Altitude : 2130 meters Season : Mid April to Mid November
It is about 95 km. East of Srinagar at an altitude of 2130 mts.At
the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and
Sheshnag Lake Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd’s village with
breathtaking views. The shepherds were responsible for maintaining
the tracks and bridges over much of the trekking country as they
herd their flocks from pastures to pastures.
Now it is Kashmir’s premiere resort. Cool even during the height of
summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and
budgets from luxurious to unpretentious trekkers’ lodges including
JKTDC’s delightfully romantic fully furnished huts partially
concealed by giant pine trees.
In Pahalgam there is trout fishing (fly only) in the river and
permits have to be obtained in Srinagar. Around the town there are
luxuriant meadows and groves of Poplar Willow and Mulberry the last
of which is important for Kashmiri sericulture. The only
yellow-flowered colchicuon species grows in profusion here flowering
in March-April.
There are many places of interest around Pahalgam 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 (150 mts.above the valley) surrounded by thickly wooded
forests of pine makes a pleasant walk.
Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnin.
Pahalgam has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages one of
which is Mamal .The Mamaleshwara Temple dedicated to Shiva is 1.5
km. downstream south of town. This temple generally considered being
Kashmir’s oldest existing temple dating to the 8th century. It is
also a starting point for many an interesting treks.
The small village of Aru 11 km.up the Lidder River is the first
stage for the Kolahoi Glacier trek. The main track is motorable but
it does make a very interesting day’s walk through pine forests.
Amarnath : 47 kms. Altitude 3962 mts. the shrine of Amarnath is
believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Chandwari 16 kms. From
Pahalgam is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. Each year in
July/August this Yatra ( Pilgrimage) attracts thousands of Hindu
Pilgrims who approach the Amarnath cave from this area although the
road from Amarnath to Chandwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be
undertaken by car from Chandwari onwards the track becomes much
steeper being accessible on foot or by pony. 11 kms . From Chandwari
is the mountain lake of Sheshnag after which 13kms. 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 by
water dripping through the limestone roof of the cave. The ‘lingam’
waxes and wanes with the moon. Each year several thousand pilgrims
start for the cave to make obeisance on the full-moon day.
The State Government makes extensive arrangements every year for the
successful completion of the pilgrimage registering each one of the
over one lakh pilgrims registering pony owners and dandi walas
providing camps en route and ensuring safe comfortable and speedy
progress of the yatris .
If your visit to Pahalgam is not during the period of the yatra you
can still take a pony ride up to Sheshnag Lake returning late
evening.
