Not Switzerland, not Austria: This Indian destination feels surprisingly alpine

Tucked away among the upper reaches of the western Himalayas, lies the beautiful Gulmarg, a destination that can tend to leave even first-time visitors momentarily disoriented (in a good way). With the broad meadows, fir-lined slopes and distant snow-capped peaks, it has more of an Alpine than Indian look at first glance. Perched at approximately 2,650 m above sea level, the open vistas of Gulmarg and its cool mountain air make it feel you have been transported to Switzerland or Austria, but all this is in India.

What makes Gulmarg gorgeous is how completely different it is during various seasons. In summer, the region is a verdant carpet of green meadows spotted with wildflowers, living up to its name meaning ‘Meadow of Flowers’ in Kashmiri. In the winter however, a far cry from the wild flowers and bright greenery. It’s mostly laid blanketed in several feet of snow. The forests fall mute, the contours of slopes turn knife-edge-sharp against light and the whole valley assumes the hush of a European fairytale winter playground.

Most of Gulmarg’s sights are nothing to write home about, but treasured in memories. The one thing that is; however, is its cable car. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest such lifts in the world, whisks you from forested lower slopes to bare snow peaks near Mount Apharwat. As the climb continues, the forest thins to present huge open snowfields, with dramatic Himalayan peaks rising as far as you can see. The panoramic scenery is equal to the alpine gondola routes, providing the same feeling of size and awe.

Much like Europe’s alpine towns, Gulmarg also attracts adventure seekers from far and near every season. While the winter brings skiers and snowboarders chasing its famed powder snow, summer opens up a network of trails for hikers to discover. What truly distinguishes Gulmarg, however, is its unmistakably Indian character. In place of flashy chalets and luxury boutiques, the landscape is marked by shepherd paths, grazing horses, and small local eateries where conversations linger and the atmosphere feels warm and personal.

Gulmarg does not, and never has, pretended to be Europe; it only happens to possess similarly stunning natural beauty. Its alpine look comes from geography, not design; the experience feels raw and real. There are no artificial attractions to rival the scenery, just vast horizons changing with the light and an almost daily sense of tranquillity that’s becoming harder to find in popular hill stations. For those looking for Switzerland-like vistas without getting out of India, Gulmarg appears self-assuredly demure and Alpine promises are diligently wrapped in Himalayan soul.