Famous for gondola rides, skiing and snowboarding, Gulmarg is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. Literally meaning, the “Meadows of flowers”, Gulmarg is located in Jammu and Kashmir. Filled with the breathtaking beauty of lush meadows and the Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop. If this is your next holiday destination, here is a list of places to visit in Gulmarg that will show you the natural beauty, adventure and historic heritage of the city. Also, don’t forget to look out for affordable hotels in Gulmarg for a budget-friendly trip.
Gulmarg is deeply rooted in history and has transformed over the years to become home to the second-highest Gondola in the World. The ancient name of Gulmarg was “Gaurimarg”, named after Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva. During the Mughal invasion, the place became a resort for the Kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahandir and the former named the place Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. Moving forward in time, it was also the favourite summer holiday destination for the British during their rule over the country.
Even at present, the place has not lost its charm but has evolved as one of the best destinations for winter adventure sports. From skiing and snowboarding to Gondola rides and trekking, the place has so much to offer for travellers during all seasons. For a comfortable stay, you can book your stay at Treebo hotels in Srinagar, which is just 47 kms from Gulmarg and is a major transit point to reach the place.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Gulmarg
1. Gulmarg Gondola:
The second-highest and second-longest cable car in the world, Gulmarg Gondola, is the main attraction in the city. The ride offers a stunning view of Nanda Devi, LOC and Pir Panjal range. The Gondola ride is divided into two phases, and it can ferry 600 people per hour to and from the Apharwat Mountain, a popular site for winter sports in Gulmarg.
In the first phase, the Gondola takes you to a height of 8530 ft. to Kongdori Station. In Phase 2, the Gondola takes you from Kongdoori Mountain to Apharwat Peak at a height of 12293 ft., where you can enjoy adventure sports or trek further for 30 minutes to reach the mountain top to have a glance at the LOC (Line of Control).
2. Apharwat Peak:
Surrounded by snow-clad mountains and pearly white meadows, Apharwat Peak is one of the popular places to visit in Gulmarg for adventure sports and a romantic getaway. It is situated at a height of 4390 mt. above the sea level and is located remotely near LOC with Pakistan. The area is covered in snow for most of the year, making it perfect for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding or heli-skiing.
You can reach Apharwat Peak through the Gondola ride while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings. The second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola connects the peak to Kongdori Valley by a 12-minute ride.
3. Alpathar Lake:
Popularly known as the Frozen Lake, Alpathar Lake is located at a high elevation set between the twin Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg. The lake, located almost 13 kms from Gulmarg, remains completely frozen from November to June. The one-day trek to Alpather Lake from Gulmarg is moderately difficult yet offers a fulfilling experience to adventure seekers. The trek follows the route from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, Apharwat Ridge and finally to Alpather Lake.
The scenic beauty of the lake changes with the seasons. During the summer, the lake is surrounded by colourful flowers and lush green trees, whereas during the winter, you can spot ducks walking on the ice instead of swimming in the water, as the lake becomes frozen. So, adventure seekers out there don’t miss a chance to visit this magical lake.
4. Drung Waterfall:
Located 16 kms away from Gulmarg, Drung Waterfall is situated in Tangmarg tehsil. This 30 mt. high waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit in Gulmarg. The waterfall is accessible throughout the year. During the summer season, you can relax and enjoy the views of the waterfalls, lakes, and streams surrounded by the lush greenery. The place is perfect for picnics and light trekking.
In the winter, it freezes completely due to the extremely low temperature and it is the best time to visit the waterfall. During this time, the entire face of the mountain on which it falls is covered by a thick layer of ice and water flows down in the form of icicles.
5. Strawberry Valley:
One of the places to visit in Gulmarg, which is not as popular as it should be, is the Strawberry Valley. The place is perfect for travellers looking for a less crowded place with tourists and offers a serene atmosphere to relax. The view of emerald meadows with budding red strawberries, clear skies and mountains in the backdrop, is an unforgettable sight that stays with you forever.
The best time to visit Strawberry Valley is the summer season, when the strawberries are ripe and ready to be harvested. You can enjoy freshly plucked strawberries or pluck them yourself. Even a stroll in the fields while admiring the beauty of the surrounding can be an enchanting experience in the valley.
Thus, places to visit in Gulmarg should be on the top of your list for a wholesome travelling experience while soaking up in the natural beauty. You can visit Gulmarg by road from Srinagar, Katra & Jammu. In case you are looking for convenient stay around these places, you can easily explore hotels in Srinagar, hotels in Katra and hotels in Jammu.
For affordable stays with modern amenities, book hotels from Treebo Club’s app or website and get additional discounts.