Monday, 31 October 2016
Tuesday, 25 October 2016
PARI MAHAL KASHMIR
 |
| Pari Mahal |
Pari Mahal is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Srinagar city which is sited on top of Zabarwan mountain range
which runs close to Dal Lake. This majestic seven terraced Mughal garden on top
of the hill overlooks Srinagar city, Tulip garden and the Dal Lake.
The term
Pari Mahal means “The Fairie’s Adobe” and it is also called as “Quntilon”. Pari
Mahal stands an outstanding example for the architectural excellence of Mughal
and how they mastered in the field of garden architecture during their reign.
The garden is very popular for its attractive plants and numerous fruit trees.
Currently state government of Jammu and Kashmir owns and manages the garden. Although
Pari Mahal boasted a large number of springs earlier, only a few can be seen
today. The mahal, on the spur of a hill, is illuminated at night and can be
seen from most places in Srinagar.
Pari Mahal was built by Mughal PrinceDara Shikoh who was the elder son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1650
AD. As per records the venue was initially a ruin of Buddhist Monastery which
was destroyed and erected as Pari Mahal by Prince Dara Shikoh. The venue was
used for teaching astronomy and astrology to the Prince by his teacher Mulla
Shah for whom this fairy palace was dedicated by Prince Dara Shikoh. It is also
said Pari Mahal is the actual location where Prince Dara Shikoh was killed by
his younger brother Prince Aurangazeb to win the power of Mughal reign.
The garden is located towards the South-west of the
famous Dal Lake.
 |
| DAL LAKE |
The Pari Mahal gardens are now the treasure possession of the
state.Pari Mahal is situated just above Chashma Shahi Gardens, about 10 km from
Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir .
Pari Mahal is a historic monument as well as a well-laid
spacious garden. Situated around a small spring, the garden has beautiful
flowering plants and various kinds of fruit. Pari Mahal is a seven terraced
garden with 122 m length and 62.5 m width which is built according to the
Mughal garden design. The seventh or the top terrace was used by Prince Dara
Shikoh for its teaching. The garden has no water falls to supply water to its
terraces so many water tanks with underground water pipeline connection were built to supply water to each terraces
through water tanks.The entrance of Pari Mahal is a typical Mughal style
entrance with an arch followed by a dome with a middle chamber. On both sides of the entrance
follows a row of extensive rooms. The top terrace has a huge water tank which gets
water from a spring. Currently the spring and many water tanks in the garden
have dried.
Architecture
The garden is located to the
southwest of the famous Dal lake on a hill top. The length and breadth of the
garden is 122 meters and 62.5 meters respectively.
The garden has six terraces
and there are no water cascades in the garden as other Mughal gardens usually
have. The water tanks of the garden are placed separately on the terraces of
the garden and underground pipes are used to fill these tanks. Many beautiful
ornamental plants flowers and fruit trees are grown in the garden with a spring
flowing in between.
Architecturally,
the third terrace of the garden has been constructed in a very interesting
manner. The garden has a typical Mughal style entrance that has an arch in its
front followed by a dome and a central chamber. The entrance of the garden is
located amidst the east wall. It is finely coated with the beautiful paint and
plaster. There is a series of large expansive rooms on either side of the
entrance. One room towards the north of the entrance is considered to be the
hammam or the royal bathing space. Pieces of water pipes can be seen coming out
from the domed ceiling of this room and it has a very well decorated interior.
There are two chambers towards the south of the entrance. But the purpose of
these chambers could not be depicted. Pipes are inserted in the ceilings of
these chambers. There is a possibility that the second chamber might have been
used as a kitchen as it has two pipes inserted at the ceiling
Timing
The timing of
PariMahal is from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The last entry is at 4:30 pm. On Fridays
the garden is closed.This terraced garden is an example of fine landscaping and
excellent location, which is why it interests photography lovers. You can click
photos of its beautiful lawns or capture the panorama of Dal Lake, Tulip Garden
and its encompassing mountains.Pari Mahal has always interested the Hindi film
industry and has been the shooting location of several Bollywood movies. Tum aagaye ho, the famous song from Sanjeev Kumar and
Suchitra Sen starrer Aandhi (1975),
was filmed here. Another Bollywood movie, Lamhaa (2010)
featured this beautiful place in two of its song sequences ( Madhno and Main kaun hoon). The movie starred popular actors like
Sanjay Dutt, Anupam Kher, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor.
The
architecture of the structure features Islamic architecture and styles of art
which prevailed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The
monument is located amid seven terraced beautiful gardens which add to the
beauty of the structure.
Best Time to
Visit
Heavy rainfall is experience during the winters. To
enjoy the lush green sight of the PariMahal, the best time is between April to
October
How to Reach Pari Mahal
Pari Mahal being the popular and historic tourist destination in Srinagar has a good transport network to facilitate its tourist. The Srinagar railway station is sited at just 19 km far from the garden and from there Pari Mahal can be reached in just 25 minutes. The Srinagar international airport is sited in just 22 km far from Pari Mahal from where it can be reached in just 30 minutes through any local transportation service.
Nearest Airport
Srinagar airport is the nearest airport. One can reach parimahal and Chashmashahi from the airport via road transport.
Nearest Railhead
The nearest railway station is the Udhampur Railway station located at 250 kilometers from Srinagar.
Roadways
The city of Srinagar is well connected to the nearby areas via well-established network of roads.
Nearest tourist destinations
# Shalimar Gardens
# Nishart Garden
# Dal Lake
# Char Chinar
# Dargah Hazratbal
# Botanical Garden
# Tulip Garden
Thursday, 20 October 2016
YOUSMARG
This is a beautiful green valley with tall trees and surrounded by snow capped mountains. This place is located at a distance of 50 KM from Srinagar. The road passes through different villages namely Nagbal, Kakavring, Batapora and others and apple gardens and it will take two hours to reach Yousmarg from Srinagar via Chadoora. Yousmarg, formerly known as Roosmarg or meadow of deer, is the flower strewn base camp meadow in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
While entering Yousmarg a small reservoir will be at your left side. Water from distance snow capped mountains gets stored here and works like a catch dam.
On the way or on return you can visit famous dargah at Charar e Sharief. This historical town is famous for the tomb of Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani.Charar e Sharief from political, social and economical upheavals, the Rishis or saints emerged with a sacred thoughts which gave comfortand mitigated the miseries of the people of valley. Nund Reshi was the patron of the Sufism in Kashmir who showed disinterest in worldly matters from childhood and renounced the world at an early age of 12 in search of divinity of God .
He was an illiterate Shiekh Noor-ud-Din Noorani RA popular as Nund Reshi or Alamdar-e- Kashmir was born in 1378 AD at Kaimoh, a village in Anantnag district. When the people of valley were suffering and yet spontaneously uttered concise and rhythmic verses called 'Shruks' which are considered of high value in Kashmiri literature. Every year urs is celebrated here. People from all faith visit this place. This is a beautiful town and you can get full view of the town from the road at top of the hill.
Other towns on the way are Chadoora & Nagam . There are different rout which passes through PakharPora, Cherari Pora and several other small villages.
Situated at a height of 7,500 feet above sea level, Yousmarg is bounded by magnificent trees and surrounded by towering Pir Panjal mountain range. Only a few years ago, Yousmarg began emerging as an attraction for tourists as its road connectivity was established with Srinagar.
As a starter, the plan is to build a four-kilometre long cable car from Yousmarg to Nilnag,. The survey for setting it up has already been and a detailed project report has been sent for approval before Forest Advisory Committee.
Yousmarg is the gateway to the cluster of meadows and valleys that surround it. It is a base camp for trekkers. A day-long trek from Yousmarg leads to a frozen lake in Sang-e-Safed, or the white rock, valley, located 10 km from Yousmarg bowl. A trek of four kilometres leads to Nilnag, a small lake with pristine water.
Another trekking route from Yousmarg ends up at three-mile long and 1.5-mile wide Tosa Maidan, a vast meadow which was formerly a firing range of the Army and is now being introduced to region’s tourism circuit.
The other venue for those who like to trek is by Doodh Ganga River. Bouncing and gargling over the sand and rocks, this river appears like white foam from which it derives its name.Doodh means “milk” and Ganga means “River”.
A lake called Nilnag is close to the hills, which is another well known spot. This hill consists of a number of peaks such as Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed.
Horse riding in the valley can be great fun, the ponywallas in Yousmarg have quite reasonable charges for a ride compared to other destinations. A visit in summer to a place like Yousmarg will positively be cherished by every one in a group. Yousmarg is suitable for young couples, as it is quietest place out of all tourist destinations. Last few years of large tourist inflow into Kashmir valley has seen the diversification of tourism to this wonderful destination. Most of the travel agents include Yousmarg as one day trip in their packages.
Local buses ply from Srinagar to Chare-e-Sherif and from Chare-e-Sherif to Yousmarg, tourists are advised to hire a taxi from Srinagar or take the assistance of a travel agent.
Since Yousmarg is not so crowded like other tourist destinations, accommodation here is available at JKTDC Tourist Bungalows & Hutments and also at some private hotels. The trekkers are advised to carry tents and other necessary food items for the stay.
Attractions
Charar-i-Sharif
One of the most renowned shrines of India, Charar-i-Sharif is a must visit for a tourist to Yusmarg. This is a 600-year-old Muslim shrine located at a distance of about 30 km from Srinagar. This shrine was constructed to honour Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani. He was a Sufi saint known for his preaching .It was Noorani who started Rishism in the valley, which later came to be known as Rishi Mat . He taught lessons of communal harmony and tolerance among people. The whole town of Charar-i-sharief got burnt down in 1995 during the fierce encounter between Indian troops and Mujahideen (Including Major Mast Gul). An estimated 800 residential houses, 500 Shops and many other non-residential structures were gutted in this fire The 1995 fire episode engulfed the 700-year-old shrine and Historical Khaniqah.
Tosa Maidan
Tosa Maidan is a famous pasture bounded by dense forests. It is situated about 10 km from Khag in the mountainous regions of the Himalayan range. High towering deodars fence this pasture presenting a view of a green carpet during summer. During summer, the camps of Gujjar community and shepherds graze their sheep in this pasture to present a spellbinding look. The fresh fragrance of wild flowers refreshes the environment.
Sang-e-Safed
At a convenient distance of 10 km from Yousmarg, one can go for trekking to Sang-e-Safed, which makes white rocks. This is the base for Mt. Tatakoti. On the way, there are many meadows like Liddermad, where one could have a night's halt. Sang-e-Safed is an oval-shaped meadow divided by Doodh Ganga stream. Mornings and evenings are extremely stimulating here.
Nilnag Lake
Nilnag is a high altitude lake nestled amidst dense pine forest. The blue water of this sparkling lake and the picturesque surrounding towering pine trees and snow-capped mountains amplify the natural beauty of the region, whereas Nilnag plays a great role in invigoration and providing peace of mind.
The articulate language of nature could not be more pure than in Nilnag. Being an asset of thriving Jammu & Kashmir tourism, the lake renders options to relax before heading for further rigorous trekking expeditions. Reckoned as an idyllic Yousmarg tourist place to visit, Nilnag is a reflection of the sheer beauty of Kashmir.
Burga
Burga is a virgin valley situated 14 km from the town of Yusmarg. It is a group of meadows where nature looks its best and one tends to get lost in its scenic beauty. It is situated on the southwest side of Yusmarg and takes almost two and a half hours by horse ride.
Drugdolen
Drugdolen lies between Yusmarg and Burga. It is another plain valley is surrounded by sedimentary rocks. It takes one hour from the base camp of Yusmarg by horse to reach there. The silence prevailing at Drugdolen gives peace and solace to the mind.
How to Reach
By Air
The closest airport is Srinagar airport at a distance of 45km from Yousmarg.
By Road
Tourists who are keen to reach this place can take a taxi from Srinagar.
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
Gulmarg
GULMARG
Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful places that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers”. Gulmarg, is located at about 60 km from Srinagar in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir which is one and half hour journey by car. Gulmarg is situated at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level. During the colonial rule over India, the British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927. Gulmarg attracts various tourists due to its natural beauty. Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its existence with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the back drop. A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.
Gulmarg is also the Asia's only heli skiing resort. There are immense beauty and adventure activities that make Gulmarg much more than a cool hill resort. It is a convenient base for treks to the Himalayas and also offers various winter sports facilities to the tourists. Gulmarg can be visited throughout the year. The winter months from November to February are ideal for skiing. The natural slopes here are untouched and prove to be a challenge to ace skiers. Besides the scenic side to Gulmarg, winter time in Gulmarg is a season of festivities and winter sports. The months from May to September are pleasant to visit the place.
One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world.
The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds. A ride on a gondola is a must for tourists visiting the town. It offers a panoramic view of Gulmarg, Kongdori, and Apharwat. The ride is divided into two phases: the first goes from Gulmarg to Kongdori and the second continues from Kongdori to Apharwat. Tourists can enjoy horse Riding and can go riding to the magnificent “Strawberry Valley” , “Leopards Valley” and ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar”. Gulmarg is also home to one of the highest golf courses in the world.
Skiing on the slopes of snow covered hills of Gulmarg is a favorite activity among the visitors. It is a globally renowned ski destination and was ranked the fourth best ski destination in Asia by CNN International in 2011.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
Gulmarg experiences three different seasons in a year: Summer, Winter and Monsoon. Summer usually begins in March and continues till May. The hill station experiences a minimum of 13 degrees and a maximum of 29 degrees during this span of time. With the entire valley in its most gracious form, it attracts a large number of tourists during this period
Monsoon usually starts by the end of July and continues till late August. The region do not experience heavy rainfall and can also be visited during this season. On the other hand, winters in Gulmarg begins by November and continues till early March. The advent of the winters bring in an essence of wanderlust and also makes Gulmarg a paradise for all sorts of winter sports. Mostly known with the skiers, the Aphawat Peak is one of the most attractive points in Gulmarg. Located within a close proximity to the scenic Alpathar Lake, this peak is around 13km from the hill station and can be easily reached. While during the winters, the peak remains cosseted with an enchanting blanket of snow, summers bring in a different grandeur. During this part of the year, the peak showcases the many different shades of the nature and wears one of its best looks.
The best season for skiing in Gulmarg is from November to February. Asia's one of the most famous Heli-skiing resort is at Gulmarg, Kashmir. The skis, sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, caps and various other equipments and the Ski instructors are easily available in Gulmarg. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and 10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. Neither does one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The gentlest slope of 200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up. When one graduates to intermediate level - which will happen after the first few days of practice, there are other slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run of 2,213m.
Tourist attractions in Gulmarg
Following are Popular Sightseeing spots in Gulmarg:
Gondola Lift : .Built by the French company Pomagalski, the Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest in the world reaching 3,979 meters. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (12293 ft). A chair lift system connects Kongdoori with Mary’s shoulder for taking skiers to higher altitude. The high inflow of tourists has had an effect on the fragile eco-system of Gulmarg and activists have demanded tightened regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism.
Gulmarg Golf Course:
More than a golf course, it is a dream destination for the golfers.
Whether a golfer or not, a visit to this remarkable site is a must in the Gulmarg itinerary. Measuring around 7,505 yards and perched at a height 2,650m, the golf course is tucked away amidst lush and evergreen thickets, this also makes it one of the most gorgeous courses in the world. There is also a green 18-hole golf course in Gulmarg which is also the world's highest golf course. One can also hire the golf sets from Gulmarg. The Golf Club offers short term memberships to the players. Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long walks .
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves :
The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.
Ferozpore Nallah :
Reached from the Tangmarg road, or from the Outer Circular Walk, this mountain stream meets the Bahan River at a popular picnic spot known as 'waters meet'. The stream is reputed to be particularly good for trout fishing; it's about five km down the valley from Gulmarg but quite close to Tangmarg. The river can be reached by walking 3-km down the path from the gap near Tangmarg and then heading south through the forest, down a slope towards the stream.Near here there is a bridge which leads to the small waters meet picnic spot on the right bank. Looking south from Tangmarg the river can be traced up to its source close to the rugged peak known as Ferozpore or Shinmahinyu. On the right bank the stream branches, the left path leading to Tosa Maidan, while the right bends away towards the Gogaldara road at a second bridge, about 32-km upstream, and then leads away to the Ferozpore pass, Poonch and Kantar Nag.
Alpather Lake :
Beyond Khilanmarg, 13-km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4, 511 metre Apharwat peaks, this lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the year one can see lumps of ice floating in its cold waters. Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. The walk from Gulmarg follows a well-graded Pony track over the 3, 810 metre Apharwat ridge, separating it from Khilanmarg, and then up the valley to the lake. The more adventurous trekkers can climb straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the ridge and descend the other side to the path.
Khilanmarg :
The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley. It's a 600-metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the hill. This smaller valley is about a 6-km walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley.The valley is famous for its meadows covered with flowers during spring and excellent ski runs during winter. It also offers a great view of the peaks surrounding the region. On a clear day, it is possible to see Nanga Parbat from here.
Shrine Of Baba Reshi / Ziarat Of Baba Reshi :
The Ziarat, or tomb, is of a well-known Muslim saint who died here in 1480. Before renouncing worldly ways he was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin. Every year thousands of devotees visit this shrine regardless of the faith they believe in. This Muslim shrine is on the slopes below Gulmarg and can be reached from either Gulmarg or Tangmarg.
The Ningli Nallah : Flowing from the melting snow and ice on Apharwat and the Alpather Lake, this pretty mountain stream is 8-km from Gulmarg. The stream continues down into the valley below and joins the Jhelum River near Sopur. This long, grassy valley is a popular. This long, grassy valley is a popular picnic spot and the walking path carries on, crossing the Ningli (also spelt as Ningle) Nallah by a bridge and continues on to the Khilenmarg, another grassy meadow and a good spot for camping. In early summer one will probably share the campsites with Gujars moving their herds up to the high meadows A dazzling piece of beauty amidst the snow clad hills and mountains of Gulmarg, Ningle Nallah is located around 10km from the hill station. Lush and deciduous pine forests, colourful patches of grasslands around the stream and the fascinating hills jotting the stream makes it a must visit place in Gulmarg.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air:
Gulmarg is in Baramula District and is 60-kms from Srinagar District . The nearest Airport from here is situated in Budgam District, which is well connected with all the major cities of the country.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Udhampur.
By Road: The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approximately 2 hours in bus and may take short time by chartered conveyance. The road to Gulmarg is very beautiful. All sorts of transport are available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batamallo and from private transport operators.
Things to do in Gulmarg
§ Cable Car Ride or the Gulmarg Gondola
§ Trekking
§ Skiing at Khilanmarg
§ Golfing
§ Sightseeing
§ Local Shopping
§ Attend Snow Festival
§ Winter sports
Other Nearby Tourist Attractions
§ Srinagar (50km)
§ Khilanmarg (6km)
§ Tangmarg (13km)
§ Palhalan (42km)
§ Sonmarg (126km)
§ Yousmarg (105)
Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful places that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers”. Gulmarg, is located at about 60 km from Srinagar in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir which is one and half hour journey by car. Gulmarg is situated at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level. During the colonial rule over India, the British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927. Gulmarg attracts various tourists due to its natural beauty. Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its existence with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the back drop. A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.
Gulmarg is also the Asia's only heli skiing resort. There are immense beauty and adventure activities that make Gulmarg much more than a cool hill resort. It is a convenient base for treks to the Himalayas and also offers various winter sports facilities to the tourists. Gulmarg can be visited throughout the year. The winter months from November to February are ideal for skiing. The natural slopes here are untouched and prove to be a challenge to ace skiers. Besides the scenic side to Gulmarg, winter time in Gulmarg is a season of festivities and winter sports. The months from May to September are pleasant to visit the place.
One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world.
The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds. A ride on a gondola is a must for tourists visiting the town. It offers a panoramic view of Gulmarg, Kongdori, and Apharwat. The ride is divided into two phases: the first goes from Gulmarg to Kongdori and the second continues from Kongdori to Apharwat. Tourists can enjoy horse Riding and can go riding to the magnificent “Strawberry Valley” , “Leopards Valley” and ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar”. Gulmarg is also home to one of the highest golf courses in the world.
Skiing on the slopes of snow covered hills of Gulmarg is a favorite activity among the visitors. It is a globally renowned ski destination and was ranked the fourth best ski destination in Asia by CNN International in 2011.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
Gulmarg experiences three different seasons in a year: Summer, Winter and Monsoon. Summer usually begins in March and continues till May. The hill station experiences a minimum of 13 degrees and a maximum of 29 degrees during this span of time. With the entire valley in its most gracious form, it attracts a large number of tourists during this period
Monsoon usually starts by the end of July and continues till late August. The region do not experience heavy rainfall and can also be visited during this season. On the other hand, winters in Gulmarg begins by November and continues till early March. The advent of the winters bring in an essence of wanderlust and also makes Gulmarg a paradise for all sorts of winter sports. Mostly known with the skiers, the Aphawat Peak is one of the most attractive points in Gulmarg. Located within a close proximity to the scenic Alpathar Lake, this peak is around 13km from the hill station and can be easily reached. While during the winters, the peak remains cosseted with an enchanting blanket of snow, summers bring in a different grandeur. During this part of the year, the peak showcases the many different shades of the nature and wears one of its best looks.
The best season for skiing in Gulmarg is from November to February. Asia's one of the most famous Heli-skiing resort is at Gulmarg, Kashmir. The skis, sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, caps and various other equipments and the Ski instructors are easily available in Gulmarg. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and 10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. Neither does one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The gentlest slope of 200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up. When one graduates to intermediate level - which will happen after the first few days of practice, there are other slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run of 2,213m.
Tourist attractions in Gulmarg
Following are Popular Sightseeing spots in Gulmarg:
Gondola Lift : .Built by the French company Pomagalski, the Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest in the world reaching 3,979 meters. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (12293 ft). A chair lift system connects Kongdoori with Mary’s shoulder for taking skiers to higher altitude. The high inflow of tourists has had an effect on the fragile eco-system of Gulmarg and activists have demanded tightened regulation to save the environment of the area from over tourism.
Gulmarg Golf Course:
More than a golf course, it is a dream destination for the golfers.
Whether a golfer or not, a visit to this remarkable site is a must in the Gulmarg itinerary. Measuring around 7,505 yards and perched at a height 2,650m, the golf course is tucked away amidst lush and evergreen thickets, this also makes it one of the most gorgeous courses in the world. There is also a green 18-hole golf course in Gulmarg which is also the world's highest golf course. One can also hire the golf sets from Gulmarg. The Golf Club offers short term memberships to the players. Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long walks .Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves :
The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.
Ferozpore Nallah :
Reached from the Tangmarg road, or from the Outer Circular Walk, this mountain stream meets the Bahan River at a popular picnic spot known as 'waters meet'. The stream is reputed to be particularly good for trout fishing; it's about five km down the valley from Gulmarg but quite close to Tangmarg. The river can be reached by walking 3-km down the path from the gap near Tangmarg and then heading south through the forest, down a slope towards the stream.Near here there is a bridge which leads to the small waters meet picnic spot on the right bank. Looking south from Tangmarg the river can be traced up to its source close to the rugged peak known as Ferozpore or Shinmahinyu. On the right bank the stream branches, the left path leading to Tosa Maidan, while the right bends away towards the Gogaldara road at a second bridge, about 32-km upstream, and then leads away to the Ferozpore pass, Poonch and Kantar Nag.
Alpather Lake :
Beyond Khilanmarg, 13-km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4, 511 metre Apharwat peaks, this lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the year one can see lumps of ice floating in its cold waters. Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. The walk from Gulmarg follows a well-graded Pony track over the 3, 810 metre Apharwat ridge, separating it from Khilanmarg, and then up the valley to the lake. The more adventurous trekkers can climb straight up the boulder-strewn slope of the ridge and descend the other side to the path.
Khilanmarg :
The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley. It's a 600-metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the hill. This smaller valley is about a 6-km walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley.The valley is famous for its meadows covered with flowers during spring and excellent ski runs during winter. It also offers a great view of the peaks surrounding the region. On a clear day, it is possible to see Nanga Parbat from here.
Shrine Of Baba Reshi / Ziarat Of Baba Reshi :
The Ziarat, or tomb, is of a well-known Muslim saint who died here in 1480. Before renouncing worldly ways he was a courtier of the Kashmir King Zain-ul-Abidin. Every year thousands of devotees visit this shrine regardless of the faith they believe in. This Muslim shrine is on the slopes below Gulmarg and can be reached from either Gulmarg or Tangmarg.
The Ningli Nallah : Flowing from the melting snow and ice on Apharwat and the Alpather Lake, this pretty mountain stream is 8-km from Gulmarg. The stream continues down into the valley below and joins the Jhelum River near Sopur. This long, grassy valley is a popular. This long, grassy valley is a popular picnic spot and the walking path carries on, crossing the Ningli (also spelt as Ningle) Nallah by a bridge and continues on to the Khilenmarg, another grassy meadow and a good spot for camping. In early summer one will probably share the campsites with Gujars moving their herds up to the high meadows A dazzling piece of beauty amidst the snow clad hills and mountains of Gulmarg, Ningle Nallah is located around 10km from the hill station. Lush and deciduous pine forests, colourful patches of grasslands around the stream and the fascinating hills jotting the stream makes it a must visit place in Gulmarg.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air:
Gulmarg is in Baramula District and is 60-kms from Srinagar District . The nearest Airport from here is situated in Budgam District, which is well connected with all the major cities of the country.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Udhampur.
By Road: The journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes approximately 2 hours in bus and may take short time by chartered conveyance. The road to Gulmarg is very beautiful. All sorts of transport are available to Gulmarg from Srinagar bus stand at Batamallo and from private transport operators.
Things to do in Gulmarg
§ Cable Car Ride or the Gulmarg Gondola
§ Trekking
§ Skiing at Khilanmarg
§ Golfing
§ Sightseeing
§ Local Shopping
§ Attend Snow Festival
§ Winter sports
Other Nearby Tourist Attractions
§ Srinagar (50km)
§ Khilanmarg (6km)
§ Tangmarg (13km)
§ Palhalan (42km)
§ Sonmarg (126km)
§ Yousmarg (105)
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