Gulmarg, a well-known hill resort in India, is a must-see location in Jammu and Kashmir. The name Gulmarg means “meadows of flowers” in the local language. An hour and a half drive from Srinagar takes you to Gulmarg, which is 60 kilometres away. Millions of tourists have visited Gulmarg over the years, attracted by its scenic beauty and the Himalayan Mountains behind.
In addition to being a haven for thrill-seekers, Gulmarg is a visual feast, boasting breathtaking mountains, enchanting pine forests, and inviting meadows and valleys. Some locations in Gulmarg that you can visit to enjoy its natural beauty include The Seven Springs, Tangmarg, and Khilanmarg. Here is the list of the top ten must-visit places in Gulmarg.
1. Gulmarg Gondola
The Gondola cable car ride, the second-highest and second-longest of its kind on earth, is Gulmarg’s main draw. When you plan your itinerary for travel, you cannot miss this captivating experience. There are two phases to the journey, the first taking you from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station and the second from Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak. Phase 1 begins at an altitude of 2,990 metres and then rises vertically by 400 metres. Phase 2 involves an additional ascent of 1,330 vertical metres, bringing you to a height of almost 4,000 metres.
2. Drung Waterfall
The Drung Waterfall, one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Gulmarg’s Tangmarg tehsil, paints a picture of majestuous beauty amidst lofty mountains in northern India. When the temperature here drops below zero during the winter, the fall’s water completely freezes. The Drung Waterfall is a must-see attraction in this region because of the incredible sight of it frozen over. The area undergoes a complete transformation during the winter, and the beauty multiplies as the water freezes as it falls and forms enormous icicles. During the chilly winter, the nearby lakes and streams’ water also freezes.
3. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve or Wildlife Sanctuary covers 180 square kilometres in the northeastern direction of the Pir Panjal range. It was upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary in 1987 after being treated as a game reserve. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is between 2,400 and 4,300 metres above sea level. Around 100 bird species call it home, including the Himalayan snowcock, Kashmir flycatcher, Koklass pheasant, and many others. The sanctuary is also home to a wide range of fauna, including the red fox, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Kashmir grey langur, and many others.
4. Seven Springs
Seven Springs is a beautiful stream that flows from a hillock close to Kongdori, with seven distinct water outlets. Additionally, this is the meaning behind the name Seven Springs. The majestic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are the main draw to the Seven Springs location. From here, you can see the Gulmarg Valley as well as Srinagar. By taking a Gondola cable car ride from the base of Apharwat Mountain, which is in and of itself a major attraction, you can get to the charming Seven Springs. The fascinating ride to Seven Springs is a journey to treasure, with views of snow-covered mountains all around and a bustling valley below. It is among the best ways to take advantage of Gulmarg’s adventures and scenic views.
5. Khilanmarg
The small valley in Khilanmarg is a popular sightseeing place owing to its incomparable natural beauty and some of the most stunning vistas of the highest Himalayan peaks. It is an ideal combination of nature’s abundance and a profusion of adventure activities, making it a popular destination for thousands of people. Khilanmarg is one of the most visited sightseeing places in Gulmarg. It is particularly popular with travellers looking for a destination off the beaten path because it is difficult to get by average vehicles. You can walk the distance from Gulmarg or hire a pony to transport you here.
6. Maharani Temple
Queen Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of the Kashmiri king Maharaja Hari Singh, who ruled this region until 1915 and was a devout follower of this temple, built the Maharani Temple or Rani Temple. The Dogra dynasty kings, who oversaw the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir used the temple for many years as a royal temple. It is one of the most intriguing places to visit in Gulmarg due to the distinctive aspect of this building. The temple was built in such a way that it can be seen from every part of Gulmarg. It is devoted to the Hindu god of destruction, Lord Shiva, and his spouse Goddess Parvati, and is also known as the Mohineshwar Shivalaya.
7. Children’s Park
Gulmarg Children’s Park offers adults and kids a tranquil place to spend a few hours together among rolling hills, lush meadows, towering pine trees, and floating clouds. There are several entertaining activities for kids in the park, which is one acre in size. The park has all the trappings to entrap the little angels for a few hours of entertainment, from kiddie trains and buggy rides to miniature car rides and a variety of other attractions. Let the kids entertain themselves while you stretch your legs after all the hiking and subsequent exhaustion. Besides kiddie rides and swings for older visitors, the park has options for youth activities.
8. Alpather Lake
This high-altitude lake, located among the twin peaks of the Apharwat Mountains, is one of Gulmarg’s most beautiful sightseeing attractions. It is also known as the Frozen Lake since it is frozen half the year, from November to June. When in Gulmarg, set aside a day in your itinerary for a trip to Alpather Lake, which involves a full day’s trek beginning in Gulmarg and covering a distance of roughly 13 kilometres. The lake is a must-see for trekking enthusiasts, and a one-day journey from Gulmarg to Alpather Lake is required. The trek is moderately arduous, and you need to follow the trail from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and finally to Apharwat Ridge.
9. Tangmarg
On your way to Gulmarg, pause in this charming small town to take in the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it. Tangmarg has lush rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, dense jungles, and clear springs. It is also known as the entrance to Gulmarg. On the Pir Panjal Range’s lower slope, Tanmarg is 39 kilometres from Srinagar and 13 kilometres from Gulmarg. If you want to explore the intriguing appeal of the location further, you can also make the 5 km hike from here to Gulmarg. Spend a day or two here as a pit stop to Gulmarg and explore the local markets where you can choose from some of the most exquisite artwork and handicrafts for your house.
10. Strawberry Valley
The luscious green meadows with vivid red fruits dotting the entire area and clear blue skies above are a sight out of a picture book that you will not want to miss. Strawberry Valley in Gulmarg is the best sightseeing place, located just behind a hill, as most locals would point out when visiting the area. It largely explains the area’s unspoilt attractiveness, as it is still relatively devoid of tourists. Ripe red strawberries abound, making a trip to the Garden of Eden an exciting experience. Visitors are welcome to stroll among rows of strawberry plantations to take in the area’s vibrant beauty.
