Best Places To Visit In Gulmarg In Summer
Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays
Most people think of Gulmarg as a winter destination, but in summer it reveals a completely different side. The snow recedes, the slopes turn lush green, and the valley comes alive with blooming wildflowers, living up to its name, the “Meadow of Flowers.”
Located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg sits at an altitude of around 2,650 metres (8,694 ft) in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. Just 50 to 55 km from Srinagar, it is an easy addition to any Kashmir itinerary and offers a slower, less crowded experience during the summer months.
Whether it is taking the gondola to higher altitudes, walking through open meadows, or simply soaking in the mountain views, Gulmarg in summer feels more relaxed and immersive. In this guide, you will find the best places to visit in Gulmarg in summer, along with practical tips and a simple itinerary to help you plan your trip with ease.
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Best Time To Visit Gulmarg In Summer
Top Places To Visit In Gulmarg In Summer
Things To Do In Gulmarg In Summer
Why Visit Gulmarg In Summer
Summer brings out a softer, more vibrant side of Gulmarg, where the landscapes feel open, colourful, and easy to explore. It is the perfect time to experience the region beyond its winter reputation, at a slower and more relaxed pace.
Lush meadows and blooming landscapes
True to its name, the “Meadow of Flowers,” Gulmarg turns into a stretch of green slopes dotted with vibrant wildflowers during summer.
Pleasant weather for exploring
With temperatures ranging between 13°C and 25°C, the weather is ideal for sightseeing, short treks, and spending long hours outdoors.
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Unlike the peak winter season, Gulmarg in summer feels quieter, allowing you to explore without the usual rush.
Access to scenic views and outdoor activities
Clear skies and open trails make it the perfect time for gondola rides, nature walks, and exploring higher-altitude areas in the Pir Panjal Range.
This is why Gulmarg is often considered one of the best destinations in well-curated Kashmir tour packages, especially during the summer season.
Best Time To Visit Gulmarg In Summer
Summer in Gulmarg spans from April to July, with each month offering a slightly different experience, from melting snow and fresh greenery to full bloom and lush landscapes. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose the best time based on what you want to see and do.
.
|
Month |
Weather |
What to Expect |
|
April |
Cool and crisp |
Snow begins to melt, with patches of snow and early greenery. |
|
May |
Cool and pleasant |
Snow starts melting, fresh greenery appears. |
|
June |
Mild and comfortable |
Peak bloom season, clear views, ideal for sightseeing. |
|
July |
Pleasant and slightly warm |
Lush landscapes are great for outdoor activities. |
Top Places To Visit In Gulmarg In Summer
Apharwat Peak
At 4,390 metres, Apharwat Peak is the highest point most visitors will reach in Gulmarg, and the landscape up here bears almost no resemblance to the meadows below. The terrain is raw, windswept, and snow-covered slopes that often retain snow well into summer. Located close to the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal range, Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Key Highlights:
Permanent snowfields present even in peak summer
Sweeping Himalayan panorama from the summit viewpoint
Accessible without trekking via Gondola Phase II
Starting point for experienced high-altitude treks deeper into the range
Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake sits at 3,843 metres at the base of the Apharwat massif. Until late June, the lake often remains partially frozen until late June, with patches of ice sometimes visible into early summer, and even through July, the far edges carry ice shelves that crack and shift in the afternoon heat. The trek from the Gondola Phase II terminus to the lake takes about an hour each way across open high-altitude terrain, with the lake appearing suddenly over a ridge. The crystal-clear waters of the lake, reflecting the surrounding peaks, make it a favourite among travellers seeking the best places to visit in Gulmarg in summer and photographers looking to capture Kashmir’s raw natural beauty.
Key Highlights:
One-hour trek from the Apharwat Peak Gondola station
Outstanding photography conditions, still water, snow, open sky.
Khilanmarg
Khilanmarg is a picturesque meadow reached by a short trek, known for its lush greenery and panoramic views. Sitting about 6 kilometres from town at roughly 2,700 metres, it is reachable by a moderate uphill trek or a pony ride, and the gradient is gentle enough that most reasonably fit travellers manage it without difficulty. The views from the top look directly across at Apharwat’s snowfields, and on the clearest mornings, the entire Pir Panjal range is visible without a single cloud interrupting it. During summer, the area is dotted with wildflowers, creating a soft, colourful landscape. It’s ideal for those who want a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Key Highlights:
Extraordinary wildflower bloom from late May through July
Direct views of Apharwat Peak and the Pir Panjal range
Accessible by trek or pony ride
Gulmarg Golf Course
Set against a backdrop of pine forests and mountains, the Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the highest in the world. In summer, the course is lush and vibrant, offering a calm space to walk, unwind, and take in the surroundings at a slower pace. Designed during the British era, the Gulmarg Golf Course seamlessly blends heritage with natural beauty, offering sweeping views of snow-clad peaks, deep valleys, and open grasslands.
Key Highlights:
One of the world’s highest golf courses, approximately at 2,650 m
Wildflowers bloom along the fairways from June onwards
Open for leisure walks, even for non-golfers
Strawberry Valley
Located about 3 to 4 km from the main town centre, Strawberry Valley is one of Gulmarg’s quieter, lesser-known corners, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual spots. The landscape here feels untouched and open. In summer, you will find patches, known for seasonal wild strawberries. It is an easy, scenic outing that feels refreshingly offbeat.
Key Highlights:
Wild strawberries in season from June through August
Open meadow landscape, broader and less forested than central Gulmarg
Excellent for photography, picnics, and slow-travel exploration
Ningle Nallah
Ningle Nallah is a glacial stream fed directly by the snowmelt from Apharwat Peak, and it flows at its fullest when the meltwater is at full flow. The stream cuts through a heavily forested gorge about 10 kilometres from Gulmarg town. The surrounding pine and fir forest keeps the area cool even on warm summer afternoons, and the flat rocks along the bank make natural resting spots. It is a popular picnic destination for families and a good option if you want somewhere genuinely green and cool without any altitude stress.
Key Highlights:
Dense pine forest surrounds the stream, keeping temperatures cool.
Natural flat rocks along the bank for sitting and picnicking.
Easy, low-altitude outing suitable for all ages.
St. Mary’s Church
Built in 1902 by the Anglican community during the British colonial period, St. Mary’s Church, Gulmarg, served as a popular summer retreat for officers and administrators escaping the heat of the plains. The building is constructed almost entirely in timber in a style that sits somewhere between a hill station chapel and a Kashmiri wood-crafted structure. In summer, the pine trees around the church grow so dense that the building is almost hidden from the road until you’re directly beside it, giving the approach a quietly dramatic quality.
Key Highlights:
Built in 1902, one of Gulmarg’s oldest standing colonial structures.
Entirely timber-constructed interior, including original pews and pulpit.
Outstanding photography subject in summer morning light.
Maharani Temple
Formally the Maa Durga Temple, Maharani Temple was built by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the Maharani of Kashmir, in the early 20th century. Sitting on a low hilltop on the edge of Gulmarg town, it gives clear views across the meadow toward Apharwat Peak. The temple is built in the Shikhara style common to Kashmir’s Hindu shrines, with a pointed spire and stone construction that has weathered well over a century of high-altitude winters.
Key Highlights:
Built by Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia in the early 20th century.
Classic Kashmiri Shikhara-style stone architecture.
Hilltop position with open views across the Gulmarg meadow.
Short 150-step climb from the road, accessible for most visitors.
Baba Reshi Shrine
The Baba Reshi Shrine in Gulmarg is one of the most revered spiritual sites in the region, drawing devotees and travellers seeking peace and reflection. Known for its exquisite Kashmiri-Persian wooden architecture, peaceful forest surroundings, and as a popular site for pilgrimage, it attracts visitors seeking spiritual solace and the fulfilment of wishes.
Key Highlights:
Active pilgrimage site.
Elaborate Kashmiri wood carving on exterior facade.
Peaceful hillside setting distinct from Gulmarg’s tourist centre.
Things To Do In Gulmarg In Summer
Gulmarg in the summer season is less about rushing through sights and more about experiencing the landscape at your own pace. With clear skies, open meadows, and pleasant weather, it’s the perfect time to explore both the popular highlights and quieter corners.
Ride the Gulmarg Gondola
Take one of the highest cable cars in the world up to Kongdori and Apharwat for sweeping views and access to higher-altitude terrain.
Go for scenic treks and nature walks.s
Explore trails around Khilanmarg, Alpather Lake, or nearby valleys, where summer brings lush greenery and wildflowers into full bloom.
Enjoy a relaxed picnic by the streams.
Spend a quiet afternoon in places like Ningle Nallah, surrounded by fresh mountain air and clear glacial water.
Play or walk around the Gulmarg Golf Course.
Even if you’re not golfing, the open landscape and serene setting make it a great place for a stroll.
Explore offbeat spots like Strawberry Valley.
Step away from the main tourist areas and discover quieter, scenic locations that feel more untouched and peaceful.
Visit a local cultural and spiritual site.
Take time to explore landmarks like St. Mary’s Church or Maharani Temple for a glimpse into the region’s history and heritage.
Capture the changing landscapes.
From snow-dusted peaks to flower-filled meadows, summer in Gulmarg offers plenty of opportunities for photography.
How To Reach Gulmarg
Reaching Gulmarg is seamless, making it an effortless addition when exploring. The journey typically begins in Srinagar, whose airport is well connected with frequent domestic flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, along with select seasonal international connections and with convenient international connectivity via Delhi. From Srinagar, a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive through forested hills leads you to Gulmarg. For a more refined experience, private transfers are the preferred choice, offering comfort, flexibility, and a relaxed pace along the way.
Book Your Kashmir Summer Trip with Flying Squirrel Holidays
Exploring the best places to visit in Gulmarg in summer becomes far more rewarding when every detail is thoughtfully taken care of. At Flying Squirrel Holidays, our bespoke Kashmir tour packages
are designed to combine Gulmarg with destinations like Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg, creating a seamless and well-balanced summer itinerary. Each journey is designed to be seamless, personalised, and deeply immersive, so you can focus entirely on the experience.
From private transfers and priority access to thoughtfully curated stays and fluid, tailor-made itineraries, every detail is designed around your pace and preferences. Whether it is retreating to quieter, offbeat valleys or seamlessly balancing iconic experiences with moments of unhurried relaxation, each journey is crafted with a refined, detail-led approach that places your comfort. For more details, contact us today at +91 33 40525777 / +91 833 697 8737 or email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com
FAQs About Gulmarg In Summer
1.Is summer a good time to visit Gulmarg?
Yes, summer is one of the best times to visit Gulmarg. From May to July, the weather is pleasant, snow is still visible at higher altitudes, and most attractions like the Gulmarg Gondola, Alpather Lake, and Khilanmarg are easily accessible.
2.What are the best places to visit in Gulmarg in summer?
Some of the best places to visit in Gulmarg in summer include Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg, Gulmarg Golf Course, Maharani Temple, Baba Reshi Shrine, and Ningle Nallah.
3.How do I reach Apharwat Peak from Gulmarg?
Apharwat Peak can be reached via Phase 2 of the Gulmarg Gondola ride, subject to weather conditions. Visiting in summer increases the chances of access due to clearer skies and safer conditions.
4.Is the Gulmarg Gondola operational in summer?
Yes, the Gulmarg Gondola operates in summer. It is one of the highest cable cars in the world and offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, valleys, and meadows.
5.Can I visit Alpather Lake during the summer?
Yes, Alpather Lake is accessible in summer, usually via a Gondola ride to Apharwat, followed by a short trek. The lake may still have ice floating on its surface, making it a unique summer attraction.
6.Are there offbeat places to explore in Gulmarg?
Absolutely. Offbeat places like Ningle Nallah, Khilanmarg, and quiet forest trails offer peaceful alternatives to popular tourist spots and are ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
7.Is Gulmarg suitable for family trips in summer?
Yes, Gulmarg is ideal for family holidays in summer, offering a mix of sightseeing, nature walks, spiritual sites, picnic spots, and easy adventure activities.
8.How many days are enough to explore Gulmarg?
A stay of 2 to 3 days is sufficient to explore the major attractions of Gulmarg at a relaxed pace, including the Gondola ride, meadows, lakes, and nearby shrines.
9.What activities can you do in Gulmarg during summer?
Popular summer activities in Gulmarg include gondola rides, nature walks, horse riding, golfing at the Gulmarg Golf Course, photography, picnics, and sightseeing.
10. Is Gulmarg safe to visit for tourists?
Yes, Gulmarg is considered safe for tourists. However, travellers should always check weather conditions, follow local guidelines, and rely on authorised services for activities like the Gondola ride.
