Gulmarg is also called a “Paradise for Adventure Seekers”. Explore the 9 best adventure activities in Gulmarg, including skiing, trekking, Gondola riding, golfing, ice skating, snowboarding, photography, bird watching, pony riding, temple visiting, etc, to make your trip unforgettable.
Gulmarg is a hill station in Kashmir situated in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas, having an altitude of 2,650 m (8,694 ft) above sea level. This town is 49km from Srinagar and is a great tourist attraction due to its high mountains covered with snow. Colorful meadows and green pastures of town have a spectacular atmosphere to enjoy the natural beauty. Due to its high altitude, the climate of the town is cold and mild hot in summer, with the highest 25-degree temperature. In summer, you can enjoy heavy snowfall and can indulge yourself in snow sports. Read Also ….Is it a safe Kashmir trip with 2-year kids in winter
This place was first established as a ski resort by two British army officers in 1927. Because of its scenic beauty and peaceful environment, Mughal Kings came to spend their summer in these cold areas. Later on, this was a hill station for the elite class of British during their occupation of India. This place receives good quality snow like Switzerland; therefore, it is a great attraction for adventure seekers. Gulmarg gives an overlook of Kashmir and Nanga Parbat, the world’s highest peak with a height of 26,660. Gulmarg is also the 5th best destination in the world for enjoying the skiing experience. Now, we will explore the 9 best adventure activities in Gulmarg that will help you make an informed decision regarding your tour.
Skiing:
Skiing is a winter activity and is usually performed in snowy regions. Gulmarg has slopes for skiing for both beginners and advanced skiers. The town receives its highest snow season from 1st January to 31st March, and this is the best time for skiing.
In 1st phase, skiers reach Kongdori, which has a height of 3080 meters, and the second phase of skiing is Apharwat Peak, with 3979 meters. Cliffhangers India offers different skiing packages for tourists, and the cost of packages depends on the duration of skiing.
Usually, 13500 RS is charged for 5 days of skiing. The slopes of Gulmarg have thrilling beauty with virgin peaks and pine trees. As the snow starts in December, skiers from across the world start to visit Gulmarg, and proper guides are available to train beginners.
Gondola Ride:
The Gondola ride is a thrilling and world’s largest and highest cable car ride in Gulmarg. Riders can enjoy the panoramic views of the valley and can get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas from a close point.
This wonderful ride is divided into three phases, and each phase offers beautiful views and sights of the next level.
- In 1st phase, the ride starts from Gulmarg Town and ends at Kongdori Station. This is a 9-minute ride, and you have to pay 800 INR for the first phase.
- The second phase starts from Kongdori and takes to Apharwat Peak in 12 minutes; the charge for this phase is 1000 INR. In 1st phase, the views of green meadows and pine forests are enjoyable, and in 2nd riders enjoy the breathtaking views of Himalayan mountains, covered with snow.
- In the third phase, 90 chairlifts are installed, which connects the Mary Shoulder with Apharwat Peak.
Gondola Ride timings are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the whole week, and keep a pdf of your e-ticket in your phone for booking the ride. But try to get bookings in advance to avoid the long queues.
Trekking:
The Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg, is an ideal hill station for trekking and has many small and long treks that are suitable for different levels of fitness.
Trekking in Gulmarg is complete with visiting Khilanmarg Valley, situated at a 5.5 km distance, and the trek takes 2 hours to complete. From this valley, the view of Nun and Kun peaks in the West, and Nanga Parbat is seen with its peak beauty.
Alpathar Lake trek is also another world of beauty in itself and 13km from Gulmarg. This lake is also called frozen lake as it remains frozen in half of the year. It takes one hour of trekking to reach here from Apharwat Peak, and by ride, Gondola trekkers can easily reach the peak to start their trekking for the lake.
Drung has its beauty in waterfalls, rivers, and pine forests. This place is 3km away from Gulmarg and takes 1.5 hours for trekking. The trail to reach here is full of beauty and looks like a canvas with different colors of green meadows, white snow, and orange trees with dead leaves, presenting a picturesque view to capture.
The weather in Gulmarg changes instantly; therefore, keep your raincoat and warm jacket with you, and also keep your ID proof in your backpack.
Golfing:
Playing golf in the green meadows of Gulmarg is an excellent attraction, as the town has the world’s second-highest golf course, with 8,690 feet in height. This is situated 52km from Srinagar and is perfect for nature lovers and golfers. This golf course has 16 species of wildflowers, and the length of this golf course is 7505 yards with 18 holes, which makes India’s largest playground for golf.
In winter, because of heavy snowfall, the green meadows of the golf course are covered in snow, and April to November are the best months for enjoying golf games in Gulmarg.
This golf course has fixed timing from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for players. You can get the services of professionals for learning golf. The surroundings of this golf course enhance the setting, and playing golf on such a high point is a thrilling activity in itself.
Snowboarding:
Snowboarding in Gulmarg is a lifetime experience because Gulmarg is one of the best destinations for snowboarding in the whole of Asia. The surroundings of this snow-covered hill station will give you high-end enjoyment.
You can enjoy powdered snow and scenic beauty views there. Different packages are available for snowboarding. You have to learn basic knowledge about board and gear before starting this activity.
To Do your best, you have to choose the equipment wisely, and in Gulmarg, many shops are available for rent out the snowboard. To enjoy better slopes for snowboarding, you can go on Mary’s shoulder. A chairlift from Kongdori comes to Mary’s Shoulder, and once you reach down by boarding, it takes no time to come back to Gulmarg. Besides that, you can access the slopes by Gondola and explore the off-piste terrain, the tree runs, and the alpine bowls.
To book your snowboarding trip, you have both options, online and physical, by contacting the local operator.
Ice skating:
Ice skating is another exciting activity to do in Gulmarg. The frozen lakes of this hill station and Ice rinks with heavy snowfalls offer an incredible playground for skating with beautiful scenery in the surroundings.
One less-known ice skating rink is near the Gondola base station and overlooks the golf course. Professional skaters are here to train the students in skating centers, and beginners can get guidance from them. You can also join the national Ice Skating Championship. The Ice Skating Association Of India organizes this championship. It is held in January every year.
January and February are the best months for enjoying Ice skating in Gulmarg as these months receive heavy snowfall throughout the whole year.
Bird Watching:
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a rich habitat for various species of birds and wildlife. This resort lies at a high altitude of 2400 to 4300 hundreds and houses a wide range of bird species. A large number of Pheasants and upland birds are found in this resort. This resort is a paradise for ornithologists, and you can witness sightseeing, the blue rock pigeon, vulture, snow cock, Monal, Koklas, and Kashmir Flycatcher.
This Reserve remains open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitors. Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary has 95 species of birds. If you are an adventure lover, then you can also stay in the camp next to the Reserve.
March, April, and May are the ideal months for bird watching, and this is the time when flowers bloom and give a majestic, colorful view to the landscape.
Photography:
Gulmarg has a lot to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. It has a backdrop of Himalayan ranges that are covered with snow and present a captivating view for capture.
Photography is a popular activity in Gulmarg, and this resort is an ideal place for family as well as for couple photoshoots. The lush green meadows of town and dense forest, snow-capped mountains, and pristine streams flowing through these mountains give an inspiration to catch the sight on camera.
Ningle Nallah is the best place for photography. It is a mountain stream that has frozen crystal clear water and snow-capped mountains in the surroundings. The pastures around the stream are fully covered with greenery.
Khilanmarg is also a stunning place for photography and has the best skiing slopes. Nature lovers can spend a peaceful trip and take photos in the stunning surroundings of this beautiful Landscape.
Ferozepur Nallah is an ideal place to spend leisure time, and you can spend a memorable trip at the lakeside. The lake has plenty of trout fish, so you can take photos while fishing.
Pony Ride:
Pony Ride is an attractive Ride and necessary in those areas where transport cannot travel. People came, especially to Gulmarg, to enjoy a pony ride. It costs 500 per person in the season but can get the highest rate of 1500 per person in peak season. They instantly add a helper on your ride for extra cost.
You can book your booking for this relaxing and fun-loving ride by using an online website. When the booking is confirmed, your pony man will be available in the Gulmarg market. The beauty of green meadows and a walk on the River Bank on Pony Ride is a great experience, and this activity is equally enjoyable for each group.
Children, youngsters, and older people can enjoy the pony ride to relax after a full day out.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
There is no fixed answer to this question, but still, we can give you some suggestions; if you want to enjoy snow activities and other winter sports, then you should visit between December and March. And, if you love lush green scenery and pleasant weather, then April to June is the best time to visit. Similarly, July to September visiting time is best for persons who don’t like the crowds but love monsoon rains, and October to November is the best time to experience autumn colors.
How many days do you need in Gulmarg?
It definitely depends upon your preferences and budget. Still, on a one-day trip, you can cover some major attractions like the gondola ride and the golf course, like adventurous places. In contrast, on a two-day trip, you can experience the town and nearby places and can participate in adventure activities. But if you want a longer trip, like 3 to 4 days, then you will have plenty of time to enjoy everything.
How do I explore Gulmarg?
You can explore the Gulmarg by gondola ride, pony ride, or by foot. It all depends on your budget, preferences, and time.
Final Analysis
This is all about the best adventure activities in Gulmarg. Gulmarg is an excellent and full of thrill for nature lovers and adventure seekers. So, if you want to experience these outdoor recreations, then plan your next tour for Gulmarg. The destination is full of sightseeing, and keep your camera with you to capture the captivating beauty of this valley and high snow-covered mountains.
- Before going, check the latest weather forecast and also book your tickets in advance for any activity.
- As Gulmarg is a place with high altitude, the weather is extremely cold in winter; pack your warm jacket and woolen clothes and also shoes with a strong grip for trekking and hiking.
- Keep your raincoat in your backpack on time, as the temperature of Gulmarg is unexpected.
- Winter is the best season to enjoy snowy sports, but in the snowfall season, tourists can get stuck due to roadblocks. Therefore, try to visit in early winter or early summer. You can enjoy a lot of activities in summer.
