Altitude : 2,130m
Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri and English.
Best time to visit : Summers : mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
STD Code : 1936
Pahalgam - Introduction
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.In route to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with tourist spots at Mattan, famed for its springs and the hillside cave shrine of Aishmuqam. The river Lidder is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. The large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick forests. Pahalgam is in Anantnag district which is famous for Kashmir handmade "gabbas" and exquisitely designed wooden toys.
History of Pahalgam
Pahalgam and the region around were under the Mughals in the medieval times. Later Pahalgam came under the Kingdom of Kashmir and was ruled by the Hindu rulers before independence.
Accessibility
By Air : Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96-km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam District.
By Rail : The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
By Bus : Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.
Places to Visit
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.
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.
