点评:There is no denying that Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful destinations in Kashmir. The vast green meadows, pine-covered slopes, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and cool weather make it a wonderful place to spend a day with family. However, visitors should arrive with realistic expectations and be prepared for some significant disappointments.
The biggest issue during my visit in June 2026 was that the Gondola ride—the principal attraction of Gulmarg and one of the highest cable car systems in the world—was closed. For many tourists, including those travelling long distances specifically to experience it, this means that the main attraction is simply unavailable. Before planning your trip, it is advisable to verify its operational status.
Unfortunately, Gulmarg suffers from the same aggressive commercialization seen at several tourist destinations in Kashmir. The moment visitors arrive, pony ride operators begin approaching them persistently. Pony rides are often quoted at highly inflated rates, with prices varying from tourist to tourist. Bargaining is not optional; it is essential.
The bigger concern, however, is the local cab ecosystem. Many drivers and agents aggressively market short sightseeing circuits and local tours at prices that often appear disconnected from the actual distance or value being offered. Visitors unfamiliar with local rates may end up paying substantially more than necessary. It is advisable to agree upon all charges in advance and compare multiple quotations before accepting any offer.
My personal suggestion is to avoid unnecessary rides and paid excursions unless they genuinely add value to your visit. The true charm of Gulmarg lies in its natural beauty. A leisurely walk through the meadows, enjoying the mountain views and fresh air, can be far more rewarding than being rushed from one paid attraction to another.
Another issue is the large amount of horse dung on many of the walking tracks and open areas frequented by tourists. While the landscape remains beautiful, visitors should be prepared for this reality, especially if travelling with children or elderly family members.
Expect heavy traffic during peak tourist season, particularly on the approach roads leading to Gulmarg. Once inside the tourist zone, there can be considerable crowding, aggressive solicitation by vendors and ride operators, and a general lack of effective regulation. At times, it can feel as though every visitor is viewed primarily as a customer rather than a guest.
One aspect that deserves wholehearted appreciation is the security arrangement. The presence of CRPF personnel and Indian Army jawans throughout the region is highly reassuring. Their professionalism, vigilance, and visible deployment ensure that tourists can enjoy the destination with a strong sense of safety. Security arrangements are excellent and deserve special recognition.
In summary, Gulmarg remains a destination of extraordinary natural beauty. The scenery alone is worth seeing. However, if the Gondola remains closed, visitors should understand that the primary attraction is unavailable. Go for the landscapes, fresh mountain air, and the experience of being amidst nature. Be cautious with pony operators and local transport providers, negotiate every price, and focus on enjoying the destination itself rather than the many commercial activities being pushed upon tourists.
翻译:毋庸置疑,古尔马尔格是克什米尔地区最美丽的旅游胜地之一。大片翠绿的草地、松林覆盖的山坡、远处白雪皑皑的山峰以及凉爽的气候,使之成为与家人共度一天的绝佳去处。不过,游客们应抱持切合实际的期望,并做好遭遇一些较大失望的心理准备。我在2026年6月访问时遇到的最大问题就是:贡多拉缆车——古尔马尔格的主要景点,也是世界上海拔最高的缆车系统之一——当时处于关闭状态。对于许多游客而言,包括那些专程长途跋涉前来体验的游客来说,这就意味着他们无法享受到这一主要景点的乐趣。因此在规划行程前,最好先确认一下该缆车是否仍在运营。
遗憾的是。古尔马尔格也面临着与克什米尔地区其他众多旅游地类似的过度商业化问题。游客刚一抵达,骑马服务经营者便蜂拥而上。骑马服务的报价通常被大幅抬高,且价格因游客而异。讨价还价并非可选项,而是必不可少的环节。
不过,更值得担忧的是当地的出租车行业。许多司机和导游极力推销短程观光路线及本地旅游项目,其报价往往与实际行程距离或服务价值不相符。不熟悉当地价格的游客最终可能会支付远高于合理水平的费用。因此,建议事先谈妥所有费用,并在接受任何报价前多比较几家服务商的报价。我个人的建议是:除非某些骑乘项目或付费游览确实能提升游览体验,否则最好避免参加。古尔马尔格的真正魅力在于其自然美景。漫步在草地上,欣赏山景并呼吸新鲜空气,远比匆忙地从一个付费景点赶往另一个景点要有意义得多。
另一个问题是,在众多游客常去的步道和空地上都有大量马粪。虽然那里的风景依旧美丽……游客们应做好心理准备以应对这一现实,尤其是带着孩子或年长亲属出行时。
在旅游旺季,交通状况会非常拥堵,通往古尔马尔格的道路上尤为如此。进入景区后,人潮拥挤,商贩及游乐项目经营者会极力招揽生意,而且缺乏有效的管理措施。有时,你会感觉每位游客首先被当作“顾客”而非“客人”来对待。值得高度赞赏的一点是其安保措施。整个地区都有中央后备警察部队人员以及印度陆军士兵驻守,这让人倍感安心。他们的专业素养、警惕性以及 openly deployed presence 确保了游客能够在安全无忧的环境中尽情享受这片美景。整体安保工作做得极为出色,值得特别肯定。
总而言之,古尔马尔格依旧是一个拥有无与伦比自然美景的旅游胜地。单是那里的风景就绝对值得一游。不过,如果缆车仍然关闭,游客们应明白:最主要的景点暂时无法参观。不妨把目光转向周围的风景、清新的山间空气,以及置身大自然中的体验。务必小心那些经营骑马项目的商家及当地交通服务提供者,所有价格都要事先谈妥。最重要的是尽情享受目的地本身,而非那些强行推销给游客的各类商业活动。