General Information
Location 95-km From Srinagar, Kashmir Region, J&K
Altitude 2,130m
Best Time Best Time To Visit: In Summer - May To
September In Winter - November To February
Activities
Fishing
Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's popular trout fishing beats. Kashmir is famous for its trout although they
tend to be rather small. Additionally, fishing licences are hard
to get and rather expensive. A compulsion is to keep am guide
and one is also permitted to catch six fishes, which is the
daily limit.
Main Attraction
Mamaleshwara, Baisaran, Tulian Lake, Aru
The Valley Of Shepherds
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam
is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley.
Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures
do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the
beautiful Lidder River running right through the town.
Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag
Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with
bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Aru flows down
from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag
from glaciers along the great Himalayan.
At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder
and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village
with breathtaking views. Now it Kashmir's premier resort, cool
even during the height of summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all
preferences and budgets, from luxurious to unpretentious
trekkers' lodges, including JKTDC's delightfully romantic, fully
furnished huts, partially concealed by giant pine trees.
Prime Attractions of Pahalgam
Martand
The lofty plateau, on which the remains of the ancient temple of
Martanda stand, overlooks the modern village of Matan, located
at its foot.
Mattan & Martand
Only a few km beyond Anantnag, on the Pahalgam road, Mattan is
an important Hindu pilgrimage point due to its fish filled
springs. A complicated legend relates that the springs were
created when Lord Shiva broke open an egg, which had been thrown
there, the egg being the reincarnated form of a forgetful boy,
who had been cursed by a wandering sage and that's only half the
story! On a plateau above Mattan and 3-km to the south, stands
the huge ruined temple of Martand. Built by Lalitaditya
Mukhtapida it is the most impressive ancient ruin in Kashmir and
beautifully sited. The ruins are 67m by 43m and consist of a
portico with a small-detached shrine on both side and a
quadrangular courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded by 84
columns - the multiple of the number of days in the week by the
number of signs in the zodiac. From here to Pahalgam the road
follows the course of the Lidder River, past some good trout
fishing stretches.
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary
Overa Wildlife Sanctuary is located 76-km from Srinagar, near
Pahalgam, and has an area of 32.27-sq-kms. The area is home to a
number of rare, threatened and protected species of birds and
mammals.
Fishing
Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's popular trout fishing beats.
Kashmir is famous for its trout although they tend to be rather
small. Additionally, fishing licences are hard to get and rather
expensive. A compulsion is to keep am guide and one is also
permitted to catch six fishes, which is the daily limit.
On The Road To Pahalgam
The road to Pahalgam starts out towards Jammu but later branches
off to the east at Anantnag. There are a number of points of
interest along this route including several Mughal gardens -
indeed if one take a bus tour to Pahalgam one'll be thoroughly
saturated with Mughal gardens by the time one arrives.
Chandanwari & Passage To The Amarnath Yatra (16Km.)
Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point
of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month
of Sawan (Rain). The destination is the Amarnath Cave, beli eved
to the abode of Lord Shiva. Although the road from Pahalgam to
Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain, and can be undertaken by
car, from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper,
being accessible on foot or by pony. Located 11-km from
Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which 13-km
away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6-km
away from there. During the month of 'Sawan', an ice stalagmite
forms a natural Shivling (also spelt as Shivlinga), which waxes
and wanes with the phases of the moon. The state government
makes extensive arrangements every year for the successful
completion of the pilgrimage, registering each one of the over
one lakh pilgrims, pony owners and Dandi Walas, providing camps
en route, and ensuring safe, comfortable and speedy progress of
the Yatris. Even if one's visit to Pahalgam is not during the
period of the Yatra, one can still take a pony ride up to
Sheshnag Lake, returning late evening.
Pahalgam Walks
There are many short walks available from Pahalgam and in
addition it is an excellent base for longer treks such as those
to the Kolahoi glacier or to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam can
also be used as a starting point for treks out of the region.
Pahalgam is particularly famed for its many shepherds and
they're a common sight, driving their flocks of sheep along the
paths all around the town.
How To Get There - Pahalgam
By Air
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.
By Road
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. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to
cross this mountainous road, which crosses some beautiful spots
and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India.
Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag, which leave
at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and other sort of
transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.
Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.
On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley
with important spots of Mattan and Aishmuqam |
