The 'meadow of flowers' is a vast green bowl 50 kilometres south of Baramulla, ringed by pine forest and the snowy peaks of the Pir Panjal. In winter it is one of South Asia's most spectacular ski areas, with the Gulmarg Gondola reaching nearly 4,000 metres on Mt Apharwat and serving long off-piste descents through powder. In summer the same slopes become alpine meadow grazed by ponies, with wildflowers in May and June.
From Baramulla the road climbs sharply through walnut orchards and pine forest — about 90 minutes by taxi, longer by shared jeep. The town itself has a famous golf course at altitude, a few hotels, and a tiny wooden Anglican church.