Gulmarg, Sep 1: Gulmarg, famed for its winter slopes, is preparing to welcome a new chapter in adventure tourism as the inaugural Zabarvan Legends Series is scheduled to be held from October 9 to 12.
The event, billed as India’s premier international mountain sports initiative, will bring together 50 athletes, including 25 from overseas, for a series of mountain biking competitions. The races will cover alpine forests, meadows and steep descents, designed to push the limits of both skill and stamina.
Organisers told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the event seeks to project Gulmarg not just as a winter destination but as a year-round hub for outdoor adventure. “The Zabarvan Legends Series is not just a race, it’s a movement,” said Sehan Shetty, Founder and Owner of Zabarvan. “We want to celebrate the natural grandeur of Gulmarg, bring global attention to India’s mountain sports potential, and create new opportunities for tourism, sport, and local communities.”
Supported by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and backed by corporate partners, the Gulmarg leg highlights the synergy between adventure sport and sustainable tourism. The Zabarvan Legends Series will also expand beyond Kashmir, with upcoming editions planned for Shillong and Guwahati, linking diverse mountain landscapes under a single sporting banner.
The initiative is expected to provide fresh impetus to the Valley’s tourism sector, which has seen a steady rise in footfall this year. By showcasing Gulmarg’s potential for summer adventure sports, the organisers hope to diversify tourism opportunities and provide local communities with new avenues of livelihood. [KNT]
