Ski resort - Gulmarg, India. Gulmarg, Auli, Kufri: ski resorts in India - picturesque Himalayas at an affordable price! Ski resort in the Himalayas
India is one of the most beautiful countries located on the Hindustan Peninsula. It is famous for the riches of its nature and the uniqueness of its culture. Picturesque nature, fresh mountain air, a rich world of plants and animals - all this is offered by the resort cities of India, thanks to which the country's tourist centers are world famous. In addition, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan mountains, which provides an opportunity for the development of ski tourism in India.
Resort rating
When choosing an Indian ski resort, both beginners and professionals will be pleasantly surprised by friendly service, well-prepared slopes, as well as comfortable, and not expensive, hotels. At the same time, excursions and other entertainment are offered for those interested.
General description of the ski resort:
- Not the high price of the services and housing offered;
- Unique nature and beautiful view;
- The friendliness of the Indian people towards every tourist and much more.
The country has famous and popular resorts, which we will consider in more detail.
Kufri
The height of this ski resort is two and a half thousand meters, its location is in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The operation of the resort began around the mid-nineteenth century and is considered the oldest mountain resort in the country.
This place is admired by both professional ski lovers and beginners in this business. There are also activities for those who consider themselves fans of extreme sports - trekking, mountaineering, downhill tobogganing and hiking.
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Solang
Solang is considered a prestigious ski resort, which can be reached from Manali using a taxi or bus; the closest landing site is forty kilometers away.
If you are new to skiing, then the base trainers will be happy to take you to their school, where they will teach you everything you need to know while relaxing at the ski resort. Solang is especially popular among families with children of different ages and among young people. The resort has not only slopes of various levels, but also a fitness center, spa salons and much more that is necessary for a comfortable pastime.
Mundali
One of the steepest and most challenging slopes of Mount Chakrata, which is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is accessible only to the most experienced skiers. The area is covered with coniferous forest, and the holiday season opens in November and lasts until April.
Auli
The ski resort is famous for having a cable car, the length of which is approximately four kilometers, offering an unforgettable view of nature. Beginners will be happy to be sponsored by the ski school and given the opportunity to attend a traditional ski festival and sporting events.
Narkanda
The altitude at which the resort is located is 2708 meters. This is a calm resort that is not overcrowded with noisy tourists; most often, lovers of peace and quiet relax here. Hattu's ski slopes offer spectacular views of the resort's natural beauty.
The slopes of the resort are varied, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. There is a riding school and equipment rental.
Dayara-Bugayal
This ski resort offers spectacular and picturesque views of the mountain nature. It is located not far from Uttarkashi Mountain. Those who like to test their capabilities and overcome difficult descents and ascents will appreciate this resort. While exploring the mountains, you can stop and set up camp, enjoying the extraordinary silence, admiring the forest lake.
Gulmarg
The resort town of Gulmarg is located on the slope of Afarwat, and its altitude is 2730 meters. You will remember your holiday in this resort town for its extraordinary panorama of mountain nature, which is simply breathtaking and arouses admiration.
Despite the fact that winter in Gulmarg is mild, the resort has a suitable terrain for skiing and is famous for the fact that it always receives a large amount of snow. One of the longest routes of the Himalayan mountains is located in Gulmarg.
The length of the highest cable car in the world, which is located in Gulmarg, is five kilometers.
While relaxing at any ski resort in India, you will not only fill your life with vivid impressions, but also get acquainted with the culture and nature of the country.
India is located on the Hindustan Peninsula and is famous for its natural resources and unique culture.
Resort towns and tourist centers have gained worldwide fame due to their picturesque landscapes and clean mountain air, rich in flora and fauna.
Here it is the highest mountain system in the world - the Himalayas. Therefore, the ski tourism industry is developing dynamically and attracts many tourists.
Resort rating
At the ski resorts of India, beginners and pros will find friendly service, well-prepared slopes, inexpensive comfortable hotels, excursions and entertainment.
A general characteristic of local ski resorts can be considered relatively low cost of all services and accommodation, unique picturesque views of the peaks of the Himalayas, a friendly attitude towards all tourists and the opportunity to find a combination of solitude and exotic entertainment.
Prices here practically do not increase during the New Year holidays, since the population mainly celebrates the New Year in March.
The most famous ski resorts Kufri, Auli, Dayara Bugayal, Solang, Mundali, Munsiari, Narkanda and Gulmarg.
Himalayas, India, Gulmarg through the eyes of a tourist:
Kufri
Kufri resort is located in Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of more than two and a half thousand meters. It began operating in the mid-19th century and is one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. Very quickly Kufri became famous all over the world.
Stunning views and a secluded location are the main attractions of Kufri. The resort will appeal to both professionals and beginners.
There are excellent conditions in Kufri for lovers of exotic and extreme entertainment– trekking, mountaineering, hiking, downhill tobogganing.
Three of Kufri's most famous three-star hotels have all the necessary amenities, internet, free parking, cafes and restaurants. Some rooms have a fireplace.
You can also stay in Shimla and take a bus to Kufri. The skiing and winter recreation season lasts from November to February.
At the Indira Tourist Park near Kufri Children will enjoy riding animals - yaks or ponies. There are restaurants serving local cuisine and cozy places to walk.
Interesting for both children and adults to visit in the Himalayan Nature Park. You can get to Kufri from Shimla Airport.
Auli
Auli is India's favorite mountain resort. in the state of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2519 m above the city of Joshimath. The main ski slope of the resort is five kilometers long, with rope tows and chairlifts.
One of the longest 4 km cable cars in India is located in Auli. From here a rare beauty panorama of many Himalayan peaks - seven thousand meters - opens up.
It is comfortable for beginners, there is a ski school. Resort hotels have all the amenities, satellite TV and Internet. While vacationing in Auli, it is worth visiting traditional ski festivals and sports events.
To get to Auli you need go to Joshimath by bus from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun (about 200 km from each), or from Delhi.
You can get from Joshimath to Auli by car or bus, but it is better to take a cable car from a kilometer altitude to 3000 m above sea level. The skiing season is long - from December to May.
Dayara-Bugayal
Dayara Bugayal is located near Uttarkashi, Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 3084 m. The most picturesque views of the mountains open from here.
This ski resort will interesting for those who would like to test their capabilities and experience difficulties. In the mountains you can set up an unorganized tourist camp and immerse yourself in pristine silence near a forest lake.
Getting to Dayara Bugayal is quite difficult: first you need to get to the city of Uttarkashi, then by jeep to the village of Barsu or Bhatvari. From there you will need to walk up to the ski base about 6-8 km.
Mundali
Mundali is located on the slopes of Mount Chakrata in the state of Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 2744 m. The steep and difficult slopes of Mundali, covered with coniferous forests, are suitable only for experienced skiers.
Ski season is open from November to April. You can get to Mundali by train from Delhi to Dehradun, and then by jeep along the mountain road to the resort area.
Munsiari
Munsiari in eastern Uttar Pradesh practically borders Tibet and Nepal at an altitude of 2135 meters.
The resort is located among coniferous slopes and enchants with unforgettable views and clean air. Munsiari's easy slopes are suitable for beginner skiers.
There are few hotels in Munsiari, the service is 3 stars, but stunning views of the forest and mountains compensate for possible shortcomings of local service.
Narkanda
Narkanda resort is located at an altitude of 2708 m. Narkanda is calm and not overcrowded with tourists. This is a small resort; those who seek peace and quiet like to relax here. The peak and ski slopes of Hattu offer views of rare beauty.
The varied slopes will appeal to both beginners and more experienced skiers. It is possible to rent equipment and attend a riding school.
The easiest way to reach Narkand is by bus from Shimla. It is also possible to get there by private car or taxi.
The town has a holiday lodge, a small hotel and private houses, ready to receive vacationers. They are comfortable and clean, without unnecessary luxury. The best time for skiing and relaxation is from December to March.
Solang
Solang resort is one of the most prestigious ski resorts in India. You can get here by buses and taxis from Manali, 40 km from which the nearest airport is located.
In Solang, skiers will find slopes of varying levels: from difficult for pros to easy for beginners. One of the trails is for Government of India families only.. Solang's coaches are famous for their high qualifications, and there are skating schools for beginners.
Solang was appreciated by families with children and young people. Several comfortable hotels have SPA salons, fitness centers, restaurants, tour desks and everything you need for a good rest.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a resort town in the state of Kashmir., is located on the slope of Mount Afarwat at an altitude of 2730 meters, near the state capital Srinagar. The Himalayas offer an extraordinary panorama with the eight-thousander Nanga Parva, which makes your holiday in Gulmarg unforgettable.
Gulmarg is famous for its abundance of snow, mild winters and suitable terrain. The longest route in the Himalayas is located here.
The Gulmarg slopes are equipped with three rope tows and one chairlift. The upper routes are located at almost four kilometers. Fans of cross-country skiing will find excellent forest trails in the valleys here.
The highest cable car in the world operates in Gulmarg, its length is 5 kilometers. The ascent by cable car to a height of almost 4000 meters is breathtaking and memorable for a long time: the carriages are capable of lifting 600 people and move upward at a high angle, almost touching the tops of pine trees.
More than forty hotels welcome guests, where there are fitness centers, golf courses and sports opportunities.
A one-day trek from Gulmarg to the forest lake and excursions to nearby towns are popular. Shopping enthusiasts can shop for Kashmiri jewelery and handicrafts in Srinagar.
The ski season in Gulmarg is active from mid-December to March. You can get to Gulmarg by flying from Delhi to Srinagar, then by jeep or bus.
A holiday at one of the many ski resorts in India will be a highlight for tourists and a unique experience of exploring the nature and culture of ancient India.
At the moment, very few articles have been submitted. We hope this is because everyone wants to write the most informative story possible, and are in no rush to submit until they've polished it. Don't be shy, tell us about some freeride place!
This is what Pavel Lavrentyev told us about skiing at the very famous resort of Gulmarg among freeriders.
Since there are descriptions of trips to Gulmarg, I will focus on describing the freeride routes, approaches and departures, but for completeness I will also add a little about the trip itself.
The idea for the trip was born a year before the trip itself; we decided to celebrate the New Year in some unusual way, and of course, go for a ride. We started planning a trip to India, the route turned out like this:
1. Moscow-Delhi plane, Delhi-Cochin plane, right-hand drive taxi Cochin-Allappuja (Allipi), swimming in the ocean, eating all sorts of different things, meeting the New Year (it was cool, several thousand stoned Indians were dancing on the ocean shore, a scene from which incendiary Indians were singing live songs, and the sound of the surf :).
2. Taxi to Cochin, plane Cochin-Delhi, plane Delhi-Srinagar, 1 day in Srinagar for a preliminary inspection of the city, taxi Srinagar - Gulmarg.
3. Accommodation at the Payne Palace Hotel, gurney.
4. Taxi Gulmarg-Srinagar, walking in Srinagar.
5. Plane Srinagar-Delhi, day in Delhi (nothing to do there), plane Delhi-Moscow.
India also has the Internet, so we bought all the tickets for domestic flights from home. A hotel in Gulmarg was booked from Moscow through a special person, but experience has shown that this is not necessary; at the moment there are three large hotels with central heating in which you can find a room.
There are no trails there, there is a mountain and a lift to the top, in general, everything is as we like. I will describe what concerns skating, and at the end I will briefly describe everyday life. The description corresponds to the moment when we were there, the first half of January 2010. There wasn't much snow, there was snowfall on January 3rd, after that there was sun for 8 days.
For some reason, there is a widespread myth that this place is not dangerous for avalanches. This is exactly a myth, we triggered three small avalanches, a group of Australians triggered 2, and after our return to Moscow and active snowfall, an avalanche occurred in one of the couloirs, in which about 30 people died, Indian military personnel who illiterately set up a camp for their exercises . So be careful!
The geography is simple: a ridge, a plateau below it, a sloping forest below the plateau.
From the bottom of the forest there is a lift to the plateau, from the plateau the second stage to the ridge itself. In the picture this is a vertical line, point G2-3 is the transfer point to the plateau.
This is what it looks like from a satellite. Unfortunately, on larger maps, the place of interest to us is covered with clouds
First I will describe the descent, and then the return options. I will call what is indicated by numbers sidelines. You can ride to the right or left of the lift.
On right
To ski on the right (as seen from below, couloirs 1-6) you must walk. Lobbies 1 and 2 accessible without a pawn, from a lift, the first one is immediately, to the second one you need to cross the edge with a traverse. As a result, they rolled out on the first day after the snowfall, on the fifth day, in the upper part of the second couloir there was a perfectly even coating with ice hardness. Entering couloir 2 from above is risky, there is an unpleasant cornice there.
Couloir 2 from above
Couloir 3 very interesting, you already have to go to it. 30-40 minutes, depending on the degree of acclimatization, presence of traces, etc. It begins with a wide, steep circus turning into a wide rollout. In the upper left part (if you look from below) a small avalanche was released, it went about 200 meters and stopped on its own. As you can see from the photo, it crossed the traverse of those who were climbing from the second couloir.
Couloir 4, from the third couloir go quickly, because there is a flat part of the ridge at the top. Everything is fine there, in the upper part there is great potential, in the lower part everything degenerates into a narrow pipe. You have to be careful there, because... If an avalanche goes along the bottom, it is very difficult to escape. There is no point in trying to get over the ridge below, into couloir 3 through the forest; it cost us 2 hours of poking around in the forest, bushes, crossing a stream, etc., it’s all flat.
Couloir 5, from couloir 4 you can get to the beginning of the fifth by going around the top of the ridge on the left, with little snow it’s a slalom among the stones, if you feel sorry for the ski-board, somewhere you have to walk. The circus is ambiguous, if you look from above, it is better to enter from the left, because... On the right there is a cornice, and under the cornice traces of natural avalanches are visible. Wide, a large number of descent options.
Couloir 6. From couloir 5 you have to walk for another 20 minutes, from above it looks like the circus of 5th, on the right (when viewed from above) there is a cornice, on the left is the most optimal approach.
The snow there after the circus is hard, the geometry is such that there is very little sun there. We descended in this place on the third day after the snowfall, the crust scattered in pieces, perhaps if immediately after, it would be softer.
We lowered the board on hard snow, it didn’t go very far, about 50 meters, in large hard pieces.
In all the couloirs, if there is snow, there will be somewhere to jump, it will be possible to ride not along the walls, but along the ridges.
The hike up on foot looks like this:
If the path is crowded, then it’s easy to walk, like walking down steps. The most difficult section is the first one up to the third couloir, then everything is more or less flat.
At the top of each couloir there are comfortable resting places if you are tired of walking :)
Departure
If you go along corridors 1, 2, 3, you reach the plateau in the “green” zone, and here it is easy to get to the bottom of the second stage of the G2-3 lift. The plateau is sloping, so driving along it is acceptable. From there you can go into the forest, but we never left.
If you go down corridors 4,5,6, you will find yourself in the “purple” zone. The best option from here is to go down through the forest. In the forest, everything is intuitive, it’s difficult to miss, but you can drive into lowlands from which you will have to leave on foot. Theoretically, it is possible to move from the blue zone to the green one, but this will be on foot in the snow; it will be more time-saving to go down through the forest and go up on a ski lift.
Left
There is no need to walk, the slope allows you to get to all the couloirs. You have to “pay” on the way out, there is a pawn there. In general, there is less snow than to the right of the ski lift.
Lobbies 7-8, they didn’t go there - everything was torn off, because it was the simplest option. From the outside it looked interesting, when there is more snow, it is fun there.
Lobbies 9-10, we started from the 10th, in the middle we lowered the expected avalanche into a narrow chute.
Snowboarding in Ghummarg (India)
We left at the ninth and went down the ridge between the 9th and 8th.
Departure
If you go to the bottom of the 9th and 10th, you will have to go into the forest, and then go down to the village of Tanmarg, and from there by jeep to the top. Due to the lack of snow, it was not possible to try this route.
Avalanche men
There are local avalanche experts, these are Canadians and Americans. Once a week they give a lecture, very useful to listen to. Every day they post an assessment of the factors influencing avalanche risk at the lift, so that this information can be used in on-site analysis.
Road, housing, etc.
The price of accommodation in Gulmarg is from 1500 to 3500 rupees per day in a hotel with central heating; I do not recommend others. The price depends on your bargaining ability. Breakfast and dinner in the hotel restaurant are prepared very tasty, but, as usual in India, you need to strongly emphasize the complete absence of pepper and spices. Otherwise, you won’t eat even a spoon. J There is no entertainment in the hotels other than evening ski parties. We lived in the “upper” part, it is a little more expensive, but also more comfortable, and they call it “Heritage”. It's warm to sleep, clothes dry. The bathroom is cold, washing is a feat.
Taxi: there is a subtlety. The path from Srinagar to the hotels can be divided into three parts: along the highway to Tanmarg, along the serpentine from Tanmarg to Gulmarg, from Gulmarg to the hotel through the barrier.
We rented a car in the center of Srinagar right at the taxi stand. There was a promise to take us straight to the hotel. We were taken to Tanmarg, then transferred to a car to Gulmarg, this is a type of minibus, a jeep with 9 people in it. They changed the bus because the road was snowy and the taxi driver didn’t have chains. But the minibus refused to take us from the barrier to the hotel and wanted another 200 rupees. I would recommend discussing this at the time of hiring a car, insisting that they must be taken to the hotel entrance. The cost from the airport is about 1500 rupees.
Except for the gurney
You can also go for a walk around Srinagar. Some areas are fun and some are downright scary. Right on the street there are basins of oil and in them Indians fry lotus root, potatoes and nuts in some kind of pink transparent dough. Very tasty and nutritious, although it looks extremely unsanitary. But the most important thing is the pomegranates, they are so ripe and tasty that we bought a bag and ate them in the mountains in the evenings while dousing ourselves in pomegranate juice.
If you get to the right area, you can see shops where they make and sell copper utensils, we were very impressed.
There is Dal Lake, a lot of Indians offer a boat tour on this lake, between houseboats, the program states a bunch of attractions, as usual, the Indians are lying :) But it’s worth a little ride, the settlements in houseboats on the water are very impressive. The only thing you should beware of is that when you sail away from the shore, boats will begin to swim up to you and offer all sorts of handicrafts. If this is not nipped in the bud, you may not get anywhere, payment is on time. In our case, the message to our boatman worked: “If even one more person comes up and starts offering us something, we won’t pay you money” :)
Gulmarg is a rare opportunity to go solo (without crowds) on pristine snow from 4115 meters in the Himalayas. Gulmarg is one of the highest ski resorts in the world (altitude difference of almost 2000 meters) with a convenient ski lift, which, however, is not popular and crowded. Located in India in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to its altitude and abundance of snow, Gulmarg is ideal for backcountry, ski touring and heli-skiing.
The main thing you need to know
Kashmir is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. At the same time, there are separatist sentiments within Kashmir itself that are pushing the idea of independence from both India and Pakistan. All this is the cause of some tension in the region. Currently, the state is divided into three zones, which are controlled by India, Pakistan and China.
Gulmarg is controlled by the Indian military, which you will encounter immediately upon arrival at Srinagar airport. This is a military airport and there is simply no other airport nearby. Military vehicles regularly patrol roads and villages. There are checkpoints manned by armed soldiers in many places. This is normal for Kashmir. The military ensures the safety of the renion, since no one would go for a ride in Pakistan, for example, because it is not safe.
The attitude towards tourist riders is good. Both from the locals and from the military. In general, the situation in the village and nearby villages is calm and I see that as long as Kashmir is controlled by the Indian military, it is safe to ride there. The main thing is not to go down to the opposite side of the ridge into Pakistan.
How to get to Gulmarg
The village of Gulmarg has transport links with the nearest major city Srinagar. You can get to Gulmarg from Shirnagar by regular bus or taxi. I prefer the second option, as it is faster and you can always cooperate with one of the riders at the airport: rent one car together - it will be cheaper. A taxi from the airport will cost around 3000 rupees and you may need to change trains at Tangmarg. From Srinagar to Gulmarg there is a winding mountain road approximately 50 kilometers long. All the cars that ply along it during the season have chains on their wheels - otherwise they won’t get through.
Taxi from Srinagar to Gulmarg Although Srinagar Airport (SXR) has international status, I have not seen any direct international flights. In fact, this is a former military airfield. First you have to get to India, and only then fly to Srinagar. Srinagar can be reached by regular flights from Delhi. Here, for example, is what it offers:
If you are flying from Russia, then read ours in the Asian direction. There is also a railway connection with Delhi, but Indian trains are even more extreme than freeriding on the wild slope of Afarvat (that’s the name of the peak from which you will descend in Gulmarg), so we’ll leave this entertainment for those who don’t have enough adrenaline on the mountain.
There are buses from nearby villages, but if you travel this way to Gulmarg, you know all this better than me and don’t need to read further)
Lifts and slopes
The main lift in Gulmarg is 4 kilometers long and is divided into two phases. Phase 1 (Gondola Gulmarg) from height 2700 to height 3100 and Phase 2 from a height of 3100 to a height of 4115 meters. Depending on the weather situation, the avalanche service controls the operation of the lift, which consists of six-seater closed cabins. There is also a four-seater chairlift that starts from the second phase level and rises to a height of 3700. The first phase is handled by a snowcat. The second is a completely wild freeride slope.
When the operation of the main lifts is temporarily stopped due to heavy snow, near the landing station of the first stage of the gondola, local guides will offer a descent through the forest towards Babareshi. This is another fun experience as the views are amazing. The forest in this area is simply incredible.
These are photos of our descents through the forest. The experience is fantastic. When you negotiate with your guide, bargain very hard. They jack up prices, but in reality their job is to walk you down the hill and get you into the car. If you are riding in a group, the discount should be very large.
Avalanches
Due to climatic and geographical conditions, there is a very high avalanche danger on the slope. You may not be allowed into the second phase of the lift without special avalanche equipment: a probe, a beeper and a shovel. Avalanche officers, usually hired Europeans and Americans, work in Gulmarg during the season. They constantly monitor the coverage and avalanche situation and, depending on this, decide on admission to different zones of the slope. At the Hill Top and Pine Palace hotels you can often listen to a free lecture on avalanche safety given by an avalanche safety officer.
Despite all safety measures, avalanches often occur in Gulmarg and claim the lives of riders. To avoid this, you need to be aware of the current avalanche situation and stick to the recommended skiing areas.
Season, climate, weather
The ski season in Gulmarg lasts from January to March. This is due to the fact that the resort is located close to the equator. From January, winter monsoons begin to arrive in Gulmarg, bringing a lot of snow. Sometimes it snows for several days in a row and can fall on 1.5 meters per day. There is not just a lot of snow, there is a LOT of it. The snow is qualitatively different for the better from the powder that I encountered in the Alps and the Caucasus Mountains. In the Himalayas the snow is softer and lighter. The air temperature during the season at the peak of the slope never drops below -10 degrees. At the foot, the temperature is usually close to 0.
In March, the snow melts as quickly as it fell. Mountain streams carry water down, and the slopes are covered with green grass and flowers.
Prices in Gulmarg
Without exaggeration, I can say that Gulmarg is the most expensive place in India. But even the price you have to pay is nothing compared to the emotions and experience that descending from the top of such a level can give.
In general, food, transportation and rentals will cost less than skiing in Europe. There is a bank branch in the village with an ATM and currency exchange. Hotels have restaurants with any cuisine to choose from, and on the slope and in the village you can find such open-air cafes.
Housing for rent in Gulmarg
Despite some remoteness and inaccessibility, there are many cool and decent hotels in Gulmarg. There is a wide choice: there are hotels, including 5 stars, and simple houses with a potbelly stove inside. From 20 dollars per night and up to infinity. I prefer hotels that are closer to the ski lift so that I can walk in boats or ride directly to the boarding point (Hill Top and Pine Palace). The average price for a good hotel with breakfast near the ski lift is $50-100 per night.
Check this one out Gulmarg hotel map. Anything closer to Gulmarg Gondola is what you need. Gulmarg Gondola is the landing station of the lift. The map is clickable. You can zoom in and click on hotels, it will show the price.
Equipment rental in Gulmarg
In Gulmarg there are chances to rent good equipment: boards, skis and boots, but there is also a chance that all this will be in different places and you will have to run around the village quite a bit. The best option is to bring your own equipment. You shouldn’t spoil skiing on slopes of this level with rental equipment). Many air carriers allow you to take sports equipment on board for free.
Lifehacks
- On the way from Gulmarg, stop for one night in Srinagar at Dal Lake. This place is famous for its floating hotel houses. On the lake there are entire streets of houseboats that glow brightly at night. Housing is very cheap and you will remember this experience for a long time. You can book a houseboat in advance through Airbnb (click the link for a coupon for 2,100 rubles) or through Booking.
- If you want to continue your trip around India and go further by train (as we did), then you can leave your equipment and excess luggage in the luggage room at the airport in Delhi.
Gulmarg - ski resort in the Himalayas.
Gulmarg is the largest ski resort located on the slope of Mount Afarwat (Pir Panjal Range) in the Himalayas. This place received this name back in the 16th century. The fact is that Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was once there, was greatly fascinated by the beauty of the area and nicknamed this land the “Valley of Flowers.” The city of Gulmarg itself is located just 52 km from the capital, the city. By the way, in ancient times this land was a favorite vacation spot of the Mongol emperors. So, if you want to relax like an emperor, Gulmarg is the perfect place for you!
The ski season here starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of March. The snow has an amazing consistency, which will bring a lot of pleasure while skiing. Besides, Gulmarg can delight tourists with free slopes and untouched virgin soil. After all, the resort is somewhat remote, and skiing itself is not particularly popular among local residents.
Since 2005, this resort has been famous for the highest cable car in the world. It stretches for almost five kilometers and has two lines, closed booths for six people. It is also very important that the lift costs only five dollars a day. By the way, this is not the only thing that has a small cost in Gulmarg. Regarding prices, everything here is very affordable. So, this resort has inexpensive instructors, so you can also study here.
It is worth noting that this is an excellent option for beginners, because Gulmarg fully provides visiting tourists with all the necessary equipment and clothing. But even true masters of alpine skiing will love this Himalayan resort, because the elevation difference here is from four to two thousand meters. In addition, there are almost no trails here! Ski area in Gulmarg starts from the very top of the Pir Panjal ridge (4000 m) and ends almost at the foot, in the village of Tangmarg (2150 m). Basically, freeride sections predominate here. And the second stage of the lift consists of slopes of medium difficulty and higher.
Gulmarg is an amazing place with stunning nature. Not every resort on the planet can offer you such stunning views. Just look at the eight-thousander Nanda Parbat (8126 m) - the 9th highest peak in the world. And in general, the unique Indian flavor, customs, culture and nature of this country also do their job.