India /Jammu and Kashmir /Srinagar / Gulmarg

Gulmarg among the best hill stations of the world, Gulmarg is truly a treat for tourists. Lush greenery, snow capped mountains, fragrant meadows and host of adventure activities are some of the facets that characterize Gulmarg. Located in the heavenly state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg can be easily reached by following the roadways from Jammu. The nearest railhead is at Jammu while the airport is at Srinagar. Alpathar Lake, Khilanmarg Lake and Shrine of Baba Reshi are some of the main attractions. For adventure seekers, trekking, horse riding, skiing and golfing are some of the best options. Do not miss enjoying the pony ride from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg. The best time to visit Gulmarg is from the winter months of November to February, when the best of skiing can be enjoyed. Alternatively, summer months from May to September are ideal for those seeking refuge from the scorching heat that grips North India during that time. Gulmarg is a perfect tourist destination for all seasons.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 193403

STD Code: 1953

Info Website: http://www.gulmarg.org/

Best Time to Visit:  March – October

HistoryEdit

Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was “Gaurimarg”, the name of Lord Shiva’s wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862 – 1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India. The surrounding areas were politically restive during the 1990s uprising in Kashmir, but since a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003, the town has enjoyed a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter season and is a popular ski resort.

Places to VisitAdd

Gulmarg Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : There is no airport in Gulmar. The nearest airport to Gulmarh is Sheikh-Ul-Alam International Airport located in Srinagar. The distance between Gulmarg and Srinagar is 56 kms. Several airlines operate direct flights to and from Srinagar and connect it to all the major cities in the country. Jeeps and Taxi cabs are available from airport to Gulmarg, which will cost around Rs 1,000 – 1,200.

By Train : The nearest railway station to Gulmarg is the Jammu Railway Station. Trains from all the major Indian cities and states connect to Jammu from where one can take a taxi to reach Gulmarg.

By BUS : Gulmarg is well linked by bus services from most of the cities in Jammu and Kashmir. State owned buses and Private tourist deluxe luxury buses are also available to reach Gulmarg from various parts of J&K like Srinagar (Rs 150), Sonmarg (Rs 300) and many other parts of the state.

By Taxi : Gulmarg is well connected by a road network and national Highway. The tourist can reach to Gulmarg by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Heevan Retreat ; Near Grand Mumtaz Hotel, Gulmarg, JK 193403. ; Ph – 0194 250 0712 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , Parking.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Zahgeer Continental Hotel ; Main Gulmarg, Gulmarg. ; Ph – 01954 254 522 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , Conference facilities , Elevators , Laundry , Parking , Disco , 24-Hour Security , Banquet facilities , Doctor on call.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Poshwan ; Tank Main Road, Off Gulmarg Road, Behind Number Eleven Hotel, Jammu & Kashmir, 193403. ; Ph – 01954 254 506 ; Facilities – Shopping , Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , ATM/Cash machine , Conference facilities , Laundry ,Parking , Non-smoking rooms , 24-Hour Security , Bus Parking ,

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Number Eleven ; Site No. 1-11, Gulmarg, JK. ; Ph – 098 10 158525 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , 24-hour room service , Baby sitting , Conference facilities , Laundry , Wheel chair access , Non-smoking rooms , 24-Hour Security , Bus Parking , Catering Services , Concierge , Courtyard , Executive Level/Floor , Game Room , In Room Movies , Laundry/Valet Services , Lounge.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• The Vintage Gulmarg ;  2739 Circular Road, Gulmarg, JK 193403. ; M –  01954 254 582 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• Ice-E-N-Spice ;  Chandilora, Tangmarg, Gulmarg, JK 193402. ; M –  096 22 774571 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• Fluorescence ;  Heevan Retreats Rd, Gulmarg, JK 193403. ; M –  01954 254 641 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

Must Eat FoodAdd

• Kashmiri cuisine –  Khaleel Palace ; Site No – 5, Plot No – 2, Near Gandola, Gulmarg ; Ph/M –  N.A. ; Cost –  N.A. ; Famous for – N.A.

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

• Trekking, Horse or Donkey Riding ; Afarwat Mountains,Gulmarg. ; Cost – N.A. ; Visiting Time –  N.A. ; Closed Time :  N.A.
• Skiing, Snowboard & Golfing. ; Gulmarg Ski Area,Highland View, Gulmarg, India. ; Cost – N.A. ; Visiting Time –  N.A. ; Closed Time :  N.A.

Must ShopAdd

• All kashmiri Special items (Handmade woven shawls,caps , jalle work shawls,Gloves ,Socks, kashmiri dresses.) ; Alpine Shawl House ;  Near police station Gulmarg,India. ; Ph/M:  N.A.

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

• Highland Park Restaurant ; Highland Park Restaurant, Hotel Highland Park, Near Church Road, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, 193403, India. ; Ph/M: 91-1954-254491; Cost:  Rs.500 for two onwards ; Food Serve : N.A.
• Pine Palace ; Pine Palace Avenue, bordering Gondola Base Station, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, 193402 ; Ph/M: 91-1954-254466 ; Cost:  Rs.500 for two onwards ; Food Serve : Kashmiri.
• There ; Basement, Alpine Ridge, Gulmarg, India. ; Ph/M: N.A. ; Cost:  Rs.300 for two onwards ; Food Serve : N.A.

SpaAdd

• The Khyber Himalayan Spa ;  Pinnacle Site, near Gandola, Gulmarg Road, Gulmarg, JK 193403 ; Ph/M – 01954 254 666 ; Cost:  Rs.3000/- ; Services –  Aeropause Ritual Massage, Back Massage, Baliness Massage, Bleaching, Body Polish, Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Face Massage, Facial, Foot Reflexology, Hand & Feet Massage, Head Massage, Rejuvenation, Rope Massage, Shirodhara, Steam Bath, Swedish Massage, Full Body Massage.

FestivalAdd

Snow Festival in Gulmarg ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January or February ; Details:  Tourists are thronging Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir state to take part in the annual Snow Festival. The Snow Festival involving a number of events like snow cycling, ice hockey and snow rugby kick-started on Tuesday. The festival was inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister Nawan Rigzin Jora.”As far as the games are concerned, there are plenty of games like ice skating, ice hockey, rugby, cycling and other small events. The motto of the festival is to tell people that Gulmarg has a good snowfall,” said Shabir Ahmed, co-ordinator, Snow Festival. The tourists from various parts of India have arrived in Gulmarg to participate in snow sports. Tourists from the plains are thrilled to see the snowfall, some of them experiencing it for the first time.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Gulmarg is a major tourist city in India.
• Beware of fake items. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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