Gulmarg

India's finest ski resort, Gulmarg, 53 kms. from Srinagar, is known as "The Meadow Of Flowers". It also has the distinction of offering the highest natural golf course in the world at 2890 mts. Mid-December to March, Gulmarg becomes an exciting winter sports resort. Skiing, tobogganing, ski-bobbing, are some of the activities offered here, with instruction and equipment facilities.

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station and a notified area committee in Baramula district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.Gulmarg is located 52 km from Srinagar.Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions.

It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British stationed in India. The surrounding areas were politically restive during a period of relative peace and quiet. The town is nestled within the imposing Himalayan peaks, and lies within miles of the Line of Control. It receives heavy snowfall during the winter season and is a popular ski resort.According to CNN, Gulmarg is the "heartland of winter sports in India."Gulmarg was being mooted as a possible host for the 2010 Commonwealth Winter Games. As such, Gulmarg has been rated by CNN International as Asia's seventh best ski destination.This resort is famous because of its "Gulmarg Gondola," one of the highest cable car in the world, reaching 3,979 metres.The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit (4,200 m (13,780 ft)). The ropeway project is a joint venture of the Jammu and Kashmir government and French firm Pomagalski.