How to Visit Gulmarg: A Complete Guide
Overview
Contents
- Location: Gulmarg, Kashmir
- Distance from Major Cities:
- Delhi: 850 km
- Chandigarh: 620 km
- Jammu: 257 km
- Katra: 273 km
- Srinagar: 51 km
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar (50 km from Gulmarg)
Why Visit Gulmarg?
- Unique Feature: Gulmarg offers a rare view of Pakistan from India.
- Scenic Beauty: Known as the “Meadow of Flowers,” Gulmarg is famous for its stunning landscapes, snow-covered mountains, and vibrant meadows.
- Activities: Popular for skiing, snowboarding, and the famous Gulmarg Gondola ride.
How to Reach Gulmarg
1.By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport.
- Flight Cost: Starting from ₹3500 (from Delhi to Srinagar).
- Options from Srinagar Airport to Gulmarg:
- Private Taxi: ₹2500-₹5000 (depending on season and seating capacity).
2.By Train:
- Direct Trains:
- Jammu: Direct trains available.
- Katra: Direct trains available.
- Udhampur: Direct trains available.
- Direct Trains:
Train Journey Details:
- From Delhi to Udhampur:
- Cost: ₹200 to ₹3300 (varies by class).
- From Udhampur to Banihal:
- 90 km journey by bus, shared taxi, or private taxi.
- Bus Fare: ₹120-₹150.
- Banihal to Srinagar:
- Distance: 94 km by train.
- Number of Trains: 7 daily trains (all local DMU trains).
- Timing: Between 7:15 AM to 4:25 PM.
- Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Ticket Price: Starts from ₹20.
- Srinagar to Gulmarg:
- No direct train available.
- Options: Bus, shared taxi, or private taxi.
- From Delhi to Udhampur:
3.By Road:
- From Delhi:
- Distance: 850 km to Gulmarg.
- Options:
- Public Transport: Bus (Jammu & Kashmir Roadways).
- Bus Fare:
- Volvo: ₹2200.
- Semi-Deluxe: ₹1837.
- Ordinary Bus: ₹1150.
- Bus Timings: Early morning (1-2 AM) from ISBT Sarai Kale Khan.
- From Katra (Vaishno Devi):
- Private Taxi to Gulmarg.
- Train to Udhampur, then follow the same route as above.
- Cost: ₹2500-₹5000 (based on seating capacity and season).
- Self-Drive:
- Important Note:
- Multiple toll plazas and checkpoints along the way.
- Time-consuming due to frequent stops for vehicle and luggage checks.
- Important Note:
- From Delhi:
Accommodation in Gulmarg:
Hotel Pricing:
- Seasonal Variation: Prices increase during the peak season.
- Off-Season: ₹1500-₹2000 per night.
- Peak Season: ₹3000-₹4000 or more per night.
Booking Tips:
- Online Booking: Be careful about the hotel’s distance from Gulmarg city center.
- Check: Some hotels listed online might be in Srinagar but appear under Gulmarg.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg;
- Off-Season: July to September (budget-friendly).
- Peak Season:
- September to June (pleasant weather and snow).
- Best time to experience snow: Mid-November to February.
Places to Visit in Gulmarg:
- Roadside Adventure:
- Scenic views along the road to Gulmarg.
- Gulmarg Gondola Ride:
- Gondola Facts:
- World’s second-highest and second-longest cable car.
- Asia’s highest and largest ropeway.
- Two phases: Gulmarg to Kongdoori and Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak.
- Capacity: 1500 passengers per hour (Phase 1), 600 passengers per hour (Phase 2).
- Ticket Prices:
- Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori): ₹740 per person.
- Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat): ₹950 per person.
- Booking:
- Online booking is recommended to avoid long queues.
- Three-time slots:
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- 11:15 AM – 1:15 PM
- 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Gondola Facts:
- Entry Fee:
- Private Vehicle: Entry fee required.
- Public Transport: No entry fee.
Conclusion:
Gulmarg offers a unique combination of natural beauty and adventure activities. Whether you’re traveling by air, train, or road, there are several ways to reach Gulmarg. With a variety of accommodation options and a chance to experience one of the world’s highest cable car rides, Gulmarg is a destination worth visiting. For the best experience, plan your visit between mid-November to February for snow or September to June for pleasant weather.
