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Pahalgam,
Jammu & Kashmir
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.
Accomodations:
- Insulated
tourists huts run but J & K Tourism.
- Hotel
Highland.
- Hotel
Heaven.
Best
time to visit: The period
between mid-April and mid-November is the best time to visit Pahalgam.
How
to reach there:
Pahalgam is about 95 km from Srinagar. Local
buses from Srinagar to Pahalgam take 2.5 to 4 hours. J&K Road
Transport Corporation operates tour buses also.
What
to see:
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.
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.
What
to shop:
Pahalgam was originally
a shepherds' village and wool products such as Gadwas and Namdas
(blankets) can be bought in local shops.
Tourists
Info:
- Director
of Tourism,
J&K Government, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar- 190001.
Tel :- (0194)-72449, 73648, 77224
- Director
of Tourism,
J&K Government, Residency Road, Jammu- 180001.
Tel :- (0191)-180001
-
J&K Tourist Office,
201-203, Kanishka Shopping Plaza, 19, Ashok Road, New Delhi.
Tel :- (011)-3345373.
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.
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