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Gulmarg, popular as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’, truly lives up to its name. Around 2,650 metres above sea level amidst the Himalayas in the northernmost region of Jammu and Kashmir, this place beckons explorers and adventurers alike. With endless meadows, flower valleys, snow-capped peaks, and pine forests, there are numerous things to do in Gulmarg to soothe an explorer or an adventure junkie in you like never before. Visit this crowning glory of Jammu and Kashmir on your next expedition which boasts one of the highest golf courses in the world, and you will love to come here again.
10 Things To Do In Gulmarg
Here are the top 10 things to do in Gulmarg while you soak in the beauty of snow-capped mountains and green landscapes that can make your holiday a perfect one.
1. Golfing
Photo: Tyler Hendy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Boasting one of the highest golf courses in the world, Gulmarg invites thousands of sport junkies every year. If you are wondering what to do in Gulmarg, then head to the Gulmarg Golf Course to try your hands at golfing. Sprawling over an area of 7,505 yards, situated at an altitude of about 2,650 metres above sea level, this golf course with around 18 holes, a clubhouse, and astonishing surroundings takes the whole experience to a different level altogether. If you are an avid golfer, a stroll through this lush golf course is a must.
Location: Gulmarg Golf Course, Forest Club, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Cost/Person: ₹500 – ₹2000
2. Skiing
Photo: Malikjavid / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Gulmarg for an adventure junkie is skiing. If you feel the adrenaline rush to swiftly glide down the snow-capped valley, then there couldn’t be a better place than Apharwat Peak. Positioned close to the LOC, this peak is often covered in deep snow, which makes it appealing for tourists and adventurers alike. Here, you cannot only rent ski gears from the government-authorised ski rental shops, but also learn the sport from trained professionals. You may also head to Gulmarg Ski Resort if this place does not seem a feasible option for you.
Location: Apharwat Peak, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: ₹500 – ₹1500
3. Enjoy A Gondola Ride
Photo: Mahesh Kumar Rathi / Wikimedia Commons
If you are up for a thrilling adventure, then the Gulmarg Gondola can take you to heights from where the snow-capped peaks may seem within your arm’s reach. Famed as one of the longest cable rides in the world, it takes you on an adventurous ride from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station and then from the Kongdoori Mountain to the Apharwat Peak. Once you are up there, the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountain ranges and lush greenery will take your breath away with their charming beauty. You may enjoy the view of Mt. Nanda Devi, LOC, and the Pir Panjal Ranges.
Location: Gulmarg Gondola, Forest Black, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: ₹700 – ₹1000
4. Trekking
Photo: Sahid Vaidya / Wikimedia Commons
Lace up your shoes to get in the midst of a completely frozen lake, called Alpather Lake. Trekking to this mesmerising place must be on your list of activities to do in Gulmarg. Snuggled at the foot of the Apharwat Peak at a height of around 4,400 metres, this place is surrounded by lush meadows and rocky mountains, making it a perfect hotspot for indulging in complete relaxation, gearing up for a sport, or capturing its magical beauty and some wildlife to make your experience a memorable one.
Location: Alphather Lake, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Cost/Person: Nominal charges, if you hire a guide
5. Visit The Ancient Temples Of Gulmarg
Photo: Divya Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its natural beauty and adventurous sites, Gulmarg also houses some religious places, which reflects its diverse culture. Among the numerous things to see in Gulmarg, religious spots, such as the Maharani Temple and the Shankaracharya Temple located in the midst of snow-capped peaks are a must-visit. As you pay your homage there, you may marvel at the architectural style and wooden artworks of these places, and embrace some spiritual solace that will definitely leave an imprint on your soul.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
6. Camp In The Meadows
Photo: Ksuryawanshi / Wikimedia Commons
If you love camping in the midst of lush greenery and mountain ranges, then Gulmarg would not disappoint you. However, it is recommended to enjoy camping during the winter season, rather do it in the summer season. Camping amidst the meadows is, probably, one of the most enticing things to do in Gulmarg, where you can enjoy your company with mother nature like never before. In Gulmarg, you may choose to camp in the regions of Khilanmarg, Nagin Valley, and Ningle Nallah.
Best Time To Visit: Summer Season
7. Marvel At The Historic Maharaja Palace
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the middle of the town, the Maharaja Palace stands as a testament to the rich history of Jammu and Kashmir. With traditional Kashmiri architecture, elegant designs, and intricate woodwork, this place still reflects the old aesthetics, making it one of the best things to see in Gulmarg. As you visit this palace, the guard outside will tell you some spooky stories about its vacant presence which will help you let go of the past and appreciate the present.
Location: Babareshi Road, Forest Block, Jammu & Kashmir
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30
8. Explore The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Amy Chung / Pexels /Image For Representation Only
Whether you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is the perfect place for you. Abode to endangered flora and fauna, here you can spot some of the rarest animals like Serow, Hangul, Brown Bear and more. It is also a haven for bird species like Snow Cock, Kashmir Roller, and the Griffon Vulture. Sprawling over an area of 180 sq. kms, this hotspot boasts a variety of flora, medicinal plants, and alpine flowers. Do include this place in your list of things to do in Gulmarg, and have the best of your time.
Location: District Baramulla, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 – ₹100
Best Time To Visit: September to May
9. Head To St. Mary’s Church
Photo: Deepank Ranks / Openverse
Situated in the proximity of the Gulmarg Golf Course, this place is a must-visit on your Gulmarg trip. The Victorian architecture of the St. Mary’s Church is a marvel. And as you pay your homage to the Almighty, the serene environs of this place, located in the midst of the lush meadows, will transfer you to another place altogether. So, do get on a visit to this church, and indulge in spirituality on your next trip to Gulmarg for a remarkable experience.
Location: District Baramulla, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
10. Shopping At Gulmarg Market
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shopping is definitely one of the best things to do in Gulmarg, for that’s what makes the whole trip memorable. So, when you are on tour to such a vibrant place, going on a shopping spree and buying some cool stuff as memoirs is a must. On this tour, you can buy Pashmina shawls, dry fruits, silk carpets, walnut wood knick-knacks, stone jewellery, and more. Besides that, you may also savour some local delicacies, such as Yakhni, Rogan Josh, and other traditional delights to soothe your taste buds, and make your expedition even more fun.
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Snuggled in the midst of the Himalayas, Gulmarg is a captivating blend of serenity and adventure. Offering an array of activities, like trekking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, shopping, and more, there is no dearth of things to do in Gulmarg. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Gulmarg with TripXL now, and let us take you on a journey that you cannot forget easily in this lifetime.
Cover Photo: Muntazir Hassan / Pexels
