Gulmarg - Kashmir
In years past, a ski trip to India's Kashmir province would have had "niche" written all over it, but with locations such as Japan, Russia and New Zealand having become real options for adventurous skiers and snowboarders, India isn't as far-fetched as it first appears. Gulmarg, an old Raj hill station, has reinvented itself as a ski resort, boasting the highest gondola on earth and guaranteed Himalayan snow. Expect ludicrously empty slopes (it was estimated that fewer than 500 people visited last year), epic scenery and unrivalled snow quality at 4,000m.
Other Ski Resorts in India
Getting to Kashmir and Gulmarg
Air from Delhi : Srinagar is a two hour flight from Delhi and is also connected with Leh in Ladakh. Flights cost vary between $200 and $250 return from Delhi. Flights are also possible from Jammu to Srinagar.
Direct Bus from Delhi: Direct ‘luxury' buses depart Delhi from Connaught Place and Old Delhi daily. The journey takes between 24 and 32 hours with lots of breaks. The cost is 700-900 Rs and tickets should be available from most travel agents in Delhi. It is possible that this service could be suspended or held up en route to Kashmir in the event of bad weather.
Train to Jammu from Delhi, and taxi on to Srinagar: It is possible to take a train from New Delhi train station to Jammu (11-15 hrs). and even 60kms further past Jammu to Udhampur which is on the road to Srinigar. You can find a shared taxi to Srinagar around Jammu’s bus and coach station where the drivers’ agents will come to you. The taxi should cost between 150 and 300 Rs in a full car , more if the car is not full. From Jammu to Srinagar by taxi it takes 9-12 hours. If you arrive on time it is possible to take a shared white sumo taxi to Srinagar that day and arrive in the evening. However if your train is late you may be forced to stay in Jammu, not recommended unless you need the rest!
Srinagar to Gulmarg: from Srinagar airport to Gulmarg may cost you from 1000 Rs to anything like 2000 Rs.
There is reportedly also a helicopter service from the airport to Gulmarg costing about 5000Rs one way.