Himalayan Wild Skiing

Gulmarg...

                                                                                                                                                                                               Snow skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is like a dream come true to any adventure sports enthusiast. The snow capped mountains in Kashmir offer great opportunities for snow skiing. The best place for skiing in Kashmir is Gulmarg. Infact, Gulmarg is the best ski resort in the Himalayas. Two British Army Officers, Maj. Metcarp and Maj. Hadow set up the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg in 1927. Snow Skiing has been popular in the state of Jammu and Kashmir since then. Before independence, two skiing events used to take place annually at this ski resort during both Christmas and Easter. The skiing season in Gulmarg starts around mid-December and ends around the mid-April. One of the draws of skiing tourism in Kashmir is the friendly atmosphere of the valley. Also, it is probably the cheapest ski resort in the world, making it quite suitable for learning purposes too.                                                                                                          Gulmarg originally called Gaurimarg’ by shepherds’ its present name was given in the 16^th century by Sultan Yusuf shah, husband of famous poetess Habba Khatoon , who was inspired by the sight of its glossy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 31 different varities of flowers from here. Situated at an altitude of 2730 mtrs (8700) ft from sea level, Gulmarg turns into a meadow of romance during summer and a ski-resort during winters. It is the only ski resort in the mighty Himalayas where you can ski with a magnificient view of the karokarams, K2 Nanga Parbat and Nunkun.