Gulmarg in Kashmir is a popular skiing and trekking location in Asia. While Jammu and Kashmir tourism is chosen over and again for its raw beauty, pristine snow-capped mountains, alpine forests, lakes, beautiful villages, and adventure activities like hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and trekking make the subcontinent of even more thrilling and spine-chilling for visitors worldwide. Situated at an altitude of 8694 Sq. With so many Bollywood films shot here, Gulmarg is a favorite amongst all trekking places.

The ideal time to visit Gulmarg is summer when the Indian Institute of Trekking and Mountaineering reopens for new students. The weather is brightest, with colorful beds of flowers blooming everywhere. The place also operates the world’s 2nd highest cable car, the Gulmarg Gondola, which offers breathtaking views of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg valleys. All in all, Gulmarg is a magical experience for trekkers and naturalists alike.

Best Treks in Gulmarg

Gulmarg, also known as the Valley of Flowers, has easy trekking trails that you can cover in a day. The place is only 51 Kms from Srinagar, so finding transportation wouldn’t be difficult. Most trails will take you through medium to dense alpine and gigantic fir forests and snow-clad mountains. Nanga Parbat, which is the 5th highest mountain peak in the world, is located on Gulmarg’s northern side, with more than one view-points tailing it. The hill station is also an excellent base camp for trekkers scaling the Pir Panjal Range.

You can complete three treks during your short stay at Gulmarg: Gulmarg Khilanmarg, Gulmarg Alpathar, and Gulmarg Durung.

Gulmarg-Khilanmarg Trek

Khilanmarg Valley is 5.5 kms from Gulmarg and is counted as one of the most visited tourist spots in the hill station. The ascend (of 2000 feet) will take just two hours, and once you reach the place, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Nun and Kun peaks in the southwest and the enchanting and towering Nanga Parbat on the other side. The valley also offers plenty of adventure sports here, including Gondola ride and skiing in winter. Dal, Wular, and Jhelum lakes and the renowned Shankaracharya Temple can be viewed from Khilanmarg.

Gulmarg-Alpathar Lake Trek

Reaching Alpathar Lake, an ascend to 14 700 ft., covers a distance of 13 Kms and takes 5 to 6 hours from Gulmarg bus station. The mesmerizing Alpathar lake is located at the foothills of the twin Alpathar mountains between rocky terrain and green meadows. Owing to its completely frozen state for half of the year, from November to June, the lake is also popularly known as the Frozen Lake. Trek to Alpathar Lake is moderately difficult. The trail starts from Gulmarg through Khilanmarg to Alpathar Ridge and then to the lake. You can also visit the place during the winter to get a different ice-age kind of experience.

Gulmarg to Durung Trek

Gulmarg to Durung is one of the shortest and easiest treks in Gulmarg-Jammu and Kashmir tourism. The trail, covering 3 Kms, takes you through lush green forests, spectacular views of the Himalayan range, and tree-lined meadows.

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