Kashmir Ski Touring | Splitboarding Trips

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Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights Destination: Srinagar – Gulmarg – Mt. Apharwat – Srinagar Activity: Backcountry Skiing & Freeride Skiing Difficulty: Advanced to Expert Maximum Altitude: 4,250 m (Mt. Apharwat) Vertical Descent: Up to 2,000 m Best Season: Mid-January to Mid-March

Nestled in the breathtaking Pir Panjal Range of the Indian Himalayas, Gulmarg is internationally recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for backcountry skiing, freeride skiing, and Himalayan powder adventures. Renowned for its legendary snowfall, deep powder, and spectacular alpine terrain, Gulmarg offers an unforgettable skiing experience for advanced skiers and snowboarders seeking untouched snow, long descents, and authentic mountain adventure.

The world-famous Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars on Earth, transports skiers from the resort village at 2,650 metres to nearly 4,000 metres on the slopes of Mt. Apharwat, granting access to thousands of hectares of lift-accessed backcountry terrain. With wide-open alpine bowls and steep couloirs alongside perfectly spaced birch forests and endless powder fields, Gulmarg provides some of the finest off-piste skiing anywhere in the world.

Our 12-Day Gulmarg Ski Tour is meticulously designed for experienced skiers and snowboarders eager to explore the best of Kashmir skiing with professional local guides. Each day is crafted according to weather, snow stability, avalanche conditions, and the group's skiing ability, ensuring maximum safety while navigating the region's most iconic descents.

Unlike crowded ski resorts in Europe or North America, Gulmarg delivers an authentic Himalayan adventure where fresh powder, uncrowded slopes, and rich Kashmiri culture combine to create an unforgettable winter holiday. Whether you’re searching for a Gulmarg ski tour, backcountry skiing in India, Himalayan ski touring, or a Kashmir powder skiing expedition, this trip offers the ultimate blend of adventure, culture, and world-class skiing.

Why Choose Our Gulmarg Ski Tour?

Gulmarg is recognized as one of Asia's finest ski destinations for good reason. The resort receives approximately 12–15 metres of annual snowfall, facilitating consistently excellent powder conditions throughout the winter season. Skiers enjoy nearly 2,000 metres of lift-accessed vertical descent, one of the longest continuous descents found anywhere in the world.

The terrain is exceptionally diverse, ranging from gentle powder bowls and well-spaced tree runs to steep couloirs, technical alpine faces, glacier terrain, and remote village descents. During storms, Gulmarg transforms into a paradise for tree skiing, while clear weather unveils expansive alpine bowls surrounding Mt. Apharwat.

Highlights of this expedition include:

- Guided backcountry skiing with experienced local professionals

- Lift-accessed freeride terrain with minimal hiking

- Optional ski touring routes for stronger skiers

- Deep Himalayan powder snow

- Up to 2,000 metres of continuous vertical descent

- One of the world's highest gondola systems

- Spectacular views across the Kashmir Valley

- Authentic Kashmiri hospitality and cuisine

- Small group experience for maximum flexibility and safety

12-Day Gulmarg Ski Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to Gulmarg. Meet your guides for equipment checks, avalanche safety briefing, and an overview of the skiing programme.

Day 2: Resort orientation and introductory skiing through Gulmarg's famous tree runs, including Mary's Shoulder, Paper Trees, and Mid-Station forests.

Day 3: Ride the Gulmarg Gondola to Mt. Apharwat and explore alpine bowls with spectacular Himalayan powder conditions.

Day 4: Ski the legendary North Bowls of Mt. Apharwat, featuring long powder descents and technical freeride terrain.

Day 5: Experience one of Gulmarg's classic descents, skiing nearly 2,000 vertical metres into Drung Village before returning by vehicle.

Day 6: Flexible skiing or rest day depending on weather, snow conditions, and group preferences.

Day 7: Short ski touring ascent to Monkey Hill, followed by excellent powder skiing and panoramic views across the Kashmir Valley.

Day 8: Explore Khilanmarg and Chooti Nali, renowned for wide-open alpine bowls and exceptional freeride terrain.

Day 9: Ski into one of the traditional villages surrounding Gulmarg, combining unforgettable descents with authentic Kashmiri mountain culture.

Day 10: Big Mountain Day featuring the iconic Shark Fin descent or alternative routes based on avalanche and weather conditions.

Day 11: Transfer to Srinagar and enjoy a relaxing Shikara ride on Dal Lake, visit traditional markets, experience local handicrafts, and indulge in a memorable Kashmiri Wazwan dinner while staying aboard a deluxe houseboat.

Day 12: Transfer to Srinagar Airport for your return flight.

What's Included

- Airport transfers throughout the expedition

- Private transportation

- Ten nights in centrally heated 3–4-star hotels

- One night in a deluxe traditional houseboat

- Daily breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, snacks, and energy bars

- Gondola lift passes

- Professional local ski guides

- Walkie-talkies for group communication

- Basic first aid and safety equipment

- All permits and local taxes

What's Not Included

- International airfare

- Domestic flights between Delhi and Srinagar

- Indian visa fees

- Ski or splitboard equipment

- Avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe rental

- Personal expenses and alcoholic beverages

- Travel, medical, and rescue insurance

- Laundry and gratuities

- Single room supplement

- Costs arising from weather delays or itinerary changes

- Any services not specifically listed under 'Included'

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to ski in Gulmarg?

The best skiing season runs from mid-January to mid-March, when Gulmarg receives abundant Himalayan snowfall and offers exceptional powder conditions.

Is this trip suitable for beginners?

No. This expedition is specifically designed for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders who are confident skiing off-piste terrain in variable snow conditions.

Do I need avalanche safety equipment?

Yes. Every participant must carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe while skiing in the backcountry. Rental equipment can be arranged if needed.

How much snowfall does Gulmarg receive?

Gulmarg typically receives between 12 and 15 metres of snowfall each winter, establishing it as one of Asia's premier powder skiing destinations.

What is the highest altitude reached during the expedition?

The highest point of the trip is approximately 4,250 metres on Mt. Apharwat, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

Book Your Gulmarg Ski Adventure

If you're in search of the ultimate Gulmarg Ski Tour, Kashmir Backcountry Skiing Holiday, or Himalayan Powder Expedition, this professionally guided adventure encompasses everything that an experienced skier or snowboarder could wish for. From deep powder snow and spectacular alpine descents to authentic Kashmiri culture and world-class guiding, this expedition guarantees an unforgettable skiing experience in one of the world's most exhilarating mountain destinations.