Gulmarg Tour
Gulmarg in India is home to slopes unlike any other. It has the 2nd highest gondola in the world which accesses some of the most amazing free-ride terrain in the world. The mountain is massive, with a 5 km ridge-line that gives access to over 33 named bowls and ridges which can be easily reached from the gondola. There’s even more great news – that’s just the frontside of the mountain. We make sure that you get to explore the whole thing.
This tour is for advanced/expert skiers and boarders wanting to experience this amazing area whilst being immersed in the local culture and food. There is an 11-day program with 8 days of skiing and a 14-day program with 11 days of skiing to choose from. The package includes deluxe accommodation, and includes all breakfasts & dinners as well as all ground transport ex Srinagar airport.
There is also an additional cultural tour included where you get to stay on a houseboat on Lake Dal in
Srinagar with an option to travel by boat around the local floating vegetable markets.
The tour will operate in small groups, with no more than 6 guests per group. Each group of 4 will have 2 guides for added safety.
Program Focus
This program is ideal for adventurous and experienced skiers/boarders who want to experience lift-accessible backcountry in the Himalayas.
Gulmarg is a ski resort like no other; it is a massive mountain, it gets a ton of snow, a busy day is maybe 200 people (during peak season) and they have one of the highest gondolas in the world that gives access to all of this. Think Silverton on steroids, but with bigger terrain and better amenities.
You’ll be guided by the Adventure Project (TAP) team for 8 days and you will see a lot of the mountain. This is a unique adventure. You’ll get to ride some of the best terrain and snow in the world, plus you get to immerse yourself in the local Kashmiri culture, meet the locals and eat some amazing food. You’ll see plenty of wildlife and overall, you’ll come away with a far more rewarding experience than a typical ski or snowboard holiday. As they say, there is your life before Kashmir and then after Kashmir. TAP have been running trips to Gulmarg for more than 7 seasons, so you’ll be in experienced hands.
Terrain & Access
Gulmarg has some terrain that can be accessed directly off the gondola and chairlift, however this tour is mostly about getting outside of the resort area to access the massive amount of backcountry on offer that can be accessed via skinning/split boarding. 95% of Gulmarg’s terrain is backcountry, that is unpatrolled and uncontrolled and you will likely be riding in potential avalanche terrain. All guests will be put through TAP's in-house, comprehensive avalanche safety training program before entering the backcountry.
Equipment Required
As this is predominantly a backcountry tour, guests will need to carry full avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe & first aid kit). It is also advisable that participants should also have an airbag or an Avalung backpack or harness. Conventional airbag cylinder refills are obtainable in Gulmarg however ABS style refills are not always available.
TAP will provide comprehensive avalanche training before you hit Gulmarg's backcountry to refresh those that already have experience and to provide education for those without prior/ limited training/experience.
In addition you will need up-hill climbing capability. For skiers, that means fat skis (recommended 110 mm under-foot or wider), with touring bindings and skins. For snowboarders, that could be either split boards/skins/collapsible trekking poles or board/snowshoes/trekking poles.
Group/Session Size
TAP can cater to 3 groups per session. The maximum group size is 4 people, with 2 guides per group, so we can cater for 12 guests per session. If you have 4 people then you can have your own private group. If you have a full group, then TAP will not add any extra people to it.
Minimum Ability Level
Guests must be strong-advanced or expert skiers or boarders, confident in off-piste conditions that are rated double-black diamond in difficulty. You should be confident in deep snow and powder and able to ride variable snow conditions.
Getting to Gulmarg
You’ll need to take an international flight to Delhi, India. The next morning you will take a short domestic flight to Srinagar, where your Adventure Projects host/guide will pick you up and take you by jeep the final 56 km to Gulmarg. Please be aware that security at the airports is very tight and TAP recommend leaving as much time as possible to get through the frequent security checks.