How to Reach Gulmarg – The Heart of Kashmir

Gulmarg translates to a meadow of flowers located 60 km away from the summer capital of the valley, Srinagar. Almost a 1-and-a-half-hour drive.

Gulmarg attracts millions of tourists each year and that’s surely because of the existence of the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains as its backdrop.

One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gondola ride, which is the highest cable car ride in the world. The 1st phase of the ride takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage up to the height of 12293 ft. Also, tourists can enjoy horse rides at the magnificent strawberry valley and leopard valley here. To add to that, also visit the frozen lake of Al- Pathar in Kongdori.

Gulmarg is usually covered in a blanket of snow and in winter it turns into a skier’s paradise. The natural slopes here are unexplored and challenging for ace skiers too. Besides the scenic side of Gulmarg, winter time in Gulmarg is a season of festivities as well. They celebrate White Christmas and have New Year parties too.

Gulmarg was also the go-to destination for kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir. It was then known as Gauri Marg, the name of Lord Shiva’s wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed it to Gulmarg. They say that during the early 20th century, famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent, while in the middle of his expeditions. Gulmarg was considered a favourite summer holiday destination for the British in India.

How to Reach Gulmarg by Air

The state of Kashmir has three airports. But the Srinagar International Airport is connected to most Indian cities and also hosts international flights. It is most convenient as well to reach Gulmarg. Gulmarg from Srinagar is a 1-and-a-half-hour drive. Jammu Airport is also connected to Mumbai and Delhi and Kushok Bakula Rimpoche Airport at Leh is connected to Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh as well. But these will take a longer time to reach Gulmarg.

Also Read: Best places to visit in Gulmarg

How to Reach Gulmarg by Rail

The nearest railway station in to Gulmarg is located 360kms away in Jammu, the Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Most popular trains from major cities in India come to Jammu – New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani Express, Jammu Mail, and Jammu Tawi Express. To reach various locations in Kashmir, there are private buses and cabs available just outside the railway station. You can hitch a ride to Srinagar or directly to Gulmarg from the railway station.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Gulmarg

How to Reach Gulmarg by Road

If there is no major snowfall then a road trip is favourable. Even if there is snow, the major highways are normally cleared within hours so you should have no problems. But you must plan your trip accordingly and be prepared for the worse. The Jammu-Srinagar highway is in fair condition for a drive. The route is very scenic and you will enjoy looking at the magnificent vistas while travelling through Kashmir.

Also Read: How to reach Srinagar