Around 56 kms from the capital of city of Srinagar, Gulmarg is at an altitude of 2,730 meters above the sea level.
This tiny calm little mountain resort is like a picture where silence is broken only with tinkling of cow bells. Gulmarg boasts of the highest 18 - hole golf course in the world.
Originally called as Gauri Marg, after the wife of Shiva, it was renamed by Sultan Yusuf Shah as Gul Marg, which literally means the meadow of flowers. And actually Gulmarg has vast meadows of flowers. It is said that Jehangir also loved this place and collected 21 various species of each flower. It looks like a huge cup shaped meadow lush and green offering a splendid view of the entire Kashmir valley.
Gulmarg is on the higher elevation than that of Srinagar; hence the roads are often blocked by snow. On the other hand during summers, the roads leading to this place are a delight. At every turn, as if nature raises one more curtain to bring another surprise better than the earlier beauty! Lush green meadows, with grazing cows, and flowers wearing a riot of colours are seen everywhere. The view is so pretty that one often wonders if it were pasted right out from a picture postcard. The highlight of this place is the pony trail to Khilanmarg. The Khilanmarg valley is a blaze of colour and fragrance in the spring with stunning views from the mountain tops.
The recently opened Gondola lift from the mountain top of Gulmarg offers an enthralling experience when it gives a breathtaking view of the usually snow-clad pine slopes and beautiful flowers.
Winters in Gulmarg are equally exciting when the snow fall begins and the landscape changes its colour to pure white. This is the season for winter sports and Gulmarg changes from the flower valley to a wonderful skiing resort. With nice slopes, perfect and enough for skiing, Gulmarg over the years has become a popular destination for winter sports in India.