More spectacular than you can ever imagine, Gulmarg has been a part of Shahrukh Khan’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Shahid Kapoor’s Haider. Nestled in the lush valleys of Kashmir, Gulmarg will leave any visitor awestruck. Gulmarg welcomes thousands of tourists all year round but if snowy adventure sports offered during the winter months are not your cup of tea, then head here in the summer to experience its culture, religion, and outdoor activities.
Gulmarg is gorgeous and stands by its name, “Meadow of Flowers.” It presents a bloom-shower in the summer months with beautiful flowers like bluebells and daisies. However, Gulmarg has much more to offer than just regular sightseeing tours. The cozy hotels, authentic Kashmiri cuisine, and adventure activities make Gulmarg a perfect place to visit for a summer holiday experience.
Here are the top 13 reasons why you should plan your summer holiday in Gulmarg.
1. Gulmarg Gondola Ride – Breathtaking Spectacle
Asia’s highest and longest cable car, Gulmarg Gondola, is one of the most exciting things to do in Gulmarg. Also, the Kongdori Gulmarg, at an altitude of 10,000 feet Gondola is the 2nd highest cable car line in the world. This ride is divided into three phases.
Phase 1 – Gulmarg to Kongori Station
Phase 2 – Kongdori Station to Kongdori Top
Phase 3 – Chair Lift phase from Kongdori Top to Mary Shoulder
These phases offer the most spellbinding views of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg in the summer months. Also, enjoy the idea of the Nanda Devi, Pir Panjal Ranges, and LOC.
Why visit in summer?
Riding the Gondola in the summer months will offer a stunning view of the mighty Himalayas. During this time you can also witness the beautiful forests and meadows.
Best time to visit: March to June
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Gondola ride tickets:
- Phase 1 – INR 740 per adult
- Phase 2 – INR 950 per adult
- Chairlift – INR 270 adult
[ Explore Gulmarg Tour Packages to Plan your Trip ]
2. Khilanmarg – Vistas of the Great Himalayas
The gorgeous valley of Khilanmarg is yet another reason to visit Gulmarg in the summer months. This place offers a calming atmosphere to relax and unwind, along with the excitement of adventure sports.
Khilanmarg is one of the beautiful places to visit in Gulmarg to witness the spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. Also, during spring, Khilanmarg is filled with wildflowers, making it a beautiful sight. Ride a pony amidst serene surroundings that add bliss to your Gulmarg holiday.
Why visit in summer?
The clear skies allow you to enjoy the stunning view of the Himalayan peaks. The blossoming flowers and flourishing locales are perfect to see in the summer season.
Best time to visit: March to June
Timings: You can visit anytime to enjoy nature.
Tickets: No entry ticket is required.
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Kashmir & Ladakh Tour3. Apharwat Peak – For Trek Lovers
Situated at an altitude of 4500 feet, Apharwat Peak is one of the most magnificent attractions you must visit in Gulmarg. It provides the perfect setting for a picnic with family and friends.
This place also offers the best trekking experiences, horse riding, ridge climbing, and other outdoor activities. So, if you love to trek, head to Apharwat Peak in the summer season. And for beginners, it is a great way to start and polish their skills.
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Why visit in summer?
Summer brings the most impressive transformation. The snow is replaced with a lush green valley. Tourists can witness the stream that originates from the top of Apharwat Peak and enjoy the gushing waters of the Jhelum river.
Best time to visit: March to October
Timings: It remains open 24 hours.
Tickets: No entry ticket is required.
4. Golf Course – Treat for the Golfers
Famed to be the highest green golf course in the world, the Gulmarg Golf course is perfect for golfers and nature lovers. It quickly emerged as a leading golfing destination in India, part of the Golf Training Academy. Gulmarg Golf Course was built in the year 1911 by the British. Initially, It was just a 6-hole golf curse, but later, in 2011, it was designed and inaugurated 2011.
Nestled amidst the spectacle of alpine mountains and beautiful meadows, Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the best summer golfing destinations in the world. Don’t worry if you do not know how to golf. You can hire a golf kit and take the help of trainers in the Gulmarg Golf Course to learn a new sport. So, while Gulmarg in summer, try golfing to enhance your holiday experience.
Why visit in summer?
The golf course is in full bloom in the summer season. The weather is warm and pleasant and allows you to enjoy golfing with a view of lush meadows.
Best time to visit: March to June
Timings: 8:30 am to 10 pm
Golf Center entry tickets:
- Indians – INR 800
- Foreigners – INR 1200
5. Biosphere Reserve – Perfect for Bird Watchers
Visit Gulmarg in the summers and explore its rich and rate Himalayan fauna and fauna. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful trails where you can see beautiful landscapes across 180 square km.
Explore this wonder of nature, which is home to several enraged species of winged creatures. If you love animals and nature, this is the place to be.
Spot some of the lesser-known bird species such as Blue Rock Pigeon, Snow Cock, European Hoopes, Kashmir Roller, Griffon vulture, and Jungle Crow. Moreover, brown bears, snow leopards, black deer, and Kashmiri stag are some of the animals you can see here.
Follow the rules and safety instructions to enjoy a great trip to Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
Why visit in summer?
Animals at Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve enjoy warm weather. Visit during the summer months to witness the colorful birds, and animals that live between a rich blanket of vegetation and a dense forest of conifers.
Best time to visit: April to June
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Tickets: No entry ticket is required.
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Discover Wonderful Kashmir6. Alpather Lake – Goodness of Natural Beauty
Alpather Lake is 4500 feet above sea level and provides a backdrop for spending quality time with your family, friends, or partner. This stunning lake offers mesmerizing views you cannot afford to miss.
Surrounded by meadows, Alpather Lake is one of the best places to visit in Gulmarg. It is an ideal location for photographers and also for those who are looking for solitude. Apart from natural beauty, you can indulge in various summer activities here, such as horse riding, trekking, and ridge climbing.
Why visit in summer?
During the summer months, Alpather lake is surrounded by lush trees and blossoming flowers, which is perfect to spend time in summer.
Best time to visit: April and May
Timings: You can visit at any time of the day to enjoy its serene surroundings.
Tickets: No entry ticket is required.
7. Children’s Park – Natural Euphoria
Impeccably designed, Children’s Park in Gulmarg is perfect for keeping the young ones entertained. Even older people can enjoy this heavenly bliss of nature’s glory. Children’s Park is truly a paradise with gorgeous flowers and various fun activities. From toddlers to adults to elders, everyone can enjoy this park.
You can indulge in activities such as zorbing, games, horse riding, hot air ballooning, and more. Its picture-perfect backdrops, and an artificial lake accentuated the beauty of this place. Also, do bird watching and spot several species of birds here.
Why visit in summer?
Children can enjoy warm weather when playing in the park. The clear skies and cool breeze add to their fun time.
Best time to visit: March to June
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 20
8. Baba Reshi Shrine – Religious Shrine
A pious and ancient shrine located on the slopes between Gulmarg and Tangmarg. This sacred shrine is dedicated to Baba Reshi, a Muslim saint and scholar,
Fun fact: Baba Reshi served as a major courtier during the reign of the king of Kashmir, Zan-ul-Abidin. Baba Reshi Shrine has a fusion of impressive architecture and spiritual importance. The main architectural styles include Mughal and Persian, which are beautifully blended.
Baba Reshi Shrine in Gulmarg is your place to be if you love architectural marvels. Free meals or langar are also hygienically prepared and served here.
The place where Baba Reshi’s grave rests is called “Noor Khwan”. It is covered with a satin cloth with Quran embroidery and is made of glass.
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Journey to Ladakh9. Nagin Valley – Pristine beauty
After 22 long years, this gorgeous valley was open to the public in 2012. It is a picturesque stretch of 10 km on Gulmar-Botapathri road. All the trekkers and nature lovers will be delighted to visit Nagin Valley in the summer.
The lush alpine meadows, blue pines, and wildlife will enhance your trip to Gulmarg. This valley is a part of the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot musk deer, leopard, red fox, and the hangul (Kashmir stag) can be seen here.
Why visit in summer?
To witness the pristine and undisturbed beauty of Gulmarg, visit Nagin Valley in the summers. The lush meadows and blue pines come to life during this time.
Best time to visit: March to June
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
Tickets: No entry ticket is required.
Read Also: Reasons Why Kashmir Should be Your Next Holiday Destination
10. Ningle Nallah – Splash of water
Ningle Nallah is a stunning stream pouring straight from the melting ice of the Apharwat Peak and the Alpather Lake during summers. This stream merges into the Jhelum river near Sopore. The area’s grassy pasture attracts many families with children who want to spend time together.
So, visit and plan a picnic around this stream and enjoy it with your dear ones. The pine trees and the meadows of blossoming flowers add to the charm of Ningle Nallah.
Why visit in summer?
The gushing waters of Ningle Nallah can only be witnessed in summers. Also, the meadows around are in full bloom during this time.
Best time to visit: March to June
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
Tickets: No entry ticket is required.
11. Strawberry Valley – Juiciest Strawberries
Unexploited, charming, and straight out of a fairytale are the perfect words to describe this hidden attraction in Gulmarg. The beautiful emerald green fields with red strawberries are a sight you cannot afford to miss.
Clear blue skies and vibrant greenery add to the enthralling experience. You can stroll around the plantations and admire the beauty of nature. Not only this, but you can also plan a quick little picnic with your loved ones and enjoy the scenic views around.
Why visit in summer?
During the summer months, the strawberries are ripe and ready to be harvested. This is the perfect time to taste some juicy strawberries and take some home with you.
Best time to visit: March to July
Timings: Anytime between sunrise and sunset
Tickets: No entry fee.
12. Lien Marg – Cozy vibes in Summer
Situated at 8,700 feet, Lien Marg is a popular destination for honeymoon couples. The high altitude attracts the couple to spend quality time in coziness. The Dense pine forests and blossoming wildflowers in the middle of sloping meadows enhance the beauty of this place.
It makes a great picnic spot and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. Adventure lovers will love this place as it offers trekking options. So, honeymoon couples and adventure enthusiasts must visit this stunning place in Gulmarg.
Why visit in summer?
Warm-weather, clear skies, and a crisp breeze in the summertime enhance the spark of romance between couples.
Best time to visit: March to October
Timings: Anytime between sunrise and sunset
Tickets: No entry fee.
13. Kanchenjunga Museum – Pay Respect to Indian Army
A high-altitude warfare school at first, it was converted to a museum to commemorate the first summit of the Indian Army to Kanchenjunga in 1997. This museum houses mountaineering equipment, modern warfare, and all the gear the Indian Army used in the mountains.
Also, the Everest expedition is also placed here to pay respect to the Indian Army. Rope, grappling tools, and more can be seen here. You can learn to use the tools and their functions during your visit to Kanchenjunga Museum.
Why visit in summer?
The warm and pleasant weather allows you to tour the museum comfortably.
Best time to visit: All around the year
Timings: Summer – 9 am to 5 pm (it is closed on national holidays)
Tickets: NA
Gulmarg is truly a paradise and must be visited by everyone at least once in their lifetime. And honestly, not just 15, there are a ton of other reasons to visit Gulmarg. It is so beautiful and out of this world that you will not want to return home.
These are top 13 reasons why you should plan to visit, especially in summer, to enjoy the clear skies, warm weather, blossoming flowers, and lush green meadows of Gulmarg.
Manmeet Kaur
A writer by profession and a storyteller by heart, Manmeet has a passion for exploring ancient forts and temples and has a soft corner for snowy places. Besides, she loves to travel, treat her taste buds to different cuisines, and binge-watch movies and series every now and then. She is also an avid reader, which keeps her engaged.
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