Pahalgam
Short Descr
Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2,400 m in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The beautiful Lidder river flows through the town, which is at the junction of the Sheshnag and Lidder rivers and is surrounded by fir covered mountains with snowcapped peaks rising behind them. It is an ideal base for longer treks to Kolahoi Glacier and Amarnath Cave. Pahalgam is also famous for it's shepherds. It is the most crowded during July and August when thousands of pilgrims converge on the town on their way to the cave shrine of Amarnath, a 45 km trek away. Pahalgam itself is little more than a single street on the banks of the Lidder river. The Lidder Valley is full of streams and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers.
Long Descr
Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
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.
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.
shopping
Pahalgam was originally a shepherds' village and wool products such as Gadwas and Namdas (blankets) can be bought in local shops.
Trekking
There are a number of treks that can be undertaken from Pahalgam. Campimg equipments is readily available, as are ponies and porters. Walking through the scenic Lidder valley is very rewarding experience. Trekking under the shade of forests of virgin pine, crossing crystal-clear mountain stream and through meadows of wild flowers is extremely enriching. Some of the popular trek are from Pahalgam to Kolahoi glacier, Pahalgam to Sumbal via Sonamous Pass, Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave and Pahalgam to Panikhar.
Fishing
Pahalgam spreads along the banks of the Lidder river, the focal point of interest for fishermen looking for trout. The Lidder is divided three fishing beats between Mattan and Pahalgam, and trout are so plentiful that even a novice will not go back disappointed. The fishing licence can be obtained from the Fisheries Director's office in Srinagar after paying the prescribed fees.
Elevation
Pahalgam - 2,400 m.
Location Details
Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of 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.
How to Reach There and Distances
Pahalgam does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 95 km from Pahalgam. It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time between the two is 2½ hours. Travelers can either use bus or taxi from Pahalgam to reach Srinagar. Tourists can hire guided ponies and horses to explore Pahalgam and the areas around it.
Best Season to Visit/Weather
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.
To visit Nearby Places
Sites To Visit
Baisaran Meadow
This meadow is 5 km from Pahalagam and it offers excellent views over the town and the Lidder Valley. A further 11 km is Tulian Lake at 3,353 m. It is covered with ice for much of the year. Around a kilometre downstream leads to Mamaleswara, an ancient Shiva temple.
Aru
This little village is 11 km upstream, following the Lidder river. This is actually first stage of the trek to the Kolahoi.
The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the verdant Liddar valley attracts the traveler towards it. The sparkling water of River Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has a number of picnic spots around it. Pahalgam is a part of Asia’s only saffron growing area. One can see the saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. There are a number of hiking and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even explore these places on horseback. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan range with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.
Around the city
Amarnath: The famous Amarnath cave is situated at the height of 12,729 feet and is about 144 km from Srinagar and 48 km from Pahalgam. The length, width, height of cave is 60, 30 & 15 feet respectively. The Amarnath Cave was found by a muslim shepherd boy named Buta Malik. One day, he met a monk who gave him a bowl full of coal. When he returned home, the coal was converted into gold. He was surprised and returned back to that monk; but instead of the monk, he saw a holy cave. From that day, the cave became a place of pilgrimage.