Gulmarg Snowboarding - An Informative Blog

Gulmarg Snowboarding

India is replete with breathtaking destinations due to its geographical diversity. Mountains, beaches, forests- all could be found in this ‘land of wonders. Every traveler has their tastes and preferences when it comes to visiting places. While some would choose the beaches of Puri or Goa to chill and relax while others could be fond of the mountainous regions of Kashmir or Uttarakhand. 

When it comes to mountainous regions, you can even opt for adventure sports to feel that adrenaline rush. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, etc., are some of the popular adventure sports suitable for the mountains. The varied winter sports in the vast and mighty Himalayas could be enjoyed individually, as a couple, or with friends. 

In this article, we are particularly going to talk about snowboarding in Gulmarg as it is famous for this winter sport.

Snowboarding

It is an adventure sport where one travels down an icy slope with both feet of the person attached to a single board. This winter sport is a bit different from skiing. Though you descend from an icy surface in skiing as well unlike snowboarding, skiing uses separate skii which are attached to the feet. 

Gulmarg

Known as the ‘Meadows of Flowers’, Gulmarg (Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir) falls in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas. This nature’s beauty is situated at an altitude of 3950 meters and is surrounded by heavenly snow-capped mountains. You may be surprised to know that Gulmarg is the world’s third-highest ski resort. One can visit this majestic destination during winter to undertake adventure sports such as snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, etc.  

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder, Gulmarg offers perfect opportunities for every traveler. It may take somewhere between 5 to 7 days for a complete snowboarding experience in Gulmarg. Gulmarg is the best location for Skiing and Snowboarding. 

How to reach Gulmarg?

Gulmarg is easily accessible for adventure enthusiasts via Srinagar. You can reach Srinagar by airplane and then take a road trip to Gulmarg. On the other hand, Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railway station for those passengers who undertake the rail journey. 

Cabs, taxis, and buses are available from Srinagar to take you to Gulmarg.

Snowboarding Scenario in Gulmarg

To undertake your favorite winter sports at Gulmarg, you need to have a little knowledge about this site. 

The gondola ride/cable cars at Gulmarg would take you to the Apharwat peak (4390 meters in elevation) via Kungdori. The gondola ride (a French technology) is a sitting compartment that makes traveling to peaks hassle-free. 

From the Apharwat peak, you can descend back to the base with the aid of a snowboard. The snow-covered slopes are gentle and can be easily descended by beginner-level enthusiasts. 

To take the gondola ride, one has to reach the ski station in Gulmarg. The rides go to and fro throughout the day. An individual can go for a few rides in a day. One can make a pass for it. A pass can cost somewhere between Rs 740 to 950 for a day.

The locals in and around Gulmarg, in the form of instructors, are present to guide you in snowboarding. Some of these locals are certified while others have only years of experience. You may take their help to undertake snowboarding on Apharwat peak. Their aid is all the more needed due to the risks of avalanches (a large mass of snow sliding quickly down mountains) in this region. Since you may not be aware of how to tackle such situations, the instructor’s guidance would come in handy. Moreover, they even help you in buying ski passes and other essentials for snowboarding or skiing (depending upon preference). 

The ski and snowboarding training acts as a facilitator to traverse through the slopes with ease. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) is a premier institute under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for conducting training for winter sports in Gulmarg. The fee ranges from Rs 10,000- 25,000 based on the learner's age. 

Preferred time

Since it’s a winter sport, the preferred months to completely enjoy this sport is during the months between December and February. During these months, the snow-laden mountains act as a facilitator for sports such as skiing and snowboarding. 

Though tourists generally avoid going to the mountains during the winter months due to cases of heavy snowfall, avalanches, etc., this period is fruitful for adventure lovers. 

Staying Options

There are staying options for travelers at the base of Apharwat peak. Some of them are- the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Hotel Pine Palace Resort, Hotel Alpine Ridge, Grand Mumtaz Resort, etc. You can choose any of these based on your personal choices, budget, location, etc. 

This vacation if you are looking to do something out of your comfort then why not go snowboarding and that too in Gulmarg? You would not regret this decision of yours.

Book your Gulmarg Tour Packages with Cliffhangers India this season. 

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Created on Jan 20th 2023 03:45. Viewed 95 times.

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