HEADLINES:  

INTRODUCTION

The Valley of Shepherds as it is called is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Phalgam was once humble village with breathtaking views.

Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the summer. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest and because the resort is step between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.Pahalgan has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages.Pahalgam is also associated with the annual ratha yatra.

ORIENTATION

Pahalgam in the state of Jammu and Kashmir about 95kms away from Srinagar is concentrated more towards the Western region of the state amidst the Himalayas. It is situated in the Liddar Valley besides the Liddar river.Pahalgam is located at 34.03° N 75.33° E.

HISTORY

History gives a faintly perceptible as to lack clear delineation of the origin of Pahalgan.Initially in the medieval period it was under the reign of the Mughal rulers but later it was taken under the control of the Hindu rulers during which it was a part of the Kashmir Kingdom. Kashmir was a princely state when India was ruled by the British. Only later years it became a part of the independent India.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath.This is where, Hindus believe, Lord Shiva explained the secret of salvation to his consort Parvati on a full moon light. Every year in the month of July/August when the moon is full thousands of devout pilgrims gather before Amarnath Cave in the Liddar valley to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

CHANDANWARI

Chandanwari is the place from where the famous Amarnath yatra starts which is about 16kms from Pahalgam.The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car.Pahalgan is situated at an altitude of 6,500 above sea level and is famous for its snow bridge. The journey to this place is the main highlight and it is really wonderful. 

BAISARAN

Baisaran located at an altitude of 2,438 m above the sea level is of prime attraction in Baisaran with its huge and undulating meadows, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. One can have breathtaking views of Pahalgam valley and the Lidder river valley from this hilltop.

TULIAN LAKE

Tulian Lake at an altitude of 3353 m is another impressive site which remains covered with snow most of the time. This is located in close proximity to Pahalgam and about 11kms from Baisaran .The main feature of this lake is that it is surrounded on all four sides by mountains.

SHESHNAG LAKE

The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June. Sheshnag lies at a distance of 13 km from Chandanwari and is at 11,330 ft above sea level. The place has derived its name from seven peaks that look like the head of Sheshnag, the sacred snake in the Hindu mythology.

AMARNATH CAVE

Pahalgam is the base for the religious trek to the abode of Lord Shiva. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The massive ice shivlingam is visited by thousands of pilgrims between July and September.

MAMALESHWARA

"Mamaleshwara is situated within the town of Pahalgam and this is a very ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.Mamaleshwara temple is believed to be built by King Jayasima in the 12th century. Number of pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers.

ARU

Aru is a small village at an altitude of 2408 m full of extremely attractive grasslands. This dazzling in appearance meadow also has Lidder River with icy cold water at one side.

LIDDERWAT

A beautiful camping site set among dense forests.Lidderwat is the starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.

PANCHTARNI

On the way to Amarnath this is the last camping site and it is the place where five streams meet from where it derives its name Panchtarni.Panchtarni is situated at a distance of about 6 kms from Amarnath. 

THINGS TO DO

HORSE RIDING

Ponies can be hired either directly or through the tourist office. Tariff boards are displayed at all important locations.

GOLF

Pahalgam has a 9 hole golf course which can be used by tourists.Gol sets can be hired from the tourists office.

FISHING

The Lidder river has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September.Permitts are issued for a maximum of three days at a time. Fishing equipments can be hired in Srinagar.

TREKKING

The environs of Pahalgan offer exciting trekking opportunities.

SHOPPING

Pahalgam is known for wool and wool products.Gabbas and Namdas can be purchased from local shops. Kashmir is also very famous for both silk and wool carpets in Persian designs which are intricately worked. The shopping list here also includes jewellery boxes to mirror frames, a range of intricately carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewellery boxes, beautiful woollen shawls, crewel embroidery on furnishing material sold by the meter and more.

 

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Nearest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar which is around 95 kms away. It takes around 3 hrs to cover this distance by bus.

By Trains

The closest rail head to Pahalgam is Jammu Tawi in Jammu. The distance between the two centers is approximately 275 km. To cover the distance, it takes at least 8 hrs of drive.

By Road

State transport buses run to and fro from to Srinagar. Some private players also run their luxury and general coaches from Srinagar to Pahalgam.