Situated at an altitude of 2730 m above sea level, Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination located in Pir Panjal Range of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-covered lofty Himalayas, meadows of flowers, deep ravines, evergreen forested valleys, Gulmarg also has the world’s second-highest Gondola ride.
Gulmarg is one of the top honeymoon destinations in India. Gulmarg has also been developed as an adventure hub as the Indian Institute of Skiing, and Mountaineering is located here. A lot of courses on trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding are offered by IISM. There are a lot of other private tour operators in Gulmarg as well, which provide similar courses and facilities for skiing and snowboarding. Known for its scenic beauty, Gulmarg has also been a popular destination for shooting various Bollywood films.
Gulmarg Gondola
Gulmarg Gondola is the second longest and second highest cable car in the world and the prime attraction Gulmarg is known for. Divided into two phases, it ferries almost 600 people per hour to and from the Apharwat Mountain, which is where most of the winter sports happen in Gulmarg.
Phase 1 of Gulmarg Gondola ferries people from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station (middle station). It starts at 2,990 m and has a vertical rise of 400 m. Every hour it ferries 1500 people to the height of 3100 m from where several easy runs for skiing are accessible.
Phase 2 of Gulmarg Gondola connects Kongdoori Mountain to Apharwat Peak. The cable car ascends 1,330 vertical metres to a height of nearly 4,000m and carries 600 people per hour. After arriving at the station, you can further have a 30 minutes trek to reach the mountaintop. From here the LOC or the Line of Control is visible.
The Gulmarg Gondola affords a magnificent view of Nanda Devi, LOC, and Pir Panjal range. Apart from cherishing the beauty of Himalayan ranges, tourists can enjoy other activities like horse riding and snow skiing.
Kongdori Phase 1
Kongdori Phase 1 in Gulmarg is the initial stage of the Kongdori Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Situated in the Pir Panjal range, this phase is the starting point for an exhilarating journey that provides breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. Visitors can access the Kongdori Phase 1 from Gulmarg and experience the charm of the meadows and dense forests during the ascent. The cable car ride from Kongdori Phase 1 to Apharwat Peak unfolds panoramic vistas, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Apharwat Peak
Situated at a height of 4200 metres above the mean sea level, Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is one of the most breathtaking places. Remotely positioned near LOC with Pakistan, the region receives heavy rainfall and is covered in snow for most of the year. Apharwat Peak is where winter sports in Gulmarg takes place.
Imbued with snow-clad mountains and surrounded by pearly white meadows, the area is a perfect honeymoon destination and the most picturesque tourist spot in Srinagar.
Drung Waterfall (Frozen Waterfall)
The Drung Waterfall is an extremely popular tourist attraction located in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg, Baramulla. A cascading waterfall set amidst majestic mountains, it freezes completely during winter due to the extremely low temperature. This frozen waterfall is a must-visit in the area. The cascading waterfall mixes with the water that originates from the magnificent glaciers and makes for an unforgettable sight. During the summers, one can spend some quiet time here while enjoying views of the waterfall, lakes, streams, surrounding greenery as well as explore the caves. The area is even more breathtaking during the wintertime when everything is frozen; the waterfall freezes as it comes down, forming icicles. Even the lake and streams freeze, though they remain accessible, and one can have some fun in the ice-cold waters if brave enough! There are stalls around that serve tea and snacks for people to have while they take in the magnificent scenes. There is also a small temple in the vicinity.
Skiing in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a hill town in Jammu and Kashmir which is lately gaining a lot of popularity for its ski terrain. Ideal for both amateur and professional skiers, the place has several skiing operators and institutes that can tutor you on the same.
Gulmarg is normally blessed with unbelievable amounts of snow. It ranks in the realms of Utah and Niseko in the snowfall stakes. The average annual snowfall is not well documented, but it is thought to be about 14 metres, while in the year 2004 it came around 20 metres.
Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake is a high altitude lake set between the twin Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg. It is popularly known as the Frozen Lake as it remains completely frozen from November to June. It is popular for the one-day trek which starts from Gulmarg and covers a distance of almost 13km.
The one-day trek to Alpather Lake from Gulmarg is a must-try for adventure seekers. The trek is moderately difficult and covers a distance of about 13 km, following the route from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, Apharwat Ridge and finally, Alpather Lake. The trek offers a challenging yet fulfilling experience and is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the surrounding area.
In winter, the frozen lake is a surreal sight with ducks walking on the ice instead of swimming in the water. The stark beauty of the frozen lake is a sight to behold and is a must-visit for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. During summers, the lake is surrounded by a lush landscape of flowers and trees, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Source: Holidify.com
Gulmarg: The skiing paradise of India
