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Pahalgam is 95
km. east of Srinagar, 2400 mt. above sea level popular
holiday resort. It is called “Shepherds village” at the head
of the Lidder valley. Best place for trout fishing. Apart
from angling, Pahalgam is also known as the starting point
for trekking.
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. Now it Kashmir's
premier 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.
Pahalgam Walks - 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 can also be used as a starting point
for treks out of the region. 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.
Betaab Valley
Located on the way to Chandanwari, the valley was named
Betaab after the Bollywood movie by the same name! Earlier
known as Hajan Valley, after the release of the movie, it
was renamed as major part of the movie was shot here.
Located amid picture perfect environs complete with snow
capped mountains, gurgling streams, colorful willow trees &
the warm sun; making it an ideal for an artists canvas!
Chandanwari & Passage To The Amarnath Yatra
Situated 16-km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting
point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in
the month of Sawan (Rain). The destination is the Amarnath
Cave, believed to the abode of Lord Shiva. Although 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, being accessible on foot or by pony.
Located 11-km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of
Sheshnag, 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 (also spelt as Shivlinga), which waxes and
wanes with the phases of the moon.
Adventure Sports
Trekking & Mountaineering
One can go Trekking at Pahalgam at many locations such as:
Aru Valley, Kohli Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Chandiwari and Leh.
The Himalayas are the largest mountains in the world. At an
altitude of 2,130 m above sea level, one can enjoy the
thrills of mountaineering from Pahalgam, and try to conquer
the mighty mountains.
River Rafting (Water Sports)
Which
offers white water rafting trips down its swift and wild
flowing streams, originating from serene Sheshnag Lake.. It
is a beautiful trip winding down the Lidder River through
the natural forests and down the exhilarating rapids.
Golf
Just 10 mins away from Hotel Abshar, Pahalgam, located is
the famous Pahalgam Golf Club. It is renowned for hosting
international golfing events and providing golfing
entertainment to all visitors.
Horse Riding (Pony Ride)
It is hardly surprising that Horse riding is fast growing in
popularity in Kashmir. With spectacular scenery and clear
air Riders can enjoy a wealth of different vistas - Ride
through ancient villages, through flower strewn meadows,
deep river valleys cut by fast flowing streams or
mountainsides dominated by majestic Pine trees.
It is a delight in spring and an ideal stepping off point
for short treks. Film buffs will recognize many locations as
it is the favourite venue for film makers.
Trout Fishing
Pahalgam is one of Kashmir's popular trout fishing beats.
Kashmir is famous for its trout although they tend to be
rather small. Additionally, fishing licences are hard to get
and rather expensive. A compulsion is to keep am guide and
one is also permitted to catch six fishes, which is the
daily limit.
Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and
because the resort is set between fairly hills, it is worth
hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at
prominent locations.
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.
Aru
The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from
Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier.
It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following
the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river
for 11-km upstream. The main track, which also can be taken
by car, is on the left bank of the river. There is also a
less used, and more difficult path, on the right bank. At
Aru one will often find the Gujars, living in their log huts
with their flocks of sheep and goats, en route to the higher
sheep and goats, en route to the higher pastures for the
summer. |