Pahalgam Kashmir-The place Makes the Amarnath Yatra in Reality

Pahalgam Kashmir

Pahalgam is one of the towns in District Anantnag situated among lofty hills covered with evergreen forests. It is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley of the Himalayas. Pahalgam provides the ultimate hiking, trekking, and fishing point, also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath, which is 72 km away from the District Head-Quarter. Pahalgam means  ‘village of shepherds’ in Kashmiri. Lush green meadows and pristine waters of the valley attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. It is located 45 kilometers from Anantnag on the banks of the Lidder River at an altitude of 2,200 m.

History And Geography

The valley is Ruled by Mughal rulers in the medieval period. It was later part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which local Hindu rulers ruled. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and after India became independent it merged with the nation.

Pahalgam has located 95 km away from  Srinagar at a height of 2200 meters. It is known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’ and is a famous hill station in Jammu and Kashmir. The place is known for its thickly wooded pine forests, breathtaking vistas of meadows, and the snow-clad Himalayan mountains, where many films have been shot.

Activities in Pahalgam

Amarnath Yatra

Pahalgam is associated with the annual pilgrimage to the shrine Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari is located 16 kilometers from this valley. The town is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the months of July–August, receiving hundreds of thousands of tourists. Because of its religious significance and serving as a base camp during the Amarnath Yatra, the Pahalgam-Chandanwati-Amarnath route, attract tourist from all around the world.

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Apart from Amarnath Yatra the town also holds a two-day long Snow Festival that showcases winter sports like skiing, snow-sledding, and many more. Other activities that tourists can indulge in are golf, trekking, and angling. Pahalgam is also a treat for adventure junkies and is the starting point for several treks in the region. The main highlight of the activities is the white water rafting in Lidder River through the forests and down the rapids. Shopping in Pahalgam is a must-do activity. The Kashmiri shawls, carpets, and clothing with chain-stitch embroidery are beautiful and a must-buy.

Tourist Attractions in Pahalgam

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is a famous base point, or starting point, to the famous Shri Amarnath Yatra. It is situated at an elevation of 2,895 meters and is located about 16 kilometers from Pahalgam. The famous offbeat tourist destination is blessed with picturesque beauty, with the Lidder River, surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Chandanwari is covered in snow from November till May. One can watch the lovely sight of glaciers melting in the Lidder River.

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake has located about 17 kilometers from Pahalgam at an altitude of 3,590 meters. The snowcapped mountains are beautiful and reflect into the azure blue waters of the lake. The trekking route from this scenic way offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain terrain & huge grassland terrain. this lake is a paradise for peace seekers.

Kolhoi Glacier

Kolohoi Glacier is a hanging glacier situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Kolhoi Peak. It is accessible via Aru valley which has extended for at least 35 kilometers. The Glacier is not safe to study because it is hollow and has 61 m crevices. one can reach here only by trek or hiring ponies or horses to some parts. Aru Valley is the base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Horse riding, trekking, and hiking are famous activities here.

Amarnath Temple Pahalgam

Shri Amarnath cave is situated at Mount Amarnath at an altitude is about 5,486m above sea level. It is 48 Km. from Pahalgam and attracts devotees from all over India. Because of the high altitude, the cave is covered with snow for most of the year. Only for a short period in summer, the entrance is accessible. The cave is an ice cave, that contains a certain Lingam of lord Shiva, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice Piller represent Parvati, his wife, and Ganesha, his son. The Hindu pilgrims also believe, that the height of the Lingham increases and decreases with the phases of the moon. En route to Amarnath temple, Pahalgam one comes across the scenic beauty of Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panjtarni.

Baisaran Valley

Baisaran Valley also known as Mini Switzerland due to its Scenic view is 5 kilometers away from Pahalgam. The Popular tourist attraction is flanked by snowcapped mountains and studded with thick pine woods. January through March is the best time to visit to experience the snow. Visit there during April and June to appreciate the foliage and lovely weather.

Betaab Valley

Hagoon or Hagan Valley or Betaab Valley is a valley located 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. Betaab Valley is encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests. The Lidder River flows through the valley that got its name from the Bollywood movie Betaab which was shot here.

Pahalgam Golf Course

The Town has a scenic 9-hole golf course, where the tournament is organized by the state government and private hoteliers in the summers. The course remains closed in winter due to snowfall. The golf course is situated at an altitude of 2150 meters. The course is an expanse of a relatively large plain area in a relatively narrow valley. The locals would refer to this golf course simply as the ‘plateau’.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summer, between April to November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual holy cave of Amarnath yatra. There are various resorts and hotels that provide the best stay option like Royal Hilton Pahalgam, Heevan Pahalgam, and Radisson Pahalgam.

Pahalgam Weather-The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers from April to June are mild, while winters from November to February are cold. It experiences rain between July and September. Pahalgam witnessed heavy snowfall from December to February. Pahalgam temperature- The temperature from march to November ranges between 1 and ­­­­12 degree Celsius. Summer months from April to June is the most crowded season in Pahalgam. The temperature during these months ranges between 11 and 25 degrees Celcius.

How to Reach

Srinagar to Pahalgam-Srinagar international airport is the nearest airport to Pahalgam, which is located at a distance of 96 km. Udhampur and Jammu are the nearest railheads to Pahalgam. While Udhampur is located at a distance of 217 km from Pahalgam, Jammu is 285 km away. Pahalgam is also well-connected to Jammu and Srinagar via a good network of roads. State bus services and private buses are available from Jammu, Srinagar, and Anantnag.