Sightseeing in Pahalgam
Location
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. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.
At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag
Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views.
Now it Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. A
number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from
luxurious to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including JKTDC's delightfully
romantic, fully furnished huts, partially concealed by giant pine trees.
Pahalgam Walks - There are many short walks available from Pahalgam and
in addition it is an excellent base for longer treks such as those to the
Kolahoi glacier or to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam can also be used as a
starting point for treks out of the region. Pahalgam is particularly famed
for its many shepherds and they're a common sight, driving their flocks of
sheep along the paths all around the town.
Mamaleshwar Temple
Mamaleshwara is only a km or so downstream from Pahalgam, and on the
opposite side of the Lidder, is this small Shiva temple with its square,
stone tank. It is thought to date from the reign of king Jayasima in the
12th century, even earlier.
Baisaran
This meadow, about 5-km from Pahalgam and 150m higher, provides excellent
views over the town and the Lidder valley. Pine forests and the snowclad
mountains surround the grassy glen. One can hire ponies for this trek from
near the centre of town.
Tulian Lake
If one continues 11-km beyond Baisaran one reaches the Tulian Lake at
3,353m, 1,200m higher up. It is covered in ice for much of the year and
surrounded by peaks, which rise more than 300m above its shores. It also can
be reached by pony trek.
Aru
The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the
trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk
from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder
river for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is
on the left bank of the river. There is also a less used, and more difficult
path, on the right bank. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in
their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher
sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the summer.
Chandanwari & Passage To The Amarnath Yatra
Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the
Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain).
The destination is the Amarnath Cave, believed to the abode of Lord Shiva.
Although the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain,
and can be undertaken by car, from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes
much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony.
Fishing
Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's popular trout fishing beats. Kashmir is famous
for its trout although they tend to be rather small. Additionally, fishing
licences are hard to get and rather expensive. A compulsion is to keep am
guide and one is also permitted to catch six fishes, which is the daily
limit.
HOW TO REACH THERE
Air: Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96-km from Srinagar. The
nearest airport is in Badgam District. This Airport is connected with all
the major cities of India. Rail: The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from
there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
Road: The road to Pahalgam can be taken to Khannabal or alternatively from
Bijbehara villages from National Highway NH1A. Every sort of transport to
suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It takes around
10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road, which crosses some beautiful
spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus
service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag, which leave at fixed time
from the Bus stands. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from
Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. |