Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond set like a crown jewel on the map of India. Two major Himalayan ranges, the greater Himalaya and the pir panjal, surround the valley from the north and south respectively. The Mughals aptly called Kashmir “Paradise on Earth” and traveled long distances to spend the summers in its cool environs
Kashmir is a land where many holiday ideas are realized, a gift of its spectacular landscape and distinctive seasons. In winter when snow carpets the valley, you can go for skiing and sledge riding along the slopes of Gulmarg or stay back in Srinagar and simply enjoy the bare snow covered landscape from the windows of a heated room, it is a joy that cannot be described, but only experienced.
Gulmarg legendary beauty prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally makes it one of the Asia’s premier hill resort. Originally called “Gaurimarg” by shepherds, Gulmarg was discovered in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah Chakh, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with the white flowers. It was also the favorite resort opf the Mughal emperor Jehangir who changed the name to “Gulmarg” Meadow of flowers rightly attributing to profusion of flowers he collected at the place.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg was first established as a ski resort by the British who had set up the ski club of India here in 1927. Skiing at Gulmarg became very popular during the pre independence years. Skiing season usually commences just before Christmas and continues till early April.
There are other places apart from Gulmarg, where one may find the pleasure of skiing including Srinagar. Ski tours from Pahalgam to Sonamarg through high mountain passes are not only demanding but also exciting. Wardwan Valley of Ladakh also attracts some ski-enthusiasts during the season. These days, it’s a world-class ski resort blanketed with fresh, light powder from the Himalayas, attracting ski bums tired of Alpine lift queues and fondues.
CNN International has listed Gulmarg as one of top 10 downward thrills in asia.
The list is:
1. Appi Kogen, Tohoku, Japan
2. Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
3. Rusutsu Ski Resort, Hokkaido, Japan
4. Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea
5. Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South Korea
6. Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, South Korea
7. Gulmarg, Kashmir
8. Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Mongolia, China
9. Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang
10. Nanshan Ski Village, Beijing
The resort’s claim to fame is the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest ski lift in the world at a dizzying 3,979 meters. At the top station, skiers can take on challenging runs with Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak, as a backdrop.
Getting there: Gulmarg is 35 miles away from state summer capital Srinagar. Visitors can take a taxi into Gulmarg from Srinagar.
It is heartening to see an international magazine of repute recognizing Gulmarg in its recommended list. Truth is Gulmarg’s pure ski-natural potential easily makes it one of the best in the world
Heli-skiing
This highly exciting sports, skiers are taken to the top of mountain ridges by helicopters from where they ski down the immense Himalayan slopes
Heli-skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing that is accessed by a helicopter and not with the help of a skiing lift.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is the other well known mountain resort of Kashmir which receives heavy snowfall during the winter. Pahalgam lies on the either sides of Lidder stream as it gushes down from its its source in the Himalayan range. In winter when the snow is deep the resort provides for the sledging, snowboarding and tobogganing as additional attraction for the winter tourist/visitors.