Do you need a guide to ski Gulmarg? After a week skiing Phase 2 terrain in Kashmir, here’s my honest take on guides, costs, and navigating the mountain.
India Ski Travel Guide
Gulmarg, Kashmir & Northern India from a Skier’s PerspectiveI just returned from two weeks in India, including six nights skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir, and one heli day with Kashmir Heliski.
This page is the hub for everything I learned on the ground, from planning logistics and safety considerations to what it actually feels like to ski lift-accessed Himalayan terrain above 13,000 feet.
If you are considering Gulmarg, skiing with Gulmarg Powder Guides, or adding Delhi and the Taj Mahal before or after your trip, start here.
🏔️ Gulmarg & Kashmir Skiing
Gulmarg was the reason for this trip. Six nights based in the village, daily guiding with Gulmarg Powder Guides, and one heli day with Kashmir Heliski gave me a firsthand look at how skiing here actually works.
This section brings together everything related to planning, skiing, logistics, safety, and heli access in Gulmarg.
Why I’m Skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir in 2026 (Despite the Risks)
After the 2025 attack in Kashmir, most people assumed I canceled my ski trip. I didn’t. I wrote this to share why I’m still going, how I’m preparing, and what the journey means to me.
Beyond Japow: My Search for the Next Great Ski Destination in Asia
Japow still delivers, but the crowds pushed me to look beyond Japan for my 2026 ski trip. I dug into places like Jyrgalan, Shymbulak, and China’s far west before circling back to Gulmarg in Kashmir. This post walks through the full search and how I landed on my final choice.
🕌 Delhi & Taj Mahal
I used Delhi as my international gateway and built in time on both ends of the ski trip. I also did a Taj Mahal day trip, which adds a completely different layer to the experience.
This section focuses on logistics, timing, and how to structure the transition between Kashmir and northern India’s busiest city.
🧭 India Travel Logistics
Before I ever clicked “book” on Gulmarg, I had to sort out the infrastructure around it. E-visa approval, eSIM setup, layered travel insurance including separate backcountry ski coverage, and hotel logistics in Delhi all required attention.
Some parts were seamless. Others required patience. This section walks through the behind-the-scenes details that made the trip work.
🧭 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.