Location : Baramullah - Kashmir Valley
Area: 3 sq kms
Altitude: 2,730 meters
Major Tourist Activity: Skiing,Gliding, Golf
Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Gulmarg is located 52 kms south west of the capital city of Srinagar and lies close to the Indo-Pakistan border area. Immensely beautiful, the landscape of Gulmarg offers a pleasant and comfortable stay to its visitors. Today the place. has been famous for the different adventure activities and gives a fabulous background to many bollywood movies. The original name of Gulmarg was gaurimarg. Its name has been changed by Yousuf Shah Chak after collecting 21 kinds of flowers.Gulmarg, "Meadow ofFlowers", was discovered in 16th century during the reign of Sultan Yousuf Shah. Historians describe the famous love couples, Habba Khatoon, poetess of Kashmir and King Yousuf Shah Chak, and Jehangir and Noor Jehan visiting Gulmarg for enjoying life.. Gulmarg is on full bloom during the Summer with flowers like bluebells and daisies. This wonderland of nature was first discovered in the year 1927 by the Britishers as a place of recreation and relaxation amidst the glory of nature during pre independence India.

During summer months Gulmarg is famous for its highest green golf course in the world which is at an altitude of 2732 mtrs. Since 1972, proved by the famous Australian golfer Mr. Peter thomson who played golf at gulmarg. Gulmarg is blessed with nature- the magical meadows and the snow capped mountains is a wonderful touristdestination in the world. One of the best adventure destinations of India, Gulmarg is called the Meadow of Flowers. The towering peaks provide the required background to the landscape of Gulmarg which is oneof the finest heli-skiing resorts in the whole of Asia.

Places to Visit in Pahalgam

Khilanmarg

The little paradise can be reached by moving about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus station. The green meadow is carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing overs and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provides a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph.

The little paradise can be reached by moving about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus station. The green meadow is carpeted with flowers of all colours in the springs and in the winter it changes in to a dream destination for the skiing lovers and para gliders. The peaks are in clear view from the skiing slopes and they provides a beautiful background to the amusement. The 600 meters slope seen many tourists coming to the place for a wild adventure. Another beauty of it is that the famed Nanga Parbat is of height 7,100 meters is close to it on the south east and gives a perfect scenic photograph

Tangmarg

It is the famous stopover enroute to Gulmarg. Connecting Gulmarg by a 13 km metal road and an exciting 5 km trekking route. During Winters, warm clothes, long boots and water proofs are available on hire

Drang

3.5km from Tangmarg, a motorable road leads to this famous picnic spot. A day trip from Gulmarg can be made far enjoying at the Ferozepur nallah 'river'. Once a Tax collection point while passing into the Valley, 'Drang' has now became a favorite tourist spot among visitors who enjoy a get-together over lunch along the riverside.

Alpather Lake

Found 13 kms from Gulmarg at the foot of the Apharwat peak reaching a height of 4511 meters. 3843 mtrs, 13km, is a one-day trek from Gulmarg via Khilanmarg and 1.5km walk from Gondola Phase II top of Apharwat. The lake is frozen in winters and stays as it is till the middle of June. Lumps of ice are seen floating on the cold waters and the most striking thing is that theducks are seen walking on the lake instead of swimming. The lake area makes a good horse riding afficionadoes starting early in the morning and returning by the evening.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves

The protected reserve area is situated at a distance of 48 km from Srinagar to its south west. It is well known for some of the best preserved rare species and even few endangered ones that include the musk deer. The reserves also boasts a rich avi -fauna population those that can be seen in the winter days when the migratory ones flock the reserve from the hotter regions.

Ziarat of Baba Reshi

Located on Shalimar Road, the temple was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in AD 1883 dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central lingam measuring seven-and-a-haIf feet in height, twelve Shiva lingams of crystal measuring from 15 inches to 38 inches. The marigold flower sellers outside the temple keep most attractive garlands which are offered at the sanctorum.