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.
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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Written By Seema Gurnani