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A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is
broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in
a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films..
Gulmarg, or meadow of flowers, is an apt term indeed for this idyllic
flower-laden meadow at an altitude of 2,730 metres, in Baramulla district.
Situated at a distance of 51 km from Srinagar, it is a saucer-shaped bowl
overhanging the main valley of Kashmir. The towering peaks above the
meadow are covered with dense forests of tall conifers and gigantic fir
and pine trees, all vying with each other to touch the azure skies.
An equally popular destination in winter, it is coated with a blanket of
thick, soft snow, turning its gentle slopes into some of the finest ski
slopes. Surrounded by crests of white, the air seems to sparkle against
the ice as skiers flash past in the hush of the snow. The resort has one
T-Bar Lift, three modern ski lifts and a chair lift. The beginner's slope
makes learning easy, with perfect snow conditions and a gentle gradient.
Sightseeing
Khilanmarg :
A 40-minute journey through valleys of wild flowers from
Gulmarg to Khilanmarg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic peaks
with their reflections in Wular and other lakes.
Alpather Lake :
Streaks of floating ice in this triangular lake, nestled in a
hollow under the shadow of Apharwat mountain are a visual delight. A
well-graded pony track joins Apharwat Ridge with Gulmarg.
Golf Courses :
Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as
well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For
the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in
the game, and temporary memberships. Naturally, these facilities are
available to players as well, except that serious golfers usually carry
their sets along
How to Get There
Air : The
nearest airport to Gulmarg is in Badgam district.
Rail :
The Jammu railway station is the closest in the vicinity.
Road :
Gulmarg is a two-hour bus journey from Srinagar. Various modes of
transport including chartered conveyance are available from Srinagar bus
stand at Batmallo. The journey from Tangmarg can also be undertaken on
ponies. |
