The Valley Of Sheperds

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.

Pahalagam Attractions

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. 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.
The Village of nomad is un-spoilt by the ravages of progress. The large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests. A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam. Pahalgam is base camp for the pilgrims of 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 August). Panchtarni 13 km from Sheshnag is a place where five streams meet and its good for camping. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available.

What to do

Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :-

Horse Riding - Ponies can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office. Tariff boards are displayed at all important locations.

Golf - Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Pahalgam Club has a 9-hole golf course, which can be used by tourists. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office.

Fishing - TPahalagam is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. The Lidder River has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come - first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits and spinning are not allowed. For permits contact the Directorate of Fisheries, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.

Trekking - The environs of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities, the best known being: Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg. Trekking can also be undertaken as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier which is very beautiful via Aru village a charming meadow.

Shopping - Pahalgam, originally a shepherds' village, is naturally known for products made of wool. Gabbas and Namdas can be purchased from local shops.

Accomodation

Pahalgam  has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types which are open only during summer months.

How to reach

By Air - Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is  in  Badgam District. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.

BY Rail - The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu (280 kms.) and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.

By Road - The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara towns  from this National Highway.  Every sort of   transport  suiting  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 rest of  India.

Important Road Distance : Srinagar -76 kms , Anantnag - 55 kms

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. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests.