You’ve seen the photos. That massive, heated indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling glass, looking out over snow-dusted pines while the steam rises. It looks like a dream. Honestly, for many, staying at The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa Gulmarg is the pinnacle of luxury in India. But after spending some time digging into the reality of this 8,825-foot high retreat, there’s a lot more to the story than just pretty Instagram shots.
Located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, this place is basically the only true five-star luxury game in town. It sits right at the base of the Pir Panjal range. It’s expensive. Like, really expensive. We're talking anywhere from ₹18,000 for a basic room to over ₹1,20,000 for the Presidential Cottage.
Why the Location is Actually the Main Character
Most people think they’re paying for the room service. You aren't. You’re paying for the fact that the Gulmarg Gondola—one of the highest cable cars in the entire world—is literally a four-minute walk from the lobby.
If you’re a skier, this is gold.
The resort offers "ski-in/ski-out" access, which sounds fancy but basically means you don't have to lug your gear across town in a rickety taxi. You just walk. In the winter of 2026, which is shaping up to be one of the snowiest in years according to local weather patterns, that proximity is the difference between catching the first lift and being stuck in a three-hour queue.
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Is The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa Gulmarg Really Worth the Hype?
Let’s get into the weeds. The architecture is stunning. Designed by Anil Badan of Studio B Architects, the whole property is a love letter to Kashmiri heritage. Think local pine wood, slate roofs, and intricate Khatamband ceilings. It feels warm. Even when it’s $-10$°C outside, the central heating is a beast.
But there’s a catch.
Because it’s the only luxury resort of its kind in Gulmarg, it gets crowded. I mean, really crowded. Even if you aren't staying there, tourists often flock to the lobby and the Chaikash (the tea lounge) just to gawk at the views. If you’re paying ₹30,000 a night, having a random tour group taking selfies in your "private" sanctuary can feel a bit... annoying.
The Food Situation (It’s Complicated)
Khyber has a few main spots to eat:
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- Cloves: The all-day dining restaurant. They do a decent Wazwan (traditional Kashmiri feast).
- Brava: A newer Italian place that feels like an Alpine trattoria.
- Niku: For Pan-Asian cravings.
- Chaikash: For your Kahwa and afternoon tea.
Here’s the thing. While the food is generally good, some guests have pointed out that service can be "robotic" or slow when the hotel is at full capacity. Also, it's a dry resort. No alcohol. If you want a glass of wine with your Rogan Josh, you’ll have to bring your own and drink it in your room. They’re pretty strict about that.
The Spa and The Pool
The pool is the heart of the resort. It's an all-season, temperature-controlled glass box. It's magnificent. They even have six built-in Jacuzzis.
The spa is handled by L’Occitane. This isn't just a basic hotel massage; it’s a Mediterranean-themed experience using Himalayan water and local flora. It's expensive, but if you’ve just spent six hours skiing down Phase 2 of Mt. Apharwat, your legs will thank you.
What No One Tells You About Staying Here
First off, there is no AC. Sounds crazy for a luxury hotel, right? But in Gulmarg, even in the peak of summer (June-August), the temperature rarely crosses 26°C. Most of the time, it's cool enough that you don't need it. However, if you're there during an unusual heatwave, the rooms can feel a bit stuffy.
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Secondly, transportation is a bit of a local "mafia" situation. The resort has its own luxury cars, but they charge a premium—often ₹4,000 or more for a one-way trip from Srinagar airport. You can find local taxis for ₹2,500, but they might not be allowed to drop you right at the door during heavy snow if they don't have the right chains.
Quick Tips for the Smart Traveler
- Book 3 months out: Seriously. It’s almost always sold out in January and February.
- Himalayan View vs. Valley View: In winter, go for the Himalayan View. Watching the sunrise hit the peaks is worth the extra ₹4,000.
- Swimwear: Bring your own. They sell cheap trunks at the shop for "designer" prices.
- The Gift Shop: Surprisingly, the on-site gift shop isn't a total rip-off. The quality of the Suzani embroidery there is actually better than what you’ll find in most tourist traps in Srinagar.
The Final Verdict
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa Gulmarg is not a "perfect" hotel. If you’re used to the flawless, invisible service of a Taj or an Oberoi, the slightly more relaxed (and occasionally disorganized) Kashmiri hospitality might frustrate you.
But you aren't here for a corporate hotel experience. You’re here to be at the edge of the world.
When you’re sitting on your balcony with a steaming cup of Kahwa, watching the clouds roll over the Apharwat peaks, the slow service at breakfast suddenly doesn't matter as much. It's about the silence. The scale. The sheer impossibility of having a heated pool at 9,000 feet.
If you’re planning a trip, skip the 1-night stay. You need at least 3 nights to actually enjoy the property. Use the first day to acclimatize, the second to hit the Gondola, and the third to rot in the spa.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the official Gondola website to book tickets at least 2 weeks in advance; they sell out fast.
- Verify your flight to Srinagar (SXR) and arrange your pickup at least 48 hours before landing.
- Pack heavy woolens even in summer; the mountain air at night is no joke.