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Pahalgam, in Kashmir's Anantnag district, is about
96 km from the state capital of Srinagar. It is a quaint little village
sitting on the banks of river Lidde. Untouched by urban development,
Pahalgam is an angler's paradise, promising to please even an amateur with a
rainbow trout. The thick pine and cedar forests around this hill town
provide a natural habitat for the large brown bear. Pahalgam has a golf
course at 2400 metres above sea level. For adventure-seekers, camping
equipment, ponies and skiing equipment are easily available. Kolahoi is a
popular destination for trekkers via Aru, a fascinating meadow. Pahalgam is
also the base camp for pilgrims proceeding to the shrine of Lord Shiva at
Amarnath.
Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the
Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with
breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the
height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. A number
of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious
hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges.
The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran,
surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to
Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it
instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes. Pahalgam has
within it no fewer than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is
a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing
temple,
dating to the 5th century.
Pahalgam is an ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers
wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. Facilities for
roller-skating, table tennis, badminton and cards are available at the
Pahalgam Club. One can take a temporary membership at the Pahalgam natural
golf course.
Pahalgam is the base camp for pilgrims going to Amarnath Cave.
HOW
TO REACH
By Air - The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt.
By Rail - The nearest rail head is at Jammu.
By Road - Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis can be
hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. The J&K Road Transport
Corporation runs daily sight seeing tours from Srinagar. Assistance is
available at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Pahalgam is during summers between May to September.
WHAT TO SEE
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WHAT TO SEE
Chandanwari (16km: 2,923m) - It is famous for its snow bridge.
Baisaran (5 km: 2,438m) - 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 (27 km: 3,658m) - The waters of this greenish blue lake are
covered with ice till June.
Panchtarni (40 km) - 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 (11 km: 2,408m) - 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 (22km: 3,408m) - A beautiful camping site set among dense forests.
Starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.
Kolohi (1,467 m) - Base for a three-day return trek to the Kolohi Glacier.
Tarsar Lake (34 km: 3,962m) - It can be reached from Lidderwat. There are
delightful camping sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from here. To
reach the nearby Mansar lake one has to cross a 243 mts high bridge.
WHERE TO EAT
There are so many good restaurants and houseboat restaurant.
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