Pahalgam Tourism

Location: Anantnag District, 96 km from Srinagar
How to Reach: The nearest airport is that of Badgam District, while the nearest railhead is that of Jammu. Bus services are available at Srinagar and Anantnag.
Best time to Visit: May to September and November to February
How to spend time/Attractions: Golf, Trekking, Fishing, Trekking, Horse riding, Alpine skiing, White water rafting, sledging, sightseeing, etc.
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges, a Dak Bungalow of JKTDC and a number of tourist huts.

Pahalgam is a situated at the convergence of the Lidder Lake and the Sheshnag Lake. At a height of 2,130 m, Pehalgaam hill station is a spectacular sight. At one point of time, the hill station used to serve as the village of shepherds. Even today, this one-time village with splendid views stands untouched by the ravages of progress. Pahalgam now counts amongst the premier resorts of the Kashmir valley. This beautiful hill station dates back to the medieval period. Ruled by the Mughals at one point of time, it later came under the reign of the local Hindu kings as a part of the Kashmir kingdom. This princely state continued to exist until it got merged into India, after independence.

There are many interesting tourist destinations around Pahalgam. Amongst them are the surging pastures of Baisaran. The huge meadows surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine present a beautiful spectacle. Then there is Hajan, a popular picnic spot, on the way to Chandanwari. Hajan is a popular shooting location for the Indian film industry. The hill station of Pahalgam has eight tiny villages inside it. One of the villages is Mamal, which houses an ancient Shiva temple dating back to the 5th century. Pahalgam also comprises of a part of the only saffron growing areas of Asia.

Pahalgam is also associated with the holy yatra of the Amarnath cave. Chandanwari, 16 km from Pahalgam, serves as the starting point of the Amarnath yatra. The yatra is organized every year in the Hindu month of Sawan (July to August). Pahalgam also offers shopping facilities to the tourists. It is quite popular for wool products like Gabbas and Namdas, available in the local shops. There are a number of activities one can undertake, while in Pahalgam. One of them is trekking. Some of the famous treks of Pahalgam are the Pahalgam-Sonamarg Trek and the treks to Chandanwari, Kolahoi Glacier and Sheshnag Lake. Have a look at some other tourist attractions of Pahalgam and plan your trip to the hill station:

* Horse Riding
* Fishing (at Lidder River)
* Sledging at the frozen Glaciers
* Long walks in the jungles
* Alpine Skiing
* White Water Rafting (Lidder River)


Major Tourist Attractions in Pahalgam
The tiny but scenic village of Pahalgam offers a number of wonderful sites to see. Before you get yourself busy and indulge in light adventure options at Pahalgam, do remember to visit the famous tourist attractions in Pahalgam, some of which are given below.

Chandanwari
It is famous for its snow bridge. Lying at a distance of 16 km, Chandanwari is also the starting point for the auspicious Amarnath Yatra. It is a small valley, situated at an altitude of 6,500 above sea level. Good sturdy shoes are a prerequisite if you are hiking in this area.

Baisaran
Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran.

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.

Panchtarni
It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. For those headed towards the holy cave of Amarnath, Panchtarni is the last camping site. From Panchtarni, Amarnath is located at a distance of 6 km.

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.

Aru
This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

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

Recreational Activities in Pahalgam
Pahalgam has lots of recreational activities especially trekking adventures. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. Trekking can be undertaken to Kolahoi Glacier which is very beautiful via Aru village. Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals. You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich flora and fauna.

Pahalgam is the main base camp to Amarnath Cave. Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes. A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam and trek to Chandanwari and Sheshnag lake can also be undertaken. The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available.

Pahalgam Travel Information
Once in Jammu & Kashmir, you can easily reach Pahalgam. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, connects quite well to Pahalgam.

Closest Airport : Srinagar, which is at a distance of 95 km from Pahalgam

Closest Railhead : Jammu, which is further connected to the rest of India by NH 1A

Road Link : A road drive of 2½ hours from Pahalgam takes you to Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Regular buses and taxis connect Pahalgam to Srinagar.


Chembra Peak | Chithirapuram | Devikulam | Idukki | Hill Stations in Kerala | munnar | Almora|Coorg|Corbett|Darjeeling|Dharamsala|Gangtok|Kathmandu|Kodaikanal|Kullu|
ManaliMunnar|Mussoorie|Nainital|Ooty||Shimla||Wayanad|Arakuvalley|Anantagiri Hills|
Kerala|Auli Hills|Horseley Hills | Chail Hill Station |Chamba Hill Station| Dalhouse Hill Station|
Kasauli Hill Station | Kullu manali Hill Station | Palampur Hill Station | Paonta Sahib Hill Station

almora|Coorg|Corbett|Darjeeling|Dharamsala|Gangtok|Kathmandu|Kodaikanal|Kullu|
ManaliMunnar|Mussoorie|Nainital|Ooty||Shimla||Wayanad|Arakuvalley|Anantagiri Hills|
Kerala|Auli Hills|Horseley Hills | Chail hill station |Chamba Hill Station|Dharmshala Hill Station |Kasauli Hill Station|Kullu manali Hill Station|Dalhouse Hill Station |Palampur Hill Station |Paonta Sahib | Bhimtal Hill Station Uttaranchal | Zanskar Tourism |