Gulmarg is a renowned skiing destination of Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout winter, the town is crowded with tourists, exploring the skiing slopes and trying out different snow adventures. When the temperature goes in minus, heavy snowfall is experienced creating well-crafted and varied terrains. The city welcomes all kinds of adventure enthusiasts. From beginners to experienced skiers, you see the resorts and ski areas buzzing with tourists.
When we talk about skiing in Gulmarg the first question is how we would reach. What are our options? There’s plenty. From scheduled flights to regular trains, you get to choose based on your preference and budget. Then, there are taxis and cabs taking you from one city to another and in Gulmarg itself. Here, we have given you a brief description of the same, taking you through the different options available. Take a look.
How to reach
By Air: Flights are the safest and quickest way to reach Gulmarg. Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport is the closest one, at a distance of just 15 kilometres from the main city of Srinagar. Book a flight on major airlines from Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, etc.
Before landing at the airport, make an advance booking for the airport transfer to either Srinagar or directly Gulmarg. You can book a cab at affordable rates through Taxi Service in Srinagar. The taxi fare from Srinagar Airport to Gulmarg is approximately INR 4500.
By Train: Gulmarg doesn’t have any railway station in the city. The nearest one is Jammu Tawi Railway Station. It connects Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country. Travelling via a train may take longer hours to reach, the tickets are much more affordable especially if booked a few months before the trip. Jammu is 290 kilometers from Srinagar and takes about 7-8 hours depending on the traffic and driving speed. You can book an outstation ride from Jammu Station to Srinagar city to have a hustle-free journey. Kashmir taxi services provides you taxi services at different rates for different taxis which is mentioned below:
By Road: The road trip to Gulmarg starts from Srinagar. Gulmarg is 50 kilometres away and takes a maximum of 2 hours. The drive from the capital city to the skiing heaven, Gulmarg. The best route is Srinagar-Tangmarg road or NH D1. It goes only up to Tangmarg. 13 kilometres separate Tangmarg and Gulmarg. As you reach here, there are either pony rides or ATV rides accessible.
The most suitable option for the intercity ride from Srinagar to Gulmarg is via a private taxi. Offered in the latest models, newly serviced and well-maintained, you can pick based on the number of travellers. Book in advance through Srinagar Taxi Services. Taxi fares from Srinagar to Gulmarg are listed below:
Taxi name Rate per day
- Sedan 2500 INR
- Innova 3200 INR
- Innova Crysta 3800 INR
- Tempo 4500 INR
Enroute sightseeing
Saffron fields: As we head towards Gulmarg from Srinagar, the long sprawled saffron fields make their way. Pampore is the most popular saffron-cultivation region in Kashmir, producing most of the cultivation in the country. You can surely visit these fields, fed with purple colour saffron flowers and beaming with the heavenly smell of the spice. Saffron is undoubtedly the most expensive spice in the world. When in Pampore, you can buy fresh saffron threads plucked directly from the fields. Visit Gulmarg in late November and the cultivation season is still thriving in these fields. It is the best time to be there.
Drung Waterfall: Since you’ll be visiting Gulmarg in winter for skiing, Drung Waterfall transitions into this magical spot during this time of the year. As the waterfall freezes, it is a must-to-visit attraction. Though small in size, the frozen waterfall is often crowded with visitors, admiring its beauty. Located in the Baramulla district in Tangmarg, it is named after the Drung Village of Gulmarg. It is an ideal spot to spend some serene spots and get some refreshments to eat.
Apple Orchards: Producing 75% of total apple cultivation in the country, apple orchards of Kashmir are a popular enroute attraction. With thousands of trees bursting and blooming in parallel lines, visit these orchards for the fresh fruit and apple juices, squeezed out right in front of you. The delicious taste of Kashmiri apples leaves a long-lasting impression. You can also buy them to take back home. The apple orchards are mostly seen on the outskirts of the cities, providing a serene atmosphere to relax as well.
Best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing
Since skiing is a snow sport, the best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing is certainly winter. From December to March, the town is filled with thrill-seekers from all around the globe. The hotels and resorts in Gulmarg welcome guests in full enthusiasm.
Private taxis and cabs are accessible to reach Gulmarg and even for local transportation to reach the ski slopes in the town. BRO works diligently by removing the snow at regular intervals, clearing the roads and keeping them motorable. With snow spread all over the valley against the backdrop of snow-laden peaks, winter in Gulmarg stands out as an ideal time for different kinds of skiing.
Conclusion
It should be clear by now how you can safely and comfortably reach Gulmarg for skiing. Choose the transport option that suits you. In winter, roads are covered by snow but if you are accompanied by a local and experienced driver, you have nothing to worry about. Always check the current weather forecast and road conditions before heading out to avoid unnecessary traffic and any possible closure.
Other tips include renting skiing equipment and high-quality skiing clothes for a safe yet experience at the ski slopes in Gulmarg. Drink plenty of water and carry high-energy snacks along.Other than this, a skiing trip to Gulmarg this winter is all you need! Have a great time.
