Gulmarg awaits you throughout the year. But when does it put up its most dazzling display? When are the slopes carpeted with nothing but snow? When do the meadows come alive with color? You are in the right place if you have such queries. No matter what season you choose to visit, something special awaits you in the beautiful mountains of Gulmarg. This natural wonderland has endless activities, from skiing and hiking to horseback riding and fishing. But like any other hill station, Gulmarg is also at its best at a specific time of year when nature comes together to create magic. In this blog, we will explore the best time to visit Gulmarg and how you should plan your trip to the town.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg
Perched high up in the Himalayas, Gulmarg charms its visitors throughout the year. However, certain seasons showcase the beauty of this ‘Meadow of Flowers’ better than others.
Summer (March to June)- Peak Season
The summer season is the best time to visit Gulmarg as the weather is pleasantly warm during the day and is cold at night. During the day, the average temperature ranges from 14 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking and picnicking. The alpine meadows are in full bloom with vibrant wildflowers.
However, evenings can get quite chilly, so carry woolens. The gondola lift and cable car are operational during the summer, enhancing the experience of your Gulmarg trip. Summers also mean high tourist crowds, and hotel prices are relatively high.
Monsoon (July to September) – Off Season
Although monsoon brings rain, which reduces the visibility of the mountains, July and August still have pleasant temperatures ranging from 8 to 20 degree celsius making it a pleasant time to visit Gulmarg. The lush green surroundings and fewer tourist crowds make for a refreshing break. Hotels are also cheaper during the monsoon season. However, roads can deteriorate due to heavy rains leading to landslides, and you may have to be cautious while travelling in intermittent showers.
Winter (October to February)- Off-Peak Season
Winter in Gulmarg offers snow-capped peaks, quiet slopes and cozy cafes. You can indulge in skiing, snow scootering and snow tubing on the snowy hills. The weather is cold and temperature lies around 5 degree celsius but sunny, perfect for Instagrammable winter wonderland photos.
However, some hotels, restaurants, gondola lifts, and cable cars remain closed during the peak winter, making it a less touristy experience. You will need adequate cold-weather clothing and gear to explore Gulmarg in the winter season.
What to pack for the Gulmarg Trip?
Make sure to pack the following essentials for your trip to Gulmarg-
Clothes
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Warmer jacket – Down jacket, padded jacket or thick sweater, depending on the season
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Fleece or sweater
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Woolen cap, gloves and scarf – Essential during winters
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Thermals – Long johns to wear under trousers and tops
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Jeans or trekking pants – For comfort during activities
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Hiking boots or trekking shoes – Sturdy and water resistant
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Moccasins or slippers – For the hotel
Travel Essentials
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Travel documents – Like ID card or Passport, travel insurance
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Cash/cards – Some places may not accept cards
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Sunscreen lotion and lip balm – Snow can reflect UV rays
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Torch or headlamp – For walking at night
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Wet wipes and tissues
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Hand sanitizer
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Small backpack – For carrying essentials during sightseeing/activities
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Anti-allergy pills – Hill stations prone to irritants
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Camera – To capture the beautiful views
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Power bank – For charging devices
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Travel umbrella – Handy during monsoons
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Leaf collection sheet and bags – To bring back souvenirs
Things to Do in Gulmarg
Gulmarg offers breathtaking snow-capped mountains, crisp alpine air and adventure galore. From skiing down the slopes to hiking tree-lined trails and gazing at stunning vistas, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained during your trip here.
1. Skiing and Snowboarding
Gulmarg is India’s ski capital, with several beginner-to-expert runs. Rent skis, snowboards and other gear at the gondola station and spend an exciting day zipping down the hills. The snow cover here in winter ensures a great ski season.
2. Gondola Ride
Take a ride on India’s highest and longest cable car. The 8 km cable car ride from the town of Gulmarg offers panoramic views of the valley, surrounding mountains and the view of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan on a clear day. The Gondola ride is an experience in itself!
3. Snow Games
If skiing is not your thing, indulge in other fun snow activities like tobogganing on Gulmarg’s famous ‘akhara part hills, riding a leg-powered ‘snow scooter’ or going for a snow tube ride that takes you downhill at lightning speeds. The best part is that you can enjoy such activities even with kids.
4. Hiking in Pine Forest
Gulmarg has numerous hiking trails winding through pine forests, glacial valleys and alpine meadows. The Khilanmarg meadow trail and Alpather Lake hike are especially popular, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot Himalayan wildlife like the Bharal sheep and Himalayan birds.
5. Feel Offbeat Trekking on Thajiwas Glacier
An offbeat experience is trekking to the nearby Thajiwas Glacier, a 6-7 hour walk from Gulmarg. The glacier valley offers remote hiking in a relatively untouched part of the Kashmir ranges with glimpses of snowy peaks and rocky, barren landscapes.
Gulmarg has a diverse mix of adventures from winter sports to hiking, cable car rides to snow games. Plan your itinerary based on the season, your fitness level and your interests to maximize your time in this incredible Kashmiri getaway.
Things to Eat in Gulmarg
Gulmarg offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and thrilling activities. But no trip is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine, and Gulmarg does not disappoint!
1. Kehwa
A steaming hot cup of Kashmiri ‘pink tea’ or kehwa is the perfect way to warm up after a chilly day of skiing or hiking. Made with green tea, dry fruit powder and spices like cardamom and saffron, kehwa’s sweet and soothing flavor revives energy and spirits.
2. Roghan Josh
This classic Kashmiri lamb dish, slow-cooked in red chili and tomato gravy, is a must-try in Gulmarg. The soft lamb melt-in-your-mouth flavor flavored with aromatic spices like dried ginger and bay leaves warms you up from within on a cold day in Gulmarg.
3. Mutton Yakhni
Another iconic lamb stew that defines Kashmiri cuisine, mutton yakhni, uses the broth prepared after slowly cooking the lamb with rice and dried fruits like apricots. The result is a delicious, comforting and nourishing dish.
4. Shabdeg
Shabdeg is Kashmiri fried bread that is crispy on the outside and soft within. Typically served with kehwa for breakfast or tea, shabdeg is flattened and then shallow fried in ghee, giving it the perfect crunch.
5. Firni
End your Gulmarg feast with this delicious Kashmiri kheer or rice pudding flavored with saffron, cardamom and pistachios. Firni’s creamy, comforting texture and sweet flavor with spice hints make it a delightful dessert.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg
With its delicious food and exciting adventures, Gulmarg surely has something for everyone. But what are the places to see when you visit this scenic Kashmiri town? Here are some recommendations:
1. Alpather Lake
This high-altitude lake sits at an elevation of 2,700 meters and is nestled amidst gorgeous pine forests. The deep green waters of the lake provide magical reflections of the surrounding mountains. It makes for a picture-perfect spot for some scenic views.
2. Gulmarg Golf Course
The world’s highest golf course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains alongside the challenges of golfing at such an elevation. The course twists and turns amidst lush forests and lawns, making it a delight for golfers and sightseers alike.
3. St. Mary’s Church
This historic church dates back to the 1850s and was built by British architects during their rule in Kashmir. The church has significant woodwork and stained glass windows, offering a taste of European Gothic architecture in Kashmir’s landscape.
4. Apharwat Peak
For spectacular panoramic views, climb up to the peak of Apharwat Mountain. On a clear day, you can see the entirety of the Kashmir valley unfold before your eyes from this vantage point. The sight of the Zanskar range and Great Himalayan peaks like Nanga Parbat also greet visitors here.
5. Mushroom Rock
This unusual rock formation earns its name from the mushroom-shaped boulder on top. Located near Gulmarg town, it is an exciting photo stop on your trip. The surrounding views of the surrounding meadows and Pir Panjal range also enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Gulmarg has so much beauty and adventure throughout the year. While summer may be the peak season with the most activities and pleasant weather, other times have their charms – from snowy winters for skiing and solitude to the vibrant monsoon greens.
Whatever the season you choose, make the most of your trip by enjoying the local food, hiking the stunning trails, riding the scenic gondola, and soaking in the panoramic views of the valleys and mountains. So plan your Gulmarg getaway, pack your gear wisely and prepare for an experience you’ll never forget in this pristine Kashmiri paradise!
