Pahalgam is a city in India. Heaven on Earth. A Small place of 2-3 km but you can spend a week without getting bored. Pahalgam is a town and a Municipal committee in Anantnag district in India's northernmost state of Jammu and 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 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. It was once a tourist attraction and a favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films,[1] and is still a health resort. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests. A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam, as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier.
Pahalgam is also 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. The Amarnath cave is 6 km away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling in the Amarnath cave.
Transport
Srinagar Airport or town centre is a 2 1/2 hour trip one way. From Jammu is 8 hours to get Pahalgam.
For budget travellers, the cheapest way to reach Pahalgam is to travel to Jammu by rail and then catch a share taxi (4WD Sumo or Minibus) from the Jammu bus stand to Srinagar get off at Khanabal. This journey takes 6-7 hours. Within Khanabal district, catch a three-wheeler auto to Anantnag Sumo stand from where you should be able to get another 4WD share Sumo to Pahalgam which drops you off at the Pahalgam Sumo stand in approximately 1-1.5 hours.
These rates vary from season to season with extreme rates in peak season (Mid-April to June). For those without any budget constraints, another option is to hire a personal Sumo from Jammu bus stand to Pahalgam.
Buses also ply from Jammu bus stand to Pahalgam but they are very uncomfortable and take more time (12-14 hours).
Inside city
Pahalgam is done mostly by walking, taxi and ponies. Ponies are avaialbe at officially published rates everywhere - Main market, Laripora, Aru, etc. Aru can be reached by taxi for an onward treck to Lidderwat, Kolohoi Glaciers, etc.
Tourism
Three main sites in Pahalgam are : Chandanwari, Betaab Valley, and Aru valley. You can only take local taxies- Sumo, Tavera or similar 7 seater car as taxis from Srinagar or Jammu are not allowed to take you sightseeing here.
Next thing to do in Pahalgam is Pony ride. Pony rides are available to a scenic meadow called Baisaran or 'Mini Switzerland' from city center and with full bargaining!
White water rafting is must do thing in Pahalgam.
If you are travelling in the months of June and July, don't forget to carry your sunscreen lotions because if your skin is somewhat fair then you are prone to sun-burns.
Amarnath Yatra The holy pilgrimage to the Shiva Lingam runs for 2 months. This yearly pilgrimage starts in Pahalgam and takes 3 days. Pilgrims take a taxi 16 km to Chandiwari then they walk or take a pony to the cave and back which takes at least 2 days with an overnight stay in either Shishnag or Panchtarni. It is a trip not for the faint hearted as it is quite arduous though the faithful in their devotion to Shiva push on regardless and always make it.
Pahalgam offers lots of treks: Aru Valley, Kohli Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Chandiwari and Leh. The road to Ladakh is now open after winter so jeep safaris and camping trips to Leh, Pahalgam offers Fishing.
Pahalgam Photo Gallary
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1 comments:
Amazing pictures. I just loved them. Its complete guide about Pahalgam. Snow-capped mountains, unexplored hilly terrains, Lidder River and verdant pine forests form much of the landscape in Pahalgam. Check out Hotel Abshar Pahalgam, one of the best hotels in Pahalgam.
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