WHY EXPLORE GULMARG WITH BILL?
The information below provides details of our trips – you can also check out our testimonals to see what real people are saying about their experience with Bill’s Trips. If you think you might like to join an adventure, fill out our booking application form.
It is wise to research and compare package providers for your Gulmarg experience. While doing so, you will notice there is a wide range of prices between operators, and these can basically be put down to two main differences. The hotel used and the guiding service offered. Do your research and you will no doubt decide which level of service suits your budget and meets your needs.
At Bill’s Trips we offer a premium Gulmarg experience. Bill greets you personally on arrival at Srinagar airport and transfers you to the most iconic hotel on the Gulmarg plateau. All guests and guides stay at the Hotel Highland Park and get to know one another while reliving the day’s adventure over a beer and a Kashmiri feast. As well as introducing you to the magic of Mt Apharwat and surrounding peaks each day, Bill and his team are on hand 24hrs to arrange anything else you may need.
Below are some reasons why Bill’s Trips is the best option for many.
Bookings
Bill (your host and lead guide), is the person you are in contact with during all booking enquiries and pre departure. Ask direct questions and get direct answers from someone who lives in Gulmarg for the winter and who will meet you at Srinagar airport on your arrival.
Safety
Safety is our number one priority.
While anyone can show you around a mountain, only the professionally trained and adequately equipped are able to choose safe lines, and in the unlikely event of an accident, are capable of performing a timely rescue. Our guides carry the best possible communications and all the equipment necessary to treat injuries and evacuate someone off the mountain if needed. Our safety net includes direct daily contact with Gulmarg Avalanche Centre, Gulmarg Ski Patrol, Kashmir Heli Ski and the Gulmarg Tourism Department.
Our guides
Our guides come from across the globe, are veterans of the mountains and have an intimate knowledge of Gulmarg. All are very experienced and highly qualified in avalanche mitigation, first aid, and mountain rescue techniques. Coming from a variety of backgrounds including instructing and patrolling, their combined skills, experience, professionalism and energy, ensure a safe and super fun Gulmarg adventure. We know when and where to go to get the best snow possible on any given day.
Small groups
Our guiding ratio is kept to a maximum of 4 clients to 1 guide and you will often find yourself in a smaller group. Small groups have the benefit of moving faster, safer, and are best for matching ability levels, daily objectives and finding more powder.
Access all areas
All of our guests having backcountry-touring equipment on hand (your own or supplied), gives us the benefit of easy access to areas of the mountain unreachable to many others. This gives you the advantage of finding untracked snow on any given day, even weeks after the last snow fall.
Our hotel
The Hotel Highlands Park is the perfect blend of comfort and culture. It is the only hotel near the gondola that has a clear view of the mountain. The food is delicious, the rooms are warm, the water is hot and the staff and service are fantastic.
In 2013, the hotel recieved a fantastic major refurbishment. All the rooms and the dinning hall were totally renovated without losing any of the character and old world charm that the Highland Park is famous for.
It is the hotel of choice for all those in the know.
Cultural interactions
A trip to Gulmarg is just as much about the amazing cultural experience as it is about the epic powder. 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 very real understanding of the people and the situation in Kashmir .
Avalanche training
Learn avalanche and back-country safety from the experts.
While all guests receive basic avalanche safety training throughout the trip, some opt to to delve more deeply for their own future endeavours. Utilize the expertise of our qualified guides to learn how to read mountain weather, dig snow pits, analyze the snow pack and make safe decisions in the back-country.
We can structure mornings, days or even whole trips around learning the fundamentals of safe back-country skiing and boarding.
Equipment discounts
Receive at least 20% off RRP on a huge range of the latest ski, snowboarding, backcountry equipment and other accessories from our sponsors.
- K2 – Skis and Snowboards
- Marker – Bindings
- Black Diamond – Packs, Gloves, Headlamps and accessories
- G3 – Telemark and backcountry touring gear
- Bolle – Goggles
Once a booking is confirmed you are eligible to buy these and many other items direct from Bill’s Trips. (Sorry, this offer is only available to people living in Australia )
Local network
Running tours to Gulmarg is no straight forward task, however, with a strong local support network, any issues, logistical or otherwise, can be effectively managed.
The solid connections and friendships Bill has formed during his time in Kashmir has opened many doors that offer operational benefits not available to others. In 2005, while training the ski patrol, Bill worked closely with ” Jammu and Kashmir Tourism” and the “Gulmarg Development Authority.” Bill is friends with senior members of each department, has their full support, and can call on their help if ever the need arises.
From minor flight delays to emergencies of any nature we have people and systems in place to deal with any situation in the best, most timely manner possible
Srinagar sights
Even after an epic 2 weeks of powder on the mountain, many past guests claim the Srinagar and Dal Lake houseboat experience to be the highlight of the trip. Immerse yourself in Kashmiri life during a full day tour of this vibrant city.
100 per cent Gulmarg
Bill’s Trips was born and bred in Gulmarg. As Bill’s Trips sole destination, 100 per cent of our time and energy is dedicated to ensuring our trips are the best available option for a Gulmarg adventure. No one does Gulmarg better than Bill’s Trips!
Check out what some of our past clients have had to say about their experience by viewing the Bills Trips testimonials.
