Pahalgam
''At an altitude of 2,130m and about 96-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Pahalgam means a shepherds' village.
The mountain town along the bank of River Liddar is known for its trout, both rainbow and brown and is the starting point of many a trek, excursions to glaciers, shrines and other scenic places.Pahalgam is an ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites.
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Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, 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 origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
PLACES AROUND PAHALGAM
Chandanwari - It is famous for its snow bridge.
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.
Panchtarni - It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. A good camping site.
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.
ACTIVITIES
Trout Fishing, White Water Rafting, Golf, Horse Riding, Camping, Trekking, Mountaineering
HOW TO REACH THERE
Air: 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.
Fast Facts about Pahalgam
State: Jammu and Kashmir
District: Anantnag
Population: 5922 (2001)
Languages: Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, English
Season: April. November
Main Attraction: Mamaleshwara, Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Aru
Altitude: 2,130 m
Area: 2,740 m (8,990 ft)
STD code: 01936
Distance Charts to Pahalgam
Amritsar to Pahalgam 270.43 KM
Ladakh to Pahalgam 183.63 KM
Jalandhar to Pahalgam 301.95 KM
Delhi to Pahalgam 622.89 KM
Srinagar to Pahalgam 554 KM
Chandigarh to Pahalgam 391.08 KM
PAHALGAM PHOTO GALLERY
Aru valley
Betaab valley
Baisaran
Tulian lake
Sheshnag lake
Tarsar lake
Pahalgam
lidder valley
Litherwath
Pahalgam valley