The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is Gulmarg’s best-known 5-star luxury resort. It sits at 8,825 feet in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, on seven acres of fir forest with majestic views of the snow-capped Affarwat peaks. It is just a short walk from the Gulmarg Gondola and describes itself as India’s only boutique luxury ski resort. The Khyber combines traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship with world-class comfort: a heated indoor pool with panoramic views, The Khyber Spa by L’Occitane, signature Kashmiri dining at Cloves, and elegant rooms and cottages framed by the mountains. If you are looking for the best luxury hotel in Gulmarg for skiing, honeymoons or family holidays, The Khyber is the address to book.
Opened in December 2012, The Khyber was Gulmarg’s first true luxury resort, and it remains the benchmark for high-mountain hospitality in Kashmir. The resort has 85 keys, made up of 80 rooms, four private cottages and a Presidential Suite. Interiors use locally sourced timber, handcrafted Kashmiri furniture and carpets, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the Himalayas indoors. Landscaped gardens, an amphitheatre and the resort’s wellness block complete the experience. Guests consistently rate The Khyber among the finest hotels in India, praising its views, food and warm, attentive service.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is at Hotel Khyber Road, Forest Block, near the Gulmarg Gondola, Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir 193403. The Gondola base station is only about 400 metres away, and advanced skiers can often ski back to the resort. St. Mary’s Church is a few minutes’ walk away, the Gulmarg Golf Course is close by, and some rooms even overlook the golf course’s first tee. The Gulmarg market is about 1.7 km away. Khilanmarg, Kongdori, Apharwat Peak and the trails to Alpather Lake are all within reach. Srinagar Airport is about 65 km away, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours’ scenic drive through fir-covered hillsides.
The Khyber offers several categories of accommodation, each designed to make the most of its mountain setting. Premier Rooms and Premier Plus Rooms are elegant, warmly furnished rooms with forest or garden views. Luxury Balcony Rooms come with either a Gulmarg view or a Himalayan view, with private balconies looking out over the meadows or the Affarwat range, and select luxury rooms have private in-room Jacuzzis. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages are private and spacious, ideal for families and small groups. The Presidential Suite is the resort’s most exclusive accommodation, for special occasions and VIP stays.
All rooms are centrally heated and come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle and luxury bath amenities, along with views of the mountains or gardens. In-room dining is available round the clock.
Cloves is The Khyber’s signature all-day dining restaurant. It introduces guests to Kashmir’s legendary culinary culture alongside favourites from around the world, including a traditional Kashmiri Wazwan served in royal serve-ware. Chaikash is an elegant tea lounge serving fine teas, coffees, kahwa, homemade cookies and patisserie, with al fresco seating on the terraces on warm days. Calabash is a cosy sheesha lounge with rich interiors, perfect for sharing stories after a day on the slopes. Nouf is the covered terrace restaurant, where you can enjoy sizzling barbecues with panoramic mountain views. Please note that The Khyber does not serve alcohol.
The Khyber Spa by L’Occitane offers luxurious, holistic treatments inspired by the rituals of Provence, France, along with a steam room and sauna. The wellness block also has an all-glass, temperature-controlled heated indoor swimming pool with spectacular views of the snow-covered landscape, a hot tub and a modern fitness centre. All of these can be enjoyed in any season.
Facilities at The Khyber include free Wi-Fi, free valet and self parking, a 24-hour front desk and airport transfers. There is a games room with table tennis and billiards, a children’s play area, ski and snowboard storage, retail shops, a garden and an amphitheatre. The resort is smoke-free and offers attentive concierge help with Gondola rides, skiing and sightseeing.
With its banquet spaces, gardens and terraces against a Himalayan backdrop, The Khyber is one of the most magical venues in India for destination weddings, anniversaries, special celebrations and corporate off-sites. The resort’s experienced events team can help with every detail, from décor to Kashmiri Wazwan menus.
Ride the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, to Kongdori and Apharwat Peak. In winter, ski or snowboard on Gulmarg’s famous powder slopes, with ski packages available through the resort, and try sledging and snow activities. In summer, walk through flower-filled meadows, trek to Alpather Lake, take pony rides to Khilanmarg, play a round at the Gulmarg Golf Course, visit St. Mary’s Church, and enjoy trout fishing and the nearby Drung Waterfall.
The Khyber suits luxury travellers looking for the finest 5-star stay in Gulmarg, and skiers and snowboarders who want to be steps from the Gondola. Honeymooners and couples will appreciate the balcony rooms, Jacuzzis and spa, while families can book private cottages, the heated pool and the kids’ play area. It is also an ideal choice for destination weddings, celebrations and corporate off-sites in the Himalayas.
Book The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg on StayPattern.com for the best rates, with personal help from a travel team based in Kashmir. Along with your stay, the StayPattern.com team can arrange airport pickup and drop, comfortable Innova Crysta cabs to and from Gulmarg, Gondola ticket guidance, sightseeing, and complete Kashmir tour packages covering Srinagar, Pahalgam and Sonmarg. That way your whole Kashmir trip is planned in one place at a great price.
