GULMARG

The Meadow of flowers

A huge cup-shaped meadow, lush and green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cow-bells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film, and not surprisingly, has been the venue of several films. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another. From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and Seven Springs, a couple of hours by pony, longer on foot. From here, across the Apharwat - the peak, which looms up from this point - is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim mystic saint, whose shrine is visited by people of all faiths. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For the would-be golfer, there are golf sets on hire, pros to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships, including one-day memberships. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine-clad slopes, is exhilarating.

Taxi via K. SALAMA Maulana Azad Rd 33 Polo view Srinagar Tel: 473687, 472473 (Office) 455417, 450621 (Residence) Taxi charges: 900 IRS (Full day)

EXCURSIONS FROM GULMARG KHILAN MARG Six Km from Gulmarg, this vast plain studded with flower-covered meadows, is the site for Gulmarg’s winter ski runs. Old snow beds provide good facilities for tobogganing and sledging. It offers a fine view of the peaks surrounding the Kashmir valley. ALPATHER This is a small meadow 13 Km from Gulmarg at the base of the Apharwat peak. A beautiful blue lake on its summit is frozen till late in the year and offers excellent skating ground.