Ravi Zutshi, Pankaj Batra, Kabir Advani and Gaurav Kohli at Pahalgam GC
Last week, India Golf Weekly accompanied a large group of golfers from across North India to a tournament in Pahalgam. One of the participants, Delhi based restauranteur Kabir Advani, was so taken up by the experience, and shares it here with our readers:
Kashmir’s natural beauty takes centre stage for any golfer seeking a world-class yet serene experience. During a recent visit, I played two rounds at Pahalgam Golf Course and a single round at Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, and both proved to be among the most stunning layouts in Asia. The fairways weave through pine forests and open out to breathtaking views of lush green mountains, offering a dramatic backdrop on every hole.
The Pahalgam Golf Course, with its cool mountain air and immaculate fairways, sets a high bar for golfing in the Himalayas. Royal Springs in Srinagar, designed to international standards, combines challenging play with postcard-worthy scenery along the Dal Lake. Both courses were maintained in pristine condition, underscoring Kashmir’s growing reputation as a top golf destination.
Off the course, the experience was equally memorable. I stayed at Pine-n-Peak Hotel, a mountain retreat that delivered comfort and quiet luxury. Dining highlights included a superb riverside meal at Haven Resort on the banks of the Lidder and a fresh trout dinner at Shamiyana Restaurant in Srinagar—perfect endings to days on the fairways.
With world-class golf, spectacular landscapes and warm hospitality, Kashmir is firmly on the map as a must-visit destination for serious golfers looking to combine challenging play with unmatched natural beauty.