Things To Do In Gulmarg
Overview
Gulmarg is a must-visit destination during all seasons, where nature draws visitors with its alluring Himalayas.
This small valley is filled with adventures and experiences from exploring its green landscape, Gondola rides to exploring markets. Gulmarg has something for everyone, whether you love skiing in Gulmarg, trekking or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the valley.
In this guide from Cliffhangers India, you will discover the top things to do in Gulmarg. So, plan your next trip, and book one of the best Kashmir packages today to dive into the adventure that awaits!
01. Trekking (Summer)
Trekking in Kashmir during summer offers a variety of scenic trails. Popular trails include the Apharwat Peak Trail, offering views of valleys and snow-capped mountains, and the challenging Alpather Lake Hike at the base of Apharwat Peak.
The Khilanmarg Trail, known for its wildflower meadows is 5.5 km from Gulmarg, which takes about two hours and provides views of Nun and Kun peaks and Nanga Parbat, and the Ningle Nallah Trail, a peaceful hike along a scenic waterway, are also favorites.
Other treks like Drung Hike, Kantar Nag via Chor Panjal Pass, and Seven Springs to Mahadev Peak offer stunning landscapes, wildlife, and adventure, making Gulmarg a must-visit place.
02. Snowboarding
Snowboarding in Gulmarg when snow covers the valley of Gulmarg is an unmatched adventure experience set against Himalayan scenery. Known for its powdered slopes and varied terrain, Gulmarg offers snowboarding experience for beginners, intermediates and experts with backcountry and heli-snowboarding for advanced adventurers.
The Gondola ride to Apharwat Peak elevates you to prime slopes, delivering stunning views of the Pir Panjal Range. Gulmarg’s well-managed courses and rentals make it a convenient and enjoyable choice for anyone looking to experience snowboarding.
January and February offer ideal conditions with consistent snowfall, perfect for snowboarding in Gulmarg is a great spot for both experienced and beginner snowboarders.
03. Skiing (winter)
Gulmarg, is known throughout Asia, for its skiing activity. It offers terrain for all skill levels, including easy-groomed slopes for beginners and challenging areas, making it suitable for both beginners and experts to experience.
The Gondola ride provides access to Apharwat Peak’s ski slopes where experts skiers can challenge their skills against the giant slopes. The ski season runs from December to March, offering excellent conditions with consistent snowfall.
It features ski lifts, chair lifts, and world-class facilities. Instructors are available for beginners, and expert skiers can enjoy challenging runs while taking precautions. Gulmarg skiing cost combines adventure with breathtaking views.
04. Gondola Ride
Experiencing the Gulmarg Gondola ride which is the highest cable car in India is a popular activity to do. This gondola operates year-round, offering views from Phase 1 at Kongdori up to Phase 2 at Apharwat Peak.
The ride needs no skills; just hop on and enjoy the ride. For skiing enthusiasts, the third phase connects Kongdori to Mary Shoulder via chairlift. With capacity for six people per car, the gondola can ferry 600 people per hour.
Once the gondola reaches its highest height, it will mesmerize the visitors with views of LOC, Nanda Devi, and the Pir Panjal range. Temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C, ensuring perfect snow conditions.
05. Ice Skating
Ice skating in Gulmarg is a popular winter activity, best enjoyed from late December to early March, with peak conditions often in January. The main rink, located near the Gondola base station overlooking a golf course, is perfect for skating enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, the rink offers a fantastic experience, with ice skates rentals and protective gear available for INR 500 to 1000 per hour. For newcomers, it offers instructors and equipment assistance.
Gulmarg’s frozen lakes and rinks provide an incredible setting for this thrilling sport to glide over the ice, making it an unforgettable Gulmarg things to do winter adventure in the breathtaking Gulmarg Valley.
06. Golfing
The golf course of Gulmarg, nestled at 8,700 feet, is the highest and longest 18-hole golf course in the world that comes in the top things to do in Gulmarg list. It is established during the British rule, spanning 6,760 yards with a par 72.
The course is surrounded by mountains and alpine flowers, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. It operates from April to November, making it the perfect destination for golfers. The clubhouse offers golf set rentals, instructors, a lounge, bar, and tennis courts.
The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is mild, and the views are nice.
07. Snowball Fighting (Winter)
Snowball fighting in Gulmarg is a perfect way to relive those childhood memories. Whether you’re tossing snowballs at friends or sneaking them into clothes for a good laugh, the snowy peaks provide a fun and nostalgic backdrop.
The experience is especially enjoyable in February when the deep snow allows you to build snowmen and castles with ease. The best part? It’s completely free! Afterward, warm up with hot snacks from local vendors, and don’t forget to shop for snow toys and handmade crafts from nearby stalls.
This simple, thrilling winter activity is a must-do when visiting Gulmarg.
08. Snowmobile (Winter)
Snowmobiling in Gulmarg is a popular winter adventure, available from December to April, offering a scenic adventure across 50 miles of trails with rentals starting at the Gondola station and routes passing through Kongdori, Sunshine Peak Base, Mary’s Shoulder, and Khilanmarg.
Tour options include a long 3 km circuit and a shorter 1.5 km route, both running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each tour includes a snowmobile operator, and self-drive options are allowed with supervision.
An evening tour starts at 6:00 pm, covering 13 km between Gulmarg and Kongdori, with a bonfire, meal, and music at Kongdori. Snowmobiling offers an exciting way to explore Gulmarg’s snowy trails and forests.
09. Sledging (winter)
The Sledge Ride in Gulmarg offers an exciting winter adventure through snow-covered slopes. An ideal activity for all ages, it provides stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
This activity is available from December to March, starting near the Gulmarg Taxi Stand. During the ride, visitors can enjoy scenic spots like the Golf Course, Fishing Lake, Church, Skiing Point, and the Gondola Cable Car. Gulmarg, known as the Winter Sports Capital of India, offers thrilling things to do in Gulmarg experiences.
Locals in traditional attire accompany tourists on sledges, enhancing the fun. After the ride, enjoy delicious local dishes like Rogan Josh and Porath Halwa.
10. ATV Ride
ATV riding in Gulmarg offers an experience to explore its off-road landscapes. You can take a 13 km ride around Gulmarg, visiting attractions like Children’s Park, Strawberry Valley, and the Golf Course.
For more adventure, try the off-road ride to Koongdori, passing through scenic forests and rugged terrains. You can also experience the 14 km ride to Drung Waterfall or enjoy a longer ride that includes Maharaja Palace, Fishing Lake, and more.
Whether you prefer a short ride or a longer, self-drive adventure, ATV biking provides a thrilling and scenic experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
11. Zorbing
This activity of ball in the children’s park looks like a thrill to experience in the landscape of Gulmarg. Also known as orbing, it is a combination of beautiful nature and adventure.
This activity allows you to roll down the hill inside a giant transparent inflatable ball, offering an experience of doing somersaulting. Perfect for kids, families, or couples, zorbing is a fun to do. The activity is safe, with proper equipment and guidance provided, making it suitable for all ages.
If you are looking for a moment of laughing aloud, then try zorbing in Gulmarg which will give you an fun experience to remember.
12. Zipline Riding
Zipline rides are an exciting activity where you glide at a fast pace along a rope, traveling through forests and over streams. It offers a unique image of the landscapes, peaks, and forests of Gulmarg.
While gliding from one station to another, you will breathe the fresh air offering panoramic views of the Gulmarg valley. Also, taking precautions is important for all, whether you are new or expert.
The guide will instruct you about the procedure and provide all the necessary equipment, including safety harness and lifejackets for adults and kids. So, just make your posture right, and enjoy.
13. Nature Walks
A nature walk, where there’s no noise, no rush in your steps, is a peaceful calm that’s truly felt. For this kind of walk, Gulmarg offers beautiful nature walks for all types of explorers. In the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, you can enjoy trails like the Drung Hike (2.1 miles), Gulmarg Summer Trail 2 (4.2 miles), and the longer Peth Dhanwas via Pehjan Loop (34.1 miles).
For a more adventurous trek, the Kantar Nag trail (26.2 miles) leads into Kashmir Valley. The Alpather Lake trek is a peaceful path that takes you to a lake surrounded by the Himalayas.
For a shorter walk, the Outer Circle Walk (7-8 km) gives great views of the area, including the Shiv Temple and the golf course.
14. Gulmarg Snow Festival
This 2-day festival celebration begins in January and February every year. It’s a festival of winter sports, culture, and Kashmiri tradition. It excites visitors with winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow sledding.
Enjoy stunning snow sculptures, local music, dance performances, craft stalls and taste traditional Kashmiri food in the chilly mountain surroundings. Started in 2003, the festival aims to promote winter sports and tourism, making Gulmarg an international winter sports destination.
The best snow experience is from December onward, with other activities like pony rides through snow-covered trails. Don’t miss this exciting cultural and sporting event during your visit to Gulmarg!
15. Shopping
You are in Gulmarg, and you are not going to shop is not possible. Gulmarg Market is known for its authentic Kashmiri handicrafts including luxurious Pashmina shawls, carpets (Kal baffi), and hand-embroidered woollens (Kashida) like pherans, bags and stoles.
You can also find traditional jewelry, wooden carved furniture, and colorful paper-mâché items for tour home. For a taste of Kashmir, buy local spices, dry fruits, saffron, or traditional tea blends.
There’s no best time to shop in Gulmarg; each visit offers a different experience. When the weather is pleasant, shopping is a relaxed delight, while winter adds a magical touch with snow-covered streets.
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Conclusion
Gulmarg offers endless things to do to suit every interest. From green landscapes to snow slopes, it offers exciting adventures in both summer and winter season.
It’s known for winter sports like skiing, skating, Gondola ride and snowboarding, which attract adventure seekers the most to challenge its thrills.
In both summer and winter, travelers can experience the area’s walking paths and outdoor experiences that connect them with the surroundings.
Plan a trip to Gulmarg and take part in activities rooted in nature, culture, and local traditions. This destination offers opportunities to discover and enjoy what each season brings.
FAQ's
For snowfall and skiing, visit from December and March, with January offering the heaviest snowfall. For mild weather and scenic views, April to June is best time to visit Gulmarg. July to November is the off-season, offering a peaceful, less crowded experience. So, it’s you now who will decide what you want.
Yes, Gulmarg in winter looks like paradise. The snow-covered landscape and beautiful views attract tourists from around the globe. People enjoy activities like skiing, treks and Gondola rides, whereas the markets are seen busy with locals and visitors. The valley becomes lively, full of winter fun and natural beauty.
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