Gulmarg Tour: Explore the “Meadow of Flowers” in Kashmir

Your Gulmarg Tour Start when you reach gulmarg ,Gulmarg lies in the Pir Panjal Range, within a cup-shaped valley. Originally, it was called Gaurimarg, or “the Fair One,” by local herdsmen in honor of the Hindu goddess Parvati. It sits at an elevation of 2,730 meters (8,957 feet). However, in the 16th century, Sultan Yusuf Shah of the Chak Dynasty renamed it Gulmarg, meaning “Meadow of Flowers.” Additionally, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir visited the valley and gathered 21 types of wildflowers for his garden here, further contributing to its fame.

Gulmarg Ski Resort: Discover Winter Sports and Adventure in Kashmir

Today, Gulmarg is well-known for skiing. After India’s independence, planners sought to develop a winter sports hub. In 1960, Rudy Matt, invited by the Government of India’s Bureau of Tourism, selected Gulmarg as the ideal location for a winter resort. Subsequently, in 1968, the Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering opened to train ski instructors. Over the next decade, India invested 30 million rupees (about $480,000) to transform Gulmarg into a premier ski destination. In the 1980s, French skier Sylvain Sudan, in partnership with the Himalaya Heli-Ski Club of France, introduced Heli-Skiing, further enhancing the resort’s appeal.

Gulmarg Gondola: Ride the World’s Second-Highest Cable Car for Spectacular Views

In addition to its skiing reputation, Gulmarg was considered as a venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games. CNN International also ranked it as Asia’s seventh-best ski destination. Furthermore, the Gulmarg Gondola, the world’s second-highest cable car after the closure of the Merida Cable Car in Venezuela, stands as a major attraction. The gondola has two stages: the first reaches Kongdori (8,530 feet), while the second stage takes visitors to Affarwat Peak (13,780 feet). As of January 15, 2025, the cost for the first stage is Rs 810 per adult, while the second stage costs Rs 1,010, bringing the total cost to Rs 1,820 per adult. Please note that prices may fluctuate in the future.

Top Things to Do in Gulmarg: Explore Attractions, Activities, and Cultural Sites

Moreover, on our Gulmarg tour visitors can enjoy snow activities and breathtaking views at Kongdori and Affarwat. Additionally, tourists can experience the life of the Himalayan Gujjar Family, particularly during the summer months. Another notable attraction is the Rani Temple, built in 1915 by Maharaja Hari Singh’s wife, Rani Mohini Bai Sisodhia. The temple, also known as the Shiv or Maharani Temple, stands on a hill and is visible from all directions. It is one of the most important religious sites in Gulmarg and a lasting reminder of the Dogra kingdom.

Authored by:
Imran Khan