“Heartland of winter sports in India,” Gulmarg nestled in the cup-shaped valley of Pir Panjal range in the Western Himalayas is the mecca for adventure seekers. This gorgeous little hill station attracts tourists from the world over, thanks to it’s snow clad wintery attractions. Known best as a skiing spot in India, Gulmarg is also famous for its iconic St Mary’s church, which is all but drenched in a snowy goodness when winter strikes this sleepy town! It wouldn’t be wrong to say that over the years, Gulmarg has grown in its magnificence. Looking for places to visit in Gulmarg Kashmir?
This picturesque location is a major tourist attraction with must visit places like St. Mary’s Church, skiing destinations, Maharani Temple and a lot more! Here is how we spent the best days in the arms of snow at Gulmarg, enjoying the panoramic views and soaking ourselves in the magical beauty.
Winter paradise – Gulmarg
How to Plan your Kashmir Itinerary for Winters?
We stayed at the Kolahoi Greens in Gulmarg. Away from the maddening crowds, this standalone resort was definitely the best in Gulmarg! It is a traditionally built hotel, with a centralised heating system that keeps you warm even in -15 degree.
The staff was hospitable and their services simply excellent. They ensured that we were comfortable at every point of our stay in Gulmarg in winter. The chef catered to all the requirements with a big smile on his face and they served us Kahwah – their traditional Kashmiri Chai at any time of the day. Overall, it was a perfect resort that served good food, had spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, and super-courteous staff! Plus it was really close to the places to visit in Gulmarg Kashmir.
We’ll highly recommend a stay at Kolahoi Greens
Sipping kahwahs was a daily ritual
Stay back in your hotel and just appreciate the beauty that is Gulmarg, Kashmir
Comfy rooms and cozy beds
It is better to leave Srinagar as early as possible in the morning to avoid rush hours. It is a journey of about 50kms which can be covered by either car or a bus, or big groups can even hire separate tempo travellers as per their convenience.
Hiring a taxi or a bus both can be convenient but the fares may vary with taxi charges being a little more than the latter. En route Gulmarg one can definitely enjoy finest scenery that is a treat to the eyes and satiating for the hearts.
Chained tyre vehicles operational on Gulmarg route
Scenic views from Tangmarg to Gulmarg
The ropeway projected amidst the majestic mountain ranges offers an amalgamation of fear and excitement. The magnificent vistas of Gulmarg are hard to find anywhere – the sweeping valley views are a delight for anyone. Riding above at thousands of feet and looking at the pristine beauty that is Kashmir, oh! what an experience.
This ride will take you to Gulmarg Phase 1 (Khilanmarg) and Phase 2 (Apharwat) where you can indulge in various winter activities. The hanging car ride takes 9 minutes to reach Phase 1 and then 12 minutes to reach Phase 2. Trust us, you will feel like you are on the top of the world. The pristine white view of the ski area will leave you awestruck. Gulp on some sweet corns and hot maggi before you get ready for skiing.
Scenic views all around
Scenic views all around
Lost in this winter hinterland
If you are planning your trip somewhere between December and April, then it is the ideal time to rejoice the skiing sport in this winter wonderland!
A wintry day in Gulmarg is like none other. If you choose to spend longer than a day here, definitely consider a skiing package that will help you master the art of skiing- albeit like an amateur- in as little as three days!
Gulmarg is a place which has the ultimate ingredients for eye-popping views and super adventurous skiing on the big mountains. Words fall short to explain the experience we had while skiing in the heavy snowfall and the unusual escapade we had!
Ice skating. Snow biking. Skiing. Sledging. As mentioned earlier, Gulmarg is the place for sports enthusiasts! Ski biking is another adventure one can enjoy in the thick blanket of snow.
It makes you nonetheless jubilant about biking in the white powder with a lot zeal and enthusiasm. Instead of coming down by Gondolo ride, we rather choose to ski our ways back on a bike.
A range of recreational snow activities to try
Enjoy snowmobile at Phase 1 and 2 Gulmarg
Drown yourself all in snow
Maharani Temple in Gulmarg is the one that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. All the temples in India have a thing about them, they depict the cultural significance but also the supreme devotion of people who worship them with complete faith. As the name suggests, this temple did have a queen like touch with brilliant infrastructure. One should go here and experience the extravagance.
Maharani Temple – It’s visible from all nooks and corners of the town
Looks stunning clad in snow in January
If you love Golf, then Gulmarg has lush green lawns for the sports fanatics to enjoy this too. We could not actually savour the taste of golfing in Kashmir because of the intense snowfall, yet one can visit this place in summers to enjoy the sport in the invigorating surroundings.
Golf course Gulmarg all covered in snow
Apart from all the snow sports you can possibly think of, Gulmarg houses one of the most stunning lakes in the state- Alpather Lake, a frozen delight, but a scene of breathtaking delight nevertheless. Ever changing hues of this frozen lake can leave any tourist spell-bounded by the intrinsic beauty Kashmir has to offer! It oozes out romance, captures the heart of the spectator with its spotless beauty.
We would recommend every tourist to put this beautiful lake in their list of places to visit in Gulmarg Kashmir. Post June, the lake becomes a spot for picnickers and tourists to visit, but it remains widely used by surrounding villages at all other times of the year.
While visiting in summer is the best option for those who wish to take hiking and sightseeing tours by foot in nearby areas, you could visit Gulmarg in the winter to visit other places of interest like the Baba Reshi Shrine, built for the Sufi saint Baba Payam Ud Din Reshi.
Gulmarg was, is and will be known for its spectacular beauty. It is a perfect place for all, be it a family trip to spend it with your near and dear ones, or a honeymoon for the couples in love, or friends ready to go gaga in the land of adventure.
Snow falling on the gloved hands, chilly winds on the faces never felt so good!
With refreshing ambience, numerous adventure sports, and snow blanketed mountains, Gulmarg makes for a perfect hotspot for tourists seeking a peek into the paradise somewhere close to their homelands – truly a jewel in the paradise of earth ‘Kashmir.’
So now that you know everything about the places to visit in Gulmarg Kashmir, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Gulmarg rightaway.
You can also club your trip to Gulmarg with a visit to Pahalgam. Read details here.
Wow your photos look so amazing! I never thought about visiting India for the snow, but thinking about it more, it makes total sense! After all, it is connected to some of the tallest mountains in the world. It looks like an amazing spot for snowboarding in some fresh powder.
Great photography guys! And good to know that there are so many outdoor activities to try besides skiing!
If it has mountains, snow and a great place to stay, then I am gained! Great photos guys 🙂
Thanks Danik. 🙂
Your photos are absolutely stunning! I really thought this was a French/Swiss resort at first, especially seeing the wood style cabin. Gulmarg is now another place to add to the list for sure.
Wow. Amazing. I just went to skying resort for the first time few weeks ago. Was an amazing experience. I am sure you had a great time too. Love your photos
Like many others above me, I never would’ve thought this was in India nor would I have ever imagined visiting for winter activities. I’m definitely wronged in that! For sure adding Alpather Lake to my bucket list and the room at Kolahoi Greens just screams luxury. Super gorgeous and I’m definitely tempted to book a flight over now!
Kashmir is indeed a paradise on earth. In winter it seems to don an exquisite cloak of pure white snow. Of course, Gulmarg is definitely the best place to head to the valley to experience the snow. Loved reading about cool Gulmarg especially as summer is setting in, in the plains. One of the other reasons apart from snow that makes Kashmir irresistible is the Kahwah which is indeed an exhilarating beverage.
That looks stunning, a great destination for a winter getaway, that’s for sure! Every time that I think of India I get images of beautiful temples, but always forget about the amazing landscapes in the Himalayas!
Voila! That is what people miss out on – the INCREDIBLE HIMALAYAS! 🙂
WInter in India especially in places like in the Kashmir brings a different vibe. Your photos showed a very unique side to the already beautiful landscape of India 🙂
Thank you Marky. So glad could capture the essence of Gulmarg.