Gulmarg is a hill station with unparalleled natural beauty. The place is situated in a pine surrounded basin of the Pir Panjal range. Perched at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level, Gulmarg was discovered as a hill resort in 1927 during the British rule in India. The place was originally called ?Gaurimarg? by the local people, but the name was changed to 'Gulmarg' by Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century.
Sultan was highly inspired by the beauty of the grassy slopes and flower meadows of Gulmarg. This destination served as a popular resort during the Mughal reign. Even the great emperor Jahangir once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from this valley. Gulmarg also boasts of having the highest green golf course in the world. The best time to visit Gulmarg is during winters between November to February.
Baba-Reshi
It is a Muslim shrine located a few kilometres from Gulmarg. The shrine is built on the slopes below Gulmarg and can be reached from either Gulmarg or Tangmarg. Devoted to a renowned Muslim saint, who was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin, the shrine witnesses thousands of devotees every year, regardless of any religion or faith.
Khilanmarg
This beautiful valley is the most picturesque place filled with countless flowers near Gulmarg. Located 6 km from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic peaks with their reflections in Wular and other lakes. Spring is the best season to walk through this valley.
Alpather Lake
13 km from Gulmarg, lies the Alpather Lake at the foot of the Apharwat peaks. The lake is covered with snow throughout the year. It is frozen until June and even later one can see lumps of ice floating in the lake. The lake and the nearby area is an ideal place for trekking.
There are several other places near Gulmarg that simply prove to be tourists' delights. The outer circular walk in Gulmarg is a wonderful way to have a glimpse of the Nanga Parbat, Harmukh, the rugged slopes of Ferozepur, Sunset Peak and the Apharwat Ridge.
How To Get There
By Air: The closest airport is at Srinagar (57 km). Regular flights are operated to Srinagar from almost all the major cities in India.
By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railway station from Gulmarg.
By Road: Buses and taxis are operated regularly from Srinagar and several other major cities of the state.