Top 10 Things to Do in Gulmarg — Beyond the Gondola
Gulmarg is more than a cable car. Hike to Alpather Lake, picnic at Ningle Nallah, tee off at the scenic Gulmarg Golf Course, visit the Victorian St. Mary’s Church, and chase the dramatic Drung Waterfall near Tangmarg. Keep reading for details, maps, timings, and tips. (Landing at Conifer View Guest House makes many of these day trips easy.)
1. Alpather (Alpather) Lake — the frozen alpine bowl
Why go: Dramatic, high-altitude lake enclosed by the Apharwat peaks — looks otherworldly when it’s still frozen.
How to reach: From Gulmarg you can take the Gondola (Phase II) then trek/pony for the final stretch, or trek from Khilanmarg/Gulmarg on foot. Distance reported from Gulmarg ≈ 10–13 km depending on the route.
Time needed: 4–6 hours (including short hikes).
Best time: Late spring → early autumn for access; winter for frozen-lake photography (but avoid heavy snow days).
Tips: hire a local guide/pony if you’re not acclimatised; carry warm layers, water, and snacks; the weather changes fast at higher elevations.
2. Khilanmarg — wildflower meadows & vantage points
Why go: Quiet alpine meadows with sweeping views of the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges — a photographer’s paradise in summer.
How to reach: Short drive from Gulmarg; you can trek or hire a local pony. Great for sunrise photos and short treks.
Tip: Khilanmarg’s gentle slopes make it family-friendly; bring sun protection in summer and a fleece in shoulder seasons.
3. Gulmarg Golf Course — golf at altitude
Why go: Play or walk around one of the highest green golf courses in the world — dramatic fairways set against snow-capped peaks. It’s historic (British-era origin) and stunning in late spring–autumn.
Practical: Course opens seasonally (usually April–October) — check local timings. Even non-golfers love the walk and views.
4. Ningle Nallah — river, picnic spots & photography
Why go: A beautiful river valley with easy walking trails, streams, and picnic spots surrounded by peaks — less-crowded and ideal for nature walks.
How to reach: Short drive/jeep from Gulmarg then an easy walk to the riverside meadows. Great for a relaxed half-day.
Tip: Carry picnic supplies (few shops nearby) and follow local guidance about permitted areas for fishing (permits may be required).
5. Drung (Drug) Waterfall — Tangmarg’s local wonder
Why go: A scenic waterfall close to Tangmarg — dramatic, especially during spring melt and post-monsoon; it’s also photogenic in winter when parts freeze. Distance: roughly 3 km from Tangmarg and around 14–16 km from Gulmarg depending on route.
Tip: Combine this with a stay at Conifer View Guest House (Tangmarg) to make it a short local excursion.
6. St. Mary’s Church — heritage with alpine views
Why go: A small, charming Anglican church dating to the British era (early 1900s) with Victorian architecture set among pines and meadows — a quiet cultural stop and photo op. It was built during the British raj and restored in recent decades.
Tip: Respect any services or local decorum; it’s a peaceful spot for reflection and photos.
7. Pony rides, horseback treks & local village walks
Why go: Traditional pony rides remain a popular, low-impact way to explore meadows and reach short treks (Khilanmarg, Kongdori). They’re family-friendly and a cultural experience.
Practical: Hire ponies at Gulmarg or book via your guest house/tour desk; negotiate price and confirm return arrangements.
Safety note: Pony/horse paths can be slippery in wet seasons — choose experienced handlers.
8. Small trekking routes — Kongdori, Buta Pathri, meadows
Why go: Multiple short treks lead to high meadows, ridges, and scenic viewpoints without the need for technical gear. Options range from 1–6 hour walks. Many paths connect to the Gondola/kongdoori routes for flexible day plans.
Tip: Wear good walking shoes and bring a light daypack (water, jacket, snack).
9. Local food & village markets (Tangmarg)
Why go: Taste Kashmiri staples (rogan josh, yakhni, kahwa) and shop for dried fruits, local bakers’ breads and handmade souvenirs in Tangmarg markets. It’s a nice complement to outdoor activity days.
Tip: Ask your hosts (Conifer View) for the best local stalls and safe eateries.
10. Adventure activities — skiing schools, snowmobiling, ATV (seasonal)
Why go: Beyond sightseeing, Gulmarg is an adventure hub. In peak winter you’ll find skiing and snowboarding schools; in shoulder seasons there are off-road/ATV options and adventure operators for guided snow or meadow activities.
Safety/timing: Book lessons or rentals in advance during high season. Always use certified instructors for skiing.
Suggested short itineraries (day ideas from Tangmarg / Conifer View Guest House)
Half-day (easy): Drive to Ningle Nallah → river walk & picnic → return to Tangmarg for evening.
Full day (moderate): Gondola Phase II → short trek to Alpather Lake (or Khilanmarg) → St. Mary’s Church stop → return.
Photo day (relaxed): Sunrise at Khilanmarg → late morning at Gulmarg Golf Course regions → sunset near the meadows or at Conifer View’s viewpoint.
Practical travel tips & packing
- Altitude & weather: Mornings and evenings are cold even in summer — layers, windproof jacket, and sun protection are a must.
- Footwear: Good hiking shoes/boots for meadows and uneven paths.
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage can be patchy at higher ridges — download maps offline.
- Permits & local rules: Fishing or camping may need local permits; respect flora and fauna.
- Local transport: Shared jeeps and taxis run from Tangmarg/Gulmarg; Conifer View can help arrange transfers and guides.
Photography & image suggestions for the article
- Wide-angle meadow shots (Khilanmarg) at sunrise.
- Alpather Lake turquoise/ice close-ups.
- Panoramic fairway + mountain for the golf course.
- Ningle Nallah riverside picnic scene.
- Drung Waterfall in spring (full flow) and winter (partially frozen).
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