Mid-range Heritage hotel · Gulmarg
Hotel Highlands Park
A heritage hotel from the early 1960s on a rise above the Gulmarg meadow, with a main lodge and separate cottage-style buildings, Kashmiri decor and a lounge bar long popular with skiers. It has character the newer hotels lack.
Photo: Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsHighlands Park sits on a hill facing Apharwat, a short ride or about ten minutes' walk from the gondola base. Guest rooms are in a central building and several cottage-style blocks, with Kashmiri woodwork, sitting areas and refurbished bathrooms. The restaurant serves Kashmiri dishes including wazwan alongside international food, and the lounge bar is a social hub in the ski season.
It suits travellers who want an old-school mountain lodge with atmosphere rather than a modern resort. Skiers like the easy access to beginner slopes in winter; summer visitors enjoy the gardens and views. Book early for the ski season and Christmas, and confirm heating details for winter stays.
Why we use it
- Heritage atmosphere dating from the early 1960s
- Close to the gondola and beginner ski slopes
- Kashmiri woodwork, gardens and a lively lounge in winter
Best for
Trips that stay here
Sleep here on a trip
Classic Kashmir: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam
Private car with driver
Around the stay
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a cup-shaped meadow at 2,650 m, about 50 km west of Srinagar. In summer it is wildflowers, pony rides and golf; from December to March it is India's best ski resort. The two-phase gondola climbs to about 4,000 m on Apharwat. One or two nights is ideal.
Gondola to the Apharwat ridge
The Gulmarg Gondola climbs in two phases from the meadow to Kongdori and then to the Apharwat ridge close to 4,000 m. I…
First ski lessons on the Gulmarg nursery slopes
Gulmarg is the best place in India to learn to ski. Gentle slopes near the meadow, rental shops by the gondola and cert…
Meadow walk to the Maharani Temple and St Mary's
A gentle walk across the meadow links Gulmarg's two heritage buildings: the Maharani Temple, built by Maharaja Hari Sin…
Questions
About Hotel Highlands Park
How far is Highlands Park from the Gulmarg Gondola?
About 2 km by road, roughly ten minutes on foot or a short drive. In winter some guests ski down to the gondola area. Confirm current transfers with the hotel.
Is Highlands Park good for skiers?
Yes, it has long been popular with skiers for its location near beginner slopes, social bar and warm rooms. Book well ahead for January to March and the Christmas period.
Is Highlands Park open in summer?
It operates in summer as well as winter, with meadow and mountain views. Check current availability and any seasonal closures when booking.
More in Kashmir
Other places to stay
Zostel Srinagar
A backpacker hostel in the Nishat area, a short walk from the eastern shore of Dal Lake, with dorm beds, private r…
JKTDC Huts and Cottages, Pahalgam
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation runs cottages and huts in Pahalgam, set among pines near the…
Photo: Aniketchoudhary87 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Budget
JKTDC Tourist Bungalow and Huts, Dawar
JKTDC's accommodation at Dawar, the main township of Gurez, includes a tourist bungalow with rooms and log huts ne…