About Gulmarg, the highest ski resort in IndiaAs Gulmarg is located at an altitude of 2690 meters above sea level, Gulmarg has naturally become one of the most popular and premier hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir the state in India. Gulmarg was originally called as Gaurimarg by the locals but the name Gulmarg was given by Sultan Yusuf Shah who got inspired at the sight of wild flowers through out the grassy slopes. Gulmarg is also known to be the favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who had collected about 21 varieties of flowers from these slopes. Gulmarg at present is not only a popular hill station, the place also has the highest Golf course in the world and so has become the most visited and liked premier ski resort during winter.
Snow skiing in Gulmarg
Snow skiing is the highly popular adventure sports in this area in the winters. You can hire skis and sticks, snow boots, woollen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles and caps . Not only the istruments needed for skiing the instructors are also available and at hand. The season for skiing starts from November onwards till February. The slopes in Gulmarg vary from 8700 feet to 10500 feet and this makes Gulmarg as the highest skin run in India.
Heli skiing at Gulmarg
Gulmarg is the only heli skiing resort in the whole of Asia where even the amateurs can enjoy the chair lifts and and the ski lifts as they are considered very safe.
Trekking or walking in Gulmarg
You can also go for walking through the outer circle of Gulmarg where in you can see pine forests and other wonderful and panoramic views. The beauty will enthrall you and mesmerise you . You can also explore Nanga Parbat and the Haramukh.
Gulmarg located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is a popular place for adventure sports in India. The place is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges and the trekking will provide you excitement and pleasure.
The northern Pir Panjal Range is an excellent and a perfect base for trekking in Gulmarg. You can see Nanga Parbat from many view points to the north of Gulmarg and about 1500 feet up the hillside with dense forests. Pir Panchal looks rounded when one sees it from afar but as the trekkers start climbing up the hills they will see that the smoother peaks which are seen above the forests are quite steep like the main Himalayas.
There is the peak of Apharwat which is near the LOC which is the Line of control. The trekkers will have to get the required permission and so will have toget in touch with the Tourist office before they start planning for the trip to Apharwat.
There is another trek to the south of Gulmarg which can be quite pleasant. This is a walk up the Ferozepur Nala and then to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, and to Samaidan. You will need either a porter or a guide who knows the area well to guide you along, as there are many intersections in the route.
There are three stages in the trek to Samaidan, you can return by the Riyar and Khag village route or continue toward sunset peak and then to the foothills where you can get a bus service connecting Srinagar.
You can hire good trekking equipment from those tour operators who are specialists in the mountain area and the treks. The weather will be chilly and harsh in the nights whichever time of the year you are travelling. So be prepared to face the eventualities and be fully equipped that is carry enough food for the whole trek, fruits and vegetables and the other basic supplies you might need. It would also be better to carryu a powerful torch with you.
How to Reach Gulmarg
Gulmarg is located at about 52 kilometers from Srinagar and the proximity to the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir itself makes it a popular and easily accessible hill station / tourist destination. It just takes about 2 hours by cars to reach Gulmarg. Tangmarg can be reached within an hour but after that about 13 kilometers are Ghat Road, jeeps can be hired to reach hill top within 30 minutes. The last jeep available to go to Gulmarg is at sunset.
By Road to Gulmarg
Reaching Gulmarg by Road is itself enchanting as the roads are bordered with poplar trees, flat expanses interspersed with beautiful and picturesque villages here and there, the colours changing according to the season that green of spring, rich emerald in the summer or golden hues and scarlet chillies in autumn. After Tangmarg it is fir covered hillsides and the climb begins. There is a viewpoint on the way where you can stop and enjoy the snow covered hills at almost reaching distance. Since Gulmarg is a notified area identity checks will take place about 5 kilometers before Gulmarg.
