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.
HOW TO REACH
By Air :-
ahalgam is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is in Badgam District which is well connected with major cities of India.
By Rail : –
The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu (280 kms.) From here take National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley.
By Road:-
Bus, taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar and Anantnag . The journey through the mountainous road, one can see the beautiful Lidder Valley with important spots of Mattan, Aishmuqam and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley.
WHAT TO SEE
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.
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.
SHOPPING:-
In Pahalgam, shopping can be quite a delight. You can shop for typical Kashmiri handicrafts and souvenirs, like beautifully hand-woven shawls, carpets with a regal air, woolen apparel like phirans to keep you warm (and fashionable!), embroidered tea cosies, wall hangings and wooden, carved souvenirs. Kashmiri items blend tradition and utility very well, so they’re usually hard to resist, either as gifts for loved ones or indulgences for yourself.
FOOD:-
Pahalgam has many restaurants, dhabas and coffee shops serving a variety of cuisines. Kashmiri food items are available all over Pahalgam. Bread, wazwan, Kahwa etc. are available at bakeries and restaurants. Kashmiri tea, called Kahwa, is another specialty of the region and a must-try. Kashmiri-wazwan style dishes like Rogan Josh, Tabak-Maz, Gushtaba etc. are available at many restaurants and local dhabas.