Overall Rating

Bills Trips Gulmarg Tour

Bills Trips Gulmarg Tour5/511
Bills Trips Gulmarg Tour5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%
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Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in AUD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 5,168

GUIDED OFF-PISTE & BC ADVENTURE
12 Nights | 10 Days of Guiding

Location: India | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for 2024.
Base/invoice currency is in AUD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 5,168
Experience the best of Gulmarg with Bill Barker. Premium offering with very experienced & highly qualified guides, low guest to guide ratio plus local tail guides, & stay in a charming deluxe hotel. Endless lines of fresh snow in the off-piste and backcountry. Join a fixed-date tour or enquire for a custom group tour
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Bill's Gulmarg Tour

With Bill's Trips you get to experience the best of Gulmarg Kashmir; a bucket-list destination for adventurous backcountry skiers and snowboarders with its gob smacking views, big mountain terrain, abundant snow, and unique cultural experiences.

This Bill’s Trips Gulmarg Tour is a premium offering with quality guides, a low client to guide ratio plus Kashmiri tail guides, and you’ll stay in a deluxe and charming Kashmir hotel, not one of those Gulmarg hotels where the heating and hot water only works some of the time.

A trip to Gulmarg in Kashmir India is just as much about the amazing cultural experiences as it is about the epic powder. Bill Barker and team have made many local friends over the years through safety training, and they can introduce you to the intrigue of Gulmarg and Kashmir.

The Gulmarg Skiing & Riding

Perched at the very top of India, Gulmarg sits on the rim of the Kashmir Valley in the Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalaya. The Gulmarg Gondola rises from the village in two phases up to an elevation of about 4,000 metres. The gondola provides access to a myriad of lines within the ski resort boundaries and beyond into the backcountry of Gulmarg.

The advanced and expert terrain is highly varied and consists of vast alpine bowls, sub-alpine ridges, and awesome tree skiing. During big storms, the huge pines from the gondola mid station offer great protected tree runs while the options off the top are endless. When the conditions are right you can cut laps straight off the gondola, other days the group will utilise taxis to return to the village after skiing the trees off the Gulmarg plateau or dropping into a remote mountain village, and sometimes you’ll put on skins or strap on snow shoes for a hike to the summit or to access or return from favourite runs.

The highly qualified experienced guides structure each day around your specific needs, which is possible due to the small group numbers. Each morning the guides assess the weather, avalanche and snow conditions, and present you with the best available options for the day. The focus is on finding and riding the best untracked snow possible. With the right guides, the right equipment and a small amount of effort, it is possible to ski untracked snow for a mighty long time after the last snowfall.

Whilst in Gulmarg, the guides can also teach you more about avalanche safety and riding the backcountry safely. For more information on safety and the guides, see the Bill's Trips safety page.

The Culture

A trip to Gulmarg is way more than just the skiing or boarding. To immerse yourself in such a unique culture and have the opportunity to get to know and laugh with the locals is reason enough for a Kashmir adventure. Bill’s many local friends who he has trained and worked with over the years are as welcoming to his guests as they are to him. Laugh with the patrollers over a cup of tea in the Patrol Base, learn about life in Kashmir while visiting families in the local villages, and hear stories from many other classic characters during your stay. Feel the warmth of the locals and go home with a real understanding of the people and the situation in Kashmir.

If and when your rest day arrives you can walk to the Gulmarg Market to shop for local handicrafts and soak up the atmosphere, or simply relax at the Hotel Highland Park and take in the views.

Here is a video showing what you can expect in Gulmarg with Bills Trips....



Srinagar & Dal Lake

No trip to Kashmir is complete without a stay on one of the famous houseboats on Dal Lake in the vibrant city of Srinagar. At the end of your final day on the mountain, the group heads to one of Bill's close friend’s houseboats to relax and enjoy the hospitality. Finish off your adventure with a city tour taking in the sights, sounds and smells, shop for rugs, pashminas and handicrafts, and end the day with a relaxing shikara cruise on Dal Lake.

Here is a video of what you can expect with Bills Trips on the Dal Lake experience...



Ability Level/Fitness

Bill’s Trips Gulmarg Tour is ideal for advanced to expert off-piste skiers and snowboarders who are comfortable riding a variety of snow conditions. Although great snow is usually on offer somewhere around Gulmarg, at times, you may need to travel through less than ideal conditions to get to or from it. You don’t need to be an experienced ski tourer or splitboarder, as Gulmarg is the ideal location to learn.

In addition to a sense of adventure, an important pre-requisite is a willingness to put in a little work to source the primo snow. You need to have a good level of fitness considering the hiking requirements and the long runs. The hardest hike that is typically undertaken is a half hour skin / walk from the top of the gondola at 3,960m to the summit of Mt Apharwat at 4,150m which is breath taking!

With a maximum client to guide ratio of 4 to 1 the guides are able to group together guests with a similar skill level, equipment choice and daily objectives. If you want more clarification you can make an enquiry.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Srinagar Airport early afternoon to be met by Bill or one of his team for the 1-2 hour transfer via private vehicle direct to the Highland Park Hotel (your accommodation for the next 12 nights). Pre dinner, Bill and your guides welcome you to Gulmarg with a resort familiarisation and trip overview presentation.

Day 2-11
Twelve full days of guided off-piste adventure skiing and snowboarding with a maximum client to guide ratio of 4 to 1. The snow and weather conditions are assessed by Bill and the other guides each morning and the best available options will be presented over breakfast. Choose to stay within the resort, explore off the top station or ski off the plateau to the valley floor. With a maximum of 12 guests and 3-4 guides on hand, groups can be split to meet everyone’s daily objectives. Untracked, great snow is usually on offer somewhere nearby. You will be instructed in the use of backcountry equipment and safe travel practices while exploring the mountain each day. Further avalanche awareness and rescue training will be provided to groups and individuals who are keen to learn the finer points of back-country safety.

Day 11
When you've had enough of guided skiing and snowboarding for the day, transfer to your Dal Lake floating houseboat accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Day 12
Explore Srinagar city with a sightseeing and shopping tour then finish off the day with a shikara cruise around Dal Lake and a delicious meal on the houseboat.

Day 13
Listen to the "call to prayer" for one last time, relax on the houseboat or go for another shikara ride before a late morning departure to meet your flight.

OPTIONS: 
  • Subject to bookings it may be possible to extend your stay at the Highlands Park Hotel for a night or two if snow conditions are too good to leave.
  • If your schedule and budget allows, extensions of a week or more can be arranged prior to the commencement of your trip.

Lodging

The Bill’s Trip Gulmarg Tour includes 10 nights accommodation at the iconic Hotel Highlands Park in Gulmarg and 2 nights accommodation on a deluxe houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Gulmarg Lodging

The Hotel Highlands Park is a unique property that offers deluxe accommodation, plenty of Kashmiri charm, attentive service, and the best après ski atmosphere in Gulmarg. The hotel sits in a majestic position on the Gulmarg plateau with uninterrupted views of all the magnificent mountains that you’ll be skiing or riding.

Breakfast is served in the Highlands Park restaurant where you can savour your meal while eyeing off the untracked lines.

At the end of the day, enjoy an après ski Kingfisher beer in the lounge and check out your tracks. Then for dinner, head into the dining room for a Kashmiri feast. The food and service are sensational. If you feel like dancing, the staff will fire up the disco for you or you might prefer to adjourn to the movie or poker room, or enjoy a nightcap at the bar.

The hotel offers king and twin rooms, or subject to availability single rooms can be arranged with a single supplement.

You can see more information on the Hotel Highlands Park as well as our review of the hotel.

Srinagar Houseboats

The Dal Lake houseboats are classified as deluxe and have a deck and lounge area (with OTT décor!). The twin-share rooms are surprisingly spacious considering it’s a houseboat, are heated with a bukhari, and each room has an ensuite bathroom with hot water.

Breakfast and dinner are provided in the dining room on one of the houseboats. Tea, coffee and Kashmir’s famous Kawa tea is available at any time and anything else you may want will no doubt be cruising past with one of the floating traders. Your hosts, Rasool and Yousef are great friends of Bill and his team and can organise anything you may desire.

2024 Rates & Add-Ons

Price:

$7,950 per person 

  • All prices & invoice currency is (AUD) Australian Dollars
  • Based on twin share accommodation
  • Please make an enquiry regarding a customised private trip for your group 
Inclusions
  • 10 nights accommodation at Highland Park Hotel
  • 10 days of guided off-piste adventure + lift tickets
  • Private ground transport & taxi ski shuttles
  • 2 nights deluxe houseboat accommodation on Dal Lake
  • Srinagar sightseeing and shopping tour
  • Dal Lake shikara cruise
  • Avalanche awareness presentation
  • Backcountry skills instruction
  • 24 hour hosting
  • Daily breakfast, x1 welcome banquet, 2 dinner on houseboat
Add-ons
  • Avalanche Safety Kit: $150
  • K2 powder skis with touring bindings, skins and poles: $250
  • Snowshoes and collapsible poles: $100
  • Avalanche Airbag Pack: $250
  • Subject to availability extra nights Gulmarg accommodation can be arranged (price on application)
  • Subject to availability single rooms can be arranged
  • * prices are for duration of the trip
Not Included

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS BILL'S TRIPS

1. Booking

(a) Bill’s Trips will provide you with confirmation of your application upon the receipt of the following signed and completed documents:

  • Release and Indemnity;
  • Skiing Questionnaire;
  • Medical Questionnaire;
  • These General Terms and Conditions.

(b) Your acceptance as a guest is subject to your skiing/boarding capabilities, medical condition and fitness being to the standard deemed necessary by Bill’s Trips.

2. Payment

(a) Should you be accepted as a guest you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1000.00 within 14 days of such confirmation.
(b) Bill’s Trips requires payment of the deposit and price to be made by way of cash, bank cheque, money order, electronic funds transfer or credit card.
(c) Payment by credit card will incur a 3% surcharge.
(d) Bank cheques and money orders are to be made payable to “Bill’s Trips Pty Ltd”.
(e) Payment of the remainder of the price is due 90 days prior to departure.
(f) Quotation of all prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD).

3. Prices

(a) Prices which are advertised or otherwise quoted in respect of your trip are subject to change prior to departure. Prices are only guaranteed upon payment of the total Price.
(b) Bill’s Trips may at its discretion change the price of your trip where there are increases in and additions to the costs of the trip beyond its control including (but not limited to):

  • A change in exchange rate;
  • Additional permits, costs or government charges;
  • Additional travel costs and expenses of whatever nature.

(c) Any additional payments which are required as a result of a change in price shall be paid by you within 14 days written notification from Bill’s Trips.

4. Exclusions from price

(a) You are required, at your own expense, to arrange the following prior to departure:

  • Airfares, visas and travel taxes;
  • Travel insurance.

(b) For the duration of your trip, the following are not included in the price:

  • Travel expenses which are not provided by Bill’s Trips including but not limited to excess baggage;
  • Meals and beverages which are not provided by Bill’s Trips;
  • Personal expenses such as clothing, ski/boarding equipment and ski/boarding equipment maintenance;
  • Medical expenses and evacuation for both illness and injury.
  • All avalanche equipment

(c) An indication of the travel expenses and meals which are provided by Bill’s Trips are as stated on the Bill’s Trips Website. You are required to review this and familiarise yourself with them prior to signing these General Terms and Conditions.

5. Cancellation by you

(a) You may cancel your trip at any time prior to departure by providing written notice to Bill’s Trips.
(b) Should you cancel your trip at any stage the deposit is non-refundable.
(c) Should you cancel your trip more than 60 days before departure, you will be entitled to a refund of all moneys paid (less the deposit) subject to Bill’s Trips finding a replacement guest. In the event a replacement guest is not found, the entire price paid by you will be forfeited.
(d) Should you cancel your trip less than 30 days before departure the entire price paid by you will be forfeited.

6. Cancellation by Bill’s Trips

(a) Bill’s Trips reserves the right to cancel your trip either prior to departure or during the trip for reasons including (but not limited to):-
(i) Prior to departure:-

  • A change in your medical condition or fitness;
  • Your failure to disclose details of your medical condition or fitness prior to departure;
  • In the event that insufficient guests are booked on a particular trip.

(ii) During the trip:

  • Should you fail to comply with the directions of Bill’s Trips;
  • Should Bill’s Trips determine that you should not participate any further.

(b) In the case of termination prior to departure Bill’s Trips shall refund the price (less the deposit) within fourteen (14) days of written notification from Bill’s Trips of the cancellation.
(c) In the event of termination during the trip the entire price paid by you will be forfeited.

7. Alterations to your trip

(a) Bill’s Trips reserves the right to alter your trip including but not limited to dates and routes, including early termination or finalisation of your trip in respect to any trip which you have been accepted as an applicant.
(b) Factors such as government travel warnings, hazardous weather conditions, dangerous militant or terrorist activity, and/or other events occurring which cause serious risks to you or other guests may give rise to modification, postponement or delay of your trip.
(c) In the case that the dates of a trip are postponed or delayed by Bill’s Trips and you are not able to participate as a result of this change, you will be entitled to a refund of the price (less the deposit) within fourteen (14) days of you advising Bill’s Trips in writing.
(d) Should your trip be terminated or finalised early, you acknowledge that you will not be entitled to any compensation or refund of the price from Bill’s Trips.

8. Release and indemnity form

It is acknowledged that the terms of the Release and Indemnity Form that you have signed separately are to be incorporated within these General Terms and Conditions.

9. General

(a) The governing law of these General Terms and Conditions shall be the state of New South Wales in Australia.
(b) All notices you send to Bill’s Trips are to be sent by email to [email protected]. All notices sent by Bill’s Trips to you will be via the email address provided by you when submitting your application.
(c) Where a term of these General Terms and Conditions are invalid at law or otherwise, this does not invalidate these Terms and Conditions as a whole.
(d) Reference to “Bill’s Trips” in these General Terms and Conditions includes Bill’s Trips Pty Ltd ACN 142 773 448, its principals, directors and agents.