Anyone who's ever lived in North India or has experienced its winters, knows that glint that our eyes take on with the mere mention of the cold season. As beautiful as this part of the country gets during winter, North India experiences an equally harsh summer. The sweltering heat makes life hell to say the least, leaving us with only one option—escaping to the hills!
Done with overcrowded hill stations? Want to add a dash of adventure to your summer getaway? Well, Gulmarg has a beautiful ski resort that has been hiding in plain sight all along and deserves to be your next weekend getaway!
The property is an ideal summer getaway for families and couples alike. Additionally, if you're someone who's never tried their hand at skiing, The Vintage is where you should be heading to right away!
About the property
Inspired by the Victorian era along with traditional Kashmiri architecture, The Vintage is a unique blend unlike any other. Rated as one of the best ski resorts in Gulmarg, the property offers luxurious stays right in the heart of this serene hill town.
The resort lets guests choose between what they call junior deluxe and vintage deluxe rooms. Both are equipped with all modern amenities such as dedicated workspaces, room service, wardrobes and free WiFi, among others. All these rooms have been designed meticulously, ensuring that guests have plenty of room, natural sunlight and beautiful views from their rooms.
In addition, The Vintage also has junior and vintage suites which are ideal for travellers who take the luxury factor seriously. Offering unmatched comfort, these suites also come with enclosed balconies where you can sit with your significant other and marvel at the lush green meadows of Gulmarg.
Dining at The Vintage
The Vintage boasts of an exciting array of dining options that are not only curated to titillate your taste buds but also to make you experience the best of Gulmarg. 1860, The Vintage's in-house fine dining restaurant is dedicated to the beauty of Kashmir and dishes out mouth-watering local specialties.
The Terrace and Garden Grill offers guests culinary delicacies with gorgeous views and the fragrance of flowers. The resort also has a coffee shop that makes for a great spot to lose oneself in endless conversations over a hot cuppa.
Cost
A stay for two at The Vintage starts at ₹10,000 per night and goes up to ₹14,000 per night for a vintage suite. The prices are inclusive of a hearty breakfast for guests.
Best time to go
Gulmarg attracts travellers throughout the year. While some want to escape from the sweltering heat, others prefer experiencing the extreme winter here. The period between March to June makes for the ideal time to explore the region while November to February is the perfect time to indulge in winter sports.
Things to do in and around the property
1. Experience the thrill of winter sports
Gulmarg is one of the best destinations in the country to enjoy the thrill of winter sports. Beginners can hone their skiing and snowboarding skills on the gentle slopes close to the resort. Experts can take a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, Asia's highest and longest cable car project, to ski down more than 2km for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Additionally, you can also try your hand at ice skating in Gulmarg.
2. Go golfing at the highest golf course in the world
Situated at an altitude of 2,650m, Gulmarg Golf Club holds the distinction of being the highest green golf course in the world. Started in 1911 by the British, the historic golf club is a beautiful spot to enjoy a game of golf amidst snow-capped peaks.
3. Explore the wilderness at Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve is a popular attraction amongst travellers visiting the region. The endangered musk deer is the main attraction of the reserve. One can also spot other animals such as hanguls, leopards, brown bears, black bears and red foxes. Additionally, the reserve also attracts bird watchers who come here to spot species such as the griffon vulture, snow cock and Kashmir roller.
4. Spend an evening beside Alpather Lake
Located at a distance of 13km from Gulmarg, Alpather Lake is one of the best spots to experience the serenity of nature. Surrounded by rocky mountains, Alpather Lake is situated at the foothills of Apharwat Peak. A spot frequented by photographers and solace seekers, one can also reach the lake on a fun pony ride from Gulmarg that takes you through stunning snow trails.
5. Camp out in the middle of nowhere
The exciting terrain of Gulmarg attracts trekkers in big numbers. There are also several sites that one can camp at, surrounded by nature. The twin sites of Ningle Nallah and Ferozepur Nallah are amongst the best places in Gulmarg where you can spend a quiet night in the jungle. A definite bonus is that these places are great for trout fishing. Think fresh fish, bonfires and tents; what more can one ask for in life?
Getting there
Here's how you can get to the property from New Delhi:
By air: There are several flights starting at ₹3,500 that connect New Delhi to Srinagar which the nearest airport to The Vintage. Once you get down at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, hire a private cab to get to the property in two hours (60km).
By train: There is no direct rail connectivity between New Delhi and Gulmarg. The nearest railway station is in Jammu at a distance of 315km. It takes about 10-12 hours to travel from the capital city to Jammu, depending on the train you choose. Once you get down at Jammu, hop on to a local bus or hire a cab to get to The Vintage in about 11 hours.
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