Also known as the ‘Valley of Shepherds’, located 95 km from Srinagar at a height of 7200 ft, Pahalgam, is a famous hill station in Kashmir's Anantnag district. Surrounded by dense pine forests, breath-taking vistas of meadows and the snow-clad Himalayan mountains, Pahalgam stands at the confluence of River Lidder and Sheshnag Lake.
The Pahalgam-Chandanwadi-Amarnath route is a preferred one to reach the mountain cave of Lord Shiva, by the tourist; Thus, serving as a base camp during Amarnath Yatra.
The Tourism Department, Jammu and Kashmir, holds a mesmerizing two-day long Snow Festival that provides locals as well as tourists an opportunity to showcase their talent in sports like skiing, snow-sledging and many more.
Other activities tourists are seen indulging in are angling, trekking and golf.Apart from serving a base camp for the pilgrimage, Pahalgam is the starting point for several treks and a treat for adventure enthusiasts. However, what people are crazy about is the white water rafting facility taking you down the Lidder River through the forests and down the channels.Carpets, Kashmiri Shawls and clothing with fine embroidery done by crafted hands are what tourists are fond of and a must buy.
Places to visit in Pahalgam:
•Mamal Temple or Mamaleshwar Temple:
Mam Mal literally means 'don't go'.
It's is a Hindu temple located in Pahalgam town, situated on the banks of Lidder River at an elevation of 2,200 metres. This is the place what Hindu mythology speaks about Ganesha being a door keeper as instructed by Parvati, not allowing anyone to enter the premises without her permission. This is the place where Shiva cut off Ganesha's head and gave him an elephant head.
•Betaab Valley:
Also known as Switzerland of India and named after Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh's hit debut film 'Betaab', the Betaab valley is located around a distance of 94.7 kms from Srinagar and situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Pahalgam, the world famous tourist hotspot.
Originally known as Hagan Valley or Hagoon, Betaab valley came to be known after the movie Betaab which was shot there and became a hotspot for films shot in the Valley. Few of them include Silsila, Aarzoo, Roti, SattePaiSatta, Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab PhoolKhile, KabhieKabhie and counting. Located almost 15 kilometers from Pahalgam in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the valley is a top tourist attraction in Jammu & Kashmir with evergreen pastures, mountains with dense vegetation, which are widely popular for sightseeing & photography.
Dotted with trees like chinar, deodar, pine, willows & poplars, it's surrounding mountains are usually seen snow clad while the Lidder River with its bluish/green waters adds to its beauty greatly. It is an exceptional place to visit for tourists and even family picnic and sightseeing, should be visited during your holidays in Kashmir for its mesmerizing beauty.
•Lidder Amusement park in Pahalgam:
It's is an excellent park worth giving your time to, when visiting Pahalgam. It is a joyful way to have a good time with kids and family. So, when visiting Pahalgam don't forget to spot all the views that are on endeavour and visit this park for a time worth remembering.
•Aru Valley:
It's is a famous spot for tourists who visit pehlgam. It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. Noted for its scenic meadows, lakes and mountains, it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. The village lies on the left bank of the Aru river, which is a tributary of the Lidder river.
How to reach Pahalgam:
While many of the Tourists visiting Kashmir have their bookings done beforehand from some reliable travel agencies like WadiyeSitara Tour and Travels, some of them plan a trip by their own.
Pahalgam doesn't have an airport or a railway station. The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, located around 95 km from Pahalgam. Taking about is 2½ hours, travellers can either use bus or taxi from Srinagar to reach Pahalgam. Tourists can also hire guides and horses after they reach Pahalgam to explore whole of the vicinity.
Best places to stay in Pahalgam:
While serving tourists with some highly reputed luxury hotels, mid-ranged and budget friendly hotels like Hotel Alpine K2 or Hotel Green Heights can be seen serving tourists with love and generosity, with rooms centrally heated and with an elegant dining options.
In their vicinity you'll find some more luxurious hotels with a sensational view of cascading river Lidder engulfed by snowy mountains. Moreover, the huts offered by JKTDC are also the best view-enhancing places to reside.
However, on account of a pleasant weather in Kashmir from March-November most hotels there are seen pre-booked.
Best time to visit Pahalgam:
Located in South-Kashmir's Anantnag district and merely distanced to the world famous tourist attracting destination Betaab Valley, its beauty draws visitors to the valley in any season. Whether the valley covered in a blanket of snow or green pastures by the riverside, keeping your tongue wagging, any season is delightful. Starting from March that is still a cool one, April brings the onset of summer season and initiates visits to Kashmir valley and its tourist attracting spots like Pahalgam. During this season, the weather is pleasant and favourable for day sightseeing where temperature varies between 11°C to 25°C.