Things To Do In Gulmarg In Winter

Things To Do in Gulmarg in Winter

Gulmarg is one of the most visited holiday destinations of Kashmir, especially in winter. People do visit “Meadow of Flowers”, in summer but the peak season starts from December to March. Adventure enthusiasts from all over the world come here for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice-skating, sledging, etc. Since these are experienced in the cold season of winter, heavy snowfall makes perfect snow slopes for such sports.

Alpine regions of Gulmarg like Kongdoori, Apharwat Peak, Khilanmarg, Baba Reshi Shrines, Gulmarg Golf Course are the prime attractions of such thrilling winter-activities.

The better infrastructure and high end resorts are the major features of Gulmarg. There are various rental shops in Gulmarg as well where high-quality equipment and safety gears are available to rent. 

Take a look at this blog where we have mentioned some activities to do in Gulmarg in Winter. 

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Top Winter Activities

Skiing

Gulmarg is famous as a winter destination, offering different snow-activities. Among the popular winter sports in Gulmarg, the most-picked one is definitely Skiing in Gulmarg.

As one of the highest skiing 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 the challenging terrains offering heli-skiing and cross-country skiing.

For novice skiers, Gulmarg Golf Course, Khilanmarg, are the perfect slopes. There are ski schools found in Gulmarg in Winter where you can enrol in Beginners Skiing Courses and learn the basics of the sports. You can rent ski gears from rental shops in Gulmarg.

Snowboarding

Apart from skiing, snowboarding is a less-challenging yet fun sport to try in Gulmarg. The sport has gained immense popularity as dedicated slopes are present for snowboarding in Kongdoori and Gulmarg Golf Course.

Gulmarg invites adventure buffs of every skill level and there are facilities and infrastructure available for everyone. Standing on a board and transferring through the snowy slopes of Gulmarg is quite thrilling.

Different travel agencies in Srinagar offer Kashmir Tour Packages that include Snowboarding in Gulmarg at an affordable rate. Just like skiing, you can easily get snowboarding gear on rentals in Gulmarg. Make sure you are carrying avalanche safety gears as well. 

Gondola Ride

Gulmarg Gondola is a year-round activity, not to be missed in Gulmarg in Winters. It is a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a  ferry on one of the highest cable car rides in the world.

There are two phases of the ride in which the first phase is between Gulmarg base to Kongdoori taking approximately 9 minutes. The second phase takes place between Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak, taking 12 minutes to reach.

These places offer various winter-sports in Gulmarg and are among the highest ski resorts in Asia. You can easily get the Gondola passes from online websites. They cost you around INR 1100 for both the phases. 

Read our blog: Best Time to Visit Kashmir for Snowfall

Ice skating

Recently introduced, you can indulge in ice-skating as well in Gulmarg. It is one of the best things to do in Gulmarg in winters. You must have heard of normal skating.

In the similar manner, it is done on the ice-slopes. While the activity is available in Gulmarg from December to March, January provides the optimum weather conditions for it. The heavy snowfall and below freezing temperature are the features of Gulmarg in January and it is exactly what is needed for ice-skating in Gulmarg.

With proper attention to the techniques, you must have high-quality skating boots for a safe and fun experience. Don’t forget the bindings, gloves, goggles, etc. Wear comfortable woollen clothes. 

Heli-skiing

Heli-skiing is probably one of the most-challenging and adrenaline-pumping adventures in Gulmarg. Heli-skiing means you are taken to an alpine region by helicopter and then dropped there.

You ski downhill on the uninterrupted and untrailed terrains. People from all over the world come to Gulmarg for heli-skiing. A number of local agencies provide the service.

Since heli-skiing is an advanced form of skiing, it is not recommended for everyone. People who are occasional skiers and are practising it for years are the right candidate for it.

You must rent premium-quality heli-skiing gears and avalanche safety gears as the high-altitude regions are often prone to avalanches. 

Snow-biking

Snow-biking or snow-mobiling is another option of activity you can do in Gulmarg. It is a sport as well as a mode of transport.

The famous one being the one operating between Tangmarg and Gulmarg. The distance covered is roughly 13 kilometres and it is a half an hour ride. The snow flying around as you ride on the snow slopes is an unforgettable experience.

From December to March, Gulmarg is filled with snow-riders. The price of snow-biking is charged on the duration of the ride and also on the model you are choosing.

This is another thing that you can book online in advance. Wear a helmet and goggles along with gloves and other woollen clothes including windproof jackets. 

Sledging

For sledging, you don’t necessarily need to go to the alpine regions. Even local places of Gulmarg with sufficient snow accumulation offer sledging.

It is a fun activity where you sit on a wooden board and slide downward. Places like Khilanmarg and Baba Reshi Shrine are very popular as sledging spots in Gulmarg. The activity is quite safe for children as well senior-citizens as well.

It costs less than the other sports and is readily available. Go for on-spot booking to negotiate about the price. Even locals of a particular place offer this to tourists. Needless to say, December to March is the ideal time to come for such snow-activities in Gulmarg.

For a better and challenging experience, you can visit alpine regions such as Kongdoori, Mary’s Shoulder, etc. 

Photography

Apŕes winter activities, you can spend some time capturing the natural beauty of Gulmarg in winters. The scenery in your mind comes alive here with literally everything covered in snow.

The trees, meadows, lakes, mountains experience snow-shower throughout the winter. You can also visit some local attractions here such as strawberry valley and different temples and shrines present there and take postcard perfect pictures.

Bring different gears like a high-quality camera with different lenses and a tripod to even capture yourself if travelling solo. 

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Conclusion

Being a popular destination, visited throughout the year, Gulmarg  is buzzed with tourists and visitors in winter. One of the biggest reasons for the immense crowd is the accessibility of a number of snow-sports here including skiing, snowboarding, snow-mobiling, etc. You can plan a holistic and enjoyable trip to Gulmarg during winter for memories of a lifetime.

From December to March, you can pick a  month and be out in the world, exploring various adventures available. While it is generally all fun in Gulmarg in Winters, don’t forget to plan the trip thoroughly by making advance bookings of tickets, accommodation, hotels, etc. Have a great trip!!

 

FAQ's

Gulmarg is special in its own way. In winters, the level of facility available here in terms of ski resorts, restaurants and other things, it seems like it is a foreign land. There are some Gulmarg-specific things that can only be enjoyed here.

Yes! Gulmarg Gondola is open in December. When planning a trip to Gulmarg in December, don’t forget to add it to your itinerary as it provides stunning sights from the above. 

Read here: Gulmarg in December

Gondola ride costs almost INR 1100 per head for both phases. Passes can easily be booked via online websites.  You can get some discounts if booked early. 
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