The Mughal Legacy
Emperor Jahangir (1569-1627) was so enchanted by Gulmarg's natural beauty that he commissioned the collection of 21 varieties of wildflowers from its meadows. His court poets wrote extensively about the "paradise on earth" that Gulmarg represented, and the Mughal aristocracy established it as a summer retreat.
British Development
When the British arrived in Kashmir in 1846, they quickly recognized Gulmarg's potential as a hill station. By the late 19th century, it had become a favorite summer retreat for British officials escaping the heat of the plains. The Nedou's Hotel, established in the 1880s, became a social hub for colonial society.
The establishment of the Gulmarg Golf Club in 1911 created what remains one of the world's highest golf courses at 2,650 meters. The 18-hole course continues to attract golfers from around the world during the summer months.
Birth of Indian Skiing
In 1927, two British officers established the Gulmarg Ski Club, introducing the sport to the Indian subcontinent. The first ski runs were basic, but by the 1960s, the Indian government recognized Gulmarg's potential and began developing it as a proper ski resort. Today, it hosts the Indian National Skiing Championships and attracts international skiers seeking deep powder and challenging terrain.