Pahalgam, in Kashmir's Anantnag district, is about 96 km from the state capital of
Srinagar. It is a quaint little village sitting on the banks of river Lidde. Untouched
by urban development, Pahalgam is an angler's paradise, promising to please even
an amateur with a rainbow trout. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 metres above
sea level. For adventure-seekers, camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment
are easily available. Kolahoi is a popular destination for trekkers via Aru, a fascinating
meadow. Pahalgam is also the base camp for pilgrims proceeding to the shrine of Lord
Shiva at Amarnath.
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.
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 an
ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers wonderful treks, skiing,
mountaineering and camping sites. Facilities for roller-skating, table tennis, badminton
and cards are available at the Pahalgam Club. One can take a temporary membership
at the Pahalgam natural golf course.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest Airport is
in Badgam Distt.
By Rail - The nearest rail head is at Jammu.
By Road - Bus service
is available from Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed
rates. The J&K Road Transport Corporation runs daily sight seeing tours from Srinagar.
Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.
WHEN TO GO
The best
time to visit Pahalgam is during summers between May to September.
WHAT TO SEE
Chandanwari : (16km: 2,923m) - It is famous for its snow bridge.
Baisaran
(5 km: 2,438m) - Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of
the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is
11kms from Baisaran.
Aru (11 km: 2,408m) - This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain
path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.
Lidderwat
(22km: 3,408m) - A beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Starting point
of the trek to the Sindh Valley.
Kolohi (1,467 m) - Base for a three-day return trek
to the Kolohi Glacier.
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The charm of staying on a Kashmiri houseboat in a cedar-panelled bedroom with all the conveniences of a luxury hotel is truly irresistible. Fancifully bedecked and romantically named, these houseboats vary in their degree of luxury, quite like hotels. Houseboat stays have long been in fashion in Kashmir and have been attracting travelers for years. Keeping houseboats is a family business and you are treated much like family members during your stay. Apart from luxurious bedrooms, dining rooms, lounge and attached bathrooms, you also have balconies where you can spend your time eye feasting. Travelers can easily choose from a wide range and categories of houseboats. Some of these houseboats also offer tourists free shikara rides on Dal Lake.
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