A Kashmiri boy walks down a road in Gulmarg, known to be a world-class skiing destination. PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI
A view of Gulmarg at night. PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI
Gulmarg’s heavy blanket of snow makes it an ideal spot for snow sports. PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI
Situated in the Himalayas, Gulmarg has been the pride of Indian Kashmir since colonial times. Its history dates back to the era of the emperor Jahangir and King Yousuf Shah Chak. The Mughal emperor sourced 21 different species of wild flowers for his gardens from the meadows in Gulmarg. In 1927, the British introduced skiing in Gulmarg and the hill station has been a popular destination for thousands of adventurous skiers ever since.
A family enjoys snowfall in Gulmarg. PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI
Tourists enjoy a snow scooter ride across the hill station. PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI
Compared to most European and American winter resorts, Gulmarg is an under-developed hill station. To attract tourists, the authorities and other independent groups organise various skiing competitions. A cable car system called Gondola — one of the highest in the world, reaching 3,979 metres — has also been set up to manoeuvre over the difficult terrain.
For four months, Gulmarg remains under a shroud of snow. PHOTOS: HAZIQ QADRI
Besides being a popular skiing destination, Gulmarg also boasts the highest golf course in the world.
Haziq Qadri is a Kashmir-based photojournalist.
He tweets @haziq_qadri
Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, April 26th, 2015.
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