Khilanmarg
| Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R) |
Khilanmarg (खिलानमार्ग) is a small valley about a 6-km walk from Gulmarg in Tangmarg tahsil in Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Origin
Tourism
The meadow is carpeted with flowers in the spring. It 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.
Alpather Lake, Khilanmarg
Alpather Lake is a high altitude lake set between the twin Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg. It is popularly known as the Frozen Lake as it remains completely frozen from November to June. It is popular for the one-day trek which starts from Gulmarg and covers a distance of almost 13km.
The one day trek to Alpather Lake from Gulmarg is moderately difficult and follows the Gulmarg – Khilanmarg – Apharwat Ridge – Alpather Lake route. The lake looks surreal during winters when it is frozen and the ducks are seen walking instead of swimming. During summers, the lake is surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees.[1]
Gulmarg - Khilanmarg
Situated just 4 km from Gulmarg bus stop, the small but pristine valley of Khilanmarg is breathtaking in summer. It is easy to reach this small village by simply walking across the meadows of the valley; you can also take a pony ride. Surrounded by towering mountains, the green valley with wild flowers is one of the most picturesque spots in the region. It is counted among the most-visited places in Gulmarg and makes the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. There is virtually a carpet of flowers in the meadow during the spring. In winter, the valley becomes a venue for Gulmarg's ski runs. From Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, it is a 600 m (2,000 ft) ascent to the latter. Apart from a rare and awe-inspiring close-up view of the Himalayas, from Khilanmarg, one can get a clear view of the spectacular Nanga Parbat (8,137 m), which is the fifth-highest peak in the world. Panoramic views of the twin peaks of Nun and Kun, both at a height of 7,100 m can also be availed from here. Along with these attractions are the mesmerising water bodies of Jhelum, Dal and Wular and the Shankaracharya Temple.
The Himalayas in the backdrop serve to complete a beautiful landscape that can make any photograph come alive, making Khilanmarg a delight for those fond of clicking their cameras. One can also ride on horseback to their favourite spot or simply ride around the beautiful meadows. If one wishes to visit Khilanmarg for sightseeing, the months from May to September work best. However, if one would like to try out the winter sports options or do some skiing, the right months to be here are November, December, January and February.
Ref - https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/gulmarg/khilanmarg.html
खिलनमर्ग
खिलनमर्ग जम्मू और कश्मीर में गुलमर्ग से लगभग 6 किलोमीटर दूर एक छोटी सी घाटी है । यह कश्मीर की एक बहुत खूबसूरत घाटी है। खिलनमार्ग घाटी ठण्ड में गुलमर्ग मे स्किंग करने की सबसे बेहतरीन जगह है। बसंत ऋतू में इस घाटी का नज़ारा देखने लायक होता है। पूरी घाटी हरे-भरे घास से भर जाती है और हरे-भरे घास के चारों तरफ पर्वत श्रेणियों का खूबसूरत नज़ारा कश्मीर की घाटी का सबसे अदभुत नज़ारा होता है। खिलनमार्ग के हरे मैदानों में जंगली फूलों का सौंदर्य मन को लुभाता है। यह गुलमर्ग से खिलनमर्ग तक 600 मीटर की चढ़ाई है। यह दृश्य हिमालय से नंगा पर्वत से दक्षिण-पूर्व में नन और कुन की जुड़वां 7,100 मीटर चोटियों तक फैला हुआ है । [2]