Gulmarg in December: How to Plan a Gulmarg Trip in December?

Gulmarg Gondola stands second on the adventurous things to do in Gulmarg in winter. It is the second-longest and highest gondola cable car on the planet. Separated in two phases, it carries around 600 people per hour. The ride on Gulmarg Gondola provides a spectacular view of the LOC, Nanda Devi, and Pir Panjal range.

Phase 1 of the journey starts from Gulmarg Resort to Kongdoori Station by ferrying around 1500 people to an elevation of 3100 meters, where you can enjoy skiing activities. The other phase joins Kongdoori Mountain to Apharwat Peak. After reaching here, a 30-minutes walk will take you to a mountaintop from where you can witness the Line of Control (LOC). 

Among the many thrilling things to do in Gulmarg, this journey offers a breathtaking experience, combining adventure with stunning panoramic views.

Timing: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm

Gulmarg is a popular skiing destination, and it is ideal for both amateur and professional skiers. It is one of the best things to do in Gulmarg in December amidst the snowy peaks covered with luscious green coniferous forests. If you are a novice, you can hire a tutor from skiing operators and institutes.  A well-planned Kashmir itinerary for 5 days often includes Gulmarg, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of skiing along with other winter adventures.

The experience of gliding swiftly down the carpet of snow will give you an adrenaline rush. All the equipment for skiing is available at the stores. All you need to do is get ready for the breathtaking experience of skiing in Gulmarg on a smooth snow surface in Gulmarg.

Discover Now: Places to Visit in Gulmarg

Golfing is another great sport that you can play in Gulmarg. It houses the second highest golf course in the world, named Gulmarg Golf Course. This golf course has 18 holes, spreading over an area of 7505 yards.

If you are playing golf for the first time, you will definitely get an unimaginable experience amidst the beautiful surroundings. It is a sport that you can enjoy during summer, but if you are planning to go to Gulmarg in winter, you can visit the golf course to see stunning meadows filled with rare and beautiful flowers. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a peaceful ride with your family.

Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403.

Ice skating is a fun, low-key activity that you can do in Gulmarg. You will find multiple locations in Gulmarg that offer a fantastic ice skating experience. If you are planning to travel to Gulmarg in December, you will spot several lakes and rivulets that present ice skating activity for tourists.

Skating lovers can rent out equipment for the sports or bring their own to participate in this adrenaline-rushing activity. Several tourists try to imitate the seasoned villagers but they end up making fun of themselves by slipping or falling. But, it is a part of the learning process, and if you fall twice or thrice, you start getting a hang of it. Ice skating for a short distance will provide you with immense joy that would not want to stop.

Spending a day at Alpather Lake is a must when visiting Gulmarg in December. Situated between the twin Apharwat Peaks, this peaceful lake is also called the Frozen Lake.

After a one-day trek to the peak, you can relax by the lake and admire the stunning views. You might even see ducks walking on the frozen surface, while chunks of ice floating make the lake sparkle like a jewel. Its breathtaking beauty will captivate you, making it a sight you'll always remember.

Location: Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403

Drung Waterfall is a highly popular tourist destination in the Baramulla region, where tourists gather to see the cascading waters flowing down the towering mountains. If you are thinking of the best things to do in Gulmarg in winter, you should see the stunning views of the Drung Waterfall.

Since the temperature during the wintertime decreases, the waterfall freezes. When the waterfall mixes with the water from the glaciers, it creates a magical moment that you would want to cherish for a lifetime. The views of the streams, lakes, caves and surrounding greenery add to the overall beauty of the ambiance. You should surely visit this place on your trip to Gulmarg.

Location: Drung, Jammu and Kashmir 193402.

Among the other things to do in Gulmarg in December, exploring Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve stands on the top. It is renowned for its rich and unique Himalayan flora and fauna, and you can stroll along its delightful landscape to explore the wonderful atmosphere of nature. It also houses some of the endangered species of birds.

You can avail yourself of the bird watching tour in Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot some of the beautiful winged creatures, like Jungle Crow, Koklas, Snow Cock, Blue Rock Pigeon, Griffon Vulture, Kashmir Roller, and European Hoopoes. You can also witness some wild animals in this forest reserve, including spotted deer, black deer, snow leopard, brown bear, and Kashmiri stag.

Location: District Baramulla, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403.

Timing: 10 am to 4 pm

Situated at a distance of ten kilometers from Gulmarg, visiting the Ningle Nallah is yet another one of the best things to do in Gulmarg. It is a delightful sight with snow-capped mountains and lush green pastures reigning the landscape.

The water formation due to the melting of Alpather Lake and Apharwat Peak is the fundamental source of Ningle Nallah. It serves as the top spot for camping and picnic in Gulmarg. You can also do photography in this area as the snowy peaks, bright wildflowers, and green meadows add to the perfect color of the scenery.

Location: 5 kilometers from Gulmarg, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403.

Kanchenjunga Museum is an exhibit of contemporary warfare and mountaineering equipment that the Indian Army used during the time of war in the mountains. Initially, it originated as a High-Altitude Warfare School, which later transformed into a commemoration of the Indian Army’s first summit to Kanchenjunga in 1997. After that, the museum also holds immense significance for other expeditions, including the first successful Mount Everest expedition in the year 2001.

It loudly talks about the lifestyle of the Indian Army deployed in the bone-chilling mountainous regions. Thus, Kanchenjunga Museum welcomes tourists from different parts of the world to display its remarkable beauty.

Location: Baramulla District, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403.

Timing: 10 am to 4 pm

Located near the Golf Course in Gulmarg, St. Mary’s Church is a 100 years old Victorian Architecture. It enables you to witness the beauty of ancient architectural wonders that India is mostly known for.

The adventurous thing is you can only access the church through trekking. It appears like a tiny countryside chapel made of gray stone walls, and during the winter season, the church looks more beautiful while being surrounded by snow. You will completely get lost in the silence of this church and find peace, and that is why it's included in the list of peaceful things to do in Gulmarg in December. 

Location: Gulmarg Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir 193403.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm

Baba Reshi Shrine or Ziarat of Baba Reshi is a Muslim shrine built in the 13th century on the slopes below Gulmarg. It is the tomb of a renowned Muslim saint, Baba Payam-Uddin who died here in 1480. Before taking the path of renouncing worldly ties, he was known as a courtier to the Kashmir King Zain-Ul-Abidin.

Every year, thousands of devotees, regardless of their religions, visit this place to seek his blessings. The shrine always buzzes with several different activities and prayers, and looks so beautiful when covered in snow.

Location: Baramulla District, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm