Why are so many people eager to know the best places to visit in Gulmarg? Why are Gulmarg's tourist places so famous?

Gulmarg is a picturesque hill station in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s a skier’s paradise owing to the snowy slopes of various mountains that call this region home. 

In the 16th century, Sultan Yusuf Shah visited this romantic place with his Queen, Habba Khatoon and renamed it to Gulmarg from Gaurimarg. 

Gulmarg literally means “meadow of flowers.” Today, this place offers a variety of things to do for members of all ages in a family that include pristine vistas, adventure sports, gorgeous peaks, and flowers galore! 

Gulmarg's breath-taking landscapes in the Himalayas draw visitors to scenic beauty, whether snowy or blooming with wildflowers. The region's appeal extends beyond looks, offering various activities and rich cultural experiences, making it a sought-after destination.

Can’t wait to explore the attractions in Gulmarg? Let’s get to it then!

We bring you five options for Gulmarg sightseeing that are sure to spruce up your itinerary.

Best Places to Visit in Gulmarg 

Gulmarg, in Kashmir is one of the most famous tourist places. Attractions in Gulmarg are a mix of adventure, calmness, and rich culture. Its beauty, fun activities, and cultural richness make it a popular choice for all kinds of travellers.

Let’s look at 5 of Gulmarg’s famous places:

  • Gondola Lift

Gondola Lift

The Gulmarg Gondola Lift offers a view of mountains, dense forests, and green meadows from up high. It's a special experience, whether it's winter or summer, giving you a fantastic look at the beauty of Gulmarg.

This is the second-highest cable car in the world and connects Gulmarg with the Apharwat Peak. It’s made in two phases with a mid-way station at Kongdori. The Gondola takes you 3,980m above sea level, offering pristine views that are sure to delight anyone. No wonder it is one of the famous attractions in Gulmarg.

The Gondola ride takes about 20 minutes and covers a distance of 5 km. 

  • Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg

This is a gorgeous meadow and one of the renowned places to visit in Gulmarg. It is located about 6 km from the main Gulmarg bus stop. 

It’s a haven for nature lovers as it’s covered with a colourful carpet of exotic wildflowers in every hue imaginable! Your kids will love running around this meadow and it makes for a great picnicking destination, too. The meadow is accessible by a short trek or a pony ride, adding an adventurous touch to the visit. 

As if this weren’t enough, it offers sweeping views of the Nanga Parbat peak.

Apharwat Peak

Apharwat Peak

Apharwat Peak is renowned among Gulmarg's tourist places. 

Perched at almost 4,200m above sea level, this mountain summit remains snow-clad for the most part of the year. It forms the last point of the Gulmarg Gondola. Visitors can witness the dramatic change in landscapes as they ascend to Apharwat Peak.

The peak attracts adventure seekers with its opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and trekking. The diverse range of activities available contributes to its popularity among tourists seeking both excitement and natural beauty. 

Another reason why it is one of the known attractions in Gulmarg is that, the Line of Control (LOC) is located only a few kilometres away.

Al Pathar Lake

Located about 13 km from the main Gulmarg area is this celestial lake. By mid-June, it is completely frozen and offers visitors a breath-taking sight to behold. It’s surrounded by snow-clad peaks of the Apharwat range. This is not like other tourist places in Gulmarg.

The whole visit takes an entire day; so keep this in mind when planning a trip with kids. For those not up for a full-day trek from Gulmarg, a thrilling pony ride to Al Pathar Lake is a great adventure. The area around the lake can get quite cold, even in summer, and unexpected showers are possible. So, it's important to bring warm clothes and protection from the weather.

Skiing in Gulmarg

Skiing in Gulmarg

Skiing is one of the main attractions in Gulmarg and one of the major reasons why adventure-loving families visit the region. 

The skiing area includes the Gondola Valley and Poma terrain. The winter season, especially from December to February, transforms Gulmarg into a snowy paradise, providing ideal conditions for skiing adventures.

Some other activities that the kids will enjoy here include snowboarding, snow scooters, and snow bobbing.

Pick the Right Stay Option

While choosing the best places to visit in Gulmarg is important, choosing the right stay is also vital. 

Make sure you choose a resort in Srinagar that’s comfortable and offers all modern amenities. This will ensure that your children are well-rested and rejuvenated.  

Plan a vacation with Club Mahindra and have a memorable and pleasant stay at Club Mahindra Houseboats in Srinagar at Dal Lake. 

The Gulmarg Valley is a wonderful destination for family vacations filled with fun memories up in the mountains! You can visit the attractions in Gulmarg mentioned above with your family as they are kid-friendly, especially the Gondola Lift.  

Read through these Club Mahindra reviews and find out what our happy members have to say about the Gulmarg Valley. Make sure you book your holiday soon. 

Join India's favourite resort chain - Club Mahindra & choose from over 125+ resorts for your next family vacation. Also, have a look at these Club Mahindra resort reviews and know what Club Mahindra members have to say about their holidays in Club Mahindra resorts.

About Club Mahindra

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 290,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.

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