Pahalgam is located in the
western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern
region of 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.
Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the
picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It
provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing.
It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of
Amarnath.
The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the verdant Liddar
valley attracts the traveler towards it. The sparkling water of River
Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has a number of picnic spots around it.
Pahalgam is a part of Asia's only saffron growing area. One can see the
saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. There are a number of
hiking and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even explore these
places on horseback. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of the mighty
Himalayan range with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.
| » Major Attractions of Pahalgam |
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Aru : The little village of Aru is actually
the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi
glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the
Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11-km upstream.
The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the
river. There is also a less used, and more difficult path, on the right
bank. At Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts with
their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher sheep and goats, en
route to the higher pastures for the summer.
Mamaleshwara : Mamaleshwara is only a km or so downstream
from Pahalgam, and on the opposite side of the Lidder, is this small Shiva
temple with its square, stone tank. It is thought to date from the reign of
king Jayasima in the 12th century, even earlier.
Tulian
Lake : If one continues 11 km beyond Baisaran one reaches the Tulian
Lake at 3,353m, 1,200m higher up. It is covered in ice for much of the year
and surrounded by peaks, which rise more than 300m above its shores. It also
can be reached by pony trek.
Baisaran :
This meadow, about 5-km from Pahalgam and 150m higher, provides excellent
views over the town and the Lidder valley. Pine forests and the snowclad
mountains surround the grassy glen. One can hire ponies for this trek from
near the centre of town.
| » Places to Stay in Pahalgam |
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Pahalgam has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types,
which are open only during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak Bungalow and
number of Huts, which are available on hire. The tariffs depend on the type
of accommodation to be hired. Accomodation needs to be booked well in
advance from Srinagar. Tourists are advised to contact Manager Tourist
Reception centre Jammu/Srinagar for booking and Tariffs. Hotel bookings can
be executed from their representatives in Srinagar the list of which can be
had from the JKTDC.
| » Fairs & Festivals of Pahalgam |
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Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra
(holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the
abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of
pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.
| » How to Get there |
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Air : Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and
is about 96-km from Srinagar. 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. Every sort of transport to suit every
budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway.
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& Kashmir Tour Packages | Hotels
in Jammu & Kashmir
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in Jammu & Kashmir
