Gulmarg in White: Ski, Snow & Pure Adrenaline
Starting from
On Request
Duration4 Days / 3 Nights
PaceBalanced
Destinations3 Stops, 3 Places
Travel StyleAdventure
About this experience
A 4-day, 3-night private winter escape to Gulmarg for skiers and snowboarders - powder runs off Apharwat, Gondola access to 3,980 m, and the option of guided backcountry terrain. Includes ski-school coordination, equipment hire, and a night at a Gulmarg resort.
Day by day
Day 1 — Arrival in Srinagar, Transfer to Gulmarg Route: Srinagar Airport → Tangmarg → Gulmarg (approx. 50 km, 1.5–2.5 hours in snow)
Arrive at Srinagar Airport (SXR) by midday and drive directly to Gulmarg. The road climbs through Tangmarg and then up a switchback - in heavy snow, the last 12 km from Tangmarg to Gulmarg may require chains or a switch to a local 4x4 if private vehicles are restricted. Gulmarg sits at 2,650 m and receives some of the deepest powder snow in the Himalayas - December to March is the core ski season, and the resort is one of the few places in India where you can ski above 3,900 m. Check in to your hotel, sort out ski rentals and lift passes for tomorrow, and take the afternoon slowly. Acclimatisation matters - even at 2,650 m, if you've flown in from sea level, take it easy on Day 1. Evening briefing on ski school, terrain options, and weather window.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg meadow (snow-covered)
Ski rental shops and equipment fitting
Gulmarg Gondola ticket counter (pre-booking guidance)
Evening acclimatisation walk (gentle)
Travel Flow: Afternoon arrival → hotel check-in → ski gear fitting → evening briefing
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star hotel or boutique resort, double/twin sharing)
Meals: Dinner
Important: In heavy snow, private vehicles may not be allowed on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg stretch - you'll switch to a local 4x4 or snow chains at Tangmarg. Budget ~₹1,500-₹3,000 for the round trip. Ski gear hire and lift passes are not included in the package; we help coordinate but payment is direct to operators.
Day 2 — Gulmarg Ski Day: Gondola and Lower Slopes Route: Gulmarg → Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori, 3,080 m) → Gulmarg
Your first full ski day. If you're a beginner or intermediate, start on the lower slopes around the Gulmarg Golf Course (one of the highest 18-hole courses in the world) - gentle gradients, wide runs, and ski-school instructors available on the spot. If you're an advanced skier, take Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori (3,080 m) and ski the tree runs and open bowls between Kongdoori and Gulmarg. Phase 2 (to Apharwat, 3,980 m) is reserved for advanced skiers in winter and does not carry leisure tourists - you need to be a competent skier with backcountry awareness, and should hire a local guide. Ski school costs approximately ₹1,500–₹3,000 per half day. Lift passes cost approximately ₹500–₹2,000 per day depending on which stages you access.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg Golf Course slopes (beginner/intermediate)
Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori (3,080 m)
Tree runs and open bowls (advanced)
Ski school and guide services (local operators)
Sledge rides and snowshoeing (non-skiers)
Travel Flow: Early breakfast → gear up → gondola or lower slopes → lunch on the mountain → afternoon runs → return to hotel by dusk
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star hotel or boutique resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Phase 2 (Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only in winter - it does not carry leisure tourists. Avalanche risk at Apharwat is real; do not attempt it without a local guide who knows the current snowpack. Lift passes and ski-school fees are not included in the package.
Day 3 — Gulmarg Ski Day: Apharwat or Meadow Day Route: Gulmarg → Apharwat (guided, advanced only) or Gulmarg meadow
Second ski day. Advanced skiers with a guide can take Gondola Phase 2 to Apharwat (3,980 m) and descend long powder runs back to Gulmarg or Kongdoori - this is the reason Gulmarg is on the global ski map. Beginners and intermediates can continue on the lower slopes, book a second day of ski school, or take a day off on the snow - sledge, snowshoe, or simply walk the meadow and sit in a café. Non-skiers in the group can hire a local guide for a snowshoe trail to the nearby pine forests. Evening at leisure - dinner at the hotel, or a drink at a local café if available.
Places & Experiences:
Apharwat (3,980 m) - advanced guided skiing
Lower slopes - second day of ski school
Snowshoeing with local guide (~₹1,000–₹2,000 per person)
Sledge rides (~₹500–₹1,500)
Gulmarg cafés and meadow walks
Travel Flow: Early breakfast → gear up → Apharwat or lower slopes → lunch on the mountain → afternoon runs or snow activities → return to hotel by dusk
Overnight: Gulmarg (4-star hotel or boutique resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Important: Apharwat access is weather-dependent and avalanche risk is real. Ski with a local guide, carry a transceiver if you have one, and follow the Gondola operator's instructions on whether Phase 2 is running that day. Do not ski beyond marked boundaries or into closed zones.
Day 4 — Gulmarg to Srinagar, Departure Route: Gulmarg → Tangmarg → Srinagar (50 km, 1.5–2.5 hours) → Srinagar Airport
Morning free in Gulmarg - a final short ski session on the lower slopes, a slow breakfast, or a walk through the meadow before departure. Leave Gulmarg by 10 AM to reach Srinagar by early afternoon. If your flight is in the evening, stop at the Mughal gardens for a quick walk-through or at the Government Arts Emporium near Lal Chowk for pashmina and saffron. Drop at Srinagar Airport (SXR). Winter fog can delay flights - SXR has a history of morning cancellations in December-January, so book afternoon departures where possible.
Places & Experiences:
Gulmarg morning ski or meadow walk
Mughal gardens (optional)
Government Arts Emporium (optional)
Travel Flow: Morning at leisure in Gulmarg → drive to Srinagar → optional gardens or shopping → airport drop
Overnight: None
Meals: Breakfast
Important: Winter fog at Srinagar Airport can delay or cancel flights - build a buffer day before your return flight if you can. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for winter trips.
What's included
- Accommodation: 3 nights Gulmarg (4-star hotel or boutique resort, twin/double sharing)
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner on all days (starting with dinner on Day 1, ending with breakfast on Day 4)
- Transfers: Private AC/Heated SUV (Innova or similar) for Srinagar–Gulmarg–Srinagar transfers
- Winter-ready vehicle with snow chains where required
- Local 4x4 arrangement for Tangmarg–Gulmarg stretch if private vehicles are restricted (included)
- Ski-school coordination and guide arrangement assistance (fees paid directly to operators)
- Ski-gear rental coordination (fees paid directly to operators)
- Driver-cum-coordinator for the entire trip
- All toll taxes, parking, driver allowance and fuel
- 24/7 on-ground coordinator in Srinagar
Not included
- Airfare / train tickets to/from Srinagar
- Lunches on all days
- All applicable taxes (GST, etc.)
- Ski lift passes (~₹500–₹2,000 per day depending on stages)
- Ski school fees (~₹1,500–₹3,000 per half day)
- Ski equipment rental (~₹800–₹2,000 per day depending on gear)
- Guided Apharwat skiing (guide fees ~₹3,000–₹8,000 per day)
- Snowshoeing, sledge rides, or any other winter activity
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for winter trips - see FAQs)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, tips, shopping)
- Medical expenses
- Additional hotel nights or transport costs arising from weather delays, road closures or flight cancellations
- Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Pickup & drop details
Srinagar - Srinagar
What to bring
Things to Pack:
Clothing: Thermal inners (2-3 sets), fleece mid-layers, down jacket or heavy woollen coat, waterproof and windproof outer shell, woollen sweaters, warm trousers (not jeans - they stay cold when wet), 3-4 pairs of woollen socks, waterproof gloves, woolen cap, scarf, balaclava.
Ski Gear: Rent in Gulmarg if you don't want to pack. Bring your own goggles, helmet liner, and ski socks if you have them.
Footwear: Waterproof snow boots with good grip. Sandals or slip-ons for hotel.
Travel Essentials: Lip balm (SPF), cold cream, sunscreen (snow reflection is strong), sunglasses (UV protection), power bank (cold drains batteries), torch, basic medicines (cold, cough, fever, pain relief), hand warmers, insulated water bottle.
Documents: Photo ID (Aadhaar/passport), printed hotel vouchers, travel insurance copy (strongly recommended), passport-size photos (2 copies).
Optional: Camera with extra batteries and dry bag, binoculars, dry fruits and energy bars, a good book for hotel evenings.
Best Time to Travel:
December to March is the ski window. Late December and January bring the heaviest snowfall and best powder - Srinagar can drop to -2°C to -5°C, Gulmarg to -10°C. February is slightly warmer and often the sweet spot - good snow cover, marginally better road conditions. March is transition - lower slopes start melting, but upper mountain skiing remains strong through early March. Christmas and New Year are peak - book 8–10 weeks ahead. Non-skiers should come for the snow experience; skiers should target January–February for the deepest powder.
Suitable For:
Skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from first-timers to advanced backcountry riders. Non-skiers are welcome - sledge, snowshoe, and meadow walks fill the days easily. Not suitable for travelers who can't handle sub-zero temperatures, or who want a multi-destination Kashmir trip - this is Gulmarg-only, designed around snow.
Travel Pace:
Moderate to challenging, depending on how hard you ski. Days 2–3 are full ski days - early breakfast, on the mountain by 9 AM, back at the hotel by dusk. Day 1 and Day 4 are travel days. Non-skiers will find the pace more relaxed.
Accommodation:
Gulmarg: 4-star hotel or boutique resort (twin/double sharing). Most properties have central heating and hot water - but confirm heating before booking, as Gulmarg winters are severe. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa (5-star) is available as an upgrade at extra cost. Upgrades to premium suites available on request.
Transport:
Private heated SUV (Innova or similar) for Srinagar–Gulmarg–Srinagar transfers. Snow chains fitted where required. In heavy snow, if private vehicles are restricted on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg stretch, we arrange a local 4x4 - included in the package.
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not included - budget ₹400–₹800 per person on the mountain (Gulmarg cafés and hotel restaurants are pricier than Srinagar). Kashmiri winter specialties: harissa (slow-cooked mutton porridge), kahwa (saffron tea), and nadru monje (lotus stem fritters). Vegetarian and Jain options available; inform us in advance. Alcohol is not widely available in Gulmarg - arrange it through your hotel in advance if needed.
Important Notes:
Avalanche risk at Apharwat is real. Do not ski beyond marked boundaries or into closed zones. Hire a local guide for Phase 2.
Phase 2 (Apharwat, 3,980 m) is ski-only in winter - it does not carry leisure tourists. Ski school and lifts operate on their own schedules, weather-permitting.
Winter road restrictions: Tangmarg–Gulmarg may be restricted to local 4x4s in heavy snow. We arrange this for you. Budget time for delays.
Srinagar Airport fog: December–January morning fog frequently delays or cancels flights. Book afternoon departures where possible, build a buffer day.
Ski gear: Rent in Gulmarg - shops at the base and near the gondola have a range of skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets. Book early in peak season.
Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for winter ski trips - covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions due to weather.
Mobile connectivity: Jio and Airtel work in Gulmarg. Postpaid SIMs only for outside travelers.
Cash: ATMs in Gulmarg are limited and unreliable - carry cash for ski rentals, lift passes, and lunches.
Seasonal Considerations:
December: Early winter. Snow begins. Gulmarg -5°C to 5°C. Christmas and New Year are peak - book 8–10 weeks ahead.
January: Coldest month. Gulmarg -10°C to 2°C. Heaviest snowfall. Best for powder skiing.
February: Slightly warmer. Gulmarg -8°C to 5°C. Good snow cover, marginally better road conditions. Often the sweet spot.
March: Transition month. Lower slopes start melting. Upper mountain skiing remains strong through early March. Fewer crowds.
Customization:
Extend by 1–2 nights in Gulmarg for more ski days
Add a night in Srinagar (heated houseboat) before or after
Upgrade to the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Add a private ski guide for Apharwat (advanced)
Add a photographer for a half-day winter shoot
Add a Kashmiri winter food trail (harissa, kahwa, nadru)
Combine with a Srinagar sightseeing day on arrival or departure
Cancellation & refund policy
Cancellation, Amendment & Refund Policy
1. Booking Confirmation & Advance Payment
A booking shall be considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance payment. The company reserves the right to release unconfirmed bookings without prior notice. All payments made towards booking confirmation are subject to the cancellation terms mentioned below.
2. Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or official communication channels. Cancellation charges will be calculated based on the total package cost and the date on which the written cancellation request is received by the company.
Cancellation Charges
| Cancellation Period | Retention Charges |
| More than 60 days prior to arrival | 25% of total package cost |
| Between 30–60 days prior to arrival | 50% of total package cost |
| Between 15–29 days prior to arrival | 75% of total package cost |
| Within 14 days prior to arrival / No Show | 100% retention |
3. Non-Refundable Components
The following components shall be strictly non-refundable once confirmed:
- Flight/train tickets (if applicable)
- Visa fees
- Permit charges
- Peak season hotel bookings
- Houseboat bookings during high season
- Adventure/activity tickets
- Any special event or festive season supplement
- Service fees, processing fees, and convenience charges
The company reserves the right to deduct supplier-imposed cancellation charges in addition to the above retention charges wherever applicable.
4. Amendment / Rescheduling Policy
Any amendment, modification, postponement, or rescheduling request must be submitted in writing and shall be subject to availability and supplier approval. The company does not guarantee acceptance of amendment requests after booking confirmation. Any fare difference, seasonal surcharge, hotel rate revision, transport cost escalation, or supplier-imposed amendment fee shall be payable additionally by the client/agent. Amendments requested within 30 days of arrival may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking at the sole discretion of the company.
5. No Show Policy
Failure of the guest/client to arrive, utilize booked services, or join the tour on the scheduled date without prior written intimation shall be treated as a “No Show”.
In such cases:
- 100% of the total booking amount shall be forfeited
- No refund, amendment, or credit note shall be applicable
- Unused services, early departures, or missed sightseeing tours shall not qualify for any refund.
6. Force Majeure / Unforeseen Circumstances
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, alteration, loss, or additional expense arising due to circumstances beyond the company’s control, including but not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Floods, snowfall, landslides, road blockages
- Political unrest, strikes, curfews
- Flight cancellations or operational disruptions
- Pandemic-related restrictions
- Government orders or travel advisories
Under such circumstances:
- Refunds, if any, shall strictly depend upon recoveries received from hotels, transporters, and other suppliers.
- Administrative, processing, and operational charges shall remain non-refundable.
- The company reserves the absolute right to alter itineraries in the interest of guest safety and operational feasibility.
7. Refund Policy
Eligible refunds, if any, shall be processed within 30–45 working days from the date of cancellation confirmation. Refund timelines are subject to receipt of funds from respective suppliers/vendors. Refunds shall be processed only through the original payment mode unless otherwise agreed in writing. Bank charges, payment gateway fees, foreign exchange fluctuations, and transaction charges shall be deducted from the refundable amount.
8. Pricing & Supplier Protection Clause
All package rates are dynamic and subject to availability at the time of confirmation. In case of sudden supplier tariff revisions, fuel hikes, government taxes, or hotel policy changes, the company reserves the right to revise package pricing prior to final confirmation. Confirmed bookings shall remain protected unless impacted by force majeure or supplier default.
9. Jurisdiction
Any dispute arising in relation to bookings, payments, or services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir only.
10. Hotel Damage & Liability Clause
Any loss, damage, breakage, theft, or misuse of hotel/houseboat property caused by guests shall be the sole responsibility of the guest and/or the booking agent. Charges imposed by the hotel/houseboat management for damages, excessive cleaning, missing items, or misconduct must be settled directly by the guest or agent before check-out. Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be held liable for disputes arising between guests and hotel management regarding damages or conduct. The company reserves the right to recover any unpaid damage charges from the booking agent in case the guest departs without settlement.
11. Guest Conduct Policy
Guests are expected to maintain respectful and lawful behavior throughout the tour. Any misconduct including but not limited to:
- Abuse towards staff/drivers/hotel employees
- Illegal activities
- Consumption of prohibited substances
- Damage to public or private property
- Disturbance to other guests
May result in immediate termination of services without any refund. Any fines, penalties, legal consequences, or damages arising due to guest behavior shall be borne entirely by the guest and/or (b2b) booking agent. The company reserves the right to deny services to intoxicated, abusive, or disruptive guests if deemed necessary for operational safety.
12. Payment Default Clause
All payments must be cleared within the agreed timeline prior to guest arrival unless otherwise approved in writing. Failure to clear pending dues may result in:
- Release of hotel bookings
- Suspension of services
- Denial of check-in/check-out assistance
- Cancellation of transport arrangements without further liability on the company.
In case of delayed payments:
- The company reserves the right to levy interest/late payment charges.
- Any supplier penalties arising due to delayed payment shall be recoverable from the booking agent/client.
- Vouchers and confirmations issued prior to full payment shall remain provisional until payment realization.
13. Peak Season / Blackout Cancellation Policy
The following periods shall be treated as Peak Season / Blackout Dates:
- Christmas & New Year
- Eid Holidays
- Long weekends
- National holidays
- Heavy snowfall periods
- Festival dates
- Any dates specifically notified by the company
During these periods:
- Hotel bookings, transport services, and houseboats may carry stricter cancellation terms imposed by suppliers.
- Certain bookings may become completely non-refundable immediately after confirmation.
- Advance payments during blackout periods may be non-transferable and non-adjustable.
- The company reserves the right to apply special cancellation policies for peak dates irrespective of the standard cancellation policy mentioned above.
14. Kashmir Weather / Snowfall Disclaimer
Kashmir is a weather-sensitive destination and operations may be affected due to:
- Snowfall
- Landslides
- Road closures
- Avalanches
- Traffic restrictions
- Flight disruptions
- Government-imposed movement restrictions
Poise Travel and Tourism shall not be responsible for:
- Non-availability of sightseeing
- Gondola closure
- Missed flights/trains
- Route diversions
- Hotel changes caused by weather conditions
- Delay or cancellation of activities due to snowfall or road blockage
Additional expenses arising due to:
- Extra hotel nights
- Alternative transport
- Route changes
- Vehicle chain charges during snow
- Flight rescheduling
Shall be borne directly by the guest/client. No refund shall be applicable for unused services caused due to weather conditions or government restrictions beyond operational control.
15. Supplier Substitution Clause
In case any confirmed hotel, houseboat, or transport provider becomes unavailable due to operational reasons, overbooking, weather conditions, maintenance, or force majeure, the company reserves the right to provide a similar category alternative without prior liability. Every effort shall be made to maintain service standards and comfort levels.
16. B2B Confidentiality Clause
All contracted rates, quotations, and pricing shared with agents/partners are strictly confidential and intended solely for B2B business use. Redistribution of net rates directly to suppliers, competitors, or unauthorized third parties is strictly prohibited. The company reserves the right to terminate business relationships in case of rate misuse or breach of confidentiality.
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"Both. The lower slopes around the Gulmarg Golf Course are gentle and wide - ideal for beginners, with ski-school instructors available on the spot (₹1,500–₹3,000 per half day). Intermediate skiers can ride Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori (3,080 m) for tree runs and open bowls. Advanced skiers take Phase 2 to Apharwat (3,980 m) for long powder descents - but this requires a local guide and backcountry awareness. The mountain has terrain for every level."
"No. In winter (December–March), Phase 2 is reserved for skiers only and does not carry leisure tourists. You need to be a competent skier, hire a local guide, and be prepared for real avalanche risk at 3,980 m. Phase 1 to Kongdoori (3,080 m) is open to all, weather-permitting. Beginners and non-skiers stay on the lower slopes."
"Ski equipment is not included - rental costs approximately ₹800–₹2,000 per day depending on the gear (skis, snowboard, boots, poles, helmet). Shops at the Gulmarg base and near the gondola have a range of gear. We help you coordinate on Day 1, but payment is direct to the operator. Book early in peak season - the best gear goes quickly in January and February."
"In heavy snow, the last 12 km from Tangmarg to Gulmarg may be restricted for private vehicles. You'll switch to a local 4x4 or snow chains at Tangmarg - we include this cost in the package. If the road closes entirely (rare but possible), your arrival or departure may be delayed by a day. We monitor road status daily and adjust. Build a buffer day before your return flight."
"Srinagar Airport (SXR) has a documented pattern of morning fog delays and cancellations in December–January. Afternoon departures are significantly more reliable. We recommend booking return flights after 12 PM where possible, and building at least one buffer day before your return flight. If your flight is cancelled, we assist with hotel rebooking, but additional costs are borne by the guest. Travel insurance helps here."
"Plenty. Sledge rides (~₹500–₹1,500), snowshoeing with a local guide (~₹1,000–₹2,000), meadow walks, café-hopping, and snow photography. The Gondola Phase 1 to Kongdoori is open to non-skiers (weather-permitting) and offers a wide view of the valley. Non-skiers can also visit Baba Reshi shrine (en route from Tangmarg) and spend time at the hotel spa. Gulmarg is not only for skiers."
"Cancellation charges are calculated on the total package cost: more than 60 days before arrival - 25% retention; 30-60 days - 50%; 15-29 days - 75%; within 14 days or no-show - 100% retention. Peak-season hotel bookings (Christmas, New Year, January-February ski season) and activity tickets are non-refundable once confirmed. Eligible refunds are processed within 30–45 working days, subject to supplier recoveries, and are made via the original payment mode."