Shopping

Gulmarg is noted for its unique handicrafts like woven carpets and mats that are available at reasonable rates at several shops here. You can also buy handmade metal items that make for great souvenirs and home decor products. Decorative linen, brass, silverware, tea leaves and carved furniture are all available at the Main Market located in the centre of the town. Gulmarg is also well-known for a range of leather items of good quality. If you are looking for a fine selection of shawls, baskets and other delicate products, you will need to drive down to Srinagar. Gulmarg has its share of shops selling pashmina shawls, silk carpets, wraps, walnut wood knick-knacks, papier mache handicrafts and stone jewellery.

Shopping

Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari

Golf Course

The Gulmarg Golf Club, situated at a height of 2,650 m above sea level, holds the record of being one of the highest green golf courses in the world. This impressive 18-hole golf course was started by the British in 1911, when they had visited Gulmarg to spend their holidays. The golf course, however, dates back to the 19th century, when Colonel Neville Chamberlain, of the British army, had built a six-hole course here in 1890-91. In 1922, the first gold championship was played. And in 1929, the Nedou's Cup was introduced at the Gulmarg Golf Club. This 72-par golf course is striking to look at, with slopes and inclines all across it. There are pros registered with the Tourism Department from whom one can hire golf sets and balls to play. From December to April, the golf course is closed to the public as the grounds are blanketed with snow.

Golf Course

Gondola Ride

Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car ride, which is said to be the largest and highest cable car project in Asia, is a popular tourist activity. It passes through the Kongdori station that is located at an elevation of 8,530 ft and the second leg of the ride takes people to the Apharwat mountain top at a height of 13,500 ft. One can catch sweeping and magnificent views of the Nanda Devi Peak and the Pir Panjal range along the way. The ride from Gulmarg to Kongdori takes about 10 minutes and from Kongdori to Apharwat takes 12 minutes.

Gondola Ride

Skiing

With one of the best ski slopes in Asia, Gulmarg is the most popular skiing hotspot in the country. It is ranked 7th among skiing and snowboarding sites in Asia, and has also received the Best Ski Destination award from CNN International. The height of slopes in Gulmarg vary between 8,700 ft and 10,500 ft and their gradient challenges both beginners and experts. The snow level goes up as much as 8 ft in January and February, making Gulmarg one of the most sought-after sites.

Apart from skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing (riding on a type of sled) are popular activities here. There are options for heli-skiing (skiing after being dropped off from a helicopter) as well, along with snow cycling or playing snow rugby and snow baseball. In case you are not familiar with any of these, there are several resorts that offer training in winter adventure sports. Experts can head to the Pir Panjal range, at an altitude of 14,000 ft, to get a carpet of powder snow, ideal for adventurous sojourns.

Skiing

Gulmarg Snow Festival

Gulmarg Snow Festival is a two-day celebration held annually by the Tourism Ministry. The purpose of the festival is to attract visitors from across the world and give them a chance to explore the snowy landscapes of Gulmarg, along with chances to participate in various adventure sports. The festival offers many opportunities to tourists like snowboarding, snow-sledging, skiing and ice skating. Moreover, Kashmiri folk artistes organise cultural performances like skits and dances that give a glimpse of the lifestyle of the people in the valley. One can also sample local delicacies, including Tibetan, Chinese, Mughal and local food to enhance the experience. The event is organised at the Gondola base station. The festival was started in 2003 to encourage winter tourism and sports.

Gulmarg Snow Festival