Come winter and Gulmarg transforms itself into a paradise for winter adventure sports. Freezing temperatures and perfect levels of snowfall make it possible to uptake a number of winter sports in the region. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation for being the go to destination for winter adventures. The Gulmarg Winter Sports Festival has also boosted its image, which resulted in an increased participation and enthusiasm by tourists.
Here are some of the winter adventures you can take up on your next trip to Gulmarg!
Skiing
Undoubtedly the best place to ski in India, Gulmarg is home to some of the best ski resorts in India. The ski resorts here offer top-notch infrastructure, equipment, and rescue facilities. The region also has premium quality powder snow, creating ideal skiing conditions. The slopes of Gulmarg accommodate both beginner and professional skiers, making it accessible to a range of adventure enthusiasts. The best time to ski in Gulmarg is between January to March.
Ice Skating
The ice rinks and frozen lakes of Gulmarg offer an excellent playground for ice skating, for both beginner and professional ice skaters. Ice Skating in Gulmarg is possible from December to March. During these months, there is optimal snowfall and the snow is perfect for ice skating. However, the best time to skate is in January when the conditions are best.
Snowboarding
If you are a snowboarding enthusiast, the ski resorts in Gulmarg also offer snowboarding as a winter adventure sport! A wide variety of slopes make it accessible to both beginner and advanced snowboarders. The powder bowls in the region offer spectacular views of Kashmir Valley and Nanga Parbat. The forests around Monkey Hill, Baba Reshi and Tangmarg offer great tree snowboarding which is accessible even on days of bad weather.
Gulmarg Gondola
Known for being one of the highest cable-car lines in the world, the Gulmarg Gondola is an adventure in itself. The line is split in two stages, Gulmarg-Kongdoori and Kongdoori-Apharwat peak. The gondola has the capacity to ferry 600 people every hour and is one of the best in the country. Even if you are not skiing or snowboarding, the gondola is a great way to spend a day in Gulmarg. It takes you to a staggering height of 3,980 m with ease, giving you spellbinding views of LOC, Nanda Devi and the Pir Panjal range throughout the journey. It is a must try when in Gulmarg during the winters!
Trekking to Alpather Lake
For those who enjoy a challenging trek, a 3 km strenuous trail will take you to the frozen Alpather Lake. The lake is located between the twin peaks of Apharwat in Gulmarg. Huge chunks of floating ice on the lake add to its beauty. This is a perfect two day trek for anyone who wants to attempt a quick trek in Gulmarg in the winters.
Gulmarg as a destination has so much to offer to adventure junkies and what better time to visit than the winters when the snow and ice make a plethora of activities possible!
