Gulmarg – The Incandescent Summer Paradise of Kashmir

Kashmir is more than a place; it is an emotion that everyone wishes to experience. A place that instils an erratic pulse in both locals and visitors. A heartbeat that they can feel indefinitely, even after they have left the land. The surreal beauty of this beautiful paradise has been defined by many poets, authors, and philosophers -- words that are inadequate to define its true beauty.

The lush meadows, the gently meandering streams that join the Indus and Jhelum rivers. The verdant forests and the primaeval Himalayan range that has watched over the valley for millennia combine to form a soul-stirring landscape infused with an ethereal charm that will easily leave anyone bewitched and bring a grown man to tears. Even today, despite all the unrest, the sheer beauty of Kashmir continues to evoke meaning in this very sentiment in the hearts of many travellers.

Step Into Gulmarg

Encased by glimmering snow slopes, thriving green pastures and colourful meadows, Gulmarg is a beautiful town nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the western Himalayas in the Jammu & Kashmir territory. Named Gulmarg by the Sultan of Chak Dynasty in the 16^th century, and a popular summer retreat for Jahangir and the English during the British rule in India, the beauty of this quaint little town is limitless. The town is often blanketed by a thick coat of snow, the glacial sheet that gives way to slopes that are just perfect for snow adventure activities. But it all gives way to sunny afternoons and horse rides on open grasslands in summer.

Gaze at the spreads of flowers for as far as eyes could see, or spot cowhands grazing cattle in the open pasture. Gulmarg is more spectacular than one can imagine. From a trip to the Alpather Lake to the most awaited gondola rides in winter and standing below the gentle cascade of Drung waterfall in the Tangmarg tehsil in the months of March and April, there are many things to do and places to visit in Gulmarg that offer a limitless array of pleasures.

And while Gulmarg is famously known to be a winter paradise, the gentle sun of late spring and early summer is especially soothing. Gulmarg is April is especially full of whispers and sighs. Of bees and pollinators gently swaying, drunk on the pollen of bluebells and daisies and assortments of flowers. It is the best time to enjoy delicious authentic Kashmiri cuisine – Paneer Chaman flavoured with fennel and cinnamon powder or a bowl full of slow simmered Yakhni with a mint leaf on top to give it an added zing. Or cosy up in a resort with a cup of butter tea and a slice of Khambir, overlooking the expanse of land with flowers budding open and the snowy caps of Pir Panjal in the backdrop.

In fact, your first week of April in Gulmarg will be spent adoring the melting leftover snow from last winter and smelling the sweet fragrance of wildflowers and hearing the birds chirping with happiness as the land comes back to life.  And by the April end, Gulmarg bathes in colours and fragrances of bluebells, forget-me-nots and buttercups.

Head Out For Skiing

April will be the perfect time to visit if you do not prefer the biting cold of the North but would like to have a glimpse of snow patches or snow melting in the valley. And even though the seasonal snow has just started to thaw, you can still glimpse snow patches and even partake in skiing.

Snow in Gulmarg in April is not an uncommon sight, it however is not fresh power like those winter months of December and January. Yet skiing in Gulmarg in the month of April is one of the things that tourists prefer to stay back to do.

Since there are three phases to the Gulmarg gondola, located at different altitudes and many prefer to ski on the first phase and two due to safety and health measure, skiing in Gulmarg is possible in April on phase 2 of Apharwat peak at a height of 13500 ft. above the sea level. And the views from the Apharwat Peak's phase 2 are spectacular. The charismatic snow-capped mountain with a breathtaking birds-eye view of the cup-shaped valley is enough to make you giddy with delight and awe of nature's wonder. Riding the Gondola during the summer months is also popular due to the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

A visit to Gulmarg in April is also a fantastic idea for people looking to get away from the scorching heat. The weather is pleasantly cool and the lakes, parks and gardens are a vision of colour. Other than skiing on the available ski slopes, there are many other activities and things to do in Gulmarg in April.

For Trek Lovers

Gulmarg in April has an abundance of activities for the adventurous at heart. The town has three trekking trails: Alapther Lake, Khilanmarg, and Apharwat. Professionals enjoy trekking along the valley to the mighty Pir Panjal. Remember to hire a local guide because the terrain in these areas can be difficult for those who are unfamiliar with the area.

This location also provides the best trekking, horseback riding, ridge climbing, and other outdoor activities. So, if you enjoy hiking, Gulmarg is the best place to visit in April.

For The Fauna Lovers

The most dramatic transformation in Gulmarg occurs during the summer. The snow gives way to a lush green valley. Tourists can see the stream that flows from Apharwat Peak's summit and enjoy the Jhelum River's gushing waters.

One of the relaxing things to do in Gulmarg in April is to visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. Spread across 180 sq. km of land and is home to many endangered species including the blue rock pigeon, snow cock, European hoopes, Kashmir roller, brown bears, snow leopards, black deer, Kashmiri stag, and many more. Animals at Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve enjoy warm weather. A visit during the early to late summer months is a great time to witness the colourful birds and animals that live in the rich blanket of natural abundance.

For Golf Lovers

The Gulmarg Golf Course, known as the highest green golf course in the world, is ideal for golfers and nature lovers alike. Nestled among the Himalayan Mountains and beautiful meadows, it is the ideal summer golfing destination for all golf enthusiasts. Because the course is in full bloom in April and the coming summer months, the weather is warm enough to rent a golf outfit and trainers to enhance your vacation experience.

It is famously quoted, “I set out to look for a connection, and Gulmarg gave it to me without a Wi-Fi”. Which loosely can be translated to – To appreciate the beauty of Gulmarg, it is necessary to stand in Gulmarg.

So, what is stopping you!! Browse through the Kashmir holiday packages at our website and explore this nature’s paradise. After all, conversations with this Kashmiri paradise know no bounds and wherever you turn, you will find a place to rest and revive.