Gulmarg Ski Resort — Attraction in Jammu and Kashmir

Mr. Rais Bakshi and Mr. Ummar Shaw of Kashmir Ski School and Gulmarg Ski Resort respectively have been so discourteous and unprofessional while dealing with our cancellation. The whole point of booking with Kashmir Ski School was to have one person as the point of contact for all matters of the booking which also includes cancellation. But it seems like they don’t have a good relationship with each other and need the customers to arrange calls between both the parties to get things done.

My uncle had untimely passed away due to which we cancelled our booking 3 days before the start date and fair enough their policy mentions that they can’t refund for last minute cancellations. But we had paid a huge advance amount of Rs. 1,00,000 for 3 people for 7 nights and had requested them to refund at least partially (which is still a big loss to us) since we had to cancel for no fault of ours and due to a tragedy in the family.

The talk for this happened on 5th February and absolutely no resolution for this issue until now. When I ask Mr. Rais for the status of the refund he says that the Ski Resort person doesn’t trust him and that I have to personally talk to him. When I call the Ski Resort person Mr. Ummar, he says that Mr. Rais never even visited him and spoke to him regarding the refund. How are these people doing daily business together and claiming that they don’t see each other or talk to each other for weeks? After about 8-9 such calls I finally arranged a conference call for both of them, me, a customer from Hyderabad had to arrange a call for two partners in business that both stay in Kashmir. How ridiculous is that?

Proceeding the conference call they discussed amongst themselves in Kashmiri and Mr. Rais informed that I would get the 50% refund by the next day and this was on 15th March. It is now 25th March and there is no refund.

In all businesses, especially tourism I think they should be operated on the basis of trust. Based on this incident you can judge if these guys are reliable or not, I don’t think it is reasonable for them to keep custody of Rs. 1 lakh for a cancelled booking especially when tourism is...

Gulmarg literally means “Meadow of flowers”. Gulmarg is located 60 KMs away from Srinagar which is an hour and half journey by car. Gulmarg has attracted millions of tourists throughout its existence with the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains in the back drop. One of the main attractions in Gulmarg is the Gulmarg Gondola, the Highest Cable Car in the world. The 1st phase of the Gondola takes tourists to the height of 8530 ft to Kongdori Station and the second stage of the Gondola goes up to the height of 12293 ft. Tourists can enjoy horse Riding and can go riding to the magnificent “Strawberry Valley” , Leopards Valley and ride up to “Kongdori” to see the frozen lake of “Al- Pathar”. Gulmarg in winter is a magnificent experience, fully covered in a white blanket of Snow which turns it into a skiers paradise. The natural slopes here are untouched and prove to be a challenge to ace skiers! Besides the scenic side to Gulmarg, winter time in Gulmarg is a season of festivities with celebrations of “White Christmas” and New Year parties.

Gulmarg has been a resort for the kings like Yousuf Shah Chak and Jahangir who used to visit frequently. The old name of Gulmarg was “Gaurimarg”, the name of Lord Shiva’s wife. Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. During the early part of the 20th century the famous Central Asian explorer Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862–1943), made his home here in a tent between his expeditions. It was a favourite summer holiday destination for the British...

Gulmarg is the crowning glory of Jammu & Kashmir and is located 2,650 meters above sea level. Known as the “Meadow of Flowers”, it boasts of the world’s highest golf-course. Exotic flowers, timeless snow-covered slopes and the mighty Himalayan range in the backdrop – that is the charm of the elegant Gulmarg. With vistas that could give Switzerland a run for its money, Gulmarg is the crowning glory of Jammu & Kashmir. Even before you reach Gulmarg, the drive from Srinagar to the city will blow your mind away. There are multiple places on the way to Gulmarg where you can stop to click perfect postcard pictures. You will be mesmerised to witness the scattering lines of poplar, wildflowers and idyllic hamlets along the roads. A cup-shaped meadow, Gulmarg, also known as the ‘Meadow of Flowers’ boasts of the world’s highest golf course, a triangular frozen lake, and a famous Gondola ride. With nothing but the security of the Gondola cable car between you and the valley below, the ropeway ride is a must-do. Enjoy the magnificence of the valley suspended in the air at a height of about 10,000 feet.

Playing golf at the world’s highest 18-hole course, the Gulmarg Golf Course offers the splendour of Srinagar and Nanga Parvat on either side. In the winter season, skiing on the powdery white slopes of Gulmarg is exhilarating. Professionals can opt for the more advanced...