Gulmarg, the quintessential Kashmiri town transforms into a skier’s paradise during winter but enthrals tourists year-round with its beguiling beauty. When exploring the most famous Places to Visit in Gulmarg, these destinations promise memorable holiday experiences.
Khilanmarg (Places to Visit in Gulmarg)
Just 6 km from Gulmarg lies the peaceful Khilanmarg meadow known for its captivating valley and mountain views. During summers, it is blanketed with wildflowers set against snowy Himalayan peaks. Winters transform it into Kashmir’s main skiing arena with beginner slopes perfect for learning skiing and snowboarding with experienced instructors. No matter what season you visit, Khilanmarg’s panoramic vistas of Nanga Parbat range make it an unmissable day trip when exploring the most scenic Places to Visit in Gulmarg.
Apharwat Peak
For intrepid adventurers, mountaineering expeditions to Apharwat Peak present the ultimate challenge and reward. Towering at 4,124 m, it calls experienced climbers to scale its dizzying summit during summer. Persevere 6-8 hours uphill while navigating tricky slopes for brag-worthy status of conquering the highest peak accessible from Gulmarg. Upon reaching the windswept apex, victorious climbers soak in the unmatched 360° views spanning not just Kashmir but also Punjab and Pakistan! Certainly the most adrenaline-pumping of Places to Visit in Gulmarg!
Gulmarg Gondola
For breathtaking Himalayan views, start with Gulmarg’s iconic gondola ride – one of Asia’s largest cable car projects. Whisking visitors to a dizzying height of 3,979 metres above sea level, the two-tiered Gulmarg Gondola offers stunning scenes of the surrounding mountain ranges. Its highest stop perched atop Mt Apharwat also makes for Asia’s highest ski resort. Don’t miss capturing Instagram-worthy shots of snow-covered conical peaks framing the lush, rolling meadows of Gulmarg Valley as you glide uphill.
Gulmarg Golf Course
Laying claim as the world’s highest green golf course, practising drives atop lush Gulmarg valley is surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both amateurs and pros! With 18 holes spread over 7,505 yards and breathtaking views of surrounding snow-clad peaks, this high-altitude golf course built by the British has achieved iconic status today. Don’t miss visiting the historic Gulmarg Golf Clubhouse restaurant perched at 3,000 m to enjoy steaming cuppas between playing rounds on Asia’s highest golf course.
Gulmarg Ski Resort
For skiing enthusiasts, the endless powdery slopes of Gulmarg Ski Resort ringed by mighty Himalayan peaks make it a world-class winter playground to show off skill. Sprawled across 6km with runs catering from beginner to expert levels, the resort also offers quality equipment hire and professional instruction. Practice turns gliding down long Afarwat Peak runs or graduate to heart-thumping slopes like Face Towards Gulmarg boasting 52 degrees gradient! The ski resort warrants multiple visits to fully savour this skier’s haven.
Alpather Lake
Just 13 km from Gulmarg behind Afarwat Peak lies glistening Alpather Lake, its emerald waters perfectly reflecting the surrounding mountainscape. Best reached on foot or horseback, plan at least 3 hours to trek uphill crunching snow underfoot during winters. The demanding hike ending at this postcard-perfect destination framed by fir trees makes it totally worthwhile. Don’t forget to capture the magical seclusion and pristine beauty of Alpather Lake amidst your album of top scenic Places to Visit in Gulmarg!
Children’s Park
An endearing attraction, Children’s Park delights kids and adults alike with its vibrant recreational area in the heart of Gulmarg town. Set amidst colourful deodar and pine trees, it contains amusement rides like merry-go-rounds, see-saws and slides for toddlers. Let young adventurers expend their energy at this small but lively park attended by chattering local families. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on site after kids try their hand at slacklining practices set up for teens and adults too!
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
Sprawling over 180 sq. km around Gulmarg, this reserve protects the ecological heritage of Kashmir’s imposing Pir Panjal range. Easy nature trails start from the Kongdori gate winding through meadows with Himalayan flowers and exotic birds. Witness endangered species like the Persian leopard, Asiatic black bear and map butterfly up close, besides soaking in the lush landscapes. Local NGOs also organise camping, trekking and wildlife education within the reserve’s breathtaking terrain.
Baba Reshi Shrine
Just a short walk from the Gulmarg suburb of Tangmarg is the revered Muslim shrine Baba Reshi commemorating the patron Sufi saint of Kashmir. 13th-century tomb architecture fuses with spiritual energy within its chambers adorned with papier mache kins. Don’t miss witnessing the massive Chinar tree on its grounds considered to have grown from Baba Reshi’s walking stick. Offer quiet prayers beside locals before capturing this iconic landmark shrine among famous Places to Visit in Gulmarg.
Nagin Valley
Only 7 km from Gulmarg and accessible via a short 30-minute hike or pony ride lies alluring Nagin Valley. Encircled by the lush Mir Nag peak, Nagin Lake mesmerises with still, emerald waters mirroring fruit orchards on its banks. Trout fishing on pebble shores, picnicking under Chinar trees or staying in eco-lodges makes for idyllic activities here. Come during May to July to feast upon ripened apricots, apples and plums in Nagin Valley’s heavenly orchards! All this makes it one of the famous Places to Visit in Gulmarg.
Strawberry Valley
Aptly named, lush Strawberry Valley located 13 km from Gulmarg lives up to its moniker with juicy red berries ripening on endless vines during summers. Stroll through fruit orchards framed by tall pines in this untouched pocket nurtured by cool mountain air. Later sack kilos of freshly harvested strawberries at throwaway prices from vendors lining its approaches. Taste farm-fresh strawberry jams, squashes and drinks available here too.
Ningle Nallah
Just 6 km walk from Gulmarg centre lies gurgling stream Ningle Nallah coursing through undisturbed Shola forests. Its boulder-strewn setting flanked by tall conifers lets you enjoy a picnic while dipping feet into icy waters. Anglers will love attempting to catch wild rainbow trout abundant here. Simply walking alongside the burbling brook amidst arboreal beauty transports one into tranquil nature ideal for unwinding. Surely among s least explored yet most serene Places to Visit in Gulmarg hidden in plain sight!
Lienmarg
Just 5 km from Tangmarg on the Srinagar highway lies the verdant meadow of Lien Marg, acting as the perfect halfway rest point before reaching Gulmarg. Surrounded by pine trees and crisscrossed by gushing streams, Lienmang charms road trippers to stop a while and enjoy local Kashmiri Wazwan fare at its handful of cosy dhabas. Capture frames with resident horses for company before washing down piping kebabs and nourishing haak saag with Noon Chai. Or simply lay picnic blankets under Lien Marg’s shade giving trees and soak in the meadow’s tranquillity. A mandatory pit stop before hitting the slopes, Lienmang gives a charming taste of rustic life in Places to Visit in Gulmarg.