Skiers and snowboarders flock to the gleaming slopes of Gulmarg located in the Pir Panjal range of Kashmir. Gulmarg, the third-highest ski resort in the world, widely popular for its fluffy snow runs is located at an elevation of 3950-m above sea level. It has Asia’s longest ski slope of 4390 m atop its spectacular Apharwat Peak. Despite its natural beauty, Gulmarg may be hectic as a ski resort, and it requires additional infrastructure to do credit to its magnificent mountains. If you are planning a trip to Gulmarg for skiing from Delhi, so you can book the Gulmarg package from Delhi offered by Lock Your Trip and have the most amazing time with your family, friends, or your beloved ones.
The location is ideal for both professional skiers as well as beginners, as it boasts a number of ski operators and institutes that can teach you how to ski. Gulmarg is known for its massive volumes of snowfall. In terms of snowfall, it is up there with Utah and Niseko. The annual snowfall average is not well registered.
How to Reach Gulmarg Skiing
You must first organize your trip plans and get to town before going in the snow. However, there is no need to put your excitement on hold to figure out how to get to Gulmarg. Here you will find all the information you need to reach Gulmarg.
By Air: The closest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar. To go to your location, you can easily book a taxi from the airport. The fare could be anything between INR 1500 to 2000.
By Rail: Jammu is the closest railway station to reach Gulmarg which is about 348 km away. Another option is to travel from Udhampur railway station, which is about 283 kilometers away. Taxis are widely available from Jammu and Udhampur railway stations to reach Gulmarg. It will be a scenic drive allowing visitors to take in the picturesque splendor of the region.
By Road: Gulmarg is easily accessible from Srinagar and other parts of the state via a motorable road. You can take a private or public bus to Gulmarg while see the beauty of nature. However, in the winter season, the buses operate till Tangmarg from where you will be required to opt for a cab or any other small convenience to cover the remaining 11-km.
What about Gulmarg’s gondola service?
The gondola service begins at the Gulmarg ski resort, which provides services such as snow grooming, avalanche mitigation & forecasting, first aid, and rescue. The station is packed with tourists, honeymooners, and skiers. The wait for the gondola may be long and exhausting, especially for those going downhill, and waiting to go up for another run. The gondolas are well-maintained and operate from 10 am to 4 pm in the winter, with the possibility of closure during snowstorms. Only a few runs per day from Phase 1 are possible due to the overcrowding station.
Should I need to hire an instructor?
All of the ski instructors are generally local Kashmiris. They frequently hang out near ski slopes and charge around Rs. 2,500 per day. While they are all skilled skiers, not all of them are trained instructors. On the other hand, the majority of these instructors speak basic English, are skilled at what they do, and are well-versed in the mountains. It is best to go with a licensed instructor who has a lot of experience. If you need to tell your shoe size to them, they will buy your ski passes and rent your skis and shoes. This saves a lot of your time as you really don’t have to go to the ski rental store or stand in a queue to buy tickets for the gondola or the chairlift.
Difficulty Levels of Gulmarg Skiing
Phase I of Skiing
The mountain is separated into two sections, and both of them are accessible by Gondola Ride. The first is from Gulmarg, which is at a height of 2600 meters, and the other is Kungdori, which is at a height of 3747 meters. This is a good phase to get down and return to the base.
Phase l difficulty level
For beginners, Phase l is the ideal option for Gulmarg skiing. The slopes are wide and easy to navigate. They are open for skiing at all hours of the day and night. Overall, this phase has a low difficulty level.
Phase II of Skiing
The second section runs from Kungdori Mountain to 4200-meter-high Apharwat Peak. The Gondola will drop you off at the stated peak for phase two skiing. From there, you will be able to ski down!
Phase ll difficulty level
On the other hand, Phase ll is more challenging than phase l. We can just say that this section is better for specialists, as the slopes are more difficult.
Safety Tips for skiing in Gulmarg
- Carry a first aid kit and cold and flu medications.
- Make sure you have enough warm clothing with you. Insulating jackets are recommended.
- Take your instructor’s advice and pain remedies for casualties very carefully.
Is food available on the slopes?
In Phase I, there is a cluster of seventy-eight local restaurants stacked against each other. Rajma Chawal, Mutton Pakodas, and Cheese Maggi are among the best delicacies available, along with hot kahwah and coffee. They’re spotless, and the food is steaming hot from being freshly prepared.
In Gulmarg, it is also recommended to opt for the Apres-ski bars. The bar at Nedou’s, as well as the one at Highland Park, is magnificent. They have heaters to keep you warm after a cold day on the slopes. Although the Khyber is a beautiful place to relax, it does not provide alcohol.
Where should I stay during my skiing trip to Gulmarg?
In Gulmarg, there are numerous magnificent resorts and hotels. All of these accommodations offer excellent comfort, amenities, and hospitality. Hotel Heevan Retreat, Gulmarg Zahgeer Continental, The Marigold Resort & Mirch Masala Restaurant, Nedou’s Hotel, Hotel Alpine Ridge, Hotel Pine Spring, and Royal Park Hotel are just a few of the recommended suggestions to stay during a skiing trip in Gulmarg.
Gulmarg has also become a household name due to its status as the third highest ski resort in the world. So you know the Gulmarg ski trip frenzy is not overstated in the least. We strongly advise you to include a ski trip to Gulmarg in your itinerary. If skiing in Gulmarg, India is already on your bucket list. Book Gulmarg package from Delhi and have the most memorable experience of a lifetime.
