Gulmarg is a town and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862 – 1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India.
The surrounding areas were politically restive during the 1990s uprising
in Kashmir, but after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in 2003, the
town is now enjoying a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is
nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the
Line of Control. It is the recipient of heavy snowfall during the winter
season and is a popular ski resort.
With the abatement of militancy in the area, Gulmarg has quickly become
one of the state's most visited destinations. The slopes of the Afarwat
Hills of the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya Chain boast one of the
longest and highest ski slopes in Asia. The total distance covered by ski
lift is five kilometres and the resort peaks at an altitude of 3,747m/12,
292ft, accessed by an aerial gondola (telecabine). The skiing project was
inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 25 December 2004. The entire hill
is guarded by the army at all times. The army, which is seen everywhere
in the cities of Kashmir, is not in the town or the actual hilltop. Frisking is
only done midway on the access road at 3 places: Tangmarg, near an
army camp on the road from Tangmarg, and 5km before entering
Gulmarg. Gulmarg does not have any permanent residents. All living in
Gulmarg are hotel employees and guests. Everyone else is required to
leave the village by sunset, as per curfew set by the army in 1990.
Gulmarg boasts of Asia's highest and longest cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak (4200m/13779ft). The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski.
The first stage transfers from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600m/8,530ft to
Kongdoori Station in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley. The second stage
of the ropeway, which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes skiers to a
height of 3,747m/12,992ft on Kongdoori Mountain, a shoulder of nearby
Afarwat Peak (4200m/13779ft). The second stage was completed in a
record time of about two years at a cost of Rs 11 crore and opened on
May 28, 2005. The French company had also built the first phase of the
gondola project, connecting Gulmarg to Kongdoori, in 1998.
Gulmarg translates as "the meadow of flowers" and is located 52 km from
Srinagar. Skiing is normally offered from mid-December to mid-May.
The JKSCCC has also proposed to construct chair lifts which will connect Kongdoori with Merry Shoulder peak for beginners and intermediate skiers. Gulmarg is being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games.
PLACE TIO VISIT
The main attraction here is the Gondola. Finished in 2004, it runs up to 3995 meters. A sight seeing trip to the top of the gondola will cost you Rs. 300 for Stage one and Rs. 800 for stage two(inclusive of the cost of Stage one) for a return trip; singles (for skiiers for example!) are half the price, with a day pass available for 1200rs. You can decide whether you wish to go to Stage two when you have reached stage one. Stage two is at a much higher elevation, right on the hill top and is clearly visible from the Gulmarg taxi stand. The hills visible from the top are said to be LOC and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (specifically Nanga Parbat and (supposedly) the very tip of K2)
WHAT TO DO
The main activity for a tourist in Gulmarg is snow skiing. One can enjoy skiing in the long and high slopes of the snowy mountain ranges and experience a difference.
The skiing season starts on the 25th of December and runs through to March, expect to pay 500Rs a day for ski/snowboard hire.
The weather is cold and it is necessary for the tourist to wear woollen clothes. Golfing, Sledging, and horse riding are other activities (best enjoyed in the summer). Gulmarg is likely to host the 2010 winter Olympics. And Major Tourist Attractions of Gulmarg are Alpather Lake , Baba Reshi Shrine , Gondola, Cable Car to Kongdor, Gulmarg Gold Golf , Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, Skiing ,St Marys church,
HOW TO REACH
Taxi from Airport to Gulmarg or Srinagar to Gulmarg should be 1,200 - 1,500 Rs. There is a sign with a currently posted price of 1,200 Rs. If there is heavy snow on the pass to Gulmarg, you may want to look for a taxi with good tires or chains.
