Many individuals as well as couples are looking for small winter getaways and honeymoon trips in India. Especially after wedding season in winters, couples are always looking for hill station and want to enjoy snowfall with there loved ones. The first few destinations which came into every couple mind are Kullu Manali, Shimla or Kasol or Nainital. In wedding seasons all these locations are heavily crowded and resorts are totally packed. So, enjoying there won’t give you any honeymoon vibe.
Still, if you want to experience snowfall and skiing adventure together then Gulmarg in Kashmir is the best option for you.
Take a glance of Gulmarg and add it in your honeymoon itinerary!!
Gulmarg – Meadow of Flowers on Snowland
Gulmarg is considered as one of the most offbeat destinations in India as well in Kashmir. But what actually makes it famous is its picturesque geographical backdrop and its phenomenal skiing slopes. If you seriously desire to enjoy snowfall, want to create a snowman and to collect memories in mountainous heaven then Gulmarg is amazing for you.
All the romantic feelings Gulmarg will bring to your life. Between you and your partner, the charming snow-clad hills and the blooming wildflower laden landscapes would certainly lift emotions.
Enjoy Skiing in Gulmarg
Couples if you want to want to try your hand in skiing at Gulmarg, there are many options skiing in Gulmarg, there are two points from where you can start this activity; one is Kongdori and the other is Aparwahat Peak. A naturally groomed 450m slope offers an exhilarating skiing experience to skiers at Kongdori, whereas from Apparwat ridge there is an 800m descend that apparently offers once in a lifetime experience.
The steep snow terrain is strictly for skilled or advanced skiers and for the beginners it is ideal to try skiing at Kongdori. So, along with great skiing experience, one has the opportunity to enjoy the Gulmarg Gondola ride.
Best Time to visit Gulmarg: Mid-January to late February is the best time for skiing in Gulmarg. The skiing in Gulmarg is open for both beginners and experienced individuals.
Falling in the list of enchanting snowy honeymoon destinations in India, Gulmarg is a land that is magical in winters!
Top Things to do at Gulmarg
Gulmarg has many tourist attractions for its visitors. From its popular Gulmarg Gondola to the sacred Baba Reshi Shrine to skiing, snowboarding, and trekking, Gulmarg offers incredible places to see and things to do.
Enjoy Cable Ride at Gulmarg Gondola
After Skiing, another attraction in Gulmarg is the Gondola or the cable car rode which is Asia’s largest cable car project that has two main stops one at the Kongdori and the other at the Apparwat Peak. It is the world’s highest and the second-largest cable car project, making it a top attraction in Gulmarg.
Trip to Gulmarg without a cable ride on the popular cable car won’t worth your visit. It is perfect for family vacationers, romantic couples as well as adventurers seeking to get to the top the mountain for the best skiing experience, especially in winter. The scenic views of mountains and valley during the cable car ride are also unforgettable and unmatched.
Cable Car riding through Gukmarg Gondola can be done in two levels –
- Level 1st starts from the Gulmarg resort to Kongdori Station (2600m) in the bowl-shaped Kongdori valley which takes around 10mins
- Level 2nd begins from Kongdori Station to Kongdori Mountain (3747m), the shoulder of Apharwat Peak which takes around 12 mins.
Watch the Beautiful Apharwat Peak
Apharwat Peak is soaring in Gulmarg and it is the longest ski slope in Asia. With an altitude of 4390 m, Apharwat is the most eye-catching peaks in Gulmarg and the second phase of Gulmarg Gondola which connects it with Kongdori Valley. Being the major tourist attraction, couples can reach within 12 minutes by ropeway to reach this majestic peak.
Apart from its scenic beauty you can also experience adrenaline rush activities such as skiing, snowboarding or heli-skiing, sleighing, and snowboarding. If you are adventure lovers then you must visit this peak. The famous Ningle Nallah also originates from this popular place in Gulmarg and is a delight to see. The best time to visit Apharwat will be winter season.
Enjoy Powdered Skiing at Shark Fin
In Gulmarg, Shark Fin is considered to be the finest pool for powdered skiing. Located at the back of lofty Mount Apharwat, Shark Fin is mainly a ski slope for experienced skiers. The major drop from the top of Shark Fin, which is very steep even by Ski Himalaya levels, is about 45 and 60 degrees.
Due to 300m vertical drop offered by Shark Fin, few turns are challenging, but it becomes slightly less risky later. It is visible directly from the top of Apharwat peak and thus become a very popular tourist place to visit in Gulmarg. By adding more suspense and adventure to the Gulmarg skiing experience, it clearly satisfies the hunger of adrenaline seekers.
Also Read:Â Top 12 Adventure Activities and Spots in India
Photography Freaks Must Visit Alpather Lake
For those willing to discover the best beauties of Gulmarg, Alpather Lake is an excellent attraction. It is undoubtedly one of Jammu & Kashmir’s most beautiful lakes and is situated 13 km away from Gulmarg. For photography enthusiasts, it is an ideal destination and you can also hop on a pony to explore the town!
Pay a Visit to Baba Reshi Shrine
A famous religious place near Gulmarg is the tomb of Baba Payamuddin. Discovered in Rambodh Village in Baramullah district, the shrine is highly revered by Muslims and Hindus respectively. Baba Reshi, named after Baba Zainuddin Rishi, moved to Rambodh and performed miracles, supported individuals and preached Islam.
In the village, which is presumed to satisfy the desires of individuals, a Daan was established by the saint. A famous place to visit in Gulmarg has become the shrine of Baba Reshi and is thronged by tourists throughout the year. It is also regarded as one of the Kashmir Valley’s top holy sanctuaries.
Concluding here, if you want to experience something new then Gulmarg can be a right spot for you at Kashmir. It’s truly the crown of India and an ideal travel destination to plan your honeymoon trip in Kashmir.
Also Read:Â Manali is The Ultimate Tourist Destination in Northern India