GULMARG – CITY OF LOVE

General Information about Gulmarg
Area: 3.5 km long; 1 km wide
Altitude: 2,650 m
Best season: Throughout the year.
Clothing: Summer: Light woolens; winter: Heavy woolens

Details

Gulmarg’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Kashmir naturally make it one of Asia’s premier hill resorts. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, it was discovered in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes and wild flowers. Mughal Emperor Jahangir loved the resort. Today, Gulmarg is more than just a mountain resort. It is the country’s premier ski resort in winter with exceptional beauty. Huddled up in the Pir Panjal range in a cup-shaped valley, Gulmarg is the epitome of…

Journey to Gulmarg
The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

Adventure Sports in Gulmarg
Golfing
It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. There is also a green 18-hole golf course in Gulmarg which is also the world’s highest golf course. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players. The payment of a fee entitles one to play on the golf course. One can also hire the golf sets from Gulmarg.