While Kashmir is known for its natural beauty and the breathtaking views around, Gulmarg accounts for one of the best spots in Kashmir that are worth visiting. May is a good time to wake up the traveler in you and head to this beautiful place for escaping the heat. There are many things to do in Gulmarg in May that will add stars to your vacation and won’t let you get disappointed. If you are planning on visiting Gulmarg, we’d suggest that you visit during May when the weather is pleasant and the range of activities is abundant. To help you pick out the best options around, we have sorted you out with some of the best activities that are worth looking into. All of these activities simply make the experience in Gulmarg even more exciting. This destination is definitely worth a visit and here are the reasons why.
Top 9 Things To Do In Gulmarg In May
As mentioned around, Gulmarg is quite a popular spot to be in, especially during the summer months there. While the winters are the peak season to visit because of the snowfall and the other attractions, there is something unique about visiting Gulmarg during the summer months, especially the ones around May to July.
- Kungdoor: Take A Gondola Ride
- St. Mary’s Church: Get Some Solace
- Outer Circle: Stroll Around The Breathtaking Road
- Alpather Lake: Bask In The Beauty
- Ningle Nallah: Catch Some Shots
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve: Witness Wildlife
- Delicacies: Try The Local Cuisine
- Shopping: Shop Your Heart Out
- Golf: Try Your Hands On Golfing
1. Kungdoor: Take A Gondola Ride
As weird as it sounds, a Gondola ride along the beautiful and picturesque location of Gulmarg makes it one of the worthy things to do in Gulmarg in May. The ride comes in two phases – Phase 1 and Phase 2. For the first phase, the same takes you along from the base camp to Kungdoor and then from Kongdori to Apharwat peak. The elevation at that point is around 900 meters. It is best suggested that you plan your rides accordingly and practice all the precautionary tips that are suggested to you. It is also best that you don’t rush through the process and just bask in the beauty of the surroundings.
Where: District Baramulla, Alambal Road, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403
Entry fees: Varies
Timings: Varies
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2. St. Mary’s Church: Get Some Solace
While you are in Gulmarg, another one of the amazing things to do in Gulmarg in May that is visiting is the St. Mary’s Church. This Victorian-style church has its grandeur and unmatched beauty that you just can’t compare to anything else around. Apart from the beautiful exteriors, the inner peace that you get by stepping into the church is something you can’t miss out on. The place is also famous for the inclusion of its stained glass artwork and the pin-drop silence that lingers inside. The unique thing about this church is the fact that it is only accessible after trekking to the spot, so it isn’t something that everyone can visit around. So, this accounts for some mild adventure as well.
Where: Gulmarg
Entry fees: None
Timings: Varies
Suggested Read: Let The Skiing Begin: Skiing In Manali Vs. Skiing In Gulmarg
3. Outer Circle: Stroll Around The Breathtaking Road
Another one of the amazing things to do in Gulmarg in May that is worth indulging in is a quick walk around the outer circle road. It is located around the Gulmarg golf course and accounts for one of the most breathtaking spots around. If you do want a wholesome experience being in here, we would suggest that you do indulge in walking around the colourful scheme of the flowers and the natural beauty around. The majority of the people visiting the place have time and time mentioned that the beauty around is unmatched and one that you don’t normally stumble across daily. Apart from the casual stroll, you can also witness some of the sightseeing spots including the main market, Shiva temple and a lot more around.
Where: Gulmarg
Entry fees: None
Timings: Open 24 hours
Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do During Snowfall In Gulmarg
4. Alpather Lake: Bask In The Beauty
If you are visiting around in Gulmarg during May, one important factor that is worth visiting and exploring around is Alpather Lake. This is perfect for a day trip from Gulmarg, so you do need to allot a separate day for this. The lake is nestled in between the infamous Alpather peaks and is located around 13 km away from the main city of Gulmarg. The most unique thing about this lake is the fact that it remains frozen until mid-May which is astonishing and amazing at the same time. Even with the summer basking around, you get to experience a frozen lake in Gulmarg which is why having this in your itinerary is an absolute must. You can also indulge in trekking around that trail as well.
Where: 13 km from Gulmarg
Entry fees: None
Timings: Open 24 hours
Suggested Read: 18 Surreal Places To Visit In Gulmarg And Its Vicinity On A Vacation
5. Ningle Nallah: Catch Some Shots
If you are into nature photography and want to catch some breathtaking shots, Ningle Nallah is the perfect place for that. The majority of the tourists suggest that this place has a very serene touch and feel to it that you normally wouldn’t experience anywhere else. The surroundings are so beautiful that it isn’t surprising why it is regarded as one of the best spots for nature photography. It is located around 10 km from the main city of Gulmarg and is filled with lakes, trails and natural beauty on all sides, making this a spot worth visiting and exploring.
Where: 10 km from Gulmarg
Entry fees: None
Timings: Varies
Suggested Read: 8 Things To Do In Gulmarg For An Unforgettable Kashmir Holiday
6. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve: Witness Wildlife
Witnessing animals in their natural habitats is among the unmatched things to do in Gulmarg in May. The Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is one such amazing spot that is worth visiting and exploring. It is located quite far from Srinagar but close to Gulmarg. It is also located 2400 m above the sea level, accounting for a small trek uphill. The reserve serves as a home for several of the animal species including Himalayan Musk Deer, Black Bear, Brown bear, etc. Apart from these animals, the place is also home to a wide range of migratory birds, so it isn’t surprising why it is such a coveted option for bird watching as well. The natural lush greenery around further stacks on to the experience.
Where: Gulmarg
Entry fees: Not specified
Timings: Not specified
Suggested Read: 54 Best Places To Visit In India In Summer To Escape The Scorching Heat
7. Delicacies: Try The Local Cuisine
While you are out visiting Gulmarg in May, the one thing that you can’t afford missing out on is trying out the local cuisine. Warzan and Kahwa are the two traditional dishes that the majority of the locals praise about. If you are wondering what, Warzan is a thali like a dish that consists of 32 different dishes. The combination of Gushtaba and Rogan Josh are the two favourites in this. Kahwa, on the other hand, is a specialty tea there which is often enjoyed before or after the meals. This has proven benefits in helping promote better digestion, thus making it quite a favourable option to look into. The tea has several whole spices added to it which makes it an even better experience. It is nothing less than royalty.
Where: Famous food places around
Entry fees: Varies
Timings: Varies
Suggested Read: 10 Incredible Gulmarg Hotels For A Cozy Staycation
8. Shopping: Shop Your Heart Out
Although there are not many places for shopping in Gulmarg, the ones that are present there are sufficient in themselves. You can buy some amazing carpets that are hand-woven, shawls, textiles, and fresh fruits. As there is a less number of shops and stalls in the market, the prices tend to be higher than anywhere else. So, make sure that you bargain or check the price before buying any stuff. Gulmarg in summer definitely calls for some shopping so make sure that you do that.
Where: Gulmarg
Entry Fees: NA
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm mostly
Suggested Read: Explore These 10 Best Places To Visit In Gulmarg In May On Kashmir Trip
9. Golf: Try Your Hands On Golfing
Image Credits: Thomas Ward for Pexels
If you are planning to visit Gulmarg in May month, then make sure that you try out golfing. Were you aware of the fact that Gulmarg is home to the world’s second-highest golf course? Located at a height of 2,650 meters, the golf course in Gulmarg has 18-holes that spread in an area of 7,505 yards. It is a different feeling to do this activity as such an altitude where you can witness some cool breeze.
Where: Forest Block, Gulmarg
Entry Fees: INR 800
Timings: 8:30 am to 9 pm
Futher Read: Here’s Why Kashmir Is Called Heaven On Earth
The next time that you plan on visiting Kashmir, these are some of the must things to do in Gulmarg in May that you just can’t miss out on. Every single one of them is worth visiting and accentuates your overall experience like no other. If you want a comfortable trip, you must have your itinerary planned. So, plan a trip to Kashmir for next May and have ultimate fun!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gulmarg
What can you witness in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg experiences extreme weather conditions. If you are visiting during the summer months, you will likely have very pleasant weather and the sightseeing spots around are in the best view around.
Why is Gulmarg famous around?
Apart from the natural beauty of the place, Gulmarg is known for its longest cable car project known as the Gulmarg Gondola.
Is it safe to travel to Gulmarg?
If you are wondering about safety, there are possibilities that the same isn’t certain. Since Kashmir is always at unrest, anything can arise at any point in time. There is no stoppage to it.
How can one visit Gulmarg?
If you are travelling via air, Srinagar has the closest airport from where you can take a cab and then be on your way. The nearest railway station is Jammu.
What is the best time to visit and explore Gulmarg?
When it comes to the peak seasons to visit Gulmarg, it is suggested that you visit during March to June during summers and October to February during winters.
What does the Gulmarg Gondola cost?
The entry fee for the gondola ride is INR 740 per person for the adults in Phase 1 and then INR 950 if one wishes to enjoy Phase 2 as well.
What is the distance between Gulmarg and Katra?
If you are coming from Katra or plan on visiting Katra from Gulmarg, know for a fact that the distance between the two is around 130 km so you do need to plan things ahead of time.
Does it snow in Gulmarg?
The time frame between December and March is when the entire state of Kashmir is prone to experiencing snowfall. So, if you want to experience snow, that is the time.
Does it snow in Gulmarg in May?
It is difficult to witness snow or snowfall in Gulmarg in the month of May as the temperature rises to around 37 degrees Celsius. All the snow melts down until this month of the year.
Which is better Sonmarg or Gulmarg?
There cannot be any comparison between these two places as both of them have their own beauty and charm. You can visit any of these places according to your comfort.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
