Pahalgam 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, including J&K TDC's huts.
Best viewed in I.E.5.0 & above in 800X600 resolution Travel Tools
Resources Railway Timetable Currency Converter Distance Chart Weather
Visa Info Passport Info Pahalgam is surrounded many places of interest,
and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth
hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent
locations.
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 also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari
(2,895 m), 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra
that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to Augustz).
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, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from
Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which,
13 kms away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms
away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms
a natural shivling in the Amarnath cave, which waxes and wanes with
the moon.
Tarsar Lake
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.
Trekking
The environs of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities, the
best known being: Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath
Cave Temple- Sonamarg.
Horse Riding
Ponies can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office. Tariff boards
are displayed at all important locations.
Golf
Pahalgam Club has a 9-hole golf course, which can be used by tourists.
Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office.
Fishing
Fishing in the Lidder
For detailed information on the Amaranath Yatra, refer to the Amarnathji
Yatra Link, which contains detailed information on the background of
the yatra, the facilities provided and arrangements made, the routes
of yatra, registration requirements, "do's and dont's", etc.
|
