Gulmarg Vacations in the Meadow of Flowers
Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a
film, and not surprisingly, has been the venue of several films. All
around are snow capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all
the way to Nanga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another.
¤ Gulmarg Main Attractions
From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and
Seven Springs, a couple of hours by pony, longer on foot. From here,
across the Apharwat - the peak which looms up from this point - is
Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June. For
horse riding aficionadoes, Alpather lake offer exciting vacations like
a day 's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening.
Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim
mystic saint, whose shrine is visited by people of all faiths. Gulmarg
- Golf Courses
Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, a well
as a club house 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, including one-day memberships.
Naturally these facilities are available to players as well, except
that serious golfers usually carry their sets along.
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.
¤ An Ideal Spot For Skiing Lovers
Your vacations in the valley are full of fun and excitement. Gulmarg
acquires a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resort.
Skiing, to many who watch it on TV, seems like a very elitist sport,
requiring a high level of training and expensive equipment. They are
surprised, when they visit Gulmarg for a day's expedition to "see
the snow", that others with the same level of physical fitness
and training are skiing down slopes.
Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. You don’t
need the kind of wardrobe you see on TV – slacks or a salwar
kameez will do fine. You don’t even need heavy woollens, as in
Gulmarg you’ll be able to hire snow boots, mufflers, woollen
socks, windproof jackets and caps. You’ll also be able to drift
to one of the many ski shops and hire skis, sticks and goggles, find
yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope, cheered lustily by
your family while the ski instructor takes a picture of you with your
camera!
¤ Facilitates Mountaineering
Neither do you need to exert yourself climbing up slopes: the most
gentle slope of 200 metres is linked with a ski lift which helps you
to go up. When you graduate to intermediate level - which will happen
after the first few days of practice, there are other slopes, longer
and steeper, which are connected by chair lift. The longest ski run in
Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola Cable Car which allows a ski run of
2,213 metres.
So where does one stay in Gulmarg? There are several hotels, two of
them being luxury, several being comfortable, in addition to JKTDC's
winterized, fully furnished huts which are great value for money right
for your winter vacations in the panoramic valley of Gulmarg.
Courtesy J&K Tourism |
