spa treatment to release the stress of travel and try to get on local time.
From Delhi, you’ ll want to book a flight to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir( in the winter, the capital moves to the city of Jammu). An hour in the air, the flight offers a scenic view crossing over the mountains below.
GULMARG
Situated 34 miles West of Srinagar, Gulmarg is distinguished for being the best ski destination in India, with annual snowfall averaging 46 feet and slopes that rival the Swiss Alps. In the summertime, when the only snow can be found on the looming mountain caps, the land comes alive with vibrant blooms of lilies, daffodils, and buttercups— a total of 21 different varieties of flora. In fact, the name Gulmarg actually means meadow of flowers.
Summer temperatures from June until August average highs of 68 and lows of 50 degrees with minimal rainfall. The town is situated 8,000 feet above sea level and a good place to begin to acclimate before traveling even higher into the mountains to the East.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa is the marquee luxury destination and the only 5-star hotel in Gulmarg, offering both traditional rooms and private cottages. The Khyber Spa by L’ Occitane is an experience not to be missed. Indulge in customized treatments infusing locally cultivated herbs with traditional L’ Occitane preparations and the purest waters from the Himalayas while immersed in enchanting views of the forest meadows and mountains.
Golfing has been an attraction in Gulmarg since the early 1900s when vacationing British colonizers came for the summers. Here, golfers can enjoy one of the world’ s highest golf courses, with 18 holes spanning 7,505 yards of greens.
For nature lovers, Gulmarg is a paradise of wildlife protected within a biosphere reserve. Take a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest in the world extending 13,000 feet which reaches the summit of Mount Apharwat, covered in snow year-round. Trekking tours can be arranged with a travel guide or hotel concierge while local touts will be eagerly pushing pony rides. Alpather Lake is reached by the gondola then a short pony ride, and offers incredibly serene and mesmerizing landscapes. Used for ice-skating in the wintertime by locals, in the summer months it’ s an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic.
SRINAGAR
After a few days rejuvenating in the blissful nature of Gulmarg, travel back East to Srinagar, where you landed and plan to spend a couple days exploring this ancient city. Founded over 2,000 years ago, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is situated around Dal Lake and surrounded by mountain peaks ranging from verdant tree topped hills to imposing icy behemoths. The city is as famous for its traditional Kashmiri crafts as it is for the panorama of colorful houseboats lining the waterfront.
Dal Lake
Staying on a houseboat is a unique highlight of visiting Srinagar. It is recommended to stay on the river-facing houseboats, which have a better view and are more easily accessed than the lakefront boats. These ornate wooden masterpieces came into existence because of a law that only native Kashmiris could buy land in Kashmir. As a result, houseboats sprung up as an alternative way to skirt the ruling and today are a tourist attraction and charming aspect of local life.
Taking a ride on a Shikara, a small handpaddled and vibrantly painted long boat, is India’ s answer to the Venetian gondola ride. These are used to ferry passengers along the lake and to visit the floating gardens where lilies and lotus flowers bloom from mid-July.
While Dal Lake itself offers infinitely picturesque landscapes, the Mughal Gardens are a place of contemplation amid an immaculately maintained landscape of flowers and fountains. Constructed in 1619 by the Mughal Emperor as a romantic gesture to please his wife, the gardens continue to seduce with their classical beauty.
Srinagar is an ideal place to sample traditional Kashmiri food and shop for local handicrafts. Kashmiri cuisine centers around rice and meats including lamb, chicken and fish prepared in a variety of curries and spices. The most famous dish is called Wazwan, which
GETTING THERE
Air India offers nonstop capital to capital service, from Dulles International Airport to Indira Gandhi International Airport, three times per week, beginning July 7, 2017.
SUMMER 2017 33 FLYWASHINGTON. COM