What is Gulmarg Famous for?
Overview
Gulmarg is among the most-visited hill stations of India for a reason. The tourist place remains accessible throughout the year. Apart from the natural beauty that it holds, Gulmarg is famous for offering a range of activities, be it summer or winter. As a popular summer retreat, you can come here for trekking and golfing. In winter, the place promised top adventures including skiing in Gulmarg, snowboarding and sledging.
As the peak season for Gulmarg tourism, lakhs of thrill-seekers from every corner of the world visit the snowy slopes. A trip to Gulmarg is synonymous to unforgettable experience. This year, you can plan a fun journey to Gulmarg with Cliffhangers India.
Pick one among the various ranges of Kashmir tour packages. Gulmarg awaits you with open arms. In this blog, we have summarised everything you can enjoy in the town and how it looks during each season. Have a glance!
Seasonal Highlights
Summer (May-Sep)
Summer in Gulmarg is an ideal time to indulge in many outdoor activities. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C. The days are warm and comfortable.
The winter season has completely ended and there’s no hint of snowfall. Come Gulmarg to witness the scenic beauty that spreads around in lush meadows. The Alpather Lake trek and Khilanmarg Trek are open during summer and the weather conditions are favourable as well.
You can visit different lakes in the town for fishing and angling. Explore the place via horse ride or pony rides.
Interior roads and roads leading to Gulmarg are in good condition. Carry light and breathable cotton clothes to wear.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Winter, especially around December and New Year, is the peak season in Gulmarg. With temperature fluctuating between 0°C to -10°C, heavy snowfall is received in the town.
In the cold season, people often come to Gulmarg to celebrate festivals or for their honeymoon trip as well. Here, tourists enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, etc.
Walking on the snowy trails and playing with the white powdery snow is a whole experience itself. January to february is the best time to visit for snowfall in Gulmarg.
Make sure you are carrying warm layers and other woollen accessories to remain warm and comfortable. Book hotels and taxi Service in Srinagar in an advance. Get ski passes and Gondola tickets from online websites.
Spring (March & April)
In spring, The valley comes alive after being covered in snow for almost 3 months. Day temperature in Gulmarg in spring ranges from 7°C to 10°C.
At night, it does drop to 5°C. While sunny spells are experienced, late evenings and early mornings are cooler. The snow on the meadows and lakes hasn’t melted yet, especially in the alpine regions. However, by the end of april, as the temperature rises, greenery covers the town.
In March, you can still enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Gulmarg Golf Course and Khilanmarg. By April, the trekking trails start to open for trekkers.
Explore the local attractions such as Maharani Temple, Maharaja Temple, markets, etc. Be prepared for unpredictable weather and carry layered clothing along with accessories.
Autumn (Oct & Nov)
Autumn is surely an excellent time to visit Gulmarg. Autumn comes with comfortable weather and the temperature ranges between 15-25°C during daytime.
Slight drops are seen in the mercury level at nights when it goes around 10°C. 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.
There are so many advantages to planning a trip to Gulmarg in Autumn. With less congestion, different tourist attractions are still open to the public.
Top Things Gulmarg is Known For
Gulmarg Gondola
The attraction that makes Gulmarg, one of the most famous places of India is Gulmarg Gondola rides. The two phase ride starts from Gulmarg base all the way up to Apharwat Peak.
The end point of the first phase is Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak is reached in the second phase. These two alpine resorts are famous for skiing and snowboarding and to enjoy other snow sports.
Both intermediate and occasional skiers are welcomed here for adventures like heli-skiing and cross country skiing.
The total price of the both phases is around 1200-1500 per person. Gulmarg Gondola rides are accessible year-round.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Among the popular winter sports in Gulmarg, the two that tops the list are skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg.
As one of the highest winter resorts in the world, Gulmarg attracts beginners as well as advanced skiers globally.
There are many skiing slopes in Gulmarg starting with Apharwat Peak, where you can go for heli-skiing and cross-country skiing. For novice skiers, Gulmarg Golf Course, Khilanmarg, are the perfect slopes.
Snowboarding is a less-challenging yet fun sport to try in Gulmarg. The sport has gained immense popularity as dedicated slopes are present.
The peak time for skiing and snowboarding is last December and January start. Visit in March or initial weeks of December for a more peaceful experience.
Golfing
Golfing at Gulmarg golf course is probably one of the most famous activities to do in Gulmarg. The golf course is located in one of the most stunning meadows of the town.
Both beginners as well as experienced individuals can enjoy the sport of Golfing. It is the greenest golf course in the world.
This 18-hole course is set against the backdrop of snowy peaks, providing a peaceful ambience.
You can visit here, 7 days a week, from 9 am to 10 pm. Indians have to pay INR 800 and foreigners need to make a payment of INR 1200 for entry.
It is at a distance of 3 kilometres from Gulmarg town. Either trek there or hire a pony ride.
Trekking
Trekking in Kashmir and hiking as well are famous things to do. The clear trekking trails in summer offer the ideal chance to do so.
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. You can camp in the meadows and trek back the next day.
Ice Skating
The firm and high snow slopes formed in Gulmarg during winter offer ideal conditions for ice skating.
The alpine lake of Gulmarg, Alpather Lake, is completely frozen in January and adventure enthusiasts even visit there for ice skating on the surface of the lake.
While you don’t need special skills for it, you surely can get support from local instructors. Rent the skating boots from a nearby rental shop in Gulmarg.
The sport starts from mid-December and lasts till mid-February. Wear warm clothes when visiting the slopes for ice skating.
Conclusion
As you visit Gulmarg, take complete advantage of the trip by indulging in a number of activities. Every season has its own charm and different sports are available in different seasons. Choose accordingly.
Keep most of them in your itinerary. Since Gulmarg is at high altitude and it keeps getting higher as you visit the alpine region. The climatic conditions always fluctuate here.
The unpredictable weather can be handled better by being updated about the current climatic forecast and packing proper clothes. Lastly, enjoy to the fullest!
FAQ's
What is the speciality of Gulmarg?
The speciality of Gulmarg lies in the memorable experiences that it offers. Gulmarg Gondola, the largest and highest cable cars in the world, and Gulmarg Golf Course, the greenest golf courses in the world, makes it more special. The accessibility of Heli skiing, cross country skiing and Gulmarg skiing cost is an addition to it.
What is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
The best time to visit Gulmarg is generally in the winter season, from December to February. However, it completely depends on your plans. For trekking and golfing, summer would be ideal. Skiing and snowboarding is part of winter tourism.
Why does Gulmarg stand out as the best skiing destination in India?
Gulmarg stands out as the best skiing destination in the world because of the highly developed skiing infrastructure and excellent snow quality. Various types of skiing like heli skiing and cross country skiing, several skiing schools and Gulmarg skiing cost, white powdery snow put it the top among the skiing destinations of India.
What are the famous places to visit in Gulmarg?
The famous local attractions to visit in Gulmarg include Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg Golf Course, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, St. Mary’s Church, etc, are the best places to visit in Gulmarg.
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