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Pahalgam is probaly the most popular hill resort in the
Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg
the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has
the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River
running right through the town.
Location: 95-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region,
J&K
Altitude: 2,130m
Main Attractions: Mamaleshwara, Baisaran, Tulian
Lake, Aru
Best Time To Visit: In Summer - May To September
In Winter - November To February
Pahalgam
is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag
Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains
with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru
flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat
while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great
Himalayan.
At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river
Lidder and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble
shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it
Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of
summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all
preferences and budgets, from luxurious to unpretentious
trekkers' lodges, including JKTDC's delightfully
romantic, fully furnished huts, partially concealed by
giant pine trees.
Pahalgam Walks - There are many short walks
available from Pahalgam and in addition it is an
excellent base for longer treks such as those to the
Kolahoi glacier or to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam can
also be used as a starting point for treks out of the
region. Pahalgam is particularly famed for its many
shepherds and they're a common sight, driving their
flocks of sheep along the paths all around the town.
Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and
because the resort is set between fairly hills, it is
worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are
posted at prominent locations.
Betaab Valley
It
is just 15 km away from Pahalgam in the Anantnag
district of Jammu and Kashmir. The name of the valley is
inherited from the name of the famous film Betaab of
Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh as the shooting was covered
there. It is in the middle of Chandanwari Pahalgam and
is covered by the snow peaked mountains and lovely lush
green meadows making a velvety path. Come in this
romantic valley of Betaab and indulge in the romanticism
of Pahalgam.
Aru
The little village of Aru is actually the first stage
from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi
glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam,
following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the
Lidder river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which
also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the
river. There is also a less used, and more difficult
path, on the right bank. At Aru one will often find the
Gujars, living in their log huts with their flocks of
sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats,
en route to the higher pastures for the summer.
Mamaleshwara
Mamaleshwara is only a km or so downstream from Pahalgam,
and on the opposite side of the Lidder, is this small
Shiva temple with its square, stone tank. It is thought
to date from the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th
century, even earlier.
Baisaran
This
meadow, about 5-km from Pahalgam and 150m higher,
provides excellent views over the town and the Lidder
valley. Pine forests and the snowclad mountains surround
the grassy glen. One can hire ponies for this trek from
near the centre of town.
Tulian Lake
If one continues 11-km beyond Baisaran one reaches the
Tulian Lake at 3,353m, 1,200m higher up. It is covered
in ice for much of the year and surrounded by peaks,
which rise more than 300m above its shores. It also can
be reached by pony trek.
Hajan
Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for
a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it
has been the location of several movie scenes.
Chandanwari & Passage To The Amarnath Yatra
Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the
starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place
every year in the month of Sawan (Rain). The destination
is the Amarnath Cave, believed to the abode of Lord
Shiva. Although the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is
on fairly flat terrain, and can be undertaken by car,
from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper,
being accessible on foot or by pony.
Located 11-km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake
of Sheshnag, after which 13-km away is the last stop,
Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6-km away from there.
During the month of 'Sawan', an ice stalagmite forms a
natural Shivling (also spelt as Shivlinga), which waxes
and wanes with the phases of the moon.
The state government makes extensive arrangements every
year for the successful completion of the pilgrimage,
registering each one of the over one lakh pilgrims, pony
owners and Dandi Walas, providing camps en route, and
ensuring safe, comfortable and speedy progress of the
Yatris.
Even if one's visit to Pahalgam is not during the period
of the Yatra, one can still take a pony ride up to
Sheshnag Lake, returning late evening.
Fishing
Pahalgam
is one of Kashmir's popular trout fishing beats. Kashmir
is famous for its trout although they tend to be rather
small. Additionally, fishing licences are hard to get
and rather expensive. A compulsion is to keep am guide
and one is also permitted to catch six fishes, which is
the daily limit.
HOW TO REACH THERE
Air: Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96-km
from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam
District. This Airport is connected with all the major
cities of India.
Rail: The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
Road: The road to Pahalgam can be taken to Khannabal
or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from National
Highway NH1A. Every sort of transport to suit every
budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It takes
around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road,
which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous
Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus
service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag, which
leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and other
sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at
pre-fixed rates. Assistance is available at Tourist
Reception Centre, Srinagar. On Road to Pahalgam one
comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with important
spots of Mattan and Aishmuqam.