Gulmarg
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}}Template:Main other Gulmarg ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}), known as Gulmarag<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> ({{#invoke:IPA|main}}; Template:Lit in Kashmiri), is a town, hill station, tourist destination, skiing destination, and a notified area committee<ref name="Plumbe">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> in the Baramulla district of the northern Kashmir Valley of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, within the larger disputed Kashmir region.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Madan">Template:Cite book</ref>
It is located at a distance of Template:Convert from Baramulla and Template:Convert from Srinagar. The town is situated in the India’s well known Pir Panjal Range in the Western Himalayas and lies within the boundaries of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
EtymologyEdit
Kashmir has many summer retreats suffixed with the word -marg: Sonamarg, Tangmarg, Gulmarg, Khilanmarg, Yousmarg, and Nagmarg. Gulmarg is one of the Margs that has historical importance for Kashmiris.Template:Citation needed
Gulmarg is a compound word or portmanteau of two Persian words, Gul and Marg. Gul means flowers and Marg means meadow.
HistoryEdit
Yousuf Shah Chak, who ruled Kashmir from 1579 to 1586, frequented the place with his queen Habba Khatoon and renamed it 'Gulmarg' ("meadow of flowers") from Gaurimarg (meaning "the path of Goddess Gauri"), the name used by locals in reverence to Goddess Parvati(Wife of Lord Shiva).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Chaturvedi">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="About-Gulmarg">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Wild flowers of 21 different varieties were collected by the Mughal emperor Jahangir for his gardens in Gulmarg.<ref name="Chaturvedi"/><ref name="Lovell-HoareLovell-Hoare2014">Template:Cite book</ref> In the 19th century, British civil servants started using Gulmarg as a retreat to escape summers in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Hunting and golfing were their favorite pastime and three golf courses were established in Gulmarg including one exclusively for women.<ref name="Mitra2013">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Lovell-HoareLovell-Hoare2014"/> One of the golf courses is located at an altitude of Template:Convert is the world's highest golf course.<ref name="Mitra2013"/> In 1927, British established a ski club in Gulmarg and two annual ski events were hosted, one during Christmas and Easter.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="JKTourism">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Central Asian explorer Aurel Stein also visited Gulmarg during this period.<ref name="About-Gulmarg"/>
After the end of British rule in India, Gulmarg became a part of the independent Dogra princely state of Kashmir and Jammu. Pakistan planned an invasion of the state called Operation Gulmarg. One of the routes used by the invading militia of Pathan tribesmen, armed and supported by Pakistani regular troops, passed through the Haji Pir pass and Gulmarg headed towards the state capital Srinagar. Gulmarg fell to the invading army, but the Indian Army, led by the 1st Sikh Regiment, successfully defended the outskirts of Srinagar.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Thereafter, Indian counterattacks pushed the tribesmen back - many towns, including Gulmarg, were recaptured.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1948, Indian Army established a ski school in Gulmarg which later became the High Altitude Warfare School.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 1 January 1949, the war ended under UN supervision and a Ceasefire line (CFL), which was rechristened the Line of Control (LOC) by the Shimla Agreement of 1972,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> was established near Gulmarg.<ref name="BBCNews">Template:Cite news</ref>
After Indian Independence, Indian planners sought to develop a destination for winter sports in India. In 1960, the Department of Tourism of the Government of India invited Rudolph Matt to select a suitable location for such a purpose. Matt determined Gulmarg would serve as a suitable location as a winter sports destination. In 1968, the Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering was established in Gulmarg to train ski instructors. Over the next decade, Indian planners invested Template:INRConvert to transform Gulmarg into a world-class ski destination. Gulmarg became a centre for skiers from Asian nations.<ref name="Seth2006">Template:Cite book</ref> In the mid-1980s, heli-skiing was introduced in Gulmarg.<ref name="JKTourism"/>
In the 1990s, the rise of insurgents in Jammu and Kashmir affected tourism in Gulmarg.<ref name="Seth2006" /> However, tourism started to recover in late 1990s. Work on the cable car project between Gulmarg and Apharwat Peak, which was commissioned in 1988 by Government of Jammu and Kashmir, resumed in 1998 after being put on hold due to security concerns. In May 1998, Phase 1 of the project, between Gulmarg and Kongdori, began its commercial operation. In May 2005, Phase 2 of the project was completed, making it one of the longest and highest ropeways of Asia. The chairlift installed as a part of Phase 3 of the project began its operations in 2011. The National Winter Games were held in Gulmarg in 1998, 2004 and 2008.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2014, Government of Jammu and Kashmir drafted a Master Plan–2032 for Gulmarg. The plan includes development of a solid-waste treatment plant on 20 acres of land close to Gulmarg.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Geography and geologyEdit
Gulmarg lies in a cup-shaped valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of, Template:Convert, 56 km from Srinagar.<ref name="Mitra2013"/> The soil in Gulmarg comprises glacial deposits, lacustrine deposits, and moraines of Pleistocene age covering shales, limestones, sandstones, schists and other varieties of rocks.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The natural meadows of Gulmarg, which are covered with snow in winter, allow the growth of wild flowers such as daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups during spring and summer.<ref name="Mitra2013" /><ref name="Chaturvedi" /> The meadows are interspersed by enclosed parks and small lakes, and surrounded by forests of green pine and fir.<ref name="Mitra2013" /> Skiing and other winter sports in Gulmarg are carried out on the slopes of Apharwat peak at a height of Template:Convert.<ref name="JKTourism" /> Many points on Apharwat peak and Khilanmarg offer a panoramic view of Nanga Parbat and Harmukh mountains.<ref name="Mitra2013"/>
ClimateEdit
Due to its high elevation, Gulmarg has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb) where the wet winter season sees heavy snowfall, especially for its latitude. Summers are moderate in temperature and length, whereas shoulder seasons are relatively cool.
DemographicsEdit
At the 2011 Indian census, Gulmarg had a total population of 1,965 over 77 households. The male population in the town stood at 1,957 while there were only eight females and no children between the ages of 0 and 6 years. Gulmarg had an average literacy rate of 99.24%. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes constituted 0.61% and 0.15% of the population respectively.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Gulmarg has few permanent residents with most residents being tourists or those involved in the tourism industry.<ref name="Mitra2013"/>
TourismEdit
According to CNN, Gulmarg is the "heartland of winter sports in India" and was rated as Asia's seventh best ski destination.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The town is accessible from Srinagar by road via Tangmarg. The road climbs uphill in the last 12 kilometres to Gulmarg passing through forests of pine and fir.<ref name="Mitra2013"/><ref name="Chaturvedi"/><ref name="Lovell-HoareLovell-Hoare2014"/> Winter sports like skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding and heli-skiing take place on the slopes of Mount Apharwat reachable by a Gondola lift.<ref name="JKTourism"/>
Gulmarg GondolaEdit
Built by the French company Pomagalski, the Gulmarg Gondola is 2nd highest in the worldTemplate:Citation needed reaching 3,979 metres.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour between Gulmarg and a shoulder of nearby Apharwat Peak (Template:Convert). The first stage transfers from Gulmarg at Template:Convert to Kongdoori at Template:Convert. The second stage which has 36 cabins and 18 towers, takes passengers to a height of Template:Convert on the Apharwat Peak Template:Convert. A chair lift system connects Kongdoori with Mary's shoulder for taking skiers to higher altitudes. The high inflow of tourists has had an effect on the fragile eco-system of Gulmarg and activists have demanded tighter regulation to save the environment of the area from over-tourism.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
An accident occurred on 15 June 2017 due to an enormous pine tree being uprooted by a gust of wind and breaking the perspex windows on one of the gondola cabins, causing it to swing violently and its seven occupants to fall Template:Convert to the ground.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Igloo cafe and Igloo restaurantEdit
In February 2022, the world's largest igloo cafe was opened in Gulmarg.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was made with a height of 37.5 feet and a diameter of 44.5 feet.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Around 40 people can eat there at a time.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2023, a glass igloo restaurant was developed by Kolahoi Green Heights, a hotel in Gulmarg.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Maharani TempleEdit
Maharani Temple (commonly known as Shiv Temple of Gulmarg) was built by a Hindu ruler Maharaja Hari Singh for his wife Maharani Mohini Bai Sisodia in 1915.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This temple was considered as the stately possession of the Dogra kings. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. This temple is visible from all corners of Gulmarg.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref> The temple is a popular tourist destination and shooting of some of the popular songs like “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” from 1974 Hindi film Aap Ki Kasam was done here.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
St Mary's ChurchEdit
St Mary's Church is located in the valley of Shepherds in Gulmarg.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It was built in 1902, during the period of British rule, and was constructed in a British style. Made of grey brick with a green roof and decorated wooden interior walls, it has been described as a "Victorian architectural wonder".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1920 the church saw the wedding of the brother of Bruce Bairnsfather; Miss Eleanor Hardy Tipping married Capt. T. D. Bairnsfather, with newspapers describing the church as "very prettily decorated" and with the service conducted by Rev Canon Buckwell in the presence of both organ and a full choir.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
St Mary's was closed for years but was renovated and reopened in 2003, holding its first Christmas service there for 14 years.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The church belongs to the Diocese of Amritsar, Church Of North India.
SportEdit
Gulmarg Winter Games 2020Edit
The first-ever Khelo India Winter Games were held from 7 March at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 955 participants took part in the 5-day event. Organised by Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Games included various sports disciplines at the ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir from 7 to 11 March.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Avalanche information centerEdit
In 2008, an American avalanche forecaster named Brian Newman began an NGO named Gulmarg Avalanche Center. The purpose of this organization was to dispense daily avalanche risk bulletins to visitors entering the unmanaged backcountry surrounding the Gulmarg ski area. The center provides avalanche education including a free weekly avalanche awareness talk during the winter season.
EventsEdit
An annual three-day Gulmarg Winter Festival is held in March. Budding artists in the fields of music, films and photography are given an opportunity to showcase their work during the festival.
In popular cultureEdit
Gulmarg has been the shooting location many Bollywood films like Bobby, Aap Ki Kasam, Jab Tak Hai Jaan,<ref>Holiday, the Bollywood way</ref> Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Highway, Phantom, Haider, etc.<ref>This is cheating! The Manali in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is actually Gulmarg, fumes Omar on Twitter</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
See alsoEdit
- Dal Lake
- Peer Ki Gali
- Aharbal
- Gurez
- Keran, Jammu and Kashmir
- Gangabal
- Kokernag
- Dachigam National Park
- Sonamarg
- Verinag
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden
- Kausar Nag
- Zabarwan Range
- Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport
- Jammu-Baramulla line
- Mughal Road
- Kolahoi Peak
- Martand Sun Temple
- Amarnath Cave
- Chiranbal
- Kashmir Railway
- Kheer Bhawani
- Pahalgam
- Gurez
ReferencesEdit
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