Gulmarg is located at an altitude of 8,690 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalayas. It is surrounded by gleaming snow-capped alps, lush green pastures, vibrant meadows, deep valleys, and pine-covered hills, and is literally translated as "Meadow of Flowers."

It is famous for its 1927 ski resort, the Gulmarg Gondola - Asia's second longest cable car trip, and the world's highest golf course at 2,650 metres. For nature lovers and adventurers, Gulmarg is a dream come true. It is known as the 'heartland of winter sports,' with a variety of activities and sightseeing options including skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, heli-skiing, snow scootering, tobogganing, and more. Gulmarg is best visited from October to June, when the snow-capped terrain transforms into India's leading winter sports destination.

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN GULMARG 

 • Gulmarg Gondola - The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the main attractions, is the world's second highest cable car trip. It first opened in May 1998, with phase I transporting guests to Kongdoori at an elevation of 8,500 feet. The second section, which runs from Gulmarg to Apharwat peaks at a height of 13,500 feet, was completed in May 2005. In 2011, the third phase was completed with the addition of a chairlift.

• Winter Festival - The Gulmarg Winter Festival has been attracting artists and tourists from all over the world for more than 15 years. The festival is an explosion of music, cinema, dancing, photography, and, of course, adventure activities that takes place during the last weeks of January. Pick up some handicrafts or mementos at the pop-up flea market, or sample some delectable local fare.

• Golfing - Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the country's largest, has quickly established itself as a premier golfing destination in India. Escape the summer heat by visiting the world's most beautiful 18-hole, 72-par course.

• Pony Ride - This beautiful valley combines the tranquility of nature with the thrills of adventure sports. Because there are no motorable roads, the best way to reach here is to walk or ride a pony. A pony ride to Khilanmarg is an experience in and of itself, offering some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. This wonderful valley is further enhanced by the blooming of various scented flowers.

• Trekking - Trekking is another excellent activity in Gulmarg. You won't be able to resist the mystical allure of Gulmarg. It is an entirely frozen lake. The stunning view of the Alpather Lake is a bonus of a trekking trip. It is situated at the foot of the twin Apharwat mountains.

• Skiing - Gulmarg is a hill town in Jammu and Kashmir that has recently become well-known for its ski terrain. The location is ideal for both beginner and professional skiers, as it boasts a number of ski operators and institutes that can teach you how to ski.

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

The months of April, May, and June are ideal for a visit if you are a nature lover who enjoys the heat. Due to the fields of blossoming flowers that cover the city's territory in the summer, Gulmarg is also known as the meadow of flowers.' If you want to go skiing, though, December to mid-March is the best time to go.

PLACES TO VISIT IN GULMARG

• Drung Waterfall - The Drung Waterfall, located in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg, Baramulla, is a renowned tourist site. Due to the intense cold, a gushing waterfall nestled amidst gorgeous mountains freezes entirely during the winter. This area's ice waterfall is a must-see.

• Alpather Lake - Alpather Lake is a high-altitude lake in Gulmarg, situated between the twin Apharwat Peaks. From November to June, it is known as the Frozen Lake because it is fully frozen. It is well-known for the one-day trip that begins in Gulmarg and covers over 13 kilometres.

• Strawberry Valley - Strawberry Valley is a secret gem in Gulmarg, undiscovered by tourists and still retaining its budding beauty and charm. The emerald fields with blooming red strawberries resemble a scene from the Garden of Eden. A journey to Strawberry Valley is an amazing experience, with brilliant blue skies overhead and verdant green meads all along the way.

• Ningle Nallah - Ningle Nallah, 10 kilometres from Gulmarg, is a mountain stream surrounded on all sides by snow-capped mountains and lush green pastures. The main source of Ningle Nallah is the water created by the melting of ice in Apharwat Peak and Alpather Lake. Picnics and camping are popular here. Ningle Nallah joins River Jhelum after travelling across mountains and valleys.

• Seven Springs - Seven Springs is a magnificent watercourse with seven separate water outputs. The springs, which are located on a hill near Kongdori, provide a wonderful view of Gulmarg Valley and Srinagar. This enchanting place with sweeping vistas of snow-capped mountains and the blooming vale below can be reached via a gondola cable ride from the Apharwat mountain's base.

• Khilanmarg - Khilanmarg is a small valley located 6 kilometres from Gulmarg. It is surrounded by breathtaking views of some of the highest Himalayan peaks and, because it is not directly accessible by vehicle, is ideal for offbeat travellers. To get to Khilanmarg, one must either walk or take a pony from Gulmarg.

HOW TO REACH GULMARG

• By Flight - Srinagar Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport. From there, a cab may be hired directly to Gulmarg.

• By Train - Jammu station is the closest train station. To get to Gulmarg Road, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus. 

• By Road - There are several private and state buses that run to Gulmarg. To get there, you can hire a private car or a taxi.