Pahalgam

About Pahalgam

Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from the Lidder river and Sheshnag lake. Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views. Now, Pahalgam is the famous hill resort in Kashmir valley and cool even during the summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 degree Celsius. This hill resort is set between fairly steep hills. Its natural splendor is described by snow clad mountain peeks on all sides, a white water river that traverses the bottoms of the narrow valley, and the wonderful weather. While Gulmarg was the favourite summer resort of the British during the Raj, rich Indians patronized Pahalgam.

Climatic conditions favour tent life and visitors prefer to spend their holidays under the rivers. The flora and fauna is good and the scenery is also captivating. Pahalgam is also the base point for undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra. Foreign visitors like Pahalgam because they can relax in a surrounding that compares favourably with the Swiss Alps or they can undertake adventure treks into the high altitude meadows. The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid of April to mid of November.

Shopping in Pahalgam

Pahalgam, originally a shepherds’ village, is naturally known for products made of wool. Gabbas and Namdas can be purchased from local shops.

Adventure Activities in Pahalgam

Trekking, golf, fishing, angling and horse riding are the various activities which can be done in Pahalgam. Pahalgam Golf Club has a nine hole golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. The course is an expanse of relatively large plain area in a relatively narrow valley. The golf course can be used by tourists. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office. This golf course is sometimes referred by the locals as the plateau. There is a golf club on one side of the plateau.
The tourists can also enjoy the fishing at the Lidder River. This river has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come – first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits and spinning are not allowed. The environment in Pahalgam offers various trekking opportunities. The best time to take the trekking in Pahalgam is from April to June. Trekking in the high altitude area of Himalayas is not without hazards and must be done in the company of trained guides. One of the best known trekking route is from Pahalgam to Amarnath which covers Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni.

Accommodation in Pahalgam

A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to trekkers lodges and huts.

Tourist Attractions in Pahalgam

There are various places of tourist interest around Pahalgam. As this resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth visiting the places on a pony rather than walking. Some of these famous places are Baisaran, Mamal, Aru, Chandanwari, Sh

eshnag, Panchtarni, and the holy Amarnath Cave.

Sheshnag

From Chandanwari, the next stoppage is at Sheshnag. The mountain lake of Sheshnag is situated about 11 kms from Chandanwari. The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is located about 16 kms from Pahalgam. It is famous for its snow bridge. This is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra, which takes place every year during July-August. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be traveled by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony.

Panchtarni

Panchtarni is the last stoppage of the Amarnath Yatra. Panchtarni is located about 13 kms away from Sheshnag. It is the confluence of five streams that gives Panchtarni its name. A narrow spiraling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.

Amarnath Cave

The Amarnath Cave is situated about 44.8 kms from Pahalgam and 6 kms away from Panchtarni. It takes about five days to reach the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. The Amarnath cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is situated on the mountains of Lidder valley amidst iced snow at a height of 13,000 feet. The thousands of Hindu pilgrims undertake the tour (yatra) to the Amarnath Cave from all parts of India in the month of Sawan (July-August) to have a glimpse of Shivlinga formed from iced snow. According to the legend, the Lord Shiva narrated to Parvati the secret of creation, in the caves of Amarnath. Without their knowledge, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on their conversation and having learned it, they were reborn over and over again and since, have made this cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims have spotted these doves here. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. The most auspicious occasion to visit Amarnath for a pilgrimage is on the night of the full moon in the month of Sawan. The Amarnath yatra is done only once in the month of July to August as it is totally cut off from the rest of the world during winter. The dates of the yatra vary every year due to the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sawan.

Mamal

Mamal is one of the tiny villages in Pahalgam. A Shiva temple is also situated here, which is considered to be one of the oldest existing temples in Kashmir, dating back to the 5th century.

Aru

Aru is a charming meadow that can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The Lidder river disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 meters.

Baisaran

Baisaran is one of the most beautiful places in Pahalgam. Baisaran is situated about 5 kms from Pahalgam. The huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran is surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains.

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.

PAHALGAM KASHMIR

Pahalgam is a Holiday resort famous for fishing (best April-September), nearby picnic spots, and saffron fields. 95 kms east of Srinagar at the junction of East and West Lidder rivers is a popular trekking base. The town is flanked by fir-clad hills giving way to snow-capped mountains.

Jammu – Pahalgam

Arrival at Jammu, proceed to Patnitop ~ is a hilltop tourist location in Udhampur district on the National Highway 1A, on the way Shiv Khori Temple Darshan. Patnitop is a distortion of the original name of “Patan Da Talab” meaning “Pond of the Princess.” In golden times a pond existed in the meadows, and the king’s princess often used to have her bath there. Proceed for local sightseeing which includes Nag Temple and an excursion to Nathatop and Sanasar. Overnight stay at Pahalgam.

Pahalgam To Srinagar

Today drive to Pahalgam (the valley of shepherds). Will be Drive through the pine forests. And enjoy Lidder stream. Later walk along pony trails with a magnificent view of the mountains, evening return and overnight stay in Srinagar at Hotel.

Srinagar Sightseeing

Morning after breakfast transfer to the hotel and after checking in at the hotel in Srinagar, start the tour of the famous Mughal Garden. You will be visiting Nishat Garden (Garden of Pleasure) and Shalimar garden, Chashma Shahi Bagh, Pari Mehal (literally known as a token of love). These gardens are situated on the bank of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan hills in the background. Overnight stay at the hotel in Srinagar.

Srinagar To Sonmarg

Srinagar To Gulmarg

Morning leave for Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) 2730 Mts. Above sea level. will be covered in about 2 hours. Gulmarg has one of the best ski slopes in the world and the highest golf course with 18 holes. If weather permits, one can also have a view of Nanga Parbat, the naked mountain that is over 26,000 feet and dominates the entire region. Also, enjoy cable car (Gondola) for a mountain ride up to Khilanmarg. In the evening, return and overnight stay in Srinagar at Hotel.