APH Resort Guides at a Glance:
Gulmarg, Indian Kashmir

Overview
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime ski experience this is it. Tucked away in the Himalayas, next to the ’line of control’ with Pakistan, you’ll have whole mountains to yourself and monkeys to accompany you on the lower slopes. And as if that wasn’t exciting enough, you get to eat curry with your apres ski beer.

Terrain
There is a handful of pistes (a nursery, 3 beginner runs and a 5km-long intermediate), but the real reason to come here is the mind-blowing backcountry. Gulmarg is located in an amphitheatre, surrounded on two sides by stunning, powder-packed chutes to suit intermediates and experts.

Recommended run
Take the cable car up to the first station, and then the new lift right to the top. You now choose your route down the best backcountry you-ve ever encountered.

Ski-in, ski-out?
Not quite. But you can get a mule ride to the cable car.

Cost of living
The expensive bit of this trip is getting here. Once you’ve arrived, a meal will cost you about £3-£4.

Nightlife
Forget about it. But where else on earth can you eat rogan josh (curry) for dinner every night - and where else would you get a local beer called Godfather?

Alternative activities
If you’re staying at the Hotel Highlands Park, nip next door and ask Yaseen or Hamid to take you on a "gentleman’s walk". They run a little ski shop next door and also offer guiding services.

Family friendly
This is not really a place to bring the family. But if you’re an adventurous couple, you owe it to yourselves to make the trip.