CNN International has listed Gulmarg as one of top 10 downward thrills in asia.
The list is:
- Appi Kogen, Tohoku, Japan
- Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
- Rusutsu Ski Resort, Hokkaido, Japan
- Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea
- Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South Korea
- Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, South Korea
- Gulmarg, Kashmir
- Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Mongolia, China
- Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang
- Nanshan Ski Village, Beijing
Gulmarg, Kashmir
In the 19th century Gulmarg was a hill station for British colonials to escape the summer heat. These days, it’s a world-class ski resort blanketed with fresh, light powder from the Himalayas, attracting ski bums tired of Alpine lift queues and fondues.
The resort’s claim to fame is the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest ski lift in the world at a dizzying 3,979 meters. At the top station, skiers can take on challenging runs with Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak, as a backdrop.
Gulmarg is intermittently plagued by insurgency, resulting in security lock downs that can stretch on for months, but it has not deterred the 400,000 intrepid skiers who took the Gondola last year.
Getting there: Gulmarg is 35 miles away from state capital Srinagar. Visitors can take a taxi into Gulmarg from Srinagar airport, the journey takes around two hours and costs Rs 1,200-1,500 (US$26-33).
Website: www.gulmarg.org
Its heartening to see an international magazine of repute recognizing Gulmarg in its recommended list. Truth is Gulmarg’s pure ski-natural potential easily makes it one of the best in the world; the whole hearted acknowledgement by the world is just waiting for the political temperatures to cool down, and a ‘little’ better management of infrastructure and marketing by state and private businesses.