Gulmarg, Kashmir,

Walking towards the snowcapped mountains of Gulmarg (12 November, 2004)


Gulmarg in Kashmir is one of India's premier hill resorts. Gulmarg was originally called "Gaurimarg" by the 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. The name Gulmarg means "meadow of flowers". Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here.

Today Gulmarg holds the distinction of having the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2650 m. Gulmarg is also India's premier ski resort in the winter.

We're ... being taken for a ride! (12 November, 2014)


The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment itself. The road is usually pencil-straight, and bordered on both sides by poplars. On either sides are flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers can stop their vehicles to enjoy the view of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.

Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla District of Kashmir, and 51km from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. At an altitude of 2730 meters, it is surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers.

The journey to Gulmarg through Srinagar. (12 November, 2014)


Gulmarg is reknowned for its unparalled beauty and is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. On a clear day, one can see fields of rice, clusters of walnut, pear and mulberry; meadows, ridges and forests that lead to the snow slopes of Khilanmarg; and even the majestic Nanga Parbat peak over a 100 km away.

Gulmarg is equally popular in winter, when it is coated with a blanket of thick, soft snow, turning its gentle slopes into some of the finest ski slopes. The resort in Gulmarg has one T-Bar Lift, three modern ski lifts and a chair lift. The beginner's slope has a gentle gradient, making learning to ski much easier. A cable car is available to take tourists up to Kongdori.

Gulmarg's international lush green golf course is the highest in the world. Equipment is available on hire for the visitor allured by the golf greens here. Gulmarg was once an important trekking base and the Gulmarg-Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alpather is still a great trek.

Kashmiri women collecting firewood. (12 November, 2014)


River flows through the frigid Kashmiri landscape. (12 November, 2014)


Another view of the river in Kashmir. (12 November, 2014)


Horse carts in a Kashmiri village, on the way to Gulmarg. (12 November, 2014)


Autumn scenery in Kashmir. (12 November, 2014)


Small Kashmiri town along the way. (12 November, 2014)


The road is lined on both sides with poplars. (12 November, 2014)


Autumn view on the Kashmiri country road. (12 November, 2014)


Kashmiri countryside. (12 November, 2014)


Another view of the Kashmiri landscape. (12 November, 2014)


The mountain range in Gulmarg. (12 November, 2014)


Mountain scenery at Gulmarg. (12 November, 2014)


The cable car ride up the mountain at Gulmarg. (12 November, 2014)


Rustic huts dot the landscape. (12 November, 2014)


Snowcapped mountains border the horizon. (12 November, 2014)


We trekked to the edge of the snow line. (12 November, 2014)


Leafless trees in the frozen landscape. (12 November, 2014)


Once snow falls, these fields will be ready for skiing. (12 November, 2014)


Patches of snow on the ground. (12 November, 2014)


Another view of the Gulmarg landscape. (12 November, 2014)


A stream flows through the scabrous Kashmiri countryside. (12 November, 2014)


Kashmir at dusk. (12 November, 2014)


Kashmiri men crowded around for a photo opportunity. The womenfolk by contrast are camera shy. (12 November, 2014)

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