Planning a trip from Kashmir to Gulmarg ? Here's how to make the best of it

Gulmarg, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. It is known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, and adventure activities. If you are planning a 1-day trip to Gulmarg from Kashmir, then this article will provide you with some useful tips to make the most of your trip.

1. Start Early

The key to making the most of your 1-day trip to Gulmarg is to start early. Leave your hotel in Kashmir as early as possible, preferably before sunrise. This will give you enough time to explore Gulmarg and enjoy all the activities it has to offer.

2. Rent a Car

The best way to get to Gulmarg from Kashmir is by renting a car. You can easily find car rental services in Kashmir, and they will provide you with a driver who is familiar with the area. This will save you the hassle of driving on your own and will also ensure that you don't miss out on any of the scenic spots along the way.

3. Visit the Gondola

The Gondola ride is a must-do activity in Gulmarg. It is a cable car ride that provides a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountains. The Gondola has two phases, and visitors can choose to take either one or both phases. The first phase takes visitors to the Kongdoori station, which is located at an altitude of 8530 feet. The second phase takes visitors to the Apharwat Peak, which is located at an altitude of 13,780 feet. The view from the Apharwat Peak is breathtaking and provides a bird's eye view of the surrounding mountains.

4. Trek to Khilanmarg

Khilanmarg is a beautiful meadow located about 6 km from Gulmarg. It is a popular trekking destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek to Khilanmarg is relatively easy and takes about 2-3 hours. The meadow is surrounded by pine forests and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty.

5. Have Lunch

After the trek, you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants in Gulmarg. Most of the restaurants serve traditional Kashmiri cuisine, which is a must-try. You can also try some of the local delicacies like Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Kashmiri Pulao.

6. Enjoy Adventure Activities

Gulmarg is known for its adventure activities, and you can't leave without trying some of them. If you are visiting during the winter months, then you can try skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. If you are visiting during the summer months, then you can try trekking, golfing, and mountain biking. You can rent equipment for these activities from the various rental shops in Gulmarg.

7. Visit St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church is a beautiful church located in the heart of Gulmarg. It was built in the early 1900s and is a great place to visit if you want to take a break from the adventure activities. The church has beautiful stained-glass windows and is a great place to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

8. Return to Kashmir

After a long day of exploring Gulmarg, it's time to head back to Kashmir. Make sure you leave Gulmarg in the early evening so that you can reach your hotel in Kashmir before dark. The drive back to Kashmir is equally scenic, so make sure you keep your camera handy.

In conclusion, a 1-day trip to Gulmarg from Kashmir is a great way to explore this beautiful destination. With proper planning and an early start from Kashmir you can make the most of your day.