Pahalgam
is a situated at the convergence of the Lidder Lake and the Sheshnag
Lake. At a height of 2,130 m, Pehalgaam hill station is a spectacular
sight. At one point of time, the hill station used to serve as the
village of shepherds. Even today, this one-time village with splendid
views stands untouched by the ravages of progress. Pahalgam now counts
amongst the premier resorts of the Kashmir valley. This beautiful hill
station dates back to the medieval period. Ruled by the Mughals at one
point of time, it later came under the reign of the local Hindu kings as
a part of the Kashmir kingdom. This princely state continued to exist
until it got merged into India, after independence.There are many interesting tourist destinations around Pahalgam. Amongst them are the surging pastures of Baisaran. The huge meadows surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine present a beautiful spectacle. Then there is Hajan, a popular picnic spot, on the way to Chandanwari. Hajan is a popular shooting location for the Indian film industry. The hill station of Pahalgam has eight tiny villages inside it. One of the villages is Mamal, which houses an ancient Shiva temple dating back to the 5th century. Pahalgam also comprises of a part of the only saffron growing areas of Asia.
Pahalgam is also associated with the holy yatra of the Amarnath cave. Chandanwari, 16 km from Pahalgam, serves as the starting point of the Amarnath yatra. The yatra is organized every year in the Hindu month of Sawan (July to August). Pahalgam also offers shopping facilities to the tourists. It is quite popular for wool products like Gabbas and Namdas, available in the local shops. There are a number of activities one can undertake, while in Pahalgam. One of them is trekking. Some of the famous treks of Pahalgam are the Pahalgam-Sonamarg Trek and the treks to Chandanwari, Kolahoi Glacier and Sheshnag Lake. Have a look at some other tourist attractions of Pahalgam and plan your trip to the hill station:
- Horse Riding
- Fishing (at Lidder River)
- Sledging at the frozen Glaciers
- Long walks in the jungles
- Alpine Skiing
- White Water Rafting (Lidder River)
