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Best Places to Visit in Gulmarg
A popular hill station in India, Gulmarg is a must-visit place in Jammu and Kashmir. In the local language, the name Gulmarg means ‘meadows of flowers’ and it truly means what it says.
It was around the year 1942 when the British pioneers started treating Gulmarg as a skiing destination. One of the main reasons for calling it a skiing centre as Gulmarg is one of the places in India that receives heavy snowfall in winter. Since then Gulmarg has captured the top place to be added to every traveller’s Kashmir itinerary. Although the place attracts thousands of skiing enthusiasts to visit Gulmarg in winter, the best time for visiting it is in the summer season.
Apharwat Peak, Picturesque Snow-Clad
One of the top tourist places in Gulmarg and the main attraction of Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak is elevated at 4,390 metres. It is one of the peaks of Pir Panjal Range, which lies across two Indian states: Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Apharwat Peak remains snow-covered all through the year and it is the best spot in Gulmarg to get an impressive view of Nanga Parbat, Harmukh and Nun Kun altogether.
Why should you visit Apharwat Peak?
Apharwat Peak is one such place in Gulmarg that receives snowfall and remains snow-covered throughout the year. So, it attracts many skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Interesting Fact: Line of Control or LOC (the control line between India and Pakistan) is only a few kilometres ahead of Apharwat Peak.Location: Second Phase of Gulmarg Gondola.
How to Reach?
Gulmarg Gondola is the best way to reach the Apharwat peak. The phase-II of the cable car network connects the peak to Kongdori Valley via a 12-minute ride.
Timings: Depends on the timings of Gulmarg Gondola, which remains open from 08:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ningle Nallah, A Picturesque Setting!
One of the picturesque places to see in Gulmarg, Ningle Nallah is a mountain stream passing through the valley fringed by snow-clad mountains and verdant pastures on all sides. The alluring landscape of the stream enhanced by the surrounding scenery produces one of the stunning views that attract tourists from all over the country. Ningle Nallah is fed by the melting ice from Apharwat Peak and it meets with River Jhelum near a place called Sopore. Located 10 kilometres from Gulmarg, Ningle Nallah is one of the top travel destinations in Kashmir Valley that attracts locals as well as tourists for having picnics, camping, fishing and spending a holiday with their loved ones.
Why should you visit Ningle Nallah?
The undulating terrain on the banks of Ningle Nallah is the perfect place for picnics and overnight camping. Also, the place attracts a lot of photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning views.
Interesting Fact: Ningle Nallah is one of the places in Gulmarg, which was treated as a summer escapade in the Mughals, as well as the British period.
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
How to Reach?
The quickest way to reach Ningle Nallah is to hire a cab or taxi from Gulmarg.
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Tangmarg, Gateway of Gulmarg!
Tangmarg has been known as the gateway of Gulmarg since the Mughal period. It is located about 13 kilometres from Gulmarg town. A quaint place on the lower slope of the Pir Panjal range, Tangmarg is one of the favourite honeymoon destinations in Kashmir. The name of Tangmarg colonially means ‘a place with many pear trees’ and it is true what it means. You will be amused to see the fresh pears hanging from the trees lined along the street. Tangmarg is also famous for Drung Waterfall. The waterfall is located in a village, 10 kilometres away from Tangmarg and it attracts tourists for offering breathtaking views of streams flowing down from the glaciers. Though it becomes difficult to visit Tangmarg during winter as the roads are closed, watching the frozen waterfall in Drung attracts several offbeat travellers during this time.
Why should you visit Tangmarg?
If you want to spend relaxing holidays with your dear ones away from the chaos of a city or do not want to stay in a crowded place, Tangmarg will be a perfect choice. Tangmarg is a place that holds beauty in every corner. Drung Waterfall in Tangmarg is a must-see destination while you are planning a trip to Gulmarg.
Interesting Fact: Tangmarg is a famous place for pear trees. So, do not forget to taste fresh pears while passing by the villages. Also, the dhabas in Tangmarg serve the best food, so fill up your stomach when stopping by the road.
Maharani Temple, Gulmarg’s Pride!
Also known as Mohineshwar Shivalaya, Maharani Temple is a red-roofed structure that sits atop a hillock and offers a picture-perfect view against the snow-clad mountains. The temple was built by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh back in the year 1915 and named after Maharani who used to pray here every day. One of the famous tourist destinations in Gulmarg, Maharani Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year, especially during the time of Shivaratri.
Why should you visit Maharani Temple?
The temple holds an amazing view of the verdant valley flanked by the snow-covered mountains. It is also a great place to celebrate Shivaratri Festival. Another reason is, Maharani Temple is surrounded by several budget hotels, which offer local food and warm hospitality at an affordable cost.
Interesting Fact: First of all, the temple is one of a few such architectures built by a woman which was rare in the male-dominating history of India. Second, the temple is situated in the middle of a valley so it is fully visible from all corners of Gulmarg. It is one of those places in Kashmir, where Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz starrer film “Aap Ki Kasam” was shot. And, the most interesting fact is when most of the Kashmiri Pandits migrated, the temple was taken care of by a Muslim priest who used to do all the things any Hindu priest does. The temple is one of the finest examples that supports “unity in diversity” in our country.
Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
How to Reach?
From the bus stop, the temple is located at a walkable distance. If you start walking straight for around 10 minutes you will reach the temple.
Timings: 24 Hours
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