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Pahalgam Tour
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The Valley Of Shepherds
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar , Pahalgam is probably
the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower
than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has the
further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town.
Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and
surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising
behind them. The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while
the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayan.
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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
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.
Located 11-km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which
13-km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6-km away from
there. During the month of 'Sawan', an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling
(also spelt as Shivlinga), which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.
The state government makes extensive arrangements every year for the successful
completion of the pilgrimage, registering each one of the over one lakh
pilgrims, pony owners and Dandi Walas, providing camps en route, and ensuring
safe, comfortable and speedy progress of the Yatris.
Even if one's visit to Pahalgam is not during the period of the Yatra, one can
still take a pony ride up to Sheshnag Lake, returning late evening.
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. Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.
On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with important
spots of Mattan and Aishmuqam.
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