The Best Way To Explore The Magnificent Apharwat Peak

What are the most popular things people do on a Kashmir trip? Sightseeing, shopping, visiting touristy places, and snow adventures are the most prevalent things to do in Kashmir. 

Today, let’s explore one of the most remarkable destinations for winter sports in Kashmir; Apharwat Peak. 

Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg stands out as one of the most stunning destinations for tourists in the Gulmarg region, offering a view filled with breathtaking beauty and grandeur. 

A noteworthy thing about Apharwat Peak height is that it stands 7,005 meters high, experiences significant rainfall, and is blanketed in deep snow for a long time of the year. 

One of the most interesting facts about Apharwat Peak India is that the LOC or Line of Control, with Pakistan, is hardly a few kilometers away from Apharwat Peak.

History of Apharwat Peak

The story of Apharwat Peak is intricate and intriguing. The first recorded settlers near Apharwat Peak were the Gujjars, a wandering group that arrived in the 13th century. 

By the 16th century, the area around Apharwat Peak fell under the rule of the Mughal Empire.

Following the Mughal Empire’s fall in the 18th century, the region around Apharwat Peak was governed by various community leaders, such as the Sikhs, Afghans, and the British.

In the 1800s, the British turned the area around Apharwat Peak into a tourist spot. They established several hotels near Apharwat Peak and other amenities and promoted Apharwat Peak as a spot for winter sports like skiing.

After India gained independence in 1947, the area around Apharwat Peak became a part of the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Places to visit near Apharwat Peak

1. Alpather Lake: Alpather Lake is a beautiful high-up lake that’s right on the edge of Apharwat Peak in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It’s nestled at the base of the Apharwat mountain range and stays frozen until late June. 

Alpather Lake is about 13 kilometers from Gulmarg town and you can get there by a tough hike that begins at the gondola base station in Gulmarg. It is one of the most visited lakes in Kashmir.

2. Apharwat Peak Trail: If you’re a pro hiker or love getting into the great outdoors, the Apharwat Peak Trail hike is a thrilling adventure. You begin at Kongdori and end up at Apharwat Peak, which is super high up at 4,390 meters. 

The path is tough and steep, so it’s a good idea to get a local guide to show you the way. The view from the top is breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains as far as you can see.

3. Butterfly Collector’s Trail: The Butterfly Collector’s Trail in Gulmarg is a peaceful walkway in Gulmarg, Kashmir, India. 

It’s called that because you can find lots of different butterfly species flying around the wildflowers and green fields on the trail. 

People who hike up Apharwat Peak in Jammu and Kashmir are often amazed after walking on this enchanting path.

4. Tosa Maidan: The name ‘Tosa Maidan’ comes from ‘Tosa’ which is a word for cannon and ‘Maidan’ which means field in Persian.

 It covers a space of about 3 square kilometers and is bordered by thick forests and snow-covered mountains. Tosa Maidan is the perfect place to have a picnic near Apharwat Peak.

The hills of Tosa Maidan are filled with various kinds of flowers that burst into bloom during spring and summer, creating a colorful show all over the area.

5. Tangmarg: Tangmarg is a small town and area in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir, India. It’s situated on the lower slopes of the Pir Panjal Range and acts as a gateway to the beautiful town of Gulmarg, a go-to ski spot. 

Tangmarg area is filled with apple orchards, lush meadows, and verdant thickets. 

Here people can experience the true traditional way of life in rural Kashmir. 

If you’re looking for a holistic experience close to Apharwat Peak, Tangmarg is the ideal place to be.

6. Seven Springs: Seven Springs in Gulmarg, Kashmir, India, is a stunning natural spot famous for its magical beauty and seven natural waterfalls. 

Located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, close to the Apharwat Peak, it gives you an amazing view of the green slopes and mountains covered in snow.

The springs are set in green meadows and tall conifers that make the place feel dreamy and peaceful.

If you can’t decide what to do at Apharwat Peak, just relax and spend time in the tranquil environment of the seven springs. 

7. Lienmarg: Lienmarg is a beautiful and peaceful place near Apharwat Peak Gulmarg famous for its green fields, clean rivers, and stunning views providing a quiet getaway from city chaos. It is the perfect honeymoon destination in Kashmir.

Its natural beauty is perfect for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone looking to relax with some meditation or yoga surrounded by nature.

8. Shiva Temple: The Shiva Temple, also called the Maharani Temple, is located in Gulmarg, a spotless town in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It’s built in a style that mixes old Kashmiri designs with a bit of Victorian flair.

This temple close to Apharwat Peak Gulmarg is also well-known for being in the hit Bollywood movie song “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar.”

Most people visit Apharwat Peak for adventure activities in Kashmir like ATV riding, Snow-showing, and Skiing which require prior experience and training. However, many other activities in Apharwat Peak can be done by people without prior experience. 

So if you’re worried about what to do at Apharwat Peak, if you don’t know how to Skii or Snowboard, then worry no more, here is a list of things you can enjoy at Apharwat Peak:

1. Gondola Ride: Take the Gulmarg Gondola to reach Apharwat Peak, and enjoy breathtaking views on the way.

2. Sledging: Another adrenaline-pumping yet entertaining sport is a sledge ride in Gulmarg. Apharwat Peak is famous for its slopes, perfect for sledging and skiing.

3. Trekking: There are many adventurous hiking and trekking trails near Apharwat Peak where people can go hiking like Apharwat Peak Trail etc.   

4. Photography: Apharwat Peak is among the most photographed places in the world and tourists often get amazing shots over here.

5. Skiing: Gulmarg is famed for its breathtaking vistas, verdant scenery, and captivating snow-covered peaks. Skiing is the most popular sport at Apharwat Peak.

How to reach Apharwat Peak?

By Gondola:

In the winter months, it’s required to book a taxi service from Tangmarg, a town adjacent to Gulmarg. In the summer, you’re free to book a private cab from the base of the Gondola starting point. 

From there, you can enjoy a gondola journey to the peak above. To get to Apharwat, which is Phase 2, you must initially board a cable car from Phase 1, which departs from Gulmarg to Kongdoori.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach Apharwat Peak is Jammu Tawi Station. You can opt to travel by train to enjoy some wonderful scenic views. From the railway station, you can take a cab to the Gondola Station in Gulmarg to reach the peak.

By Air: Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Apharwat Peak. You can get many flights from major cities of India to reach Srinagar. From the airport, you can take a cab, local taxi, public transport to reach Gulmarg and take a Gondola Ride from here!

What’s the best time to visit Apharwat Peak?

The best time to visit this place is in winter if you wish to enjoy snow sports like Skiing and slegding. Apharwat Peak in November experiences heavy snowfall, and the land is covered in a thick layer of white soft, snow, perfect for snow-adventure. 

Conclusion

Apharwat Peak is blanketed in snow throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy winter activities. It presents breathtaking wide-angle vistas of the nearby hills and valleys, attracting visitors and nature admirers alike. Even if you are not an adventurous soul, you can enjoy stunning views of the verdant valleys, picturesque landscapes, and the mighty snow-peaked massifs.