Pahalgam is a hill station in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. it is famous for its mountain trails that run northeast to Amarnath Cave Temple, a Hindu shrine and site of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage in July August. Also called Phelgom in Kashmiri, or village of the shepherd is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district. The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region and later it was part of 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. A popular tourist destination and hill station. It is surrounded on Northeast by the Lidder River that runs through scenic Betaab Valley, where famous Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh was shot. In the Southeast, Tullian Lake is flanked by snow-covered mountain peaks. The period between March to November is the best time to visit Pahalgam as the weather is good for outdoor activities.
The best time for adventure seekers who want to enjoy skiing is the winter season. 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, the Pahalgam-Chandanwati-Amarnath route preferred by tourists trying to reach the mountain cave of Lord Shiva. Located 95 km from Srinagar at a height of 7200 ft, Pahalgam, at the confluence of Lidder river and Sheshnag lake, is surrounded by thick pine forests, breathtaking vistas of meadows, and the snow-clad Himalayan mountains.
The town also holds an amazing two-day-long Snow Festival that showcases winter sports like skiing, snows ledging, and many more that tourists can participate. Tourists can also indulge in golf, trekking, hiking, and angling. 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. and trekking trails around Pahalgam. One can even go on a horse ride. Pahalgam provides a panoramic view of Himalayas with its lush green pine forests and snow-capped peaks.
Pahalgam is a paradise for adventure junkies and is the starting point for several treks. However, the highlight of the activities available for tourists is the river rafting facility on the Lidder River through the forests and down the rapids. Pahalgam is well-connected to Jammu and Srinagar via roads and air with Udhampur providing the rail link. There are numerous hotels, resorts guesthouses, and lodges in Pahalgam that provide luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. While most restaurants serve vegetarian food during the Amarnathyatra, they serve #delicious Mughlai, Indian, and Continental delicacies during the rest of the year.
The fast food joints on the streets serve the best meal at reasonable prices. Ideal for extended weekend trips, tourists can also visit the Lidder Amusement Park. Shopping in Pahalgam, is bargain hunters paradise with Kashmiri Pasdhmina shawls, carpets, saffron, and woolen clothing, embroidery products being a must buy. Also worth visiting is the Overa Aru WPashminaildlife Sanctuary is home to animals including brown bears and musk deer. One can embark on trekking journeys to Kolhoi Glaciers via a beautiful village named Aru.
