Gulmarg: The Meadow of Flowers

 

Gulmarg is a huge meadow of flowers shaped like the number 8, lush and green, encircled by dense forests of tall conifers and snow capped mountains. Gulmarg is rated as one of the supreme tourist spots of the world. In summer, it is a tranquil and cool resort in the clouds and in winter it transforms into a hot spot of fun and frolic in the snow. Located in the district Baramulla, at an altitude of 8,700 feet above sea level, Gulmarg is at a distance of 52 kms from Srinagar.

The journey of two hours towards this ultimate resort from Srinagar is both awe-inspiring and stunning. The route is lined with soaring poplar trees greeting you and preparing you for the glamorous spectacle that lies ahead.

In earlier times, it was known as Gaurimarg (the meadow of Goddess Gauri, wife of Lord Shiva). The poet king of 16th century Yusuf Shah Chak renamed it as Gulmarg, Meadow of Flowers.

Gulmarg turns more delightful as one season changes into another. Every season brings a new dimension of beauty to Gulmarg - from soft pale tints of spring the colors deepen into the vivacious tones of summer and winter is heavenly and silent, wrapped in white blanket of snow. After the bustle of the year, the hushed stillness of winter is romantic and entrancing as snow flakes spray the scenery with dazzling white color.

A fun-filled ride in Gulmarg’s gondola lift, through pine-clad slopes, is really an out of the world experience. There are sixty cable cars or gondolas.

The summer and autumn months provide excellent opportunities for excursions and treks. From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and seven springs. Carpeted with flowers in summer, Khilanmarg offers an unparalleled sight of the peaks and the wide spreading waters of Wular and other lakes. The magnificent snow crowned Harmukh Mountain and Nanga Parbat, the fifth highest peak in the world can be seen on a clear day in Gulmarg. 

8 kms away, at the foot of the main Apharwat peak, is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June, carrying floating snow. For horse riding enthusiast, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day’s excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the ‘Ziarat’ or tomb of Baba Payam-U-Din known as Baba Reshi, a noted Muslim mystic saint who lived here during the Mughal rule (see chapter 17 on Shrines). The shrine is visited by people of all faiths. There is also an ancient temple of Lord Shiva known as Rani Temple.

Gulmarg also has one of the world’s highest green golf courses, as well as a club house which is a historical building in its own right.

Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for winter sports like skiing, heli-skiing, tobogganing, etc.