Gulmarg is one of the beautiful place that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means the meadow of flowers. Originally, Gulmarg was called Gaurimag, named after Shiva's coasts. Gulmarg, the hill resort is located only 52 km. to the south west of Srinagar in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is situated at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level and has a gently sloping topography. During the colonial rule over India, the British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927. Gulmarg also hosted the British Resident and his fellow Europeans. Gulmarg attracts various tourists due to its natural beauty. The snow-clad peaks and the lovely landscapes of Gulmarg have provided background for several Bollywood ventures. Gulmarg is also the Asia's only heli-skiing resort. There are immense beauty and adventure activities that make Gulmarg much more than a cool hill resort. It is a convenient base for treks to the Himalayas and also offers various winter sports facilities to the tourists. Gulmarg can be visited throughout the year. The winter months from November to February are ideal for skiing. The months from May to September are pleasant to visit the place.

Adventure Sports in Gulmarg
Gulmarg is the main skiing resort for the adventure lovers. The skis, sticks, snow boots, woollen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, caps and various other equipments and the Ski instructors are easily available in Gulmarg. Even the amateurs can enjoy the skiing with the ski lifts and chair lifts. The best season for skiing is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and 10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. There is also a green 18-hole golf course in Gulmarg which is also the world's highest golf course. One can also hire the golf sets from Gulmarg. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players. Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long walks. Walking along Gulmarg's circular path you only have to look down to have a complete view of the valley including Srinagar. A fine view can also be had of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain which is over 26,000 feet and dominates the entire region. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift through pine-clad slopes is an experience of a lifetime. This gondola will take you up above 15,000 feet and is one of the highest in the world. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds.

Tourist Attractions in Gulmarg
The gorgeous hill resort of Gulmarg is dotted with various places of interest like Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, Wular Lake and Manasbal Lake.

Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is the famous spot for skiing in winters. From Khilanmarg, you can enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range. It takes a couple of hours by pony, to reach Kilanmarg as it is slightly longer on foot.

Alpather Lake
The Alpather Lake is a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. The lake lies across the Apharwat peak. The adventure tourists can take the one-day and thirteen km trip to the Alpather Lake from Gulmarg.

Wular Lake
The Wular Lake is situated on the route from Gulmarg to Srinagar on Baramula Road at Sangrama. The Wular lake is the largest fresh-water lake in Kashmir and the second largest in India. It looks like the Genevo Lake of Switzerland. It has a beautiful setting, with Haramuk Mountain at its head. The sunset at the lake is breathtaking.

Manasbal Lake
The Manasbal lake is situated only a few kilometers away from the Wular lake. It is known for its lotus blossoms.

How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport is located in Srinagar about 57 km from Gulmarg. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Jammu.
By Road: Gulmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Jammu and various other cities of Jammu and Kashmir.