Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, English
Best Time to Visit : April. November
STD : 01936
Introduction
Alt : 2130 mtrs Km : 95
Shepherd’s village Pahalgam is visited by tourists and locals
in huge number for its gradual lowering of temperature and
river Ladder flowing at an approachable distance. Traveling
through meandering roads of north Kashmir, Pahalgam opens up
with a fresh cool breeze of the river. It has an astounding 9
hole gold course open for tourists now being extended into an
18 hole . The golf championships are organized by state
government and private hoteliers in Summer. Here, tourists
and locals putt together in the shades of Pine trees
surrounding the golf course.
Location
Pahalgam is located in the western part of the
state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located at an
altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan
range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar
valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar. The weather in
Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while
winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains
between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from
December to February.
History
The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled
this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the
Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers.
This princely state remained independent even during the
British period and later on merged into independent India.
Sightseeing
Chandanwari (16km: 2,923m)
It is famous for its snow bridge.
Baisaran (5 km: 2,438m)
Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque
view of the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake
at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran.
Sheshnag Lake (27 km: 3,658m)
The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice
till June.
Panchtarni (40 km)
It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni
its name. A good camping site.
Amarnath Cave
Pahalgam is Base
Camp of Amarnathji yatra which stands at 3952 mtrs, 46.7 km
from Pahalgam. The Holy Cave is believed to be the abode of
Lord Shiva. The ice lingam formed by water droplets, symblises
Lord Shiva . People visit the Holy Cave during the scheduled
Yatra period. Yatris can hire a pony of Dandy from Pahalgam.
Distances of
stopovers from Pahalgam are : Chandanwari 16 km Pissu top 19.6
km Sheeshnag 25.6 km, Holy Cave 46 . 7 km.
All stopovers have
facilities from tents to medical comps and langars, The trek
is covered in 2 to 3 days. This Hindu pilgrimage is believed
to be the discovery of a Muslim shepherd nomad Butta Malik
who’s descendant still receive a percentage of the donations
made by pilgrims. The Yatra Generally during June to August
depending upon the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima)
Aru (11 km: 2,408m)
This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a
mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and
reappears after 27 mts.
Lidderwat (22km: 3,408m)
A beautiful camping site set among dense forests.
Starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.
Kolohi (1,467 m)
Base for a three-day return trek to the Kolohi Glacier.
Tarsar Lake (34 km: 3,962m)
It can be reached from Lidderwat. There are delightful
camping sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from here.
To reach the nearby Mansar lake one has to cross a 243 mts
high bridge.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers,
between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in
July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of
Amarnath.
PAHALGAM (Adventure)
The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in
angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout
fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a
fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar.
Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and
hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around
Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through
virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of
wildflowers.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath
yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath,
which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the
month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on
Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.
How to Get There
Airport: The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt
Train: The nearest rail head is at Jammu.
Road: Bus service is available from Srinagar and
Anantnag. Taxis can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rat