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Gulmarg
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a hill resort of repute, not only for its beauty and prime location
but also as being the highest natural golf course of the world, situated at an
altitude of 2890 m. Hub of activity from mid-December to March, Gulmarg is an
enviable winter sports resort with all the equipment and training facilities available
for skiing, tobo-ganning, ski-bobbing and paragliding along with a T-bar lift,
a chair lift and three modern ski-lifts.
53 km from Srinagar, Gulmarg is known as the meadow of flowers and was once a
favorite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who collected 21 different varieties of wild
flowers from here. It is the best Ski resort in the country and maintains the
high-quality service. It also holds a position as one of the highest lift served
Ski resorts in the world. It is the first place to offer heli-skiing in Asia,
where a helicopter takes one to the chosen peak from where one can choose one's
own descent route. Sledges and snow cycles are also popular here during winters
and trekking opportunities here are numerous.
The 18-hole Gulmarg Golf Club is in existence for 100 years and was established
by Sir Neville Chamberlain. The Clubhouse, with its sloping roof, has a rare character.
Golfing holidays here during summers are popular in this lush green bowl covered
with a variety of alpine flowers with snow fed streams and rivulets passing through
it.
Apharwat Lake is frozen until mid-June and even after that, one can see ice floating
in the river. For the more adventurous trekkers, climbing straight up the boulder-strewn
slope of the ridge and descending on the other side to the path is a thrilling
exercise. For those who love horse riding, Alpather Lake makes an exciting excursion
for a day, starting early morning and returning late evening.
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. Horses
can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office.
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.
Skiing & Winter Sports
Some of the best slopes in the country for beginners and intermediate skiers are
available at Gulmarg. Skiing equipment is available on hire from the Ski-Shop.
In winter Gulmarg's natural slopes and inclines turn into the country’s premier
skiing resort. Not all tourists who visit in winter come for skiing - some simply
are there to watch the skiing or to enjoy a holiday in the snow. Many of these
are infected with the excitement of the skiers, and have donned their first pair
of skis within a short while of their arrival.
Among the multitudes of slopes, there are a few which are serviced by ski lifts.
Most of the skiing becomes centred on these slopes, which are specially suited
to beginners and intermediate level skiers, with ski runs ranging from 200 m to
3kms, instructors are available for both levels.
As in the summer, when each individual sets his own pace for a holiday, so also
in winter, skiing can be as adventurous as the holidaymaker can want. There are
a number of slopes, not serviced by ski lifts, of varying lengths and gradients.
Each of these is quieter than the immensely popular ones with skilifts. Advanced
skiers often trek in the snow for several hours to the very top of Apharwat peak,
to make a descent lasting no more than 30 minutes. And now, with the operation
of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car, it has become all the more convenient for skiing
enthusiasts, as they can gain a ski run of nearly 3 kms with the help of this
cable car which goes up to Kongdori.
There are a host of snow sports at Gulmarg at this time of the year. Tobogganing,
the most popular among them requires no skill. No skill is required - a flat wooden
board is taken up the hill and is allowed to descend downhill. There are also
snow scooters and snow bobbing, neither requiring special skills.
Where to Stay List of Hotels in Gulmarg
