Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The town is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas and lies within the boundaries of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary
Drung is located 14 Km from Gulmarg and is a perfect destination for rock climbing and trout fishing in summers. Neraby this place over the hills in the region, some temple ruins beleived to from the age of the Pandavas are present.
It is best to take a trek of 3 km from Tangmarg or hire ponies which would take you to this picturesque spot. Drung does not have any option for acomadations or restaurants, travelers can stay at Tangmarg, 3 kms away or at Gulmarg.
Apharwat Peak is quite popular with all the skiing enthusiasts and offers best of experience to all the skiers. Located near the Alpathar Lake this peak offers the most spectacular views in summers as well as winters. For all those who are not interested in skiing can enjoy sledge ride to the top of the peak. During summers, Apharwat peak is entirely different from what is in winters. The verdant surroundings and open meadows are simply mesmerizing.
Alpather Lake or Al-Pather Lake is located 13 KMs away from Gulmarg and is at an altitude of 3840m. This triangle shape lake freezes in winters and stays frozen till early May. It is an experience to visit this lake in winters as well as summers. During winters local made sledges are available which would take you to the lake and in summers ponies are available to reach the lake. Surrounded by a large meadow this lake simply enthralls you and your senses.
Baba Reshi Shrine is located at a distance of 5 km from Gulmarg and is dedicated to Muslim saint Baba Reshi who was a renowned courtier of King Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir. The shrine is built in Mughal and Persian style and is famous for its intricately designed woodwork and beautiful gardens. One can take Ponies or just walk around to go to the shrine in summers but in winters one has to take the sledges to reach the shrine.
Khilanmarg is a small valley which is about 6 km from Gulmarg. This valley is beauty personified during summers as is covered with exotic flowers and is a spot for winter ski during winters. On clear days this place offers some amazing views right from Nanga Parbat to the twin seven thousander peaks of Nun and Kun in Zanskar valley. From Khilanmarg one also gets breathtaking views of Wular Lake.
After being hidden from tourists for 22 long years, Nagin Valley or Nageen Valley was opened for public in 2012. This picturesque 10 km stretch on Gulmar-Botapathri road is a haven for trekkers and nature lovers. Located just 5 kms off the official Line of Control (LOC), Nagin Valley is guarded by snow-capped mountains. The stunning Nagin Valley is part of the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, which is quite famous for its lush alpine meadows, blue pines, and wildlife which includes musk deer, leopard, red fox and the hangul (Kashmir stag).
Botapathri in Nagin Valley is about 10 kms from Gulmarg and is at an altitude of 9000 ft. With Gulmarg thronging with tourist especially during the peak tourist season, opening of Nagin valley is great news for tourist looking for pristine, undisturbed natural beauty.
Pattan is located in the Baramulla district and is famous for its valley with beauty personified. Located just 29 Km from Srinagar it is best to visit Pattan to just indulge in beautiful scenery admiration. This place is also famous for Sugandhesa Temple constructed by king Sankaravarman and named after her wife Sugandha. Sankaragaurishwara Temple is also nearby. There are some restricted movement sites here for which one needs to take permission before accessing.
Dachigam National Park is a beautiful national park nestled in the western Himalayas, about 20 kms from Srinagar. The park is sprawled over 140 kms and has a multi-faceted terrain, including slopes, grasslands, cliffs and rocky mountains. The park is home to Hangul or the Kashmiri stag and is also a habitat for several species of Himalayan wildlife, including musk deer, leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Weasel, Leopard cat and many more. Several species of birds are also found here. Consider taking a guided tour in the park and learn about the park in greater detail.
