John Buckley Jul 17, 2025 24 min read
India Ski & Travel Guide
Gulmarg Skiing, Kashmir & Off-the-Beaten-Path IndiaIndia travel is officially on the calendar, and not in the way most people expect. I’m planning a ski trip to Gulmarg, Kashmir in February 2026 to chase powder lines in the western Himalayas, and this guide will grow as the journey unfolds. I’ll be sharing pre-trip planning posts, gear prep, and thoughts on skiing at 13,000 feet with Gulmarg Powder Guides. I’m also considering a few other stops along the way, including time to explore Delhi, a possible visit to the Taj Mahal, and maybe even a side trip to Goa.
This page will expand into a full India adventure travel guide over time, with a focus on independent, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Gulmarg & Kashmir Travel Posts 🏔️
Planning this trip to Gulmarg hasn’t exactly been straightforward. After an attack in nearby Pahalgam made headlines, my original crew dropped out completely, leaving me with a choice — push the trip off to the future or go it alone.
But something about Gulmarg stuck with me. These posts reflect that early uncertainty, the reasons I decided to forge ahead solo, and the evolving logistics of skiing in Kashmir as an independent traveler.
As February 2026 gets closer, I’ll be adding thoughts on trip prep, gear considerations, side trip ideas, and how I’m navigating safety concerns along the way. I’ve booked with Gulmarg Powder Guides, who provide skis (K2 Pontoons) and avalanche gear — which helps simplify the travel load — but I still have a lot to figure out when it comes to backcountry conditions, terrain access, and whether I’ll splurge on a heli-ski day.
🧭 Essential India Travel Info
🕒 Time in India: IST
India is on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30 — that’s 11.5 hours ahead of MST, with no daylight savings time.
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Denver: Sunday, 8:00 pm
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Delhi: Monday, 7:30 am
💱 Currency: Indian Rupee (₹ / INR)
1 USD ≈ ₹83.00 (subject to fluctuation)
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Credit cards are accepted in most cities, but cash is still king, especially in Kashmir and mountain regions.
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ATMs can be unreliable, so plan ahead for cash withdrawals.
🗣️ Language
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Hindi is the most widely spoken language, but English is common in hotels, airports, and with most guides.
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In Kashmir, expect Urdu and Kashmiri, but your ski guides (like those at Gulmarg Powder Guides) will likely speak excellent English.
✈️ Primary Airports for This Trip
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Indira Gandhi International (DEL): Likely your main entry point to India
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Srinagar (SXR): Closest airport to Gulmarg (about 1.5 hours by road)
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Goa (GOI): If you decide to head south post-ski trip
🛂 Travel Notes
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Visa required for U.S. passport holders — apply online via the official Indian e-visa portal.
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Travel advisories may apply to parts of Jammu & Kashmir — always check updates before flying.
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SIM cards are available at the airport, but you’ll need a passport photo and a bit of patience. Some travelers prefer to activate eSIMs ahead of time.