|
Gulmarg's
legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally
make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally
called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in
the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of
its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite
haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of
flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of
exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the
world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski
resort in the winter.
The journey to Gulmarg is
half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues
of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with
picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be
the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s
golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes.
After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered
hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers
generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle
of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
General Information -
Area: 3.5 km long; 1km wide
Altitude 2,650 m
Best season: Throughout the
year.
Clothing: Summer: Light woollens;
winter: Heavy woollens
 |
|