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