Explore Surreal Landscape of Gulmarg and Nearby Destinations
Kashmir is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India and for good reasons. The sheer beauty of Kashmir is often difficult to do justice to through mere words. One must go there to experience the breathtaking sightseeing of Kashmir sights that have earned this place the title of “heaven of the earth”. From famous pilgrim sites to romantic honeymoon destinations, and even adventure activities, this place has something for everyone. One of the best places where you can experience the magic and unique culture of Kashmir is the spectacular tourist destination called Gulmarg. The tourist attractions around Gulmarg are also worth experiencing in addition to the various tourist attractions here. Let us see some of the notable things to do in Gulmarg and sights to see that will make any trip here worth the time and investment.
11 Top places to visit in and around Gulmarg
- Gulmarg Gondola
- Shark Fin
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- Gulmarg Golf Club
- Apharwat peak
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Strawberry Valley
- Saint Mary’s Church
- Maharani Temple
- Ferozepur Nallah
- Alpathar Lake
1. Gulmarg Gondola
One of the best places where you can appreciate the naturally blessed surrounding of this destination is to get on a Gondola ride. Being the longest and highest ride of a cable car in Asia, the Gulmarg Gondola provides a great panoramic view of the beautiful place. The ultimate destination of the ride is Kongdori where you can choose a hotel room to stay.Â
Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM everyday except Sundays
2. Shark Fin
The world-famous powder skiing destination called Shark Fin, is considered the ideal destination for expert skiers. The slope is at the back of Mount Apharwat and has a 300 meters steep drop which is considered a good challenge for experts.
Timing: During daylight around 2 to 3 hours
3. Baba Reshi Shrine
The Baba Reshi Shrine is dedicated to Baba Payamuddin Reshi and is three-story high. It also has a beautiful garden surrounding the shrine which is enjoyable to most people and a huge minaret. It is one of the top places to visit in Gulmarg to experience the local culture.
Timing: During the daytime takes 1 hour for the trip
4. Gulmarg Golf Club
The British established this golf club in the year 1911 and it was redesigned after 100 years in the year 2011. This is the highest green golf course in the world and you can enjoy playing a game here as it attracts golfers from all over the world.
Timing: 08:30 AM to 10:00 PM
5. Apharwat peak
If you are feeling adventurous, you can plan a visit to the Apharwat peak which provides you the rare opportunity to ski down Asia’s longest ski slope. You can take the Gulmarg Gondola to reach here which gives you around 12 minutes of the breathtaking ride.
Timing: 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM
6. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
One of the best-preserved biodiversity reserves in this area it has an interesting array of flora and fauna which makes it the perfect destination for family vacations. You can even see endangered animals and birds here and you can see species such as musk deer, red fox, and bears if you visit during winters.
Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
7. Strawberry Valley
If you want to experience the refreshing aroma of fresh strawberries being plucked from the plans, then you must pay a visit to this place. Once the winters knock the entire field gets covered with snow, and you can take a tour here riding on horseback.
Timing: Daylight during summers
8. Saint Mary’s Church
More than a century has passed since this church was constructed in the then-popular Victorian-style architecture. Especially picturesque during Christmas, this place exhibits some of the most traditional Christmas customs with a British influence.
Timing: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
9. Maharani Temple
Built by the regal ladies of the Dogra Dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir, this place has stood there for more than 100 years. You can also come here to pray to Lord Shiva to whom the shrine has been dedicated and enjoy one of the most stunning views of the entire valley.
Timing: Anytime except for winters
10. Ferozepur Nallah
Enjoy the trout fishing for which it is renowned, at the Ferozepur Nallah which flows between Chinamarg and Nurpur pass. It is 5 kilometers out of town and you can rent out the fishing supplies here. Trout fishing is the perfect way for you to enjoy the weather and landscape here while winding down the stress.
Timing: Fishing season between March and October
11. Alpathar Lake
The otherworldly beauty of this place is enough to make anyone fall in love with this place with just one look. Locate 13 kilometers from the city, the lake rests at the foot of the twin peaks of Mount Apharwat. You can enjoy activities including trekking, ridge climbing, and horse riding during summers which is the best time to travel here.
Timing: Anytime of the year especially summers
Apart from these beautiful places to visit, you can also indulge in various winter sports activities such as skiing which makes Gulmarg one of the best winter sports places in India. If you decide to take a road trip to the Gulmarg and witness the beautiful wonders here, taking a self-drive car would be the best option. The car rental from Revv is available in most major cities of India and you can choose the fully maintained car of your choice at the most affordable rates. For safe and sanitized car rental, just download the Revv app or visit the Revv website and select the car of your dreams in just a few steps.
