Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Gulmarg - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Gulmarg Bus Station, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, or Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Lies in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, it is one of the popular places of wildlife in Jammu & Kashmir, and among the must-visit tourist places in Gulmarg.

Located at an altitude varying between 2400 and 4,300 m, the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary was first declared as a game reserve in 1981 and later upgraded to a sanctuary in 1987. Spread over an area of 180 sq. km, the sanctuary is bordered by the forest divisions of Jehlum Valley to the north and west, Poonch and Pir Panjal to the south, and the Drang village to the east. The highly steep terrain of the upper reaches of Ferozpur Gorge consists of Panjal volcanic, with exposed acidic lava flows.

The vegetation of the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary mainly consists of sub-alpine forests of silver fir, silver birch, and blue pine. The sanctuary is known for housing many exotic and rare species including musk deer, snow leopard, etc. Hangul, Serow, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Red Fox, etc. are some of the other species found in the park. The sanctuary is also home to a good population of pheasants and upland birds. The common birds are Griffon Vulture, Monal, Snow Cock, Koklas, Blue Rock Pigeon, Kashmir Roller, European Hoopoe, Jungle Crow, etc.

The best time for mammal viewing is from September to March and for bird viewing is from March to May. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it becomes a wonderland in winter due to thick snow.

There are a few tourist and private accommodation units available near the biosphere reserve. Since, you are at an altitudinal range of 2400 to 4300 meters above sea level, staying at the Camping sites can be an interesting and adventurous option.

Timings: 10 AM - 4 PM

Entry: Rs. 500 per Person