Pahalgam

Its Location
Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. Situated away from the grind of daily life, Pahalgam occupies soaring mountains, glistening glaciers, gushing silvery streams of ice water and dense pine and cedar forests with soft whistling winds and revitalizing air. It is famously known as the Lidder valley, which forms the north-eastern corner of the Kashmir vale.

Its Beauty
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. Pahalgam is an ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. Facilities for roller-skating, table tennis, badminton and cards are available at the Pahalgam Club. One can take a temporary membership at the Pahalgam natural golf course.

Places Of Interest

Baisaran & Hajan
The most beautiful of place in Pahalgam 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.

Amarnath Yatra
Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural shivling in the Amarnath cave, which waxes and wanes with the moon.

Sheshnag Lake
The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Panchtarni
It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. A good camping site.

Aru
This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Tarsar Lake
It can be reached from Lidderwat. There are delightful camping sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from here. To reach the nearby Mansar lake one has to cross a 243 mts high bridge.

Recreational Activities

Trekking
The environs of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities, the best known being: Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg.

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

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

Fishing
Fishing in the Lidder