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Location: 48-km Southwest Of Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Coverage Area: 180-sq-kms
Main Attraction: Musk Deer
Best Time To Visit: Mammal Viewing – September To March
Bird Viewing – March To May
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The reserve area is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar , to its southwest. It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a rich and varied avifauna.
Flora
The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers, which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus Deodara, Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow, Aesculus Indica, etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera Heterantha, , Sorbaria Tomentosa, etc. The ground cover over here is also very rich and Dicotyledonus herbs dominate the area, comprising of Rumex Patientia, etc.
Fauna
Nature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species found over here are Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Brown Bear, Leopard, Black Bear and Red Fox, etc.
Avifauna
The area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart from other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are Griffon Vulture, Monal, Snow Cock, Koklas, Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, European Hoopoe, Jungle Crow, etc.
WHERE TO STAY
Tourist and private accommodation are readily available in Gulmarg. There is also a camping site available near the reserve area. FOR RESERVATIONS CONTACT: The Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu & Kashmir State, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar -190001, (Kashmir.)
The 180sq km Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is the natural habitat for Himalayan musk deer, red fox and black and brown bears. It is also said to be a bird-watcher’s paradise (the best months for bird watching is March to May). You could also check out the famous Muslim Babareshi shrine, several kilometres below Gulmarg. The complex mingling of religion everywhere in India means that there’s also St Mary’s Church in the middle of Gulmarg, and a small temple nearby.
The Kashmir state government plans to set up a deer park in Gulmarg.
Conservationists are planning to breed rare red deer to save a species found only in the Himalayas from the verge of extinction.
Environmentalists say there are less than 200 red deer known commonly as the Hangul left in Kashmir’s forests from more than 900 in 1989 because of poaching and neglect by authorities.
Hi,
I am interested in working at Gulmarg this coming season. Who do I contact to ask about this?
Thanks,
Catherine
It depends on what you want to do. Generally speaking Gulmarg is not the kind of place where women could just go and find summer jobs – if thats what you mean. One option could be to contact one of the big hotels, or a tour operator.
Want to know if formal prior permission required to visit gulmarg, pahalgam biosphere reserve?