Pahalgam - The Valley of Shepherds


 
Pahalgam, a world famous hill station is 45 Kms. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and located on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. Once a great tourist puller and favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films is perhaps the best health resort in the country. Pahalgam also serves as base camp for the famous Amarnath Ji Yatra. The Pahalgam Valley presents glamorous look due to its pine forests, snow clad mountains, healthy climate and vast meadows and pastures. Pahalgam skirts Lidder river and torrential flow of water in Lidder river enriches the awesome beauty of the Valley.

Location                       :
 Anantnag - Kashmir Valley
Altitude                        :
 2130 mts
Side Valleys                 : 
 Aru Valley, Chandanwari,  Bisaran, Beetab Valley,  Hajan, Mamal
Major Tourist Activity   :
 Trout Fishing, White Water  Rafting, Golf, Horse Riding,  Camping, Trekking,  Mountaineering,
Best time to visit         :
 March to November  
How to reach 
   

Important Contacts Pahalgam
STD Code :                
 01936
Tourist Office :           
+91.1936.243224
JKTDC :                    
+91.1936.243285/ 243308                     
Police Station :        
+91.1936.243228
                                                                                      
Pahalgam is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. the large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. White water of River Lidder makes it ideal for the thrilling adventure sport like white water rafting. Kolahoi is a popular Trekking destination via Aru Valley a charming meadow. Aru Valley haven for Amature and Professional Trekkers, some of the most popular trekking destinations from Aru are Kolohai, Tarsar, Marsar etc.
Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of Amarnath, and for Trekking expeditions to Sonmarg, Wadwan and Suru Valley etc.
 
Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking.
In Pahalgam the most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan and Beetab Valley 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. In Pahalgam there is a Shiva temple, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century.

“Shepherd’s village”, Pahalgam is visited by tourists and locals in huge number for its gradual lowering of temperature and river Lidder flowing at an approachable distance. Traveling through meandering roads, Pahalgam opens up with a fresh coo1 breeze of the river. The Lidder river rises from the Kolohoi glaciers, Tarsar lake and Sheeshnag to join as tributary of Jhelum. Pahalgam has an astounding 9 hole golf course open for tourists now being extended into an 18 hole. The golf championships are organised by state government and private hoteliers in summer. Here, tourists and locals putt together in the shades of Pine trees surrounding the golf  course.

Amarnath ji Yatra

Pahalgam(Nunwan) is a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Which starts from June to August every year. Enrote to Anarnath Cave is Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the. 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.

The Holy Cave of Amarnathji is 46.7 km from Pahalgam at a altitude of 3952 meters, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The ice lingam formed by water droplets, symbolises Lord Shiva. Nearby are ice lingams of Mata Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya also. People visit the Holy Cave during the scheduled Yatra period.Yatris can hire a pony or Dandy from (Nunwan) Pohalgam. According to Bringesha Samhita ,a book in sanskrit , Rishi Bringesha once instructed his disciples to have darshan of sacred lingam at the holy cave , The pilgrims were harassed by demons on the way, Lord Shiva gifted rishis a scepter for their safeguard. Charri Mubarak today is a symbol of this protected caravan.

This Hindu pilgrimage is believed to be the discovery of a Muslim shepherd named Butta Malik who’s descendants still receive a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims. The State government organizes Yatra generally during June to August depending upon the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima). The yatra registration is must for all yatries, which is made available at J&K bank branches at selected cities of India. All stopovers have facilities from tents to medical camps and langars. The trek is covered in 2 to 3 days.

Distances of stopovers from Pahalgam are: Chandanwari - 16 Km (Vehicles are available for transportation),Pissu top - 19.6 km, Sheeshnag -25.6 km, Panjtarni - 40.2km, Holy Cave-46.7km.
 
Sheshnag, First night stopover

25.6 km, a full day walking distance from Pahalgam, Sheeshnag has sufficient tented accommodation for yatries ,all the essential facilities are available for yatries mostly free like medication, langars etc. According to hindu mythology powerful Asura a demon created havoc among gods as he had been given 
boon of being eternal by Lord Shiva, gods were asked by Lord Shiva to approach Lord Vishnu.

The gods prayed to Lord Vishnu as a result the mighty snake in the lake destroyed the demon . For this reason the place is called as Sheeshnag. Bathing in the lake considered auspicious.
  
Panchtarni , second night stopover
40.2 km from Pahalgam, anotherfull day walk from Sheeshnag, tented accommodation and other facilities available for yatries. A stream here joins another four streams.It is believed that Lord Shiva was performing Tandav Nritya. the cosmic dance of destruction, his locks got disheveled from which five stream came down. Its considered auspicious to bathe in these holy streams. 
Holy Cave

Total of 46.7 km from Pahalgam , a half a day walk from Panchtarni ,the camp near the holy cave has every facility for yatries. After darshans a night halt is generally preferred by some yatries. Some prefer to walk back same day to Panchtarni,whereas most of the yatries take the Baltal route to come down same day and stay overnight at Baltal camp 13 km from from Sonamarg. 
Outside the cave two pigeons could be seen by the blessed ones. According to legend once Lord Shiva was in deep meditation he was disturbed by devotees, Lord got furious transformed them into pigeons. Since then the two pigeons worship the lord outside the cave, which have been witnessed by many yatries near the cave an their Pilgrimage.
Dos & Donts for Amarnath Yatris
Dos
#   Carry warm clothes and rain proofs
#   Keep two pair of trekking / sports shoes
#   Carry sufficient dry eatables like biscuits and namkeens.
#   Get a medical checkup from a doctor before planning for yatra.
#   Carry proper yatra registration.
#   Carry a set of oxygen inhaler.
Dont's#   Don't smoke enroute yatra.
#   Don't carry heavy bags while on yatra.
#   Don't walk close to ponies or dandies.
#   Don't sit frequently at the route.
#   Don't neglect regulations and security check post.
#   Don't litter use a bin or a bag.
#   Don't throw polythin.
 
What to do in Pahalgam ?
Horse Riding, Golf, Fishing, White water Rafting, Trekking, Shopping

FishingTrout fishing in Lidder River is quite popular sport in Pahalgam. Brown and Rainbow trout’s in the soft & hard levels of the river challenges an angler to throw a line at different beats. Kashmir is said to be the cheapest trout fishing destination in the world. The department of fisheries supervises the angling to maintain the ecological balance of the species through scientific measures. Anglers can buy or hire the fishing equipments like a rod, reel, flies ,net basket or long boots from the shops at Polo view lane, near the Bund Srinagar. The Ghilees can also be arranged from fisheries dept or the anglers shops.
Permits have to be collected well in advance from J&K fisheries department.Best season for fishing is April to September.
The Tourist Office near bus stand provides assistance and information to the visitors.

Accommodation in Pahalgam ?
 
Pahelgam offers Variety of Accommodation in every segments
Luxery Hotels and resorts to budget Hotels, Tented to Luxary Tented Resorts, Mud houses, Private Huts, JKTDC Huts to Private Paying Guest facilities.
Pahalgam has the highest number of luxury private hotels after Srinagar. Guest houses and hutment type accommodation are scattered around the market area and in outskirts. Some centrally heated hotels make your stay comfortable during the winter season.During Amarnath yatra tented accommodation is available at Nunwan base camp It is recommended to make advance reservation for private hotel during Yatra  period. 
 
Places of Interest in Pahalgam 
Baisaran

3 km from pahalgam is an exciting place where a stream flows through the meadows and pine trees.Visitors can enjoy a horse ride available at the market place near the bus stand.
 
Shikargha
Pahalgam's famous picnic spot is a wild life reserve, reached on foot or by pony from main market.
 
Betab Valley

At a walkable distance is a tourist spot amidst pine trees in pahalgam is famous for many film shootings.
 
Tulian Lake

Most captivating lake at an altitude of 4000m, surrounded by the snow capped mountains. It is a full day long trek from Pahalgam. Assistance of a local guide is highly recommended for conducting trekking to this high altitude lake. 
 
Mamal Temple

Mamalika one of the ancient temple in Pahalgam built in 11th century by King Jayasimha, is situated on the right bank of the Lidder. The temple has a pedestal and a Shivalinga. A pure water spring rises at the site covered by a basin.
 
Aru

is a resort village 11km from Pahalgam with a motorable road. From here, famous trek via Lidderwat leads to the Kolohoi Glaciers (36km) at an altitude of 3400mtrs. Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mtrs. Another trek from Lidderwat leads to the most desired twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794mtrs & Marsar 3788 mtrs (2-3 days trek).
  
Aishmuqam

Shrine of a Sufi saint Baba Zaina-ud-din Wali on a hillock at Ashmuqam is 86 km from  Srinagar on route Pahalgam. Commonly known as “Zaino Shah Sahib”, the Sufi was a follower of Alamdar e Kashmir “Shiekh Noor ud Din”. The main sanctorum is situated inside a deep and narrow cave, several relics associated
to Bab are kept in a room inside the cave. One of the relics is “The Rod of Staff” of Prophet Moses PBUH, which is believed to have been gifted by Shah Hamdan to Shiekh Noor-Ud-Din Noorani who further handed over the relic to his disciple. In about 15th century, Baba Zaina-ud-Din Wali belonged to Hindu family fron Kishtawar(Doda),His name was Zia Singh.He suffered from a desease that could not be cured by any doctor of the time. When he approached the famous saint Shaikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, his desease cured . There after Zia Singh became Shiekhs disciple and he accepted Islam. One week long Zool festival is celebrated in the month of April in respect of the Shiekh Zaina-ud-din Wali in a peculiar way of holding torchlights “leshi” in a procession, which start in the shrine are displayed to the public for seeking blessings.
 
Sun Temple

64 km from Srinagar and just 7 km from Anantnag is “Sun Temple” of Martand that belongs to the era of Pandvas . These are the most impressive ancient ruins of Sun temple built by King Lalitaditya Mukhtapida 699-739 AD situated a top a plateau. According to a legend, Surya, the sun god was the l3th child born from a life less egg called Martand to Aditi wife of saint Kashyap. The
foundation of the temple is said to have been between 370-500AD.Whereas some record the construction of temple by  Ranaditya.
Avantipur Temples

Oil the to Pahalgam,30 km Srinagar, exist the massive and most impressive ruins of stone temples built during the rein of King Awantiwarman (855-883 AD). Awantipur once the capital of Kashmir is on the right bank of river Jehlum. A short stopover enroute Pahalgam will certainly be liked by the visitors interested in the history of the vale.
Where to Eat in Pahalgam ?
Most of the hotels in Pahalgam have their inhouse restaurants where one can order for all types of continental and Indian food.There are good number of restaurant in the main market where the tourist can get the fast food as well as the mughlai delicacies.From early morning to late night dinners can be relished at these food joints.
During Amarnath yatra pure vegetarian food is provided at most of the restaurants and hotel.The bhojnalyas in the main market also provide the Indian food.The free Langars are available for the Yatris on the entire route upto the Holy cave.(Day Yatra)
 
How to Reach Pahalgam?
Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is in Srinagar International Airport. The nearest Rail Head is at Udhampur and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
From Srinagar Pahalgam can be reached via Khanabal as well as Bijbehara villages. Every type of Transport suit every budget from Buses to MUV Cabs are available from Srinagar as well as from Kahnabal (KMD bus terminal Anantnag).
Daily sightseeing coach of SRTC during summers is available fron tourist reception centre.The local bus service from Pantha chowk bus stand can also be availed right upto Pahalgam main market.It is recommended to hire ataxi fron taxi satmdor through travel agent for this 3 hrs journey from Srinagar.
From Jammu Pahalgam can be accessed via Khanabal Anantnag which lies on National Highway 1 A.
During Amarnath Yatra the transport service is restricted on the Pahalgam route.Yatris holding valid permits should commute in a special yatra coaches from Jamu and Srinagar that move as per fixed schedule.The private taxis and coaches can also be hired.
 
Every type of prepaid Taxis are also available at Srinagar International Airport