Historically, Ganderbal has only one ancient significant archaeological site at present that is Naranang temple. Only ruined pieces of the monuments can be seen because they were destroyed during the period of Sultan Sikander. Sonamarg, a town in the district was called a gateway on ancient Silk Road to the Gulf countries.

Geographically, the district has a total 1,620 sq km. area and occupies the rank 13th in State and 554th in India on the bases of this size. It lies at 34°22'N latitude, 74°77'E longitude and 1951 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 30.29% forest area of total geographical area. It is bounded by Bandipora District on the North, Srinagar District and Anantnag District on the South, Kargil District on the East and Baramulla District on the West. River Neelum and Nallah Sindh pass through the district. Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Mansabal Lake, Gangabal Lake are the lakes, situated inside or nearby the district. The climate of the district remains pleasant almost throughout the year. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 1163.3 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administration wise, the district is divided into 3 sub-districts namely Ganderbal, Kangan, Lar. Moreover, it has 3 towns and 113 villages. Urdu is its official language. The district came into existence in the year 2007 with its administrative headquarters located at Ganderbal which is situated at the distance of 18 kms from the state capital.

Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total 43,249 households with the total population of 2,97,446 including 1,58,720 are males and 1,38,726 are females which is leading it to the rank 17th in the state and 571th in India. The population density of the district is 1,148 (persons per sq. km.). The sex ratio is considered 874 (females as per 1000 males) and child ratio is 863 (females as per 1000 males). During the year 2001-2011 the population growth rate in the district was 40.37% including 43.42% were males and 37.03% were females. As per 2011 census the major religion in the district is Muslim with 97.69% of the total population. According to 2011 census the principal languages in the district are Kashmiri at 69.27% and Hindi at 22.81%. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 1,820 out of which 954 were males and 866 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 902 out of which 532 were males and 370 were females.

Economically, small scale industries are available here such as weaving, embroidery, furniture manufacturing and wooden work. tourism is also a main source of the income for the people of the district. The district has Rangil water treatment plant. It was inaugurated Omar Abdullah on 15th March, 2010.

Education wise, as per 2011 census the total literacy rate in the district is 58.04% out of which 68.85% are males and 45.71% are females. The total literates in the district is 1,43,276 comprising 90,581 are males and 52,695 are females. Central University of Kashmir, SKUAST Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST Faculty of Forestry, Government Degree College, Sainik School, Dream Land School, Qamria Higher Secondary School, Vijay Memorial School, Government polytechnic College, Government Physical College, Government Degree College and SKUAST, Faculty of Fishries are some of the main educational institutes in the district.

Hazrat Mian Bashir Ahmed Laaravi, a famous politician and a religious person was born in the year 1923. He became the member of the State Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir four times. He was the minister in the Cabinets of Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah, Mir Qasim and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad and very close to Mrs. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. He was also the representative of India in the United Nations in peace making process in Kashmir. He worked for peace and rehabilitation for the tribal peoples of Kashmir during the war of 1965 and 1971 respectively. The Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padama Bhushan Award in the year 2008.

The district has many famous historical and religious tourist places to visit. These places are Manasbal Lake, Gangabal Lake, Vaishnosar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Sonamarg, Harmukh, Khirbhawani Temple, Naranag Temple. Gangabal Lake (Gangbal Lake) is located at the foothills of the highest mountain peak of the valley Mount Haramukh. It consists of fishes of various species. Harmukh (Harmukh Mountain) is the highest peak in the Indian occupied Kashmir Valley. This mountain is the part of Himalayan range. Sonamarg is a famous hill station which is located on the bank of the Sindh River. The International Championships of Rafting is organized on the river. This place is rich in natural beauty. Manasbal Lake is famous as the deepest lake in the valley. It is said to be formed with Lake Manasarovar. It is surrounded by three villages Jarokbal, Kondabal and Ganderbal. Mughal Garden, built by Nurjaha, is located nearby it. Various birds of different species can be seen here. Parag village is famous for its natural beauty and gardens situated here. It is also consisting of mighty mountains.