When you think of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir the words of the famous song come to mind; I am dreaming of a white Christmas. This meadow nestled among the mountains is 50 km (30 miles) from Srinagar, at an altitude of 2730 meters (9000 feet). In the winter it is blanketed in snow making it Asia's only heli-skiing resort It's gentle slopes make it a great skii resort for amateurs and professionals alike.
The British discovered it in 1927 and its natural golf links became very popular with them, reminding them of Scotland, perhaps.
In Spring (March-April) it lives up to its name which means meadow of flowers. Wild daisies, buttercups and lupins cover its hillsides as well as the meadow. Summer (May to September) has its own charm with treks and pony trails keeping visitors buy. Evenings can be spent around a woodfire drinking hot soup and swapping stories.
The strawberries from Baba Rishi have never tasted so sweet in the spring and early summer. The local Gujars (nomad/shepherds) provide the cream. The bakery behind Nedou's hotel has mouthwatering macaroons, brownies and walnut tarts. After a long walk they taste even more delicious because by now you have worked up an appetite. Gulmarg is a place to relax, walk, read, eat and enjoy the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. Exactly what a Zen Master would have ordered. It is the sound of one hand clapping. In Gulmarg there is something to do in every season. The autumn has its own charm with the smell of pines and deodars, long walks, golf and great food. Gulmarg's 18 hole golf course is kept trim by an army of sheep who can be seen nibbling their way across. Their droppings make great fertilises. What an eco friendly way to maintain the course. The Club House is reminiscent of a Swiss Chalet and is a great place to stop for a meal before, during and after the game. Numerous runlets, brooks and springs traverse the golf course, adding to its charm.
In the middle of the mendow is St Mary's Church where the bells used to chime calling the devout to prayer. In winter (November to February) Gulmarg is a great ski destination. You can hire ski equipment and even get help from the ski instructors who are at hand to teach you. The slopes vary between 8,700 to 10,500 feet. Even amateurs can have fun with the skii lifts, chair lifts and gondolas. Enjoy great views of Nanga Parbat and Haramukh the tallest mountains of the area. Tobogganing requires no skill. Snow scooters and snows bobsleds are easily handled after a brief lesson.
The Alpather Lake is a picturesque alpine lake which is frozen till late June. In summer take a pony or trek up for an exhilerating experience. Carry a picnic lunch and eat it amid irises and stunted birches.
On your way up or down to Gulmarg it is interesting to stop at the shrine of Baba Rishi, a Sufi mystic saint. You can make a wish and if granted, return to clean the Saint's Kitchen. Such is the belief.