Gulmarg, Kashmir J&K (India)

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country.
Originally called "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's consort. In 16th century Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was favourite of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.



The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there - roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
The Winter Games Federation of India, during its annual general meeting declared Gulmarg as the winter sports capital of India. Coming from the apex body that organises winter sports in the country, this is indeed a great honour for Gulmarg.


Sking at gulmarg:




Brilliant for backcountry and off piste skiing.
Ideal for intermediate skiers to improve their off piste skills.
Not recommended for Beginners.
Gulmarg is situated in Kashmir in the very north of India, and in the western Himalaya. Perched at 2700m, Apherwat mountain rises to approximately 4100m. The gondola extends almost to the peak, providing almost 1400m of vertical.
There is lift served access to 10kms of off-piste skiing. However there is extensive backcountry opportunity covering 4 different ski fields. Runs of almost 2000 vertical metres are also possible.
There is no park, but there are many natural jumps, excellent tight gullies and tree runs, all with deep powder.
Gulmarg is approximately 2 hours from the airport in the capital of Kashmir, Srinagar. Srinagar is 1 hour flight from New Delhi.
Guides are essential for the best skiing.