Fast Facts
Location : 84 kms from Srinagar, Jammu and Kasmir
Attractions : Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Aru, Sheshnag Lake,
Tarsar Lake etc.
Best Time To Visit : Mid-April and Mid-November
Introducing Pahalgam
Pahalgam,
one of the famous hill stations of India, lies at a distance of 45 kms from
the district headquarters Anantnag. Once a humble shepherd's village,
Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag
Lake and the Lidder river. Now Pahalgam is a premier resort of Kashmir
valley and remains cool even during the summers. Set at an altitude of 2,130
mts above sea level, amidst the great Himalayan range, Pahalgam is also
considered one of the best health resorts in the country. Far from the
hustle and bustle of cities, Pahalgam abounds with snow-covered mountains,
glistening glaciers, gushing silvery streams of ice water and thick pine and
deodar forests. In addition to a wonderful place for common travellers,
Pahalgam is an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts. Pahalgam is a
trekker's paradise, besides, it offers excellent opportunity for skiing,
mountaineering and camping. You can also enjoy a lazy vacation angling in
the rivers, or just lazing in the sun, surrounded by fir-clad hills. Every
year, during the month of Sawan, usually in July- August, Pahalgam plays
host to thousands of pilgrims who trek to the Amarnath Cave to pay homage to
naturally formed ice-Shivling. Moreover, whether you are common traveller or
adventure enthusiast Pahalgam is a perfect destination for you. Visit the
hill station this vacation and pass some pleasant days in the lap of mother
nature.
How to Reach Pahalgam
By Air : Nearest major airport is located in Srinagar at a
distance of 96 kms. Srinagar airport is connected with major cities of
India. A number of major airlines operate flights to and fro from Srinagar
to Delhi. From Srinagar you need to take bus or hire a car or taxi to reach
Pahalgam.
By Train : Pahalgam does not have a direct rail connection
with rest of the country. Nearest railway head is Jammu railway station at a
distance of 280 kms. From Jammu you have to take the road journey to reach
Pahalgam.
By Road : National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir
valley with the state capital Jammu and rest of the India. From the National
Highway the road to Pahalgam takes from either from Khannabal or Bijbehara
towns. Every sort of transport ply on this highway including buses, taxis
and cars. Buses are available for Pahalgam at regular intervals from
Srinagar (84 kms) and Anantnag (55 kms). You can also hire taxis and other
sort of transport from Srinagar. Assistance is available for visitors at
Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar.
Places Where You Can Stay
Pahalgam is dotted with a number of hotels and tourist lodges of varied
ranges which are open only during summer months. Most famous hotels of
Pahalgam include Woodstock Hotel, Hotel Heevan, Pahalgam Hotel, Senator Pine
N Peak etc.
Tourist Attractions in and around Pahalgam
Baisaran (2,438 m) : Just 5 kms away from Pahalgam,
Baisaran is magnificent meadow flanked by densely wooded pine and deodar
forests. From Baisaran you will get a spectacular view of the snow-clad
mountains.
Tulian Lake (3,353 m) : A beautiful snow-covered lake,
Tulian lake lies at a distance of 11 kms from Baisaran.
Aru (2,408m) : Located 11 kms away from Pahalgam, the
beautiful meadow of Aru can be reached by walking along a mounatain path.
Here the Lidder river disappears at Gur Khumb and re-appears after 27 mts.
Chandanwari (2,923 m) : Situated at a distance of 16 km
from Pahalgam, Chandanwari (2,923 m above sea level) is known for its snow
bridge.
Lidderwat (3,408m) : A
picturesque camping site, Lidderwat is situated amidst the dense forests.
Located at a distance of 22 km from Pahalgam, Lidderwat is also the starting
point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.
Sheshnag Lake (3,658m) : Sheshnag Lake is located at a
distance of 27 kms from Pahalgam. The greenish blue waters of the lake
remain covered with ice till June.
Tarsar Lake (3,962m) : Situated at a distance of 34 km
from Pahalgam, the Tarsar Lake can be reached from Lidderwat. 24 kms from
here at Sikiwas there are interesting camping sites. For reaching the nearby
Mansar lake you have to cross a 243 mts high bridge.
Panchtarni : Panchtrani is the confluence of five streams
and lies 40 kms away from Pahalgam. It is also a good camping site. Camping
equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is easily available at Panchtarni.
Kolohi (1,467 m) : Kolohi makes an ideal base for a
three-day return trek to the Kolohi Glacier.
Amarnath Cave : Pahalgam is the
base for the religious trek of Hindus to Amarnath Cave, the abode of Lord
Shiva. From Pahalgam a narrow winding path takes the pilgrim to the Amarnath
Cave which is home to massive ice shivlingam. Every year thousands of
pilgrims visit Amarnath cave in the Hindu month of Sarvana (July to
September). Chandanwanri (16 kms) is the starting point for Amarnath Yatra,
the road from Pahalgam to Chandnwari lies on fairly flat terrain and can be
covered by car. Ahead of Chandanwani the track becomes much steeper and it
is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from Chandanwani lies the
lake of Sheshnag, 13 kms ahead is the last stop of Panchtarni.
Adventure Sports in Pahalgam
Golf : Pahalgam has a fine golf course at a height of
2,400 mts above the sea level. Pahalgam Golf Club has 9-hole golf course,
which is open for tourists. Golf equipments can be hired from the Pahalgam
Tourist Office.
Trekking : For trekkers Pahalgam offers thrilling trekking
opportunities. The most famous trekking trail is : Pahalgam - Chandanwari-
Sheshnag - Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg. Another popular trek
route is the 35 km trail which traverses through pinewoods to the beautiful
Kolahoi Glacier via Aru village a charming meadow.
Horse Riding : Horse riding is one of the most interesting
adventure options at Pahalgam. Tourists can hire ponies directly or through
the Tourist Office. Tariff boards are displayed at all the important
locations of Pahalgam.
Fishing (Angling) : Pahalgam is a paradise for angler's
and even a beginner can catch a rainbow trout from the shimmering streams.
For brown trout the Lidder river has fine fishing beats. At Pahalgam the
angling season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued for
fishing at Pahalgam for a maximum of three days at a time, on
first-come-first served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis.
For permits you have to contact the Directorate of Fisheries, Tourist
Reception Centre, Srinagar. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live
baits and spinning are not allowed.
Shopping in Pahalgam
Pahalgam has small markets and the shops have a fine collection of products
made of wool. You can purchase Gabbas and Namdas from local shops. If you
want to do lots of shopping then Srinagar is a perfect destination for you,
which has several big shopping bazaars and offer everything from A to Z.
