Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town and popular hill station in the Baramulla district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated in the Pir Panjal range, it lies about 50 kilometers northwest of Srinagar, the summer capital. The name Gulmarg comes from Kashmiri words for "flower" and "meadow," reflecting its floral summer landscapes.

At a high elevation, Gulmarg has a cold, alpine climate with heavy snowfall in winter and cool summers. The area features extensive conifer forests and alpine meadows that attract visitors year-round.

Tourism is the town's main activity. The Gulmarg Gondola, a cable car system with two stages, carries visitors from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and then to Apharwat Peak, and is regarded as one of the highest cable car systems in the world. The town is also home to the Gulmarg Golf Course, one of the highest golf courses in the world, established during the colonial era. In winter, the slopes are used for skiing and snowboarding; in summer, hiking and sightseeing are popular, along with golfing and enjoying the meadow scenery.

Access is by road from Srinagar, and the nearest airport is Srinagar Airport. There is no railway service in the immediate area. The best time to visit depends on the season: winter for snow sports and summer for alpine meadows and trekking.

Gulmarg has become a focal point for ecotourism and outdoor recreation in the Kashmir Valley, balancing tourism with local environmental and cultural considerations.