|
|
|
|
Pahalgam, Kashmir |
|
Information 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.
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. Some parts of the plateau have been occupied by the
military in the days of insurgency, leaving it out of bound of
normal tourists. 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.
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.
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, Sheshnag, 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 travelled 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 spiralling 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
Amaranth 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 on 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 learnt 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 varies every year
due to the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha
Bandhan) in the month of Sawan.
More....
Mamal
Mamal is one of tiny village in Pahalgam. A Shiva temple is
also situated here, which is considered to be one of the
oldest existing temple in Kashmir, dating 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 mts.
Baisaran
Baisaran is one of the most beautiful place 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.
How to reach Pahalgam
By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Badgam District.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Jammu.
By Road:
Pahalgam can be reached from Srinagar and Anantnag. |
|
