Kashmir offers a unique opportunity to play golf in invigorating surroundings, where the wind whispers through enormous trees of chinar and stately pine. In the verdant golf courses at Srinagar and Gulmarg, you will be able to play for longer hours than you can in the plains because of the lower temperatures – Srinagar’s highest temperature seldom goes above 35°C. During the summers, while the plains are boiling, Srinagar's temperate climate allows the golfer to play longer hours without getting tired. During winters, the courses in Srinagar are closed, only when snowbound. Pahalgam Golf Club This Ranjit Nanda designed, hill station course will take your breath away with its sheer beauty & design. This has to be on your list of courses you have to play. Set in the pretty town of Pahalgam & surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them the course is set in a large bowl shaped expanse. At an altitude of 7250 plus feet your ball will travel a good 8 % further but that does not make this course any less challenging. The breathtaking beauty of the course is enhanced by the snow capped hills that tend to lull you into a state of exhilaration & get your adrenalin pumping. The course is long, has changes in elevation that make for a dramatic game, has water in play on 6 holes, has bunkers of all sizes & shapes & has its fair share of hazards & OB areas making it a course that will test your skills, strategy & patience. The greens are fast & true with bent grass. With the clean, pure & re-vitalizing air of Pahalgam for company this is the closest you will get to attaining nirvana while playing golf. IMPORTANT: The course has significant elevation changes & you need to be fit to walk & play all 18 holes. If you think you may need a golf cart – please call & book ahead as the course has ONLY 8 golf carts (as of May 2012). The Pahalgam town is set at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag rivers. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayas. Gulmarg Golf club Gulmarg Golf club The course remains covered under snow from December to April. One can hire Golf Sets and balls from pros who are registered with the Tourism Department. The Golf Course is under major renovation these days, with many greens and tees being relocated. It is expected that the course shall be ready to welcome Golfers by the middle of next year.