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Gulmarg Tour
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The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730
metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar . The name means 'Meadow Of Flowers' and in
the spring it's just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful
Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not's and Buttercups. The valley itself is about
3-km long and up to a km wide.
Take a Hike!
All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way
to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It's a popular day
trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it
as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower
slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.
From Tangmarg, at the foot of the range, there are two paths to Gulmarg - a
steep footpath or a winding sealed road. There is also a pony track from Gulmarg
that leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and seven springs.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Khilanmarg
This smaller valley is about a 6-km walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park.
The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's
winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the
Kashmir Valley. It's a 600-metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during
the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the
hill. The effort is rewarded, if it's clear, with a sweeping view of the great
Himalayas from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100-metre peaks of Nun and Kun to the
southeast.
Alpather Lake:
Beyond Khilanmarg, 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.
Skiing:
Please Click Here to Big Picture -January SeasonIn winter, Gulmarg acquires a
new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resorts. 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. Gulmarg is the ultimate
beginner's skiing resort. One doesn't requite a heavy woolen wardrobe - slacks
or a Salwar Kameez will do fine. In Gulmarg one will also be able to drift to
one of the many Ski shops and hire skis, sticks and goggles. Just find yourself
a ski instructor and set off down a slope.
Neither does one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The gentlest slope of
200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up. When one graduates to
intermediate level - which will happen after the first few days of practice,
there are other slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift.
The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which
allows a ski run of 2,213m.
GULMARG WALKS
Outer Circular Walk:
A circular road, 11-km in length, runs right round Gulmarg through pleasant pine
forests with excellent views over the Kashmir valley. Nanga Parbat is clearly
visible 137-km to the north, Haramukh 60-km to the east while to the south one
can see the Ferozpore and Sunset Peaks and the Apharwat Ridge. Nanga Parbat, the
'lord of the mountains', is the fourth highest peak on earth at 8,500 metres.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Gulmarg is in Baramula District and is 56-kms from Srinagar District . The
nearest Airport from here is situated in Badgam District, which is well
connected with all the major cities of the country.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Jammu.
Road: The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approximately 2 hours in bus
and may take short time by chartered conveyance. The road to Gulmarg is very
beautiful and is lined with poplar trees all through. All sorts of transport are
available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo and from private
transport operators.
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