Festival · JAMMU & KASHMIR
February (varies) · Gulmarg
National-level skiing and snowboarding championships on Gulmarg's slopes, with the Gulmarg gondola — world's second-highest cable car — ferrying spectators to 3,980m.
Why it mattersGulmarg hosts India's premier winter sports events and has been a skiing destination since the 1927 establishment of the Gulmarg Ski Club.
February delivers Gulmarg's most reliable snow conditions. The base is packed firm from weeks of accumulation, fresh dumps keep coming (100-130cm average), and temperatures hold between -7°C and 1°C. This is when the international skiing crowd peaks — word has properly spread that Gulmarg offers legitimate backcountry terrain at a fraction of Alps pricing. The Gondola runs are in their groove, instructors are sharp…
Live in Gulmarg
Charming guest house with wifi, heating and garden views. Walking distance to Gulmarg Gondola and ski slopes
Beautiful welcoming accommodation with exceptional hospitality, clean rooms with good heating and hot water, mountain views
Asia's highest gondola. Phase 1 (to Kongdoori) is family-friendly with meadow views. Phase 2 (to Apharwat Peak, 4,200m) is for the adventurous — stunning but cold and windy. Book tickets online to skip the line. Go early morning for clear views.
Signaturesingle malt selection
Order a hot toddy at the fireplace seats after a snow day — they make it with local honey and Kashmiri saffron. Bar opens 5pm; arrive early in winter when daylight goes by 5:30pm to catch the sunset over the meadow.
Signatureyakhni
Pair dinner with a single malt at Hunter's Bar next door (Yamazaki, Hibiki listed) — the same hotel, same heritage, but the bar charges separately. Ask for a window table; Gulmarg's snowline starts where the lawn ends.
Signaturewazwan tarami
Reserve through the resort even if you're not staying — non-resident dining is allowed but capacity is limited. The dinner Wazwan needs to be ordered 24 hours ahead; the à la carte rogan josh is on every day.
Signaturerogan josh
The restaurant is open 7:30am-11pm but the dining room fills with hotel guests at 8pm — book a 7:30pm table or come at 9:30pm to avoid the rush. Cottage cluster gets cold; ask for a table near the wood-burner.
World's second-highest operating cable car reaching 14,000 ft. Two phases with views of Nanga Parbat and K2.
Lush meadow known for wild strawberries in summer. Horse riding with Himalayan backdrop.
Hilltop Shiva temple built by Maharaja Hari Singh's wife. Stunning views of Gulmarg meadow.
Alpine meadow above Gulmarg with direct views of Nanga Parbat and Harmukh peak. Wildflowers in summer.
World's highest green golf course at 8,700 ft. 18 holes surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
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