Gulmarg is a beautiful town in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a hill station, a popular tourist destination, and a famous skiing destination. Here are some interesting facts about Gulmarg that you might want to know:
- Gulmarg means ‘meadow of flowers’ in Persian. The town was named by Yousuf Shah Chak, the last ruler of the Chak dynasty, who visited the place with his queen Habba Khatoon in the 16th century. The town has many varieties of wild flowers that bloom in different seasons.
- Gulmarg is located at an altitude of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas. The town offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and the green valley. The town is also surrounded by the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many species of birds and animals, such as musk deer, brown bear, leopard, and red fox.
- Gulmarg is famous for its winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. The town has one of the world’s highest and longest cable car systems, called the Gulmarg Gondola, which takes visitors to a height of 3,979 metres (13,054 ft) at Apharwat Peak. The peak has some of the best slopes for skiing in Asia, and hosts many national and international skiing events. The town also has a golf course, which is the world’s highest at 2,650 metres (8,690 ft).
- Gulmarg has a rich cultural and religious heritage. The town has many temples, shrines, and mosques that attract pilgrims and tourists. Some of the notable places of worship are Maharani Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine, St Mary’s Church, and Rani Temple. The town is also associated with the Hindu mythology of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are believed to have visited the place