Jammu and Kashmir ·
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a city of about 2,000 people (2011) in the Kashmir Valley. It is noted for lush green meadows and wildflowers in summer and endless snow fields during winter.
Gulmarg at a Glance
Why Gulmarg?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Apharwat Peak
- Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
- St Mary's Church
- Cable Car to Kongdori
- Gulmarg Golf Club
- Maharani Temple
Gulmarg at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Gulmarg before planning your visit.
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Explore Gulmarg
Places to Visit
- Apharwat Peak: Apharwat Peak is a summit, situated at a height of 4,390 metres (14,403 ft) above the sea level, in Gulmarg, India. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for much of the year.
- Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary: The Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 180 square kilometres (69 mi2) is a protected area in Gulmarg, Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the most beautiful and attractive sanctuaries in J&K.
- St Mary's Church: St Mary's Church is located in the Valley of Shepherds in Gulmarg and is one of the oldest churches in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It was built in 1902, during the period of British rule, and was constructed in a British style.
- Cable Car to Kongdori: The two-stage high altitude cable car is popularly known as Gondola. The first phase operates from Gulmarg to Kongdori.
- Gulmarg Golf Club: The golf course sits at a height of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) above sea level, is the highest golf course in the world. It started as a-6 hole golf course in 1890.
- Maharani Temple: The Siva temple is located atop a small hillock and is visible from all over Gulmarg. The temple dates back to 1915 and was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of the last king of Kashmir Hari Singh.
Things to Do
- Alpather Lake: Popularly known as the frozen lake the Alpather Lake is situated at an altitude of 4390 m and is located at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks. The lake is surrounded by rocky mountains and lush green meadows, complete with blooming wild flowers.
- Baba Reshi Shrine: It is the resting place of Sufi saint Baba Payam uddin Reshi. The original structure dates back to 1840 but it has been modified over the years.
- Cable Car to Kongdori: The two-stage high altitude cable car is popularly known as Gondola. The first phase operates from Gulmarg to Kongdori.
- Gulmarg Golf Club: The golf course sits at a height of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) above sea level, is the highest golf course in the world. It started as a-6 hole golf course in 1890.
- Maharani Temple: The Siva temple is located atop a small hillock and is visible from all over Gulmarg. The temple dates back to 1915 and was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of the last king of Kashmir Hari Singh.
- St. Mary's Church: The St Mary's Church is located in the valley of Shepherds in Gulmarg. The church dates back to 1902.
Sightseeing Places
- Apharwat Peak: Apharwat Peak is a summit, situated at a height of 4,390 metres (14,403 ft) above the sea level, in Gulmarg, India. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for much of the year.
- Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary: The Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 180 square kilometres (69 mi2) is a protected area in Gulmarg, Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the most beautiful and attractive sanctuaries in J&K.
- St Mary's Church: St Mary's Church is located in the Valley of Shepherds in Gulmarg and is one of the oldest churches in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It was built in 1902, during the period of British rule, and was constructed in a British style.
- Cable Car to Kongdori: The two-stage high altitude cable car is popularly known as Gondola. The first phase operates from Gulmarg to Kongdori.
- Gulmarg Golf Club: The golf course sits at a height of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) above sea level, is the highest golf course in the world. It started as a-6 hole golf course in 1890.
- Maharani Temple: The Siva temple is located atop a small hillock and is visible from all over Gulmarg. The temple dates back to 1915 and was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of the last king of Kashmir Hari Singh.
Places That Define Gulmarg
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak is a summit, situated at a height of 4,390 metres (14,403 ft) above the sea level, in Gulmarg, India. It receives heavy snowfall and remains covered with snow for much of the year.
Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
The Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 180 square kilometres (69 mi2) is a protected area in Gulmarg, Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the most beautiful and attractive sanctuaries in J&K.
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church is located in the Valley of Shepherds in Gulmarg and is one of the oldest churches in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It was built in 1902, during the period of British rule, and was constructed in a British style.
Cable Car to Kongdori
The two-stage high altitude cable car is popularly known as Gondola. The first phase operates from Gulmarg to Kongdori.
Gulmarg Golf Club
The golf course sits at a height of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) above sea level, is the highest golf course in the world. It started as a-6 hole golf course in 1890.
Maharani Temple
The Siva temple is located atop a small hillock and is visible from all over Gulmarg. The temple dates back to 1915 and was built by Mohini Bai Sisodhia, wife of the last king of Kashmir Hari Singh.
Alpather Lake
Popularly known as the frozen lake the Alpather Lake is situated at an altitude of 4390 m and is located at the foot of the twin Apharwat Peaks. The lake is surrounded by rocky mountains and lush green meadows, complete with blooming wild flowers.
Baba Reshi Shrine
It is the resting place of Sufi saint Baba Payam uddin Reshi. The original structure dates back to 1840 but it has been modified over the years.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Gulmarg on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Gulmarg: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Gulmarg: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), about 37 km from Gulmarg.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Baramulla railway station, about 19 km from central Gulmarg.
- By Road: A not so well-known (albeit quite economical and reliable) option is to get to Gulmarg by bus. You can get a bus to Gulmarg at least every 30 mins, from 7 am to 5 pm, from Tangmarg.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Gulmarg (Apr, May, Jun) averages 5–15°C with about 191 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Gulmarg (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 11–20°C with about 171 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Gulmarg (Oct, Nov) averages 2–12°C with about 39 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Gulmarg (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages -6–4°C with about 77 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: The weather is cold and it is necessary for the tourist to wear woollen clothes. Temperatures in Gulmarg remain well below zero for most of the year.
- Getting around: Getting around Gulmarg is done mostly by foot. No need for a car as there is one road that does a loop around the whole area.
- Climate: Due to its high elevation, Gulmarg has a warm-summer humid continental climate and a wet winter season with heavy snowfall. Summers are moderate in temperature and length, with relatively cool shoulder seasons.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 21°C in August; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are January, March, April, May, June, July and August; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Gulmarg trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Gulmarg is a city of about 2,000 people (2011) in the Kashmir Valley. It is noted for lush green meadows and wildflowers in summer and endless snow fields during winter.
- Overview: Gulmarg is a city of about 2,000 people (2011) in the Kashmir Valley. It is noted for lush green meadows and wildflowers in summer and endless snow fields during winter. It is a hub for winter sports activities.
- Ancient History: Historically, the place was known to locals as Gaurimarg ("path of goddess Gauri").
Planning Guide
- Overview: Gulmarg is a city of about 2,000 people (2011) in the Kashmir Valley. It is noted for lush green meadows and wildflowers in summer and endless snow fields during winter. It is a hub for winter sports activities.
- Accommodation: Fluorescence Hotel and Restaurant Global Hotel - ₹1200 night, hot water, gas heaters and a western restaurant, 200m from the bus stop in the direction of the gondola. Green Heights - ₹750 night, no hot water, each room has its own bukhari (fireplace). Listed options include Hotel Raja and The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa Gulmarg.
- Best Way To Explore: Getting around Gulmarg is done mostly by foot. No need for a car as there is one road that does a loop around the whole area.
The Sacred Heart of Gulmarg
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Hinduism was the major religion with 86.6% adherents, followed by Islam with 12.4% adherents. Minor population of Christians and Sikhs are also present in the town.
Natural Significance
Hinduism was the major religion with 86.6% adherents, followed by Islam with 12.4% adherents. Minor population of Christians and Sikhs are also present in the town.
Ecological Importance
Historically, the place was known to locals as Gaurimarg ("path of goddess Gauri"). Yousuf Shah Chak, who ruled Kashmir from 1579 to 1586, renamed it Gulmarg ("meadow of flowers").
Frequently Asked Questions
Gulmarg is most comfortable in February, September, October, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is August (average high 21°C) and the wettest months are January, March, April, May, June, July and August.
The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), about 37 km away. The nearest railway station is Baramulla railway station, about 19 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, St Mary's Church, Cable Car to Kongdori, Gulmarg Golf Club and Maharani Temple.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 1°C to 21°C over the year, with about 1520 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Gulmarg
Your Gulmarg Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.