I cannot recall how I first heard of a ski resort in India but it was described to me as an expanse larger than Verbier with vertical footage similar to Whistler, serviced by one six-person gondola. Many hours after that were spent Googling into the night to learn more about Gulmarg. "Ne Pofa, A short ski trip around the world" from M.dub is a beautiful video featuring the resort in the second half. It alone was enough to convince me to drop it all last year and go ASAP. Now I'm back for the second round.
Trip reports provide the grittier details about a destination, so browsing the travel forums has become mandatory before any adventure. The chestnuts in all of the internet jibber-jabber are these submissions from Matt Roon, whose excellent trip reports are hosted at TGR:
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (1/3)
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (2/3)
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (3/3)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
KASHMIR: STATE ELECTIONS
Evidently, the Indian Army in Kashmir is not tolerating any protest activity associated with the state elections. If Americans had to run a gauntlet like this to post a ballot, I don't think democracy would last very long in America. Most of our bloated and apathetic citizens are not cut out for this type of exercise.
Photo credit: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters
No clear winner from Indian Kashmir vote - Reuters, 28 December 2008.
Polls close in Indian Kashmir vote - AJ, 26 December 2008.
Clashes mark final Kashmir poll - BBC, 24 December 2008.
Srinagar notebook: Election blues - BBC, 23 December 2008.
Clashes mar Indian Kashmir voting - AJ, 13 December 2008.
Kashmiris at polls despite boycott call - Reuters, 7 December 2008.
Protesters shot in Indian-Kashmir - AJ, 22 November 2008.
Protests fade as Kashmir vote begins - BBC, 17 November 2008.
Voting begins in Indian Kashmir - AJ, 17 November 2008.
Indian Kashmir prepares for election - IHT, 14 November 2008.
Terrorism grows as Indian election nears - IHT, 24 September 2008.
Photo credit: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters
No clear winner from Indian Kashmir vote - Reuters, 28 December 2008.
Polls close in Indian Kashmir vote - AJ, 26 December 2008.
Clashes mark final Kashmir poll - BBC, 24 December 2008.
Srinagar notebook: Election blues - BBC, 23 December 2008.
Clashes mar Indian Kashmir voting - AJ, 13 December 2008.
Kashmiris at polls despite boycott call - Reuters, 7 December 2008.
Protesters shot in Indian-Kashmir - AJ, 22 November 2008.
Protests fade as Kashmir vote begins - BBC, 17 November 2008.
Voting begins in Indian Kashmir - AJ, 17 November 2008.
Indian Kashmir prepares for election - IHT, 14 November 2008.
Terrorism grows as Indian election nears - IHT, 24 September 2008.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
BENAZIR BHUTTO (1953-2007)
Today is the first anniversary of Benazir Bhutto's death by assassination in Rawalpindi. Condolences to all those mourning this fallen leader, taken far too early from life.
Pakistan mourners honour Bhutto - BBC, 27 December 2008.
Obituary: Benazir Bhutto - BBC, 27 December 2007.
Bhutto: Who Ordered Her Killing? - BBC, 28 December 2007.
Pakistan Blames Qaeda Link - IHT, 28 December 2007.
CIA Names Bhutto's Killers - BBC, 18 January 2008.
Questions & Answers - BBC, 8 February 2008.
Photo credit: BBC
Pakistan mourners honour Bhutto - BBC, 27 December 2008.
Obituary: Benazir Bhutto - BBC, 27 December 2007.
Bhutto: Who Ordered Her Killing? - BBC, 28 December 2007.
Pakistan Blames Qaeda Link - IHT, 28 December 2007.
CIA Names Bhutto's Killers - BBC, 18 January 2008.
Questions & Answers - BBC, 8 February 2008.
Photo credit: BBC
Friday, December 26, 2008
INDO-PAK TENSIONS ON THE RISE
From the AP article:
Pakistan began moving thousands of troops from the Afghan border toward India, officials and witnesses said Friday, raising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors and possibly undermining the U.S.-backed campaign against al-Qaida and the Taliban.
Pakistan moves troops to Indian border - AP, 26 December 2008.
India PM meets forces, Pakistan moves troops - Reuters, 26 December 2008.
Troop changes after India tension - BBC, 26 December 2008.
Pakistan warns India against attack - IHT, 26 December 2008.
Pakistan cancels military leave - AJ, 26 December 2008.
India warns citizens: Unsafe to travel to Pakistan - Reuters, 26 December 2008.
Pakistan military on 'high alert' - AJ, 22 December 2008.
India wants action, not "war hysteria" - Reuters, 22 December 2008.
Image credit: Steve Breen
Pakistan moves troops to Indian border - AP, 26 December 2008.
India PM meets forces, Pakistan moves troops - Reuters, 26 December 2008.
Troop changes after India tension - BBC, 26 December 2008.
Pakistan warns India against attack - IHT, 26 December 2008.
Pakistan cancels military leave - AJ, 26 December 2008.
India warns citizens: Unsafe to travel to Pakistan - Reuters, 26 December 2008.
Pakistan military on 'high alert' - AJ, 22 December 2008.
India wants action, not "war hysteria" - Reuters, 22 December 2008.
Image credit: Steve Breen
BRIGHT SPOT FOR KASHMIR
"The number of militant attacks fell 40 percent from 2007-2008, reaching 709 this year from roughly 1,100 last year, Kuldeep Khoda, a senior police official, said in a statement." (Emphasis added)
Violence in Kashmir lowest in 20 years - IHT, 26 December 2008.
Photo credit: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters
Violence in Kashmir lowest in 20 years - IHT, 26 December 2008.
Photo credit: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
POLICE ARREST MILITANTS IN JAMMU
Police foil attack in Indian Kashmir - IHT, 23 December 2008.
India arrests 3 suspects in Kashmir - IHT, 23 December 2008.
India arrests 3 suspects in Kashmir - IHT, 23 December 2008.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
FBI LINKS PAKISTAN TO TERRORISM
Mumbai attack: US backs Indian proof of Pak hand - TOI, 23 December 2008.
VIDEO: US backs proof of Pak hand - TOI, 23 December 2008.
VIDEO: US backs proof of Pak hand - TOI, 23 December 2008.
USDOS: INDIA TRAVEL ALERT
Travel Alert issued by the US Department of State, 19 December 2008:
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens that there is a high threat of terrorism throughout India, and advises U.S. citizens traveling to or already in India to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, especially during the end-of-year holidays until India’s Republic Day, January 26. This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2009 and replaces that issued on December 4 to provide updated information regarding the security situation.
The November 26 terrorist attack in Mumbai was carried out at venues frequented by Americans. That attack killed 170 persons (including six Americans and 16 other non-Indians) and injured 300. Future attacks may also target public places frequented by Westerners, including in large cities and tourist areas. India press reports that the State government in Goa has warned against beach parties and large gatherings on beaches and “open spaces” between December 23 and January 5.
The U.S. Mission is concerned that increased political tension between Pakistan and India may further complicate travel in areas near their already-sensitive border.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.
Image credit: Steve Breen
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens that there is a high threat of terrorism throughout India, and advises U.S. citizens traveling to or already in India to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, especially during the end-of-year holidays until India’s Republic Day, January 26. This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2009 and replaces that issued on December 4 to provide updated information regarding the security situation.
The November 26 terrorist attack in Mumbai was carried out at venues frequented by Americans. That attack killed 170 persons (including six Americans and 16 other non-Indians) and injured 300. Future attacks may also target public places frequented by Westerners, including in large cities and tourist areas. India press reports that the State government in Goa has warned against beach parties and large gatherings on beaches and “open spaces” between December 23 and January 5.
The U.S. Mission is concerned that increased political tension between Pakistan and India may further complicate travel in areas near their already-sensitive border.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.
Image credit: Steve Breen
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
US SURGE IN AFGHANISTAN
Simply amazing that this story went virtually unnoticed in the US media, especially that it is extremely topical, and is a highly significant movement of troops. Our sympathies go out to all the servicemen and women whose fate it is to be sent to this far-off land in which NO foreign power has ever successfully occupied.
US to bolster force in Afghanistan - AJ, 21 December 2008.
30,000 US troops to go to Afghanistan - TO, 11 December 2008.
30,000 US troops to go to Afghanistan - TO, 11 December 2008.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
MAN SURVIVES AVALANCHE
Avalanches are Back: Man survives slide in the Basin; Woman dies at Snowbird - PR, 16 December 2008.
From the article in the Park Record:
Matt Roon and his twin brother Wesley "are avid skiers," said Parkite Chris Roon, the boys' father. His passion for skiing took Matt Roon last year to the Himalayas in Kashmir for six weeks of big-mountain skiing. "Both kids have been through [avalanche] training and they absolutely adore the backcountry," Chris Roon said.
The father praised ski patrollers at The Canyons for responding so quickly. Roon did not lose consciousness and his head was not submerged under snow. "His friends dug him out and carried him out within two hours," Chris Roon said. "He was not without equipment, without training or without friends who knew what they were doing."
Add your well-wishes for Matt Roon's full recovery at this thread at the TGR Forum > Ski/Snowboard > Mc_Roon needs vibes.
Matt (right, in better days) is the author of these excellent trip reports about his six weeks at Gulmarg in 2008, highly recommended reading:
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (1/3)
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (2/3)
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (3/3)
From the article in the Park Record:
Matt Roon and his twin brother Wesley "are avid skiers," said Parkite Chris Roon, the boys' father. His passion for skiing took Matt Roon last year to the Himalayas in Kashmir for six weeks of big-mountain skiing. "Both kids have been through [avalanche] training and they absolutely adore the backcountry," Chris Roon said.
The father praised ski patrollers at The Canyons for responding so quickly. Roon did not lose consciousness and his head was not submerged under snow. "His friends dug him out and carried him out within two hours," Chris Roon said. "He was not without equipment, without training or without friends who knew what they were doing."
Add your well-wishes for Matt Roon's full recovery at this thread at the TGR Forum > Ski/Snowboard > Mc_Roon needs vibes.
Matt (right, in better days) is the author of these excellent trip reports about his six weeks at Gulmarg in 2008, highly recommended reading:
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (1/3)
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (2/3)
TR: Gulmarg 2008 (3/3)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
GULMARG MAP: KASHMIR HOT SPOTS
A brief guide to conflict locations in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, with links to news sources.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
GULMARG MAP: GULMARG, SXR, & DEL
Use the controls to tool around this custom map of Gulmarg, Kashmir, India. Highlighted features include hotels, restaurants, and other services, in addition to the Gulmarg Gondola and prominent bowls in the skiing domain. Approaches to Gulmarg from Srinagar and Delhi are also noted.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
GULMARG: STEVE FISHER TWSB INTERVIEWS
The embed code automatically launches the video (and audio) which I find annoying, otherwise the video would be presented here for your convenience. If you know how to re-write the code to kill the auto-start, please contact. Don't forget to come back after surfing the links!
From Transworld Snowboarding:
Tempting Fate In The Himalayan Outback-Episode 1
Tempting Fate In The Himalayan Outback-Episode 2
Photo: Steve Fisher
From Transworld Snowboarding:
Tempting Fate In The Himalayan Outback-Episode 1
Tempting Fate In The Himalayan Outback-Episode 2
Photo: Steve Fisher
Monday, December 15, 2008
GULMARG VIDEO - SCOTT SNOW EXPEDITION
The Scott Snow Expedition Kashmir -
Released on YouTube in June '08, I'm bumping this for stoke!
Released on YouTube in June '08, I'm bumping this for stoke!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
THE MUMBAI TRAGEDY: REPORTS
India: Pak shifting blame over Mumbai - Reuters, 22 December 2008.
Pakistan bans 'Mumbai-linked' group - BBC, 12 December 2008.
India announces security revamp - AJ, 11 December 2008.
India police 'name Mumbai gunmen' - BBC, 9 December 2008.
Pakistan's surprise raid on Lashkar - BBC, 8 December 2008.
India: Not equal to counterterrorism task - IHT, 4 December 2008.
Pressure builds on Pak to rein in militants - IHT, 4 December 2008.
US presses Pakistan over Mumbai - BBC, 3 December 2008.
Tension could harm border fight: UK - Reuters, 2 December 2008.
India demands Pakistan extraditions - AJ, 2 December 2008.
Tensions mount between India & Pakistan - IHT, 2 December 2008.
India makes protest to Pakistan - BBC, 1 December 2008.
Mumbai attacks hit tourist arrivals - Reuters, 1 December 2008.
ANALYSIS: Mumbai attacks open Pandora's box for U.S. - Reuters.
ANALYSIS: A credible counterterror strategy needed - Reuters.
Pakistan bans 'Mumbai-linked' group - BBC, 12 December 2008.
India announces security revamp - AJ, 11 December 2008.
India police 'name Mumbai gunmen' - BBC, 9 December 2008.
Pakistan's surprise raid on Lashkar - BBC, 8 December 2008.
India: Not equal to counterterrorism task - IHT, 4 December 2008.
Pressure builds on Pak to rein in militants - IHT, 4 December 2008.
US presses Pakistan over Mumbai - BBC, 3 December 2008.
Tension could harm border fight: UK - Reuters, 2 December 2008.
India demands Pakistan extraditions - AJ, 2 December 2008.
Tensions mount between India & Pakistan - IHT, 2 December 2008.
India makes protest to Pakistan - BBC, 1 December 2008.
Mumbai attacks hit tourist arrivals - Reuters, 1 December 2008.
ANALYSIS: Mumbai attacks open Pandora's box for U.S. - Reuters.
ANALYSIS: A credible counterterror strategy needed - Reuters.
Monday, December 1, 2008
THE MUMBAI TRAGEDY
Condolences to the lives lost, the families, & the friends left to mourn.
From The Daily Show - "John Oliver explains that when you're a bankrupt ideology pursuing a bankrupt strategy, the only move you've got is the dick one".
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