Pahalgam

Situated at an altitude of 2,130 m above sea level, Pahalgam, the 'Valley of Shepherds' is a famous hill station in Jammu and Kashmir. It is 45 kms away from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and 96 km away from Srinagar, the state capital. Set amidst pine and fir woods and surrounded by snow capped mountains, Pahalgam is untouched by urban development.

It is a quaint little village sitting at the confluence of the streams flowing from Lidder and Sheshnag rivers.

Pahalgam also serves as base camp sfor pilgrims proceeding to the shrine of Lord Shiva at Amarnath and treks to the higher mountains. Every year in July and August, the town is thronged with thousands of pilgrims.

Pahalgam has a 18 hole Golf course at 2400 metres above sea level surrounded by pine trees attracting the participation of local and national players in the tournaments. One can take a temporary membership here. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office.

Places to see in Pahalgam

Aru
It is a small village resort connected by 11 krn motorable road from Pahalgam. Lying at an elevation of 2,408 m above sea level, this meadow is the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek leads to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi Glaciers (36 km) at an altitude of 3,400 m. It also the base camp for the expeditions like Tarsar and Marsar, Kolohai and Sonmarg and Kungwattan.The meadow is an interesting day walk from Phalgam. At Aru one one can see Gujars, the hill people of Kashmir,living in their log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats.

Betab Valley
Situated just 3 km from Pahalgham on Chandanwari Road lies the beautiful Betab Valley. Located at an altitude of 2,530 metres above the sea level, the valley is surrounded by snow covered mountains peaks, dense Pine and deodar Forests, gushing streams and rivulets of Sheshnaag river and green fields and meadows. Famous for film shootings and picnic spot, it derives its name from the famous hindi movie 'Betab' which was filmed in this area.

Baisaran
Situated 4 kms from Pahalgam is a lush meadow surrounded by pine forests and the beautiful mountains. Situated 150 m higher, it provides excellent views over the town and the Lidder valley.

Baisaran, situated 5 km away from Pahalgam, is a lush meadow enveloped with dense vegetation. The meadow is dotted with thickly wooded forests of pine, and provides a view of the beautiful snow-clad mountains that surround it from all sides. Resembling European resorts, this huge and undulating meadow serves as a good campsite. The meadow can be reached by walk or can hire ponies from near the center of town.

Tulian Lake
If one continues 11-km beyond Baisaran, reaches a crystal clear Tulian Lake, situated at an altitude of 3,353meters. Surrounded by mountains, it is frozen for most of the year. It also can be reached either by walk or by pony trek.

Hajan
Situated on the way to Chandanwari, is Hajan an idyllic picni spot. It has been the location of several movie scenes.

Madmaheshwar
Situated on the opposite side of the Lidder river, it is just a km from Pahalgam. There is a small Shiva temple with its square, stone tank built during the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th century.

Kolahai Glaciers
At an altitude of 3400 m and 36 kIn trek from Pahalgam via Lidderwat enroot to the 5300 meters Kolahai peak (one of the highest peaks in Kashmir).

Shikargah, a wild life reserve, Frislan a famous spot for trout fishing, Tarsar and Marsar Lakes are the other tourist attractions in Pahalgam.

Activities in Pahalgam

Pahalgam offers a pleasant place to stay respite from the turmoil of cities and ideal for short walks. The hillstation also offers trekking, hiking, river rafting, skiing and horse riding. Ponies can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office.

Pahalgam Club offers facilities for roller-skating, table tennis, badminton and cards.

The famous trekking routes are Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg. Kolahoi Glacier is a popular destination for trekkers via Aru, a fascinating meadow.

Apart from these, Pahalgam is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch with a rainbow trout and permits have to be obtained from the Government Fisheries Department. They also provide fishing equipment on rent. Live baits and spinning are not allowed.

Pahalgam is also a shopping paradise. The town is famous for products made of wool. Carpets, Gabbas, Shawls and Namdas can be get from local shops.