Gulmarg Tour Packages

1. About Gulmarg
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Gulmarg
4. Our Best Budget Gulmarg Tour Packages
5. Gulmarg At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Gulmarg
7. Best Time To Visit Gulmarg
8. Top Things To Do In Gulmarg
9. Top Places To Visit Near Gulmarg
10. Shopping In Gulmarg
11. Dos and Don’ts While Travelling To Gulmarg
12. Foods To Try Out In Gulmarg
13. Art And Culture In Gulmarg

The name of the town ‘Gulmarg’ comes from the combination of two Persian words, wherein ‘gul’ means ‘flowers’ and ‘marg’ means ‘meadow’. The shepherds had previously named the town ‘Gaurimarg’, meaning ‘the fair one’, to honour Goddess Parvati. It was then renamed by Yousuf Shah Chak, who often visited the region during the 16th century with Habina Khatoun, his mistress. It’s said that Jahangir, the Mughal emperor, collected 21 different varieties of wildflowers for his gardens from Gulmarg. The town emerged as a prominent hill station during British rule. The rich skiing history, for which Gulmarg is known, can be traced back to the 20th century. Two British Army Officers, namely Major Hadow and Major Metcarp, were responsible for setting up the Ski Club of India in Gulmarg in 1927.

• The Gulmarg Gondola is the highest cable car in Asia and the world’s second-largest and second-highest cable car project.
• Gulmarg served as a British summer retreat during the 19th century.
• Yousuf Shah Chak, who was the ruler of Kashmir from 1579 to 1586 AD, gave the town its current name due to the many wildflowers he encountered in the region.
• Gulmarg is known as the ‘meadow of flowers’, and this title was given to the town by Yousuf Shah Chak.
• Numerous scenes of various Bollywood movies have been shot in Gulmarg, such as Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Haider, and Fanaa.

• The railway station located closest to Gulmarg is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT), situated about 290 km away from the town.
• The airport located nearest to Gulmarg is the Srinagar International Airport (SXR).
• Tourists could experience connectivity issues in some areas, causing online payments to fail, which is why it’s important to carry sufficient cash.
• Women are required to wear a headscarf while visiting holy places or religious institutions.
• Remember that prepaid SIM cards from outside of Jammu and Kashmir don’t work due to security reasons, which is why you will have to buy a local SIM card during your trip.
• The town often experiences power cuts, which is why it’s imperative to carry a power bank.
• Due to the elevated height of Gulmarg, you could experience altitude sickness in certain areas. Hence, carry the necessary medication.

The following are some of the top reasons to book our Gulmarg tour packages:

There is a reason why Gulmarg has been given the title of the ‘meadow of flowers’, and it’s because of the mesmerising natural landscapes it welcomes visitors with. From snow-clad mountains and frozen lakes to valleys and meadows, the natural beauty of Gulmarg will leave you craving for more.

Getting to taste Kashmiri cuisine has to be one of the top reasons of grabbing our Gulmarg tour packages. Having Indian, Mughal, Persian, and Central Asian influences, Kashmiri food has a healthy mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Make sure to taste the crowd favourites, such as rogan josh, yakhni lamb curry, goshtaba, dum aloo, and modur pulao.

The markets of Gulmarg are a reflection of the Kashmiri culture. There is a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts that you can pick up for yourself and your friends and family members. Right from soft pashmina shawls and intricate Kashmiri carpets to delicious Kashmiri tea and detailed wooden objects, there is so much to explore at these bazaars.

Did you know that Gulmarg is ranked as the 5th best ski destination in Asia? Yes, that’s how highly rated the town is in terms of skiing. It’s surely among the best spots to enjoy skiing in the country. In addition to skiing, there are other outdoor adventures and winter-based activities to enjoy in Gulmarg. This includes trekking, snowboarding, and sledging.

The best part about visiting a region as heavenly as Jammu and Kashmir is that it’s populated with towns and areas that look like they have come alive out of a postcard. When you explore the ‘meadow of flowers’ with our Gulmarg tour packages, you can also opt for several scenic, quick getaways. Some of the places to escape to include Srinagar, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Yusmarg.

Let’s take a look at what each season in Gulmarg is like so you can accordingly decide when to book GT Holidays’ Gulmarg tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature in Gulmarg oscillates between 13 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius. With the temperature being slightly higher than usual during this period and the sunlight settling comfortably on your face, Gulmarg welcomes visitors with pleasantness during the summer months. This is the ideal period to go sightseeing and participate in adventure sports. You won’t be surrounded by snow at this point, as the town is engulfed in blooming flowers, rolling meadows, and lush greenery. The waterfalls, lakes, valleys, and mountains of Gulmarg are a joy to witness during this time. This is when you can explore the popular attractions, such as the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Gulmarg Golf Course, Khilanmarg, and Children’s Park. Since this is the peak tourist season, we recommend you book our Gulmarg tour packages in advance to avail the best options. Despite the summer season, make sure to pack warm clothes as well because of Gulmarg’s elevated height.

The temperature in Gulmarg during the monsoon season usually fluctuates between 18 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. This is not the ideal time to engage in outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking for discounted deals and fewer crowds, then you might want to check out our Gulmarg tour packages for this season. Make sure to carry umbrellas, gumboots and rainproof/windproof clothes.

In Gulmarg, the temperature during the winter months remains between -4 degrees Celsius and 11 degrees Celsius. Although the freezing temperatures may not be bearable for everyone, many like to visit the town at this time to witness the winter wonderland it transforms into. Gulmarg is enveloped in snow by December, and heavy snowfall usually occurs from early January to mid-February. This is when travellers like to participate in winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.

If you decide to book our Gulmarg tour packages for the winter season, check the weather forecast in advance, as snowstorms can cause road blockages. Be careful, as excessive snowfall can also cause connectivity issues. Pack plenty of woollen items, including mufflers, scarves, and gloves. Remember to carry snow boots, waterproof and windproof jackets, and thermals.

Booking GT Holidays’ Gulmarg tour packages enables you to visit the many popular tourist attractions in the town and engage in all the adventurous activities Gulmarg has to offer. Listed below are some of the spots to visit with your family and the activities to partake in:

The Gulmarg Gondola is renowned for being the highest cable car in Asia. It also holds the title of being the world’s second-largest and second-highest cable car project. This cable ride is divided into two phases. The first phase takes passengers from Gulmarg to Kongdori and lasts for about nine minutes. The second phase takes you from Kongdori to Apharwat and lasts for approximately 12 minutes. The two-stage ropeway system carries about 600 people per hour to and from Kongdoori Mountain. The Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is the longest ski slope in Asia and is perched at a height of 14,403 feet.

The Alpather Lake in Gulmarg is located at a height of about 4,390 metres. It’s also known as the ‘Frozen Lake’ as the lake remains frozen for most of the year, particularly from November to mid-June. Situated on the foothills of the Apharwat Peaks, tourists can reach this lake through the Gulmarg Gondola ride. Another interesting way to get to the lake is through a trek that starts from the Gondola Phase 2 station in Gulmarg. The latter is the one mostly preferred by adventure enthusiasts.

The Gulmarg Golf Course is renowned for being the world’s second-highest green golf course. Perched at an altitude of 2,650 metres above sea level, it was founded by the British during the late 19th century. The very first golf championship was played at this location in 1922. The introduction of the Nedou’s Cup took place in 1929. It was redesigned in 1970 by Peter Thomson, who then turned it into the Gulmarg Golf Club.

The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, which is located 48 km away from Srinagar, houses an impressive array of rare and endangered animals and plants. Sprawled over an area of 180 sq km, some of the wildlife you can spot at this location include black bear, brown bear, leopards, musk deer, and hanguls. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, and the best months for birdwatching at the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve are from March to May.

The Strawberry Valley is situated about 4 km away from the centre of Gulmarg. The best time to visit the Strawberry Valley is from March to June, which is when you can witness the harvesting season. This is when you will get to feast your eyes on the strawberries and witness their beauty in full bloom. Make sure to savour the freshest batch of strawberries when you visit this place with our Gulmarg tour packages.

The St. Mary’s Church in Gulmarg is a Roman Catholic church that was built during the British rule in 1902. Designed in a Victorian style of architecture, the church features a green roof, wooden interior walls, and was constructed using grey brick. The church was closed for a considerable period of time, after which it was renovated in 2003, and in the same year, a Christmas mass was conducted after a gap of 14 years.

The Maharani Temple in Gulmarg, also known as the Shiva Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was commissioned to be built in 1915 by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia. An interesting feature of the temple is that all the rituals at this temple are conducted by a Muslim priest. The temple is also popular as this is where the famous Bollywood song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from the movie “Aap Ki Kasam” was shot.

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Gondola ride
• Trekking
• Golfing
• Sledging

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and also the region’s largest city. It houses some of the most beloved attractions of this union territory, including Dal Lake, which is often called the ‘jewel in the crown of Kashmir’. It’s the second-largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir and gives tourists the opportunity to enjoy houseboat stays and shikara rides. The city has several places of religious significance that you can visit with our Gulmarg tour packages, including the Shankaracharya Temple, Durga Nag Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine. Some of the other spots to explore in Srinagar include the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Hari Parbat Fort.

Imagine being welcomed by blue skies and snowy mountains; that’s the hill station of Sonamarg for you. The name ‘Sonamarg’ translates to ‘meadow of gold’, giving you an idea of the deep natural beauty it holds. Perched at a height of about 2,730 meters above sea level, it’s situated in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Glaciers and lakes add to the charm of this quaint hill station, with the most popular one being the Thajiwas Glacier. This is where you can participate in adventures, such as pony rides, sledging, and hiking. It’s also a known spot among trekkers due to the highly coveted Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. When you explore Sonamarg with our Gulmarg tour packages, remember to also visit the Zoji La Pass, Gadsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, and Vishansar Lake.

Bollywood has always had a love for snow-covered mountains, lush valleys, and vast meadows, which is why it’s not surprising that so many Bollywood movies have used Pahalgam as one of their locations. This includes movies like Haider, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Silsila, and Laila Majnu. The town of Pahalgam is situated about 45 km away from the city of Anantnag, at an altitude of about 2,130 metres above sea level. The name of the town translates to ‘village of shepherds’ in the Kashmiri language. It has been given the title of the ‘valley of shepherds’ because of the nomadic shepherd communities who once lived in Pahalgam, such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals. Pahalgam serves as the base camp of the Amarnath Yatra. Some of the places to visit in the hill station with our Gulmarg tour packages are the Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, Mamleshwar Temple, Hajan Valley, and Chandanwari.

Did you know that there is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir known as the ‘Meadow of Jesus’ since the region’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community believes that Jesus visited or passed through the area? This hill station, situated in the Badgam district, is known as Yusmarg. It serves as the point of initiation for numerous trekking trails, including the Sunset Peak Trek, Tatakooti Peak Trek, Danizab Meadow Trek, and Silent Meadows Trek. A unique spot to visit in Yusmarg is the Doodh Ganga River (translating to ‘the River of Milk), which is famous for its milky white waters. The other places to explore in Yusmarg with our Gulmarg tour packages include the Nilnag Lake, Charar-e- Sharif Dargah, Sang-e-Safed Valley, and Pakherpora Shrine.

Jammu and Kashmir has some of the most diverse souvenirs for tourists to choose from, all of which you can explore in Gulmarg. Here are some of the best things to buy and the best markets to visit with our Gulmarg tour packages:

If we could recommend just one thing for you to buy from Gulmarg, it has to be a pashmina shawl. The term ‘pashmina’ comes from the Persian word ‘pashm’, which means ‘wool’. Derived from the fine wool of Changthangi goats, also known as pashmina goats or Changra goats, these shawls are famous worldwide for their intricate craftsmanship and incredibly soft material. The animals from whom the wool is derived are native to the region of Ladakh, which was once a part of Jammu and Kashmir. Available in dynamic colours, pashmina shawls are lightweight and have a cosy texture. The reason that adds to their opulent nature is that these were mainly worn by nobility and royalty once upon a time.

Searching for Kashmiri souvenirs that will add to the beauty of your home? Then we suggest checking out the Kashmiri carpets in Gulmarg. Made using silk or wool, these carpets are hand-knotted, with designs inspired by nature, Persian motifs, and Mughal art. The hand-knotting technique used to make these carpets is what makes them stronger and more durable. These brightly coloured Kashmiri carpets are famous for their intricate craftsmanship and delicate designs.

Among the Kashmiri handicrafts to buy during your trip, one of the most sought-after ones is the wooden objects made from walnut wood. These also serve as perfect gifts to get for your loved ones. The skilled craftsmen who make these objects use the wood only when the tree turns 300 years old. Some of the wooden items to grab from Gulmarg are jewellery boxes, lamps, trays, bowls, and candelabras.

As a tea lover, you may have tried various kinds of tea, such as black tea, milk tea, chamomile tea, and so on. However, have you ever tried Kashmiri tea? If not, then you must get your hands on it during your holiday with our Gulmarg tour packages. The first kind to try out is the Kashmiri kahwa, which is a traditional Kashmiri green tea made using spices such as saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. The second type is called noon chai or ‘pink tea’. This kind of tea is made using gunpowder tea, baking soda, milk, and salt. Sugar is optional in Kashmir’s noon chai.

A Persian artist named Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani was responsible for introducing the art of papier mache to Kashmir back in the 14th century. These products are made using paper pulp, with the paper pulp being moulded into different shapes and sizes. Such papier mache souvenirs are usually decorated with birds, floral motifs, and geometric patterns.

Given the variety of spices used in Kashmiri cuisine, it’s not surprising that tourists like to load up on spices during their trip to this heavenly location. The most popular spice to buy in Gulmarg has to be saffron since Kashmir is the leading producer of saffron in India. Other spices to buy from this region include Kashmiri red chilli powder, garam masala, asafoetida, and fennel powder.

Kashmiri jewellery gained immense popularity on social media, owing to its unique appearance and eclectic designs. You can buy such pieces of Kashmiri jewellery during your trip to Gulmarg. One of the best kinds of traditional jewellery to buy from the region is meenakari jewellery, which features bright colours and intricate designs. The creativity of the Kashmiri artisans is evident through the creation of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that are made using silver, gold, and even copper.

• Gulmarg Main Market: For handicrafts, woollen items, carpets.
• Mr. Khan’s Tailor Shop Gulmarg: For traditional and modern Kashmiri attires.
• Faiz Shawls: For shawls.
• Ladakh Art Palace: For rugs, shawls, jewellery.

• Bargaining is a common practice in the markets of Gulmarg. Make sure to be respectful to the vendors as you negotiate till you reach a price that suits both the parties.
• While buying handicrafts and exquisite Kashmiri souvenirs, such as pashmina shawls, remember to shop from known emporiums or stores. Ask for a certificate of authenticity for such products.
• Although many stores accept UPI payments and debit and credit cards, it’s better to carry cash while shopping at the smaller shops.
• In order to avoid larger crowds while shopping, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

• Dress modestly while visiting religious places.
• Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Stay away from public displays of affection.
• Avoid discussing sensitive subjects, such as the region’s politics or complex history.
• The polite way to greet someone in Gulmarg, or anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, is by saying ‘adab’.
• Always ask for permission before clicking someone’s photograph, especially that of women and places of spiritual significance.
• Since the culture in Jammu and Kashmir is pretty conservative, it’s better to dress modestly when you go out. This is particularly applicable while visiting holy sites and remote areas. Women might want to keep their knees and shoulders covered, and people of all genders should avoid wearing revealing clothes.
• Avoid visiting the areas that are restricted or sensitive. Make sure to follow the rules and tips provided by your tour guide.
• Do not disturb the flora, fauna, and natural landscapes of the region in any manner.
• Maintain the pristine beauty of the town by not littering when you go out. If there is anything you need to dispose of, wait till you spot a garbage bin to do so.

The rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir is not just limited to its art and traditions, but is also reflected in its eclectic cuisine. It’s this very distinct essence of Kashmiri cuisine that you will get to experience with our Gulmarg tour packages.

Since Kashmiri Pandits are among the oldest inhabitants of the Kashmir Valley, their food habits have had an influence on the region as well. Along with Goan and Bengali Brahmins, they are one of the few Brahmin communities in the country that eat non-vegetarian food. It’s said that back in the day, Kashmiri Pandits avoided eggs, chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and onions. However, they did eat lamb and fish. The community makes use of plenty of asafoetida, yoghurt, and turmeric powder in their dishes. Numerous vegetables and cottage cheese are used to prepare their curries. The common vegetarian dishes of Kashmiri Pandits include tsok wangun, chaman kaliya, dum aloo, and nadru monje.

Food isn’t just meant for sustenance in this region, but is actually celebrated as a cultural pride. One such integral element of Kashmiri cuisine is wazwan, which is a traditional multicourse meal that’s tied to Kashmir’s culture. While a wazwan mostly has anywhere between 24 and 36 dishes, it can also have as many as 72 dishes if the occasion in question is as lavish as a wedding. Although these meals mostly consist of non-vegetarian dishes, you will also find vegetarian options. Featuring primarily during festivals, celebrations, and gatherings, a wazwan is also seen during funerals, where there is usually a minimum of seven dishes prepared. This communal style of eating is especially followed among the Kashmiri Muslims. Some of the preparations you could consume while feasting on a wazwan are goshtaba, rogan josh, yakhni, and tabak maaz.

Spices are used generously in the preparation of Kashmiri food, elevating the aroma and taste. These include dry ginger, fennel, and saffron. The rich flavour of this region’s cuisine gets amplified further due to the use of nuts, dried fruits, and yoghurt. Meat is a staple presence in Kashmiri cuisine.

Now that you have read up about the cultural significance of food in Jammu and Kashmir, let us tell you about some of the scrumptious dishes you absolutely must try out during your trip to Gulmarg:

If you have ever looked up Kashmiri cuisine, you must have surely heard of rogan josh, as it’s undoubtedly the pride of Kashmiri food. The royalty of this preparation is pretty literal, as it’s said to have been introduced to the region by the Mughals. It’s a traditional Kashmiri lamb (or mutton) curry whose creaminess is amplified because of the use of yoghurt. Several spices go into the preparation of this curry, including cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, cloves, and bay leaves. The dish has a signature red colour, which is derived from the usage of Kashmiri red chilli powder. The delightfully dark crimson hue is also lent to the dish through a spice known as ratan jot (or alkanet root). You can enjoy rogan josh with both naan and rice.

Among the many non-vegetarian dishes you can relish in Gulmarg, one of the best ones has to be yakhni lamb curry. It’s a yoghurt-based lamb curry, with the tender pieces of lamb melting in your mouth. The lamb pieces are simmered till they become soft. Aromatic spices and yoghurt are used to give this gravy a creamy and rich texture. To prepare yakhni lamb curry, some of the required ingredients are mawal flowers, cardamom, fennel seeds, onion paste, dry mint leaves, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, ginger, and garlic. This curry can be enjoyed with rice as well as roti.

If you’re looking for a rice dish to accompany the rich curries of Kashmir, then modur pulao is the one to go for. It’s a sweetened Kashmiri rice dish made using spices such as cinnamon, saffron, and cardamom. Some of the other ingredients that go into making this aromatic pulao are ghee, milk, and dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and raisins. It’s commonly served during festivals, gatherings, and celebrations. The saffron used to make this pulao is grown in the region, thereby reducing the price of this dish.

While dum aloo is prepared in various parts of India, the version available in Jammu and Kashmir has a charm of its own. This vegetarian dish features baby potatoes in a rich and creamy gravy. The baby potatoes are slow-cooked till they turn succulent, resulting in an aromatic gravy. The ingredients involved in creating this gravy include fennel powder, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger powder, yoghurt, and Kashmiri red chili powder. This tangy Kashmiri dum aloo, which is also known as dum olav, can be eaten with roti, naan, or parathas.

Kahwa (also written as ‘kahva’) is a unique beverage you can try out during your trip with our Gulmarg tour packages. It’s a traditional Kashmiri green tea which is often served to guests as a welcome drink and is also a common part of gatherings and special occasions. This aromatic and flavourful tea has ingredients like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and is often topped off with walnuts and almonds. Certain places also decorate their cups of kahwa with rose petals. Such a drink is particularly comforting during the winter season and can be served in earthen clay cups.

Imagine if meatballs had a Kashmiri version; that’s what the dish called goshtaba is. It features minced mutton meatballs in a yoghurt-based gravy. The Mughal emperors, who were known for their fondness for meat-based dishes, are the ones who brought in this dish to Kashmir. The ingredients that go into making this traditional speciality include cloves, cardamom, ginger powder, fennel powder, and asafoetida. Goshtaba is a common part of a Kashmiri wazwan.

Nadru monje is a popular and beloved street snack in Gulmarg. Made from lotus stem, these are firstly cut into thin strips, after which they are dipped into a gram flour batter. They are then deep-fried till they turn crispy and golden brown. These fritters are famous among Kashmiri Pandits and are often considered the Kashmiri version of French fries.

Sufiana Kalam, which is the primary classical music of Kashmir, gained popularity back in the 15th century. Santoor features prominently in the music of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s linked to Sufi music, which refers to songs that speak of devotion, love, and a deep connection with the divine. The other musical instruments you will find in the folk music of the region include rabab, sitar, nagara, and dukra.

Various festivals are celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir throughout the year, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. There are festivals, such as Baishakhi, Lohri, and Eid-ul-Fitr, that are common throughout the union territory. However, there is a special festival that’s particular to the region of Gulmarg, and that’s the Gulmarg Snow Festival. Held during the winter season, this festival allows visitors to enjoy a bunch of snow-based activities, such as sledging, snowboarding, and skiing.

The eclectic variety of handicrafts created in Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of its enticing culture. These handicrafts are available as souvenirs in the markets of the region, and this includes Gulmarg. When you visit the town with our Gulmarg tour packages, you will notice these handicrafts in the form of delicate papier mache crafts, lightweight pashmina shawls, the vibrantly coloured Kashmiri carpets, and products made out of walnut wood.