If you're wondering about the best places to visit in Gulmarg in May, here's the short answer: almost everywhere looks beautiful this time of year. The snow is still sitting on the higher slopes, the grass is coming back to life, and the weather is just pleasant enough to walk around without freezing. May is that sweet spot before the summer rush hits.
You can ride the Gondola, walk through quiet trails, or just sit by the meadows with a warm cup of kahwa. There's something for everyone here, whether you're travelling with family, friends, or just by yourself.
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10 Places to Visit in Gulmarg in May: Real Travel Guide
1. Gulmarg Gondola (Apharwat Snow Access)
The Gondola ride Gulmarg is the most important experience and one of the top Places to visit in Gulmarg in May. It takes you from the main town to higher altitudes where snow still exists. Phase 1 reaches Kongdori, where you will mostly see green meadows with some snow patches. Phase 2 goes to Apharwat Peak, where proper snow is still present. The temperature drops as you go higher, so it feels much colder. This is the only reliable way to see snow in May. Among all the attractions in Gulmarg, this one should be your first priority.
- Location: Gulmarg Gondola base station
- Things to Do: Cable car ride, snow walking, sledging
- Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹810 Phase 1, ₹1010 Phase 2 approx
- How to Reach: Close to the main Gulmarg area
- Insider Tips: Go early to avoid long queues
2. Apharwat Peak (Only Reliable Snow Zone)
Apharwat Peak is where you will find real snow in May. Most of the photos people see online are taken here, not in Gulmarg town. In early May, the snow is thick, and even later in the month, some snow remains. There is also a chance of light snowfall in Gulmarg at this altitude. The weather can change quickly, so sometimes visibility is low. Still, it remains one of the most exciting Places to visit in Gulmarg in May. If you want to experience snow without visiting in winter, this is where you should go.
- Location: Gondola Phase 2
- Things to Do: Snow play, sledging, photography
- Timings: Depends on the gondola
- Entry Fee: Included in gondola
- How to Reach: Gondola ride
- Insider Tips: Carry gloves and wear good shoes
3. Strawberry Valley Gulmarg (Quiet and Underrated)
Strawberry Valley Gulmarg, is a peaceful spot away from the main tourist crowd. It is not a major attraction, but it offers a calm experience. In Gulmarg in May, this area turns green as the snow melts, creating a nice contrast with the snowy mountains above. Among all Gulmarg tourist places, this one is ideal if you want to relax and spend quiet time in nature. There are no major activities here, so expectations should be simple. It is best visited when you have extra time in your schedule.
- Location: Around 20 to 30 minutes from Gulmarg
- Things to Do: Walking, relaxing, photography
- Timings: Daytime
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Taxi or pony
- Insider Tips: Skip if your trip is short
4. Gulmarg Golf Course (Best Place to See Seasonal Change)
The Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the highest in the world and becomes especially beautiful in May. This is where you clearly see the transition from winter to summer. Snow starts melting, and green grass spreads across the field. The open space and mountain views make it one of the easiest Places to visit in Gulmarg in May. You do not need to plan much here. Just walk around and take in the view. Among all the things to do in Gulmarg, this one is simple but worth visiting.
- Location: Central Gulmarg
- Things to Do: Walking, photography, relaxing
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹100 approx
- How to Reach: Walking distance
- Insider Tips: Visit in the evening for better views
5. Khilanmarg (Wide Views with Less Crowd)
Khilanmarg is a good option if you want to go beyond the main areas of Gulmarg. It is less crowded and offers wide views of the Himalayas. In May, you will see a mix of greenery and leftover snow patches. Reaching here takes effort, either by trekking or taking a pony ride. Among all the places to visit in Gulmarg in May, this one is more about the journey and the view rather than activities. It is best for those who enjoy quiet places and do not mind a bit of travel.
- Location: Around 6 km from Gulmarg
- Things to Do: Trekking, photography
- Timings: Daytime
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Trek or pony
- Insider Tips: Fix pony price before starting
6. Maharani Temple (Simple Viewpoint Stop)
Maharani Temple is a small hilltop temple that gives you a full view of Gulmarg. It is not a major attraction, but the location makes it worth a short visit. In Gulmarg in May, the surroundings look fresh with green patches and some leftover snow in the distance. The climb is short and easy, so you do not need much effort. Among all the Gulmarg tourist places, this one is quick and simple. You can spend 20 to 30 minutes here and move on without affecting your plan.
- Location: Central Gulmarg hill
- Things to Do: Short walk, photography
- Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Short walk from the main area
- Insider Tips: Visit during sunset for better views
7. St. Mary’s Church (Quiet Colonial Spot)
St. Mary’s Church is a small wooden church surrounded by pine trees. It feels very different from the rest of Gulmarg. In May, the area becomes green and peaceful, making it a good stop if you want a quiet break. It is not crowded, and there is not much to do here, but the setting is calm. Among the Places to visit in Gulmarg in May, this one is more about atmosphere than activity. You can combine it with a short walk around nearby areas.
- Location: Near Gulmarg Golf Course
- Things to Do: Photography, quiet walk
- Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Walking distance
- Insider Tips: Combine with a golf course visit
8. Alpather Lake (Snow Lake Experience)
Alpather Lake is located near Apharwat Peak and remains partially frozen even in May. This is one of the less-explored places to visit in Gulmarg in May, mainly because reaching here requires effort. You need to either trek or hire a guide from the gondola top. The lake is surrounded by snow and mountains, which makes it look very raw and untouched. Weather can change quickly, and conditions are not always easy, so plan carefully. This is one of the best things to do in Gulmarg if you want something different.
- Location: Near Apharwat Peak
- Things to Do: Trekking, photography
- Timings: Daytime only
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Trek from the gondola top
- Insider Tips: Go only if the weather is clear
9. Tangmarg (Entry Point to Gulmarg)
Tangmarg is the last major town before Gulmarg and acts as the entry point. Most people just pass through, but it is worth a short stop. In May, the area looks green and more lively compared to snow-covered Gulmarg. You can see local markets, small shops, and daily life here. Among the Places to visit in Gulmarg in May, this one gives you a local feel rather than scenic views. It is also where you may need to change vehicles depending on travel rules.
- Location: 13 km before Gulmarg
- Things to Do: Local shopping, short stop
- Timings: Open all day
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: On the way to Gulmarg
- Insider Tips: Good place to buy small essentials
10. Ningli Nallah (Water Stream Escape)
Ningli Nallah is a clean mountain stream located a short drive from Gulmarg. It is not very crowded and offers a peaceful setting. In May, the water flow is strong due to melting snow, and the surrounding area turns green. This makes it one of the more relaxing Places to visit in Gulmarg in May. There are no major activities here, but it is a good spot to sit and take a break. It works well if you have extra time in your Gulmarg itinerary.
- Location: Around 10 km from Gulmarg
- Things to Do: Relaxing, photography
- Timings: Daytime
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Taxi
- Insider Tips: Carry snacks as shops are limited
How to Reach Gulmarg (Distances That Matter)
Planning becomes easier when you understand distances.
The Gulmarg to Srinagar distance is around 50 km and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Most people stay in Srinagar and do Gulmarg as a day trip, which is practical.
If you are coming from Pahalgam, the Pahalgam to Gulmarg distance is around 140 km. It takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops. This is why many people break the journey in Srinagar.
The Gulmarg to Srinagar distance is short enough to make it flexible. You can go early in the morning and return by evening without rushing.
Let’s break down the Gulmarg weather in May, because it directly affects your trip.
- Day temperature: 10°C to 20°C
- Nights: Cold (2°C to 8°C)
- Weather: Mostly clear with some clouds and light rain
The Gulmarg weather in May is pleasant during the day and slightly cold in the morning and evening. The Gulmarg temperature stays comfortable for sightseeing, but you will still need a light jacket.
You might still see patches of snowfall in Gulmarg, especially near Phase 2 of the gondola. But in the main town, the snow mostly melts, and greenery starts showing up.
What this really means is simple. The Gulmarg weather in May gives you a mix of greenery and snow, without the extreme cold of winter.
Suggested Gulmarg Itinerary (1–2 Days)
A simple Gulmarg itinerary works best. No need to overcomplicate it.
Day 1:
- Reach Gulmarg from Srinagar
- Visit Gulmarg Golf Course and Maharani Temple
- Explore St. Mary’s Church and nearby areas
- Evening walk around the main area
Day 2:
- Early morning Gondola ride Gulmarg to Phase 2
- Spend time at Apharwat Peak (snow area)
- Optional visit to Khilanmarg or Strawberry Valley
- Return to Srinagar
This Gulmarg itinerary covers almost all major experiences without rushing.
Best Time to Visit Gulmarg (Honest Take)
People often ask about the best time to visit Gulmarg. Here’s the simple answer.
If you want full snow everywhere, winter is better.
If you want a mix of snow and greenery with easier travel, May is a good balance.
In Gulmarg in May, you get both worlds. Green landscapes below and snow above. That is why it works well for first-time visitors.
Is Gulmarg in May Worth It? Here’s the Real Answer
The truth is, most Places to visit in Gulmarg in May are not about ticking off attractions. They are about how the place feels.
Some spots like the Gondola ride Gulmarg and Apharwat are non-negotiable. Others, like Strawberry Valley or Ningli Nallah, depend on how much time you have.
Plan smart. Keep your expectations clear about snow. And don’t rush through it.
That’s how Gulmarg actually works.
