Underlying rocks are predominantly Panjal volcanics, with well-exposed acidic lava flows. The shrub layer is almost entirely of Skimmia laureola and Viburnum cotinifolium , which sometimes occurs as dense thickets but in most places has been thinned or cleared. The area is not noted for its wildlife. There are no permanent settlements, apart from a tourist resort in the centre of the reserve. Gujjars bring their livestock into the reserve during the summer.
Accommodation is availablein the form of government rest houses and hotels.
There are no scientific facilities. There is no management plan. The flora, with the exception of trees, and fauna are depleted due to unrestricted grazing practices and collection of forest produce. Status survey report of the proposed Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary. Department of Wildlife Protection, Srinagar.