Meet the Team

Kashmir Powder Tours is the result of friendships formed in the alpine zones of Mt Affarwat. A concoction of local knowledge and international experience we came together with the purpose of sharing our love for the mountains and, in particular, our unique familiarity with the Kashmiri Himalaya. Over 6 years, we have succeeded in developing our vision for the ultimate Gulmarg experience. 

  • Omar Hajam

    FOUNDER | DIRECTOR OF MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS | HEAD GUIDE

    Omar is the beating heart of Kashmir Powder Tours, a third generation Gulmarg skier and a former Indian National Ski Team member. The son of a local skiing legend, he literally grew up on the slopes of Mt Affarwat. After years of racing, Omar turned to Guiding as a way to share his passion for his home with the increasing number of foreigners visiting Gulmarg in Winter.

    Respected as a local heavy hitter, Omar is one of the most accomplished guides in Gulmarg.

    As the Director Of Mountain Operations and Head Guide, Omar is responsible for day to day operations during the winter months. He keeps the stoke high on the tough hikes with his infectious positivity and penchant for teaching you Kashmiri whilst you are gasping for thin Himalayan air.

  • Adam West

    FOUNDER | SAFETY MANAGER | AVALANCHE INSTRUCTOR (AVALANCHE CANADA)

    He has travelled the world to many alpine areas including Japan, Canada, France, Israel, Scotland, Italy, Austria, Andorra and New Zealand. His eyes where opened when he strapped on a Splitboard in Fernie, BC, Canada in 2000 and he has not looked back !

    ​Adam Has been delivering avalanche training in Australia and overseas since 2014.

    After his first trip to Gulmarg , Adam and Omar struck up a friendship that has lasted many years. This friendship has lead to them starting Kashmir Powder Tours.

    Adam is often seen teaching Avalanche Safety Courses to foreigners and locals while here in Gulmarg.

  • Anees Bhatt

    MOUNTAIN GUIDE | POWDER HUNTER

    Anees Bhatt is a professional snowboarder and with over 15 years of experience competing and training locally and globally. He grew up in Gulmarg and truly loves “his” mountains. As such he’s travelled through and ridden every nook and cranny that Gulmarg has to offer. Be it Phase 1 or the back mountains Anees has brushed them all.

    He is a fantastic guide who has many secret powder stashes up his sleeve which you’d miss if heading out alone.

  • Mehraj Bhatt

    MOUNTAIN GUIDE | POWDER HUNTER

    Mehraj Bhatt is a professional Skier. Known for his calm demeanour and eye for detail, one can always find Mehraj investing time with his students to help them excel. Mehraj has also competed in various competitions with podium finishes and needless to say has traversed every slope that Gulmarg has to offer.

  • Raj "Colin McRae" Sheikh

    DRIVER EXTRAORDINAIRE

    He was the 1991 and 1992 British Rally Champion, and in 1995 became the youngest person to win the World Rally Championship Drivers' title. Well that’s not true but Raj is one of the greatest drivers you will ever get in a car with. While vehicles with snow chains struggle to keep on the road and get stuck half way up hills, Raj cruises by with his regular tyres! Whenever you need a ride, tell your guide and Raj appears as if from thin air!