BARAMULLA

Khilanmarg, is a smaller valley about a 6 kms walk from the Gulmarg bus stop and car park. The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley. It's a 600 metre ascent from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg and during the early spring, as the snow melts, it can be a very muddy hour's climb up the hill. The effort is rewarded, if it's clear, with a sweeping view of the great Himalayas from Nanga Parbat to the twin 7,100 metre peaks of Nun and Kun to the southeast. Khilanmarg is a popular picnic spot of Baramula, situated in Gulmarg. The surroundings of this place comprise dense forests and secluded valleys. Its meadows display a carpet of large number of colours and species of flowers.
 

Gulmarg Gondola, one of the main attractions of Gulmarg is the second highest cable car in the world. The Gondola ride gives you the most extravagant views of Gulmarg and Khilanmarg combined. The cable car rides are definitely the epitome of capturing the beauty and splendour of this place. The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Tourists can enjoy horse riding and can go riding to the magnificent "Strawberry Valley", Leopards Valley and ride up to "Kongdori" to see the frozen lake of "Al- Pathar".
 

Alpather Lake, located at a distance of 13 kms from Gulmarg, rests at the foot of the 4511 mts tall Apharwat peak. The lake remains frozen through most of the year till mid June. During summers the lake has clear water with floating pieces of ice creating a picturesque sight. Triangular in shape, the lake, with a backdrop of snow covered mountains also attracts sightseers. Visitors can reach Alpather Lake from Gulmarg after a daylong expedition. Pony rides also take visitors to the destination. Those interested in horse riding can make a day's trip, starting early in the morning. Adventure enthusiasts can climb the ridge of the Apharwat Peak that ascends straight up and then hike down to the other side.
 

Parihaspora town, located at a distance of 26 kms from Srinagar, is one of the popular attractions of Baramulla. This site once served as the capital of Kashmir during the rule of Raja Shankervarman. Lalityaditya Muktapid, the erstwhile King of Kashmir, found this old town in the 8th century AD. Baramulla is especially popular among tourists for its ancient archaeological monuments, namely Pattan Bazaar and Parihaspora Pattan. Ruins of a Buddhist Stupa and monastery can be also be visited by tourists in this town. Raj Bhawan, a few Vishnu temples and a Chaitya, Buddhist or Jain shrine, were discovered due to an excavation project that was started in Parihaspora in 1914. The structures unearthed represent the architectural style of the ancient period.
 

Outer Circle Walk, an 11 kms long trek around the Kashmir Valley is highly recommended for individuals visiting Gulmarg. The participants are taken through the “outer circle” surrounding the valley which crosses rows of pine trees, lush green grasslands and beautiful landscapes. The view of the Nanga Parbat, the world's fourth highest peak, which stands at a height of 8500 mts, is a major attraction of the walk. Trekkers can also witness the beauty of the Haramukh and Sunset Peak, two popular tourist spots, during the walk.
 

Baba Reshi Shrine, named after the renowned Muslim scholar and saint Baba Reshi, is located at a distance of 5 kms from Gulmarg and a height of 2133 mts above sea level. The Baba was a noted member of the court of King Zain-ul-Abidin, who ruled Kashmir in the 15th century. He served the king loyally until the day he died at Gulmarg in the year 1480. The shrine of Baba Reshi was built in the Mughal and Persian style of architecture with beautiful wooden art works inside the tomb. The mosque stands amidst a beautiful garden which is big enough to house a large number of devotees at any particular time. Visitors can reach the place by local means of transportation such as sledges, field chutes, and horses. The visiting hours of the place are between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.