurant & Bakery, Greenz Café, Hotel Highlands Park, Hotel Nedous Dining Room, Alpine Lounge
Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo, Kashmiri tea (kahwa), Gushtaba, Lyodur Tschaman, Yakhni, Haak Saag
Gulmarg is one of Asia’s top skiing destinations, offering pristine powder snow, diverse slopes, and the world’s highest gondola ride. Perfect for both beginners and advanced skiers, it attracts global enthusiasts. With breathtaking Himalayan views and top-notch facilities, Gulmarg is a must-visit for unforgettable skiing experiences.
