Drive to Gulmarg was smooth. Google map doesn't show the completed 4 lane road, but we kept going till Narbal and took a left turn to Gulmarg. As soon as you reach and pay the entry fee of 40, guides start following you. Our man, Habibulla was waiting for us.. an old man...Very calm and quiet guy. We went up to the gondola parking area and again the crowds of ponywalla surrounded us. Even though it is an easy walk to the gondola starting point, we were forced to take a pony ride - started bargain from 1200 and finally settled for 600. Still it is too high... 300 to 400 may be a reasonable amount. Habibulla had purchased the tickets already. Went to phase 1 and to phase 2 directly. Amazing views, never miss phase 2. Again the guides start chasing you for photography, sledge, ski etc... Ski guy was asking 2000 per person...And finally settled for 1000. This location is amazing and probably the best!
Again google maps are not up to date, don't follow it blindly.
On the way back, stopped for lunch at Downhill Restaurant in Gulmarg town. Very friendly guys - Zahoor and Nizar and we had a wonderful conversation over tasty food. Discussed a whole lot of politics, history of Kashmir, struggles of doing business in Gulmarg etc. Gulmarg town is quite busy with lots of tourists, taxi, small business etc.
Again google maps are not up to date, don't follow it blindly.
On the way back, stopped for lunch at Downhill Restaurant in Gulmarg town. Very friendly guys - Zahoor and Nizar and we had a wonderful conversation over tasty food. Discussed a whole lot of politics, history of Kashmir, struggles of doing business in Gulmarg etc. Gulmarg town is quite busy with lots of tourists, taxi, small business etc.
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