The Luxe List 2013: Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg

By Jeffry Gunawan - October 8, 2013

The 85-room resort is decorated in traditional Kashmiri style.
The world’s highest ski lift, the Gulmarg Gondola, is just a short walk away from the resort.
There is an abundance of powdery slopes in the winter.
Tourism is coming back to the once troubled Kashmir Valley.
In addition to beautiful surrounds, the resort also has modern conveniences such as central heating and reliable Internet.

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Finally, the Himalayan ski resort of Gulmarg has a hotel to match the allure of its powdery slopes. Though violent border disputes between India and Pakistan kept the Kashmir Valley off-limits for years, tourism is beginning to boom again, and the 85-room Khyber is a sign of things to come. The interior decor is classic Kashmiri, with walnut paneling, teakwood floors, silk carpets, and crewel embroidery; wintertime visitors will also appreciate the central heating, not to mention reliable Internet and an array of restaurants and lounges with beguiling names like Nouf, Chaikash, and Calabash. The views from all of these extend across the hotel’s fir-covered grounds toward the Affarwat Mountains, while the world’s highest ski lift, the Gulmarg Gondola, is just a short walk away.

Gulmarg Rd.; 91-1954/254-666; Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa website; doubles from US$250

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