The exquisite alpine meadow of Gulmarg lies in the Pir Panjal range in the western Himalayas. The exotic environs of Kashmir are the most idyllic setting for this winter fairyland which you must experience at least once in your lifetime. Amongst the world’s least crowded ski resorts Gulmarg was favourite haunt of the Emperor Jehangir. A keen botanist all his life, he would arrive in the early days of spring to this alpine retreat to explore its fantastic botanical wealth in what is currently known as the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.

While we all are familiar with its charms as a summer retreat, however, when Gulmarg dons its winter robes it becomes an even more compelling holiday destination. Today adventure sports buffs from all over the world arrive to enjoy the pristine beauty of the hill town in all its splendour as a winter destination. For people who’ve never seen snow in their lives Gulmarg is the absolutely must -go-to destination in India. Nestling in the grand vistas of the Himalaya, the crowning glory of India, it offers a veritable treasure trove of winter memories to take back home with you.

From its lofty perch at a height of 2, 730m in the Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg has transitioned into India’s premier ski resort with its natural virgin powders, off-piste expanses, uncrowded ski slopes, backcountry runs beyond the resort, and world-class facilities.  Ready yourself for epic experiences of skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, sledding and ice skating. It’s also one of the best places to catch your first lesson in skiing or snowboarding under professional mentors. Gulmarg is pegged as one of the most inexpensive places in the world to learn to ski, considered a luxury, expensive sport to maintain. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering here also arranges skiing courses. Bunny Slopes Poma lifts are run by J&K Tourism on the snow-covered golf course, which is great for amateurs exploring the snow mantled slopes. One day, if you are persistent in honing your skills in skiing lessons, you may be able to negotiate your way down from the lift-accessed terrain of upper Apharwat, open only to experienced skiing buffs! The high season for skiing is between “late December to late February”.

Gulmarg is also home to the world’s second-highest gondola ski lift, established by French firm Pomagalsky. The 2-stage gondola (from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and from Kongdoori to Apharwat Station) operates under the auspices of the J&K Cable Car Corporation under Poma regulations. In 2011, 90 chairlifts were pressed into service to connect Kongdoori to Mary’s Shoulder. This connects the valley floor at 2600m to the top station (3990m) to Mt Apharawat (4124m). You can enjoy a delicious meal at the mid-station Kondogri Restaurant, soaking up the scenic beauty in its snowy splendour from the picture windows.

The place of choice to spend these wintering moments in Gulmarg is the superb The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, which caters to a well-heeled clientele from all over the world. From its luxurious surrounds you can enjoy the most stunning winterscapes of Gulmarg’s enchanting winter world, and best of all, those grandstand views of the lofty Mt Apharawat looking down on the alpine resort.

The 85 keys timber and stone Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is India’s only boutique luxury ski-resort. It holds the promise of some exceptional culinary and wellness experiences, apart from cosseting you with its warmth and hospitality all through your stay from the moment of your check-in at Chaikash, the tea lounge where you complete the formalities over a cup of traditional Kashmiri kahwa. The iconic Gulmarg Gondola is just a 7-minute stroll away from the resort. The resort is well equipped with state-of-the-art resources for free riding, backcountry skiing and snowboarding.

What you will love about this sprawling resort is the great eye for detail when it comes to the cheery décor, which enhances the feeling of warmth and welcome for every guest. The beautifully appointed bright and airy rooms are a picture of elegance and comfort with the hand crafted traditional Kashmiri woodwork of khatamband making geometric designs on the ceiling, the gorgeous furnishings, memory foam beds and down duvets. The individual seating areas are lovely for their forest or mountain views. You can ask for a room with a balcony of which they have a few. There are five kinds of lodgings to choose from - premier room, luxury room with Gulmarg/ Himalayan View (which comes with a balcony), luxury one bedroom cottage, luxury two-bedroom cottage and a presidential cottage equipped with a private jacuzzi, heated plunge pool and garden. Even the bathrooms at the resort offer mountain views from the floor-to-ceiling picture windows. 

You can indulge in a lot of pampering with body massages, scrubs, wraps, baths and facials at the nicely run L'Occitane Spa. The hookah bar, Calabash, is a great place to hang out while the kids get packed off to the game room or kiddy’s play area. You’ll also love the fact that they have a heated indoor swimming pool... so warm and comforting on a snowy day!!!! Meals are an occasion here with the kitchen summoning up tempting meals, presented in a stylish mode. Do sample the Wazwan preparations traditionally served on a tarami at the Cloves restaurant.

The resort has been recently acclaimed as the Best Leisure Hotel at India's Best Awards 2024 by @travelandleisureindia and the 3rd Favorite Indian Leisure Hotel by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024.