Gulmarg and Sonmarg

Gulmarg
State: Jammu and Kashmir
Location: 56 km (34.80 miles) from Srinagar in Kashmir Valley
Area: 3 sq km
Languages: Kashmiri and Hindi.

Introduction:
Popularly known as 'the meadow of flowers', Gulmarg is a valley of unparalleled beauty. Perched at a height of 2, 690 m above the sea level, Gulmarg is a huge grassland, lush and green with slopes. Film goers can easily recognize this scenic valley of Baramulla district as it has been the location for several movie scenes. Films like Betab, Tahan etc. But with the gradual passage, apart from filmmakers it also attracts thousands of tourists and adventure seekers.

Discovered by Britishers in 1927, Gulmarg is mountain resort of of abundance beauty. Apart from its natural treasures, Gulmarg is also famed all over the globe for having the highest green golf course in the world and for being a premier skiing resort in the country.

Sonmarg:
State: Jammu and Kashmir
Location: 80 km from Srinagar in Kashmir Valley
Area: 3 sq km
Languages: Kashmiri and Hindi.

Sonmarg, renowned as “The meadow of gold”, is yet another spectacular place to get rid of the scorching heat of summer season. Positioned at an elevation of 2740m above the sea level, in the western part of the state, Sonmarg is a tranquil place. Set amongst the glaciers and azure lakes, Sonmarg is a place adorned with large trees of fir, silver birch, pine and alpine flowers.

The turquoise and chilly water of Sind river that meanders through the region, enhanced the beauty of Sonmarg. Similar to Gulmarg, Sonmarg is also a paradise for both tourists and adventure buffs. Nichnai pass and Zozila pass, nearby to Sonmarg also provides some panoramic view of Krishensar, Vishansar and Gangabal lakes. Sonmarg is also regarded as the 'Gateway to Ladakh',

Places To Visit:
Gulmarg is dotted with various alluring tourist spots. Some of the favourite tourists spots of Gulmarg are

Golf Course: Gulmarg has the world's highest golf course.

St. Mary's Church: It is a 110-year-old Church that was built during the British era. It was renovated in 2003 with facade and the first Christmas mass was held in 14 years.

Shiva Temple: It is the royal temple of Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir. Built by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of last king of Kashmir, in 1915, this temple is a unique one. It can be seen from all the corners of Gulmarg.

Beside them tourists can also visit Shrine of Baba Reshi, and the three lakes of Sonmarg namely Vishansar, Krishnasar, and Gangabal lakes, Thajiwas glacier

Adventure Activities To Do:
Both Gulmarg and Sonmarg is a destination for adventure enthusiasts. They are famed around the globe for various kinds of inter sports as both Gulmarg and Sonmarg get covered with thick layer of snow during the seasons. Some of the most popular adventure sports of both the region are

Trekking: Both Gulmarg and Sonmarg, offers numerous trekking and hiking sites. Trekkers can opt for Sonmarg to Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal lakes. They can also explore the region through Nichnai pass and Zozila pass.

Golfing: Gulmarg is famed around the globe for having one of the world's highest green golf course as well as clubhouse. If you are an amateur golfer than you can hire golf sets and also seek the help of an expert golfer to give vital instructions regarding the game from the golf club.

Alpine Skiing: Gulmarg is Asia's one of the most famous skiing and heli-skiing resort. Even Sonmarg is not far from being another skiing destination in country. Every year during the winter season, people from various parts comes to these places to enjoy these winter sports.

Apart from them, you can even try out long trail to jungles, mountaineering, white-water rafting, angling, sledging etc.

Best Time To Visit:
The weather of both Gulmarg and Sonmarg remains very pleasant throughout the year. Light woolen clothes are common in the summer season whereas during winters one has to cover himself or herself with heavy woolen garments. So, the best season to visit these wonderful areas is between April to June. But if you are looking for skiing experience than it is advisable to visit Gulmarg and Sonmarg during winter season, when skiing activity is at its peak.

How To Reach:
By Road: J&k SRTC operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services to Gulmarg and Sonmarg from Srinagar. Even private transportation is also there to commute to both this town from Srinagar. During winter season, the both state run buses and private buses operates up to Tangmarg, 11km (6.84 miles from Gulmarg), the rest path should be covered with smaller vehicles like private taxis. Avoid roadways during winter season as the roads get blocked.

By Rail: The nearest railway to Gulmarg is at Jammu, which is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc.

By Air: One can even reach Gulmarg and Sonmarg by air. Srinagar has the nearest airport to both Gulmarg and Sonmarg, which are just one to two hour drive from Srinagar. Regular flights operates between Srinagar and various major Indian cities.