Pahalgam, a small village at Kashmir

          Pahalgam is a town and a Municipal committee in Anantnag district in India's northern most state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination, and every year, many tourists visit Pahalgam. This world famous hill station is 45 km. from the District Head Quarter at Anantnag and located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level.

The moment before sunrise.
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                Pahalgam was ruled by the Mughals in the medieval period. Later when the region came under the Hindu rulers, it was merged with Kashmir. It was independent during the British period, and became a part of India after independence.
           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. 

Look at the golden peak.
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          Pahalgam burst into life in July and August when pilgrims arrive to make their yatra pilgrimage to Shiva's ice lingam in the cave at Amarnath. There are many short walks and pony rides around Pahalgam. In General Pahalgam is also a Holiday resort and picnic spot.

Sunrise at Chandanbari
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          Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam. A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam, as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier.

The road to Chandanbari
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       Pahalgam in local dialect is translated as a “humble shepherd’s village’. Situated at an elevation of 2740m there are few places that is as pristine as this town. Once hidden from the world it is now a popular tourist destination. Pahalgam is a paradise fed by the Lidder river and surrounded by lofty deodars, fir, pine, junipers and many other conifers. Higher up, the mountains are caped with snow. The air is as pure as it can get.

The road beside the hill
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          Aru, a small village, 48 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the trek route to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It lies on the left bank of the Aru river. Aru is a beautiful village inhabited by Gujars. People live in log huts with their flocks of sheep and goats. The village offers outstanding views of the hills. 

The village, clicked from car...
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          A visit to this place not only detach one from the grip of professional stress, but also provide good opportunities for outdoor activities like, trekking, fishing trout and skiing. Pahalgam is also an important place on religious grounds.

On the way to Chandanbari, a dangerous curve
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          Pahalgam is associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). 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 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni.

Chandanbari
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        Amarnath Cave is just 6 km from Chandanwari. The cave and holy shrine at Amarnath is devoted to Lord Shiva. Its main attraction is the natural Shivalinga formed by an ice stalagmite. This shivalinga waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

Resting place for yatris under construction
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           Pahalgam and the nearby region is famous for Trout Fishing. It is one of the most adventurous activity here, but one needs to get prior fishing licence approval. Besides, the tourists are permitted to catch only six fish in a day.

The Valley at Chandanbari
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           There are many short walks available from Pahalgam and in addition it is an excellent base for longer treks such as those to the Kolahoi glacier or to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam is particularly famed for its many shepherds and they're a common sight, driving their flocks of sheep along the paths all around the town.

On the way to Amarnath cave
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        Pahalgam has four different areas to explore: a meadow above the village called Pahalgam Betaab valley Baisaran and three scenic valleys – Betaab, Chandanwadi and Aru. Baisaran and Betaab valley can be trekked to or accessed on ponies, while the other valleys are far out and need a car ride. It was once a tourist attraction and a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films, and is still a health resort. 

The bridge at Betaab Valley Lidder River
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          The walk to Betaab valley from Laripora first took us past the neighboring village of Mirpora and then on to the tarred road that connects Pahalgam with Chandanwadi. We walked about a kilometer and a half on this road as it rose above the Lidder river.

Lidder River
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             Betaab valley is a large picnic area with the Lidder river flowing right through it and green, snow-capped mountains Pahalgam Betaab valley forming the backdrop. Made famous because of the shooting of a Hindi film ‘Betaab’ – starring (in fact, introducing) Sunny baba and Amrita Singh – the area is quite gorgeous and beautifully maintained. A paved walkway runs around the perimeter of the meadow and plenty of trees provide many shaded spots for visitors to picnic under. Apart from tourists there were picnicking school children as well with large food hampers; they looked all set for a fun day outdoors! Visitors can spend hours here, if armed with enough food and books to laze with.

Large stones at Lidder River
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     Pahalgam gets layered under snow during winters and chilly breeze adds to the adversity for the travellers. Except winters, Pahalgam opens its arms with the bliss of pleasant weather and clear views around for the tourists. You may also opt out the monsoon season for the humidity and drizzles. The best visiting time at Pahalgam is from March to November.