Gulmarg legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

General Information

Area: 3.5 km long; 1km wide Altitude 2,650 m
Best season: Throughout the year.

Clothing: Summer: Light woollens; winter: Heavy woollens.

How to Get There
Gulmarg is 56 kms from Srinagar. J&K SRTC operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services from Srinagar. In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg (11 kms from Gulmarg), the remaining distance being covered with smaller vehicles. Tourist taxis also operate between Srinagar and Gulmarg.

WHAT TO DO

Golfing Holidays
         
It is for golfing that Gulmarg has long been famous. The Gulmarg Golf Club has been in existence for over a hundred years and there are records, dating from that time, which make fascinating reading. The Clubhouse itself, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet with its quaintly sloping roof, has a rare old character. Temporary members are also welcome the payment of a daily fee entitles one to play 18 holes on course maintained by the State Tourism Department. A limited supply of golfing equipment is available for hire.

Horse Riding
This is the best activity by which all the sites of Gulmarg can be seen.

Sledging
A flat wooden board is taken up the hilltop and, without a navigator, allowed to slide downhill on the snow-covered slopes. Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are always available on hire.

Hotel in Gulmarg:-

The Pine Palace Heritage.
The Pine Palace Platinum.
Hill Top.        
Royal Park.    
Zahger.        
Grand Mumtaz.        
Pine Palace.  
Gulmarg Inn.