Gulmarg

Gulmarg

With rolling green meadows carpeted by bushes of untamed flowers blending into snow-clad mountains, whose peaks peep into the clouds, and mountain streams rushing by, Gulmarg is sheer poetry in nature. While this is often the summer landscape of this small hamlet in Jammu and Kashmir, in winter, it’s transformed into a white wonderland, with skiers making a beeline for its famous slopes. The scenic valley of Gulmarg may be a little piece of paradise cocooned by the mighty snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal range. Emerald green meadows, deep ravines and pine-forested hills make this meadow of flowers (the meaning of Gulmarg) an ethereal sight that has inspired poets and artists for hundreds of years .

Located only 52 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg sits at an altitude of two ,730 m above water level , and gets completely covered in snow during winter. This makes it a hub of winter adventure sports like snowboarding, heli-skiing (skiing down a mountain after being haunted by a helicopter), off-piste skiing (skiing on unconventional ski runs) etc. Its slopes are declared because the 7th best for skiing in Asia.
Gulmarg lies within the lap of the towering Apharwat peak, which is accessible via the Gulmarg Gondola – the second highest car ride within the world. A ride on this gondola may be a unique experience because it glides above hills and valleys and seems to gets lost in mist and clouds!
Gulmarg had once been a resort area for royalty and aristocracy. it’s said that Sultan Yousuf Shah, who ruled Kashmir in 1579-1586 AD, was the primary to possess spotted this valley. And inspired by its rolling grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers, named it Gulmarg. it had been also a favorite of Mughal emperor Jehangir. Skiing arrived in Gulmarg in 1927, when British established the Ski Club of India.

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport is located in Srinagar, about 57 km from Gulmarg. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India.

By Road

Gulmarg is well connected by road to Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Jammu and various other cities of Jammu and Kashmir.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is located in Jammu, which is connected to other cities of India.

Attractions

Aparwath Peak 01

Aparwath Peak

At 14,500 ft, the Apharwat Peak may be a famous tourist attraction located approximately 13 km faraway from Gulmarg. it’s said that the snow here is soft and as clear as crystal. Since it receives such heavy snowfall, it remains covered with snow almost throughout the year. Thus, it makes a perfect location for skiing. A ride within the car , called gondola, may be a must-try. during a dreamy ride, it transports visitors from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and from Kongdoor to Apharwat.    One can book the tickets for the ride online or at the situation . Reaching here, however, may be a matter of luck because it is very hooked in to the weather , which tend to be tough through most of the year. Once you reach the height , you'll be greeted by chilly winds. Human sledges are available to require you above on the height if you so wish. The LOC (Line of Control) lies just a couple of kilometres faraway from the Aphrawath Peak.

Badshah Tomb 02

Badshah Tomb

The Badshah Tomb marks the ultimate resting place of the mother of the famous ruler of Kashmir, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1421 AD to 1474 AD), in Srinagar. it’s been erected on the plinth of an old Buddhist temple. An unusual five-domed brick structure, it’s considered a singular piece of architecture, dating back to the 15th century. There are claims that it’s more sort of a structure from the Byzantine Empire . The tomb may be a peaceful place and provides an excellent view of the encompassing greenery from the highest . When seen from the new Zaina Kadal (bridge), the city’s oldest bridge, it forms a crucial a part of the classic view of Old Town Srinagar.   River Jhelum flows near the Badshah Tomb. it's believed that Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin deliberately had the tomb erected next to a water body as per traditional Muslim beliefs and traditional ceremonies, rites and rituals. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin wont to be fondly called the good king, the 'Budshah' or just the 'Badshah' by his people. He ruled over Kashmir for over 50 years which entire period is counted together of the foremost peaceful periods that the region has ever seen. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin was the son of Shah Mir, who started the rule of the Mughal dynasty in India within the mid-14th century, when he migrated to India from Central Asia. The sultan was loved and hailed by his people throughout his reign and after the death of his beloved mother, he had the Badshah Tomb inbuilt her fond memory.

Wular Lake 03

Wular Lake

Nestled amid the snow-capped Himalayas and pristine and plush greenery, Wular lake (also spelt as Wullar) seems like a touch piece of heaven that dropped down on the world . one among the most important natural freshwater lakes within the Asian continent, it attracts visitors from across the world , who come here to face in awe of its joyful beauty. The lake lies within the Bandipora district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and is partly fed by the Jhelum river.   This miracle of nature was formed by a tectonic activity (when the sides of two or more plates inside the world are available contact due to earthquakes, volcanoes or general mountain building activities). the dimensions of the lake varies consistent with the season and while sometimes it's a 30-sq-km pool, other times it's a huge 60-sq-km expanse. it's said that the lake wont to be bigger in size but much of its water was drained out when willow plantations were built on its shore within the 1950s. Today, Wular Lake doubles up as a birdwatcher's paradise because it is understood for its avian population. One can see some beautiful bird species in the least times of the day. There are many species of fish also , including the common carp, rosy barb, mosquitofish and a number of other snowtrout. The lake may be a excellent spot for family outings on houseboats and narrow boats which will be hired to cruise along the lake. The experience at Wular Lake is nothing in need of poetic - one can enjoy the colorful and delightful aquatic life within the lake while relaxing within the silence of the encompassing mountains. The lake may be a major source of livelihood for people. it's believed that on the brink of 8,000 fishermen are making ends meet, because of it. Many villagers are hired by cooperatives societies to assist within the fish trade. Plants including the grass Phragmites and therefore the Nymphoides (similar to water lilies) from the lake also are harvested by several families for animal fodder.

Yusmarg 04

Yusmarg

Yusmarg is understood for its grassy pastures and deep forests, with the snow-covered mountains forming a shocking backdrop. Around 2 hours (90 km) faraway from Gulmarg, pristine Yusmarg is one among the less-frequented tourist spots within the Kashmir Valley. It lies around 47 km from Srinagar, within the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Located at a height of two ,712 m, the natural slopes of Yusmarg offer thrilling skiing opportunities in winters. In summers, it’s fairytale-like, with green meadows covered with wildflowers and ponies galloping around.    One can take charming walks through forests of pine and cross streams on foot. There are cottages within the meadows, including one travel by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, where one can stay for the night and awaken to a golden sunrise. For adventure lovers, there are several trekking routes around Yusmarg. Trekkers can go up to the mountain peaks of Kuti Tata and Sang-e-Safed - they're a few day faraway from Yusmarg. While Yusmarg is suggested as a day's trip from Srinagar or Gulmarg, one can stay here overnight and explore the nearby Doodh Ganga river . The name of the river comes from the very fact that its waters have milky white foam that's formed because the river flows sharply down the steep mountainside. The Nilnag Lake - a gorgeous water body cradled between the hills - is another must-visit site and an honest option for a day-long picnic. within the winter months, Yusmarg is closed to tourists.

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