Pahalgam Travel Guide
Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a very picturesque hill town and a world famous tourist destination. Pahalgam is situated on the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft.
The place is covered with Pine, Chinar and Deoadar trees. This place is also very famous for saffron cultivation. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district.
Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking routes. The Kolahoi Glacier is another beauty of this place. Pahalgam is the base camp of the famous Amarnath Yatra. The place is also called the queen of nature for its splendid beauty.
How to Reach Pahalgam
- Air – Srinangar airport is 90 kms from Sonamarg. Taxis and jeeps can be availed to reach Pahalgam from Srinagar.
- Rail – Jammu is the nearest rail head. All Northern Cities of India have direct connectivity to this town by means of trains. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Trivandrum have regular trains plying to Jammu.
- Road –There are regular bus connectivity with Srinagar (90 Km). You can also get a tourist cab from Srinagar and reach here in about 2 Hrs.
Distance of Pahalgam from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Jammu |
253 |
|
Srinagar |
90 |
|
Sonamarg |
180 |
|
Gulmarg |
138 |
Weather
Pahalgam Temperature
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are mild and range between (5°C) to (19°C). During this time, the valleys become green after the long winter and different types of flowers are in full blossom.
- Monsoon – (Jul to Aug) – This part of Kashmir receives regular rainfall during monsoon and thus, not a good season for tourists
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (-4°C) to (12°C). During Oct-Nov, the winter starts to set in. The apple orchards are full of fruits. The sky remains crystal clear.
- Best Time to Visit – April to May and Oct to Nov are the best season for tourism
What to See In Pahalgam
It is a village of small dimensions but with every essential facility available. It serves as the initiating point from where one can trek upwards the Kalahoi glacier. Coniferous forests, meadows and the misty environments are the fascinating features of this amazing hill station
Betab Valley is an ancient valley of the Pahalgam area. It was formed in the posterior period of the geosynclinal stage in the Himalayan evolution. It is well known for its scenic beauty which made it a shooting spot for a film and thus the name. Travelers also like to come here for trekking and exploring the mountains.
It is a picturesque meadow with dense pine forests providing the look of green belted area. It is known as Mini Switzerland. It is also an ideal trekking destination.
Lush green Golf course surrounded by snow peaked mountains is wonderful scenic beauty.
It is situated 16 km from Pahalgam. It is on the way to Amarnath Yatra.This place is famous for the snow clad bridge which the pilgrims cross on their way to Amarnath Yatra. All round the year the bridge is covered with snow even if there is no snow accumulated in its surroundings.
It is situated at a distance of 1 km from Pahalgam town. The temple is carved out of stone and the deity inside is of Lord Shiva made of touchstone. Though the temple is a small one but the artistry decoration inside the temple is wonderful.
Seshnag Lake
It is a lake situated around 25 kms from here, with an attitude of 12000ft. It is on the way to Amarnath. The huge lake is surrounded by Pine, Deodar Fir and many other trees. The beauty of this place gives a ultimate satisfaction to the eyes, heart and mind.
Kolahoi Glaciar
It is around 37 km away from Pahalgaon with an altitude of 14000 ft. It is on the way to Amarnath cave. The journey from here to to Kolahoi Glacier is mesmerizing.
Lidderwat
This palce is in between Pahalgaon and Kolahoi Glacier, with an altitude of 11000ft. The lush greenery of the place makes it a wonderful place to visit.
Marswar Lake and Tarswar Lake
The place is situated some 17 kms from Lidderwat with an altitude of 13500ft. both the lakes are famous for its scenic beauty with lush greenery and snow peaked mountains. A huge variety of wild flowers increases the beauty of the place. Wildlife is also famous here.
Tulian Lake
It is situated at a distance of 17 km from Marswar lake. The lake is has a calm surroundings with snow covered mountains. Almost round the year the lake is covered with snow of 3355mtrs. Even the floor of the valley is covered with snow.
Other Details
What to Do
- Excursions up the Aru Road
- Trekking and Skiing up the Kohli Glacier, Aru valley, Chandiwari and Tarsar Lake
- River Rafting at Lidder River
Where to Eat
- Nathu Rasoi —Famous for its north India food menu.
- Dana Pani – Vegetarian restaurant offering testy north India food at reasonable price.
What to Buy
Shawls, Dry fruits, Apples, Saffron and local wooden handicrafts can be bought from here
Get Around
Taxi, Ponies and walking—that is how you discover Pahalgam.
Top Destinations - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
– Gulmarg
– Jammu
– Kargil
– Leh
– Nubra Valley
– Pangong Lake
– Patnitop
– Pahalgam
– Sonamarg
– Srinagar
– Tso Moriri Lake
– Vaishno Devi
Popular Tour Plans - Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh
4-6 Days
1. Srinagar-Pahalgam (5N/6D)
7-10 Days
1. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Pahalgam (8N/9D)
2. Jammu-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jammu-Vaishno Devi-Patnitop-Srinagar-Gulmarg-Sonamarg-Pahalgam (11N/12D)
2. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Pangong Lake-Nubra Valley-Tso Moriri Lake-Sarchu-Manali (13N/14D)