PAHALGAM
Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley located in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for activities like hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath. 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. 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. The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath. The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.
The natural beauty of Pahalgam and the verdant Liddar valley attracts the traveler towards it. The sparkling water of River Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has a number of picnic spots around it. Pahalgam is a part of Asia’s only saffron growing area. One can see the saffron plants in full bloom in the month of November. There are a number of hiking and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even explore these places on horseback. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan range with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.
Adventure – The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers.
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
Pahalgam does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 95 km from Pahalgam. It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time between the two is 2½ hours. Travelers can either use bus or taxi from Pahalgam to reach Srinagar. Tourists can hire guided ponies and horses to explore Pahalgam and the areas around it.
