Gulmarg In Autumn
Overview
The landscapes of Gulmarg experience a spellbinding transition from the balmy weather of summer to cold breezes of winter. It is no secret that Gulmarg is one of the dreamiest places to be and people from all over the world come here for different recreational activities and city tours. It is one of those destinations in Jammu and Kashmir that is always crowded with tourists. With its mind blowing beauty in summer and snow-sports in winter, it has so much to offer in autumn as well. Though the season of autumn is short-lived and quite brief, it is one of the best times to be in the city. It begins from September and lasts till early or mid-November. There are so many advantages to planning a trip to Gulmarg in Autumn. With less congestion, the place is ideal to be visited from September to early November. Different tourist attractions are still open to the public. Not only them but the water streams and lakes are not frozen yet.
Plan the entire voyage with Cliffhangers India where we provide you a customised itinerary vis-a-vis your preferences and likings. In this blog, we will cover everything about visiting Gulmarg in Autumn.
Weather In Gulmarg In Autumn
Autumn comes with comfortable weather and the temperature ranges between 15-25 degree celsius during daytime. Slight drops are seen in the mercury level at nights when it goes around 10 degree celsius. Initially days are warm with bright sun out in the clear skies. Nights are surely cold but a layer or two of woollen clothes with a thick blanket is enough to keep you safe. Since it is the transitional phase in the valley, by November, the cold freeze blowing in the middle of the day makes it somewhat crisp and chilly. The unpredictable weather can be handled better by being updated about the current climatic forecast and packing proper clothes.
Grasslands with lofty trees also have their own transformation when the leaves start turning from green to brownish and golden and they just make the most soothing carpet ever. Throughout the day, the most spectacular times are sunrise and sunset when the undertones of red, orange and crimson embrace the entire city.
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Places To Visit In Gulmarg In Autumn
Alpather Lake
It is one of the best places to visit in Gulmarg in Autumn. Found at a height of about 4380m above the sea level, Alpather lake is immensely serene with some of the highest peaks of Kashmir in the backdrop. The pristine lake provides you a peaceful ambience where you can do activities like camping, strolls, nature walks etc. The lake is accessible through a one-day trekking that takes almost 2 hours.
Cliffhangers India offers a wholesome trek to Alpather Lake at a small amount of INR 8000. Since it is an alpine lake, make sure you have acclimated well to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Golfing at Gulmarg Golf course is a memorable experience. It is one of the greenest golf courses in the world and has been like this for about a hundred years.
More than the sports of Golf, you will be mesmerised by the enchanting beauty of the place with vibrant wildflowers dotting the reason. Autumn is one of the best times to plan a short trek to the golf course.
Only 4 kilometres separate the main city and the Gulmarg golf course. Make sure you go there either in the morning or evening as the sights are immaculate. It is open seven days a week.
St. Mary's Church
A masterpiece of colonial times that is still intact in Gulmarg is ST. Mary’s Church. Made of grey stones, the historical building is an exemplary art of creation that is perfect to get to know about the rich heritage of the valley.
It is located in close proximity to Gulmarg golf course and you can cover both of them simultaneously. It was constructed way back in 1902 and people still come here to explore this monumental masterwork.
It opens at about 10AM in the morning and remains so till 5PM in the evening. You can access it through trekking as it is only 3-4 kilometres from Gulmarg city.
Khilanmarg
One of the stunning meadows of Gulmarg is Khilanmarg. Containing some of the lushest grasslands with mind-boggling views of Himalayan peaks in the background, it is just what you need for an exciting sightseeing tour. You can do different recreational activities here like picnics, hiking, trekking, photography etc.
Autumn is an amazing time to be in the middle of so much beauty in Khilanmarg as the magical atmosphere created here is nowhere else to be found.
Some nearby attractions to explore include Baba Reshi Shrine, Drung Waterfall, Apharwat peak etc. Join a trekking tour to complete the Khilanmarg trek safely.
Baba Reshi Shrine
Baba Reshi Shrine is the perfect addition to your religious journey here. Considered as one of the most sacred Dargah of Gulmarg, both Hindus and Muslims of the valley visit here alike.
The ambience of the place resonates serenity and calmness to the mind. Built in the 19th century, the shrine gives you a gorgeous view of Gulmarg valley and around. It is open throughout the week including Sundays and holidays.
You can avoid going there on Fridays as it is very crowded. It is another trek trail in Gulmarg that you can plan. There are no entry fees here.
Drung Waterfall
A dreamy waterfall of Gulmarg is Drung Waterfall, also called Drung Nallah. The height of the water stream is about 30-35 metres and is about 20-25 metres wide.
The post-monsoon season of Autumn is a nice time to be there, given the water level is up and you can take a soothing bath here. It is also a great attraction where you can engage in photography, picnic and enjoy some relaxing and rejuvenating time. You can visit here from Gulmarg through ATV rides.
The waterfall is completely frozen in winters with a significant drop in temperatures, turning every drop into hardcore block of ice.
Strawberry Valley
Most of the places of Gulmarg are situated at a short distance and trekking is an interesting way to get there.
Another place to hike in Gulmarg is Strawberry valley. Endless fields of delicious fruits of Strawberry are here where you can learn about the farming and cultivation of the same. Autumn is the cultivation season in Kashmir and is the appropriate time to be there.
You can indulge in tasting of Strawberries and the sour and sweet flavour of the fruit will remain on your tongues for a long time. Other than trekking, ATV rides are another mode of transportation which is fun and thrilling.
Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah is a tranquil water stream in Gulmarg that you can visit in Autumn.
The place also acts as a loved picnic spot as well and locals as well as tourists come here for some peaceful time in the lap of nature. It is home to different kinds of trout fishes also like Rainbow trout, brown trout and fishing and angling is another activity to engage in.
Ningle Nallah is completely frozen in winters and most of the activities are kind of restricted here. Hence, Autumn is a perfect period to visit the scenic place. Trek to Ningle Nallah is quite popular here.
Things To Do In Gulmarg In Autumn
Trekking
Trekking is another adventurous action that you can do in Gulmarg in autumn. The clear trekking trails here offer the ideal chance to do so. Trekking naturally comes with camping and it is like hitting two birds with a single arrow.
The two famous and most-picked treks of Gulmarg are Alpather lake trek and Khilanmarg Trek. Alpather Lake trek is done in a minimal time duration of only 2 hours for one way and you trek back in the exact time.
The trek starts from Apharwat Peak, the second phase of Gulmarg Gondola. Khilanmarg trek is another short trek of Gulmarg to be done in a single day. The distance to be covered is 6-7 hours from Gulmarg and you will be surprised at how beautiful the place is.
ATV Ride
Gulmarg is one of those places that offers ATV rides from one place to another. You can cover as much as 15 kilometres or more with the ride. In the city, the popular ride is from Tangmarg to Gulmarg and Tangmarg to Drung Waterfall.
The autumn season contains clear and gentle routes for it and you can smoothly do it here. The price of an ATV ride depends on the distance travelled. The most basic one starts from INR 2000 per person and it can go up t0 INR 10000.
An instructor is always there with you to guide you throughout the journey.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is one of those activities to do in Gulmarg that makes the adrenaline rush through your whole body. The uneven adventurous roads of Gulmarg are just the perfect one for such mountainous rides. It is an exhilarating experience. Some of the popular trails here are from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, Gulmarg to Ningle Nallah, Gulmarg to Apharwat Peak etc.
Make sure you have a skilled and experienced guide with you. Wear comfortable clothes and other safety gear like Helmet, gloves, boots, knee pads etc.
Autumn is an excellent time for mountain biking in Gulmarg.
Gondola Ride
The prime highlight of Gulmarg is the Gondola rides that you get to experience here. The two phase ride starts from Gulmarg base all the way up to Apharwat Peak.
The end point of the first phase is Kongdoori which is also a hugely popular skiing destination and Apharwat Peak is of the second phase and it needs no introduction. It is another place to ski and snowboard and enjoy other snow sports.
You can either collect your tickets at the counters present there but there is a long line there and online booking is a better option. The total price of the both phases is around 1200-1500 per person. It is totally accessible to be done in Autumn.
Photography
The vistas of Gulmarg with the perfect panoramic view makes photography one of the activities to do in Gulmarg in Autumn. The popular photographic spots in Gulmarg are the Gulmarg Golf course, Strawberry valley, Khilanmarg, Gulmarg Gondola etc.
You must carry a camera, lens, tripod etc. to click some stunning shots. The photos taken here do not need any filter and are stunningly instagrammable.
One thing to keep in mind is that wherever it is prohibited, respect that. Some temples and shrines do not allow it and it must be followed. Otherwise, you can practise nature and wildlife photography here.
Golfing
Gulmarg Golf course is probably the most stunning golf course in India. Found amidst the breathtaking meadow of the hill station, it is a must-visit spot in Gulmarg.
Different varieties of flowers bloom and enhance the charm of the course. It is located at a walking distance of only 4 kilometres from the main city and you can trek here. If you still want to travel via a cab or taxi, you will have the option.
Constructed in the colonial times, it has only improved in terms of beauty and services. Earlier, it was only an 8 hole course but now it is an 18-hole one. Come here for the ultimate experience of golfing whether you are a beginner or an avid-golfer.
Essential Information About Gulmarg In Autumn
How To Reach Gulmarg In Autumn
- By air: Gulmarg does not have any airports of its own. The only functional one in Kashmir valley is Srinagar International Airport. Book your tickets with any Indian airline and reach the Airport. Airport is at a distance of only 15 kilometres from the main city centre of Srinagar. Once you are in the capital city, book a cab or taxi to start your road trip to Gulmarg, which is 60 kilometres away. It will take almost 2 hours.
- By road: The road trip to Gulmarg is a scenic one. It starts from Srinagar via the Gulmarg road and keeps driving for almost an hour on the same route. Then comes Tangmarg where you have to take the cut to Gulmarg. Tangmarg is 13 kilometres from Gulmarg and would take half an hour to reach via a cab or ATV ride.
- By train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest one that connects Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the Indian subcontinent. From the station, Srinagar is around 300 kilometres away and take a bus or book a cab to reach here in about 9-10 hrs. Take another cab to reach Srinagar from Gulmarg by covering a distance of about 60 kilometres in 2 hours.
Tips For Travelers For Visiting Gulmarg In Autumn
- Since winter is the peak season in Gulmarg, hotels start preparing for the reflux and in that case, there are chances you might find them close. This is why you should book your tickets, hotels and transport in advance to be stress-free when you visit there.
- Do your packing 2-3 days prior to the trip to be able to keep everything. You must pack clothes according to the prevailing weather in Gulmarg in autumn. Since the season is all about transition, one minute you feel warm sweaty and cold and chilly in the other.
- Other essentials to carry include a medical kit, torches, charger, camera, snacks, water bottles, power bank, some cash, ID proofs, any kind of permit etc.
- Make sure you are spending your trip according to your personal itinerary and likings. Following any trend is not something that is suggested.
- Lastly, enjoy to the fullest when you are there. It is one of the most gorgeous places of India and you will take back some unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
Accommodation Options In Gulmarg In Autumn
- Luxury hotels: Gulmarg has luxury hotels ranging from 5 Star to 3 star in abundance. They provide you the greatest level of comfort and a safe stay. They cost you around 40k-50k. Some of the luxury hotels to check out in Gulmarg are: Hotel Khyber, Hotel Royal Park, Hotel Shaw Inn etc.
- Mid-range hotels: If you wish to spend less money on accommodation and more on sightseeing and activities, we have just the right choice of mid range hotels. The rooms are cosy and comfortable with proper hygiene being followed. The price ranges from 10-15K They are as follows: Hotel Gulmarg Inn, Hotel Green Park.
- Budget hotels: If you are coming to Gulmarg with a specified budget, you can stay in hotels that are very affordable in comparison to luxury hotels. The charges are between 2500-3K. Some budget hotels are as follows: Hotel Naag View Cottage.
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