Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar.

Pahalgam is Asia's only saffron-growing area (which blooms in November). The crystal clear waters of River Lidder which is just before the entry into Pahalgam is an ideal spot for trekking, picnics and pony rides. Pahalgam is adorned with lush greenery and tall pine trees. Pony rides take you around this whole place. The picturesque location of this place also makes it an ideal spot for movie shootings. Pahalgam is also the starting point to take you to Pilgrimage shrines of Amarnath Caves, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in July-Aug thousands of Pilgrims approach the caves through here.

The Valley of Shepherds as it is called, the mystic land of Pahalgam soaked in the morning dew, looks afresh and stands prominent at an elevation of 2400 metres in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. 95 kilometres east of Srinagar, it is situated at the confluence of two beautiful rivers Liddar and Sheshnag. Protected by fir and snow capped peaks it forms an ideal destination for the trekking aficionados. Longer treks are possible to the Kolahoi Glacier and Amarnath Cave. This site is most crowded and commercialised during the months of July and August, when thousands cram to receive the blessings of the deity at the Amarnath caves, around 45 kilometres from Pahalgam. A plethora of mountains and glaciers, it offers breathtaking views of the valleys and the surrounding area.

Enjoy a ride to all the destinations around Pahalgam on a pony or on foot, if you want to get the best of all these exotic locations. Pahalgam is rightly called the Jewel of the Liddar Valley. It provides an ideal setting for various other activities like hiking and fishing too. It forms the starting point of the journey to Amarnath, the holy cave. A ride on a pony up to the Sheshnag Lake is worth the bucks spent. There exists an angler's paradise and the Pahalgam Club has a golf course and a skating rink. The origin of Pahalgam is incomprehensible. The medieval period saw the rule of the Mughal kings and later, the land was merged into the kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers.

Prime Attractions of Pahalgam

» Aru
Aru is a small village which forms the first step to the Kolahoi trek. Close to this place is Amarnath cave, situated at the height of 12,729 feet. It lies at a distance of 144 km from Srinagar and 48 km from Pahalgam. The length, width, height of cave is 60, 30 & 15 feet respectively. The Kolahoi Glacier is 36 Kms from Pahalgam. Tarsar Lake nearby is a beautiful lake, 35 kms ahead. The lake is set amidst beautiful surroundings and flower meadows.

» Baisaran
Baisaran lies nearby, at a soaring height of 2438 metres above the sea level. It is situated at a distance of 5 kms from Pahalgam and is densely covered with pine forests and snow clad mountains. 11 kms from Baisaran is the Tulian Lake, placed at an elevation of 3353 metres above the sea level. The region is blanketed by snow for most of the time. 16 kms from Pahalgam is Chandanwari, with a height of 2923 metres. This place is known for the snow bridge and picnic spots and lies on the way to the famous shrine of Lord Shiva, the Amarnath cave.

» Mamaleshwara
Mamaleshwara is only a km or so downstream from Pahalgam, and on the opposite side of the Lidder, is this small Shiva temple with its square, stone tank. It is thought to date from the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th century, even earlier.

» Tulian Lake
If one continues 11 km beyond Baisaran one reaches the Tulian Lake at 3,353m, 1,200m higher up. It is covered in ice for much of the year and surrounded by peaks, which rise more than 300m above its shores. It also can be reached by pony trek.

Activities in Pahalgam

The climate in Pahalgam is conducive to carry on activities like trekking and fishing. Treks can be possible to Kalahoi glacier, the route passes through Aru, Satlanjan and Dudsar Lake and also through the Zojila Pass to Leh. Basic equipments for camping are readily available and so are ponies and porters. A short walk through the alpine forests, with crystal clear waters wading swiftly though the trees, to give you company, is a must to explore nature in its greenest best.

Angling is a famous activity because of the popularity of the Liddar River. Trout fishing can also be done provided one has a valid license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. The Liddar is divided three fishing beats between Mattan and Pahalgam, and a plethora of fish awaits your entry. If none of the above adventures interest you, the place still forms an ideal picnic spot.

Festivals of Pahalgam

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.

Best time to Visit Pahalgam

The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.

Places to Stay in Pahalgam

Gulmarg houses a number of hotels that offer good accommodation and meals. Hotels of international standards are also available. Various Tourist bungalows are available along with tourist huts, private bungalows, hotels and tents

How to get there

» Air
Nearest Airport is Srinagar at a distance of 95 km.

» Rail
Nearest Railhead is Jammu Tawi. Pahalgam is connected to many parts of the country by express trains.

» Road
Local buses are available from Srinagar to Pahalgam, duration 2.5 to 4 hours. J&K Road Transport Corporation operates tour buses also. Tourists can hire guided ponies and horses to explore Pahalgam and the areas around it.