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Travel
Gulmarg-The legendary beauty
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About
Gulmarg
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to
Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts
in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by
shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by
Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy
slopes embezzled with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favorite
haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties
of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain
resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green
golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is
the country's premier ski resort in the winter.
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Tourist
Attractions of Gulmarg
Khilanmarg
A 40-minute travel through valleys of wild flowers from Gulmarg
to Khilanmarg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic
peaks with their reflections in Wular and other lakes.
Alpather Lake
Streaks of floating ice in this triangular lake, nestled in
a hollow under the shadow of Apharwat Mountain are a visual
delight. A well-graded pony track joins Apharwat Ridge with
Gulmarg.
Ningle Nallah
Flowing from the snow bed, the nallah springs from near the
Apharwat Ridge, cutting through thick pine forests along
the way.
Baba Reshi
Baba Reshi is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Gulmarg. Surrounded by a courtyard of carved deodar, the shrine of the
saint, Baba Reshi, is linked to Tangmarg and Gulmarg by roads.
The latticework shutters here provide a glimpse of old architecture
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Adventure Sports in Gulmarg
Skiing & Heliskiing
Come December, and the
verdant green slopes of Gulmarg are
blanketed with snow, forming some of
the finest natural slopes for ski runs
of all levels. It is during this time
that Gulmarg acquires a new persona
the countrys premier skiing
resort. Gulmarg is the ultimate beginners
ski resort. Instructors & skiing
equipments are available on hire. Among
the multitudes of slopes, there are
a few which are service d by ski lifts.
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run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola
Cable Car lift, where skiers can swoosh down
the slopes from the height of 2,213m. The
slopes in Gulmarg varying between 8,700 and
10,500 feet make the ski runs the highest
in India . It is noteworthy that Gulmarg
is the only heli-skiing resort in Asia .
The skiing season at Gulmarg is from November
to February. |
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Golf Courses
Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well
as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For
the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one
in the game, and temporary memberships. Naturally, these facilities are
available to players as well, except that serious golfers usually carry
their sets along.
Gondola Lift
For a fun filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed
Gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine clad slopes, is exhilarating.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Kargil,
Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
When to Visit: April and June
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