It was my first time in Kashmir, and I chose to arrive without expectations. Over the years, I’ve learnt that the best way to experience a place is to simply let it reveal itself. As our flight landed in Srinagar, a sense of calm quickly replaced the usual concerns about security. The presence of the Indian Army felt reassuring — a quiet promise of safety. Inside the airport, a small detail caught my eye: a stand marked The Khyber, Gulmarg, with a coordinator holding a digital name board. A simple gesture, yet one filled with warmth — proof that true hospitality begins long before check-in.
The Road That Unfolded Like a Painting
The drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg takes about an hour and a half, a journey that felt alive with discovery. Every bend in the road revealed something new — pine forests, rolling hills, and glimpses of everyday Kashmiri life.
A Familiar Face in a Faraway Place
Arriving at The Khyber felt deeply personal. Mr. Chabra, my first General Manager during my days at RAAS Devigarh (formerly Devi Garh) in 2007, was there to welcome us along with his team. Years had passed, yet the same warmth was intact. It felt less like checking into a hotel and more like coming home.
Living Inside a Postcard
Gulmarg itself was a picture-book setting — green meadows scattered with white wildflowers, ponies grazing freely, and a stillness that lingers with you. Our stay lasted four nights and five days. The luxurious rooms were spacious, with wide windows framing sweeping mountain views. The L’Occitane spa became a quiet sanctuary, the heated indoor pool turned into an evening ritual, and simple walks just beyond the hotel grounds refreshed us in unexpected ways. Meals were thoughtful and comforting, whether Italian, sushi, or global cuisine.
Days Measured by Moments
Our days unfolded at an unhurried pace. We took the Gondola ride, where the mountains stood in majestic silence, their enormity softened by the reassuring presence of the Army. We wandered through apple orchards heavy with fruit. Twice we returned to Srinagar: once to explore the Mughal Gardens, and again to drift across Dal Lake in a shikara, the water reflecting both sky and memory.
The Joy of Small Indulgences
Part of travel’s joy lies in its little indulgences, and in Gulmarg, shopping was just that — colourful, abundant, and deeply satisfying.
Experience The Khyber with THF
From family escapes to leadership retreats, The Khyber is a destination unlike any other.
And with The Hotel Firm, you can experience it at an exclusive value — available only through our special partnership.
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