Gulmarg is known for its golf and a seven mile long circular road which affords a magnificent view of the entire Kashmir Valley.
Gulmarg the favorite summer resort of those who prefer to have a quite holiday, is the queen among these green margs (meadows). Gulmarg was earlier used to be called as Gaurimarg or the ‘Way or Path of Gauri’, wife of Shiva. From 1581 A.D. Yusuf Shah, a King of Kashmir of the Chak dynasty, who used to visit the place during the hot season, changed its name into Gulmarg (flowery meadow). Situated 3000 feet above the valley-level, it has a delight fully salubrious climate. The view from here is absolute and wonderful. Directly above Gulmarg, at the forest limit, is another space called Killanmarg — the Meadow of Goats.
Tourism in Gulmarg centers round natural beauty, snow sports, trekking, golf etc. Indeed, the scenery of Gulmarg compares favorably with that of the loveliest regions of Switzerland and the Tyrol. Towering above is the mountains of Apharvat, whilst the panorama of the mountains towards Nanga Parbat is magnificent. A moonlight Gulmarg is a glorious sight, the mist rising in the early hours of the morning giving the ‘marg’ the appearance of a mystic lake, and filling the soul with poetical ideas, and inspirations, especially when seen after a pleasant evening spent among hospitable friends when the wanderer wends his way home at peace with the whole world. Nature has provided Gulmarg with numerous flowers in endless variety of form, color and species. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir, is said to have once called as many as 21 different kinds of flowers here. Gulmarg is also rich in insect life, more particularly in butterflies.
Gulmarg a green valley fringed by gigantic fir and fine forests, with crisp mountain air and snow capped peaks. Gulmarg is also a convenient base for visiting lake Alpathar (3,842 metres), Khilanumarg (3,048 metres) and Tosa Maidan. The heart of Gulmarg is its golf course. During winters Gulmarg is covered with a thick sheet of snow and becomes a vast stadium for winter sports. The visit to Kashmir valley without a visit to Gulmarg is incomplete.