place of legendary beauty, just a couple of hours by road from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital,

Gulmarg is easily the top destination in India for winter sports enthusiasts. And the good news is that the season's first snow has already fallen, enveloping the town and its surroundings in pristine white.

At an altitude of 2,650 metres, Gulmarg may not be India's highest winter resort, but it is certainly the most popular. An estimated 2,000 tourists flock to the town every day during winter, filling up its many quaint hotels and trying their hand at everything from skiing and toboganning to snow scooter rides and yak walks.

For the professionals, there are challenges galore. Heli-skiing is one of them, or they can take a shot at Gulmarg's Poma-designed 1,330 metre vertical gondola (that is apparently more vertical than anything in the U.S.).

The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola Cable Car, where skiers can swoosh down unspoilt slopes. The slopes are already under four to five feet of snow, just perfect for the ultimate skiing experience. One can practically drive into Gulmarg unprepared for winter sports, and yet enjoy oneself. That's because all kinds of skiing equipment and attire like snow boots, parkhasare available on hire.

Most hotels and resorts also have inhouse instructors who are trained to help novices and amateurs find their feet on the slopes. The name Gulmarg, which literally means 'Meadow of Flowers', was first given to this town in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was clearly inspired by the grassy slopes of the meadow here that is bedecked with wild flowers of all hues in summer. The town was later a favourite haunt of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir who is once said to have counted twenty-one different varieties of flowers here among them, Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Nots and Buttercups.

In summer, the journey to Gulmarg is itself enchanting. The roads are bordered by avenues of poplar beyond which are flat expanses of paddy fields. Depending on the season, nature's colours change here: From the translucent green of spring, to summer's rich emerald, or autumn's golden hues. And, of course, an unspoilt white in winter after the first snowfall.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Srinagar: At 1,730 metres, the city is famous for its canals, houseboats and the Mughal Gardens.

Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves: Located 48 kms from Srinagar, to its southwest, it is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.

Alpather Lake: Beyond Khilanmarg, 13 km from Gulmarg at the foot of the twin 4,511 metre Apharwat peaks, this lake, at 3,843 metres, is frozen until mid-June, and even later in the year one can see lumps of ice floating in its cold waters. The journey can be made by horses in winter and is an exciting day's excursion.

Ferozpore Nallah: This mountain stream meets the Bahan River at a popular picnic spot known as 'Waters Meet'. The stream is, in summer, particularly good for trout fishing; it's about five km down the valley from Gulmarg but quite close to Tangmarg.

Khilanmarg: This smaller valley is about 6 kms from the Gulmarg bus stop. Carpeted with flowers in the spring, it is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley. It's a 600- metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the hill. The effort is rewarded if it's clear, with a sweeping view of the great Himalayas from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100-metre peaks of Nun and Kun

Courtesy: India Digest

Tourist Information

How to reach:
• By Air: The nearest major airport is Srinagar, which is 56 kms away.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Jammu.
• By Road: Gulmarg is a two-hour bus journey from Srinagar (56 kms). Various modes of transport including chartered conveyance are available from Srinagar bus stand at Batmallo.

Best time to visit:
As it is both a popular summer as well as winter destination, one can visit Gulmarg around the year.

Accommodation:
Gulmarg's hotels offer accommodation and meals to suit all budgets. A luxurious chalet-type hotel is available. JKTDC has huts on offer at Gulmarg. All these properties require advance booking from Srinagar.

For more on India tourism, visit:
www.jktourism.org  •  www.holidayiq.com
www.hcilondon.net

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