Information about Pahalgam Sightseeing

Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from the Lidder river and Sheshnag lake. Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now, Pahalgam is the famous hill resort in Kashmir valley and cool even during the summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 degree Celsius. This hill resort is set between fairly steep hills. Its natural splendor is described by snow clad mountain peeks on all sides, a white water river that traverses the bottoms of the narrow Pahalgam.

Pahalgam is also the base point for undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra. Foreign visitors like Pahalgam because they can relax in a surrounding that compares favourably with the Swiss Alps or they can undertake adventure treks into the high altitude meadows. The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid of April to mid of November.

Adventure Activities in Pahalgam
Trekking, golf, fishing, angling and horse riding are the various activities which can be done in Pahalgam. Pahalgam Golf Club has a nine hole golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. The course is an expanse of relatively large plain area in a relatively narrow valley. The golf course can be used by tourists. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office. This golf course is sometimes referred by the locals as the plateau. There is a golf club on one side of the plateau. Some parts of the plateau have been occupied by the military in the days of insurgency, leaving it out of bound of normal tourists.

The tourists can also enjoy the fishing at the Lidder River. This river has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come - first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits and spinning are not allowed. The environment in Pahalgam offers various trekking opportunities. The best time to take the trekking in Pahalgam is from April to June. Trekking in the high altitude area of Himalayas is not without hazards and must be done in the company of trained guides. One of the best known trekking route is from Pahalgam to Amarnath which covers Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni.

Attractions in Pahalgam
There are various places of tourist interest around Pahalgam. As this resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth visiting the places on a pony rather than walking. Some of these famous places are Baisaran, Mamal, Aru, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panchtarni and the holy Amarnath Cave.

Sheshnag
From Chandanwari, the next stoppage is at Sheshnag. The mountain lake of Sheshnag is situated about 11 kms from Chandanwari.

Sheshnag Lake Pahalgam
The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Chandanwari
Chandanwari is located about 16 kms from Pahalgam. It is famous for its snow bridge. This is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra, which takes place every year during July-August. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be travelled by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony.

Panchtarni
Panchtarni is the last stoppage of the Amarnath Yatra. Panchtarni is located about 13 kms away from Sheshnag. It is the confluence of five streams that gives Panchtarni its name. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.

Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath Cave is situated about 44.8 kms. from Pahalgam and 6 kms away from Panchtarni. It takes about five days to reach the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. The Amaranth cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is situated on the mountains of Lidder valley amidst iced snow at a height on 13,000 feet. The thousands of Hindu pilgrims undertake the tour (yatra) to the Amarnath Cave from all parts of India in the month of Sawan (July-August) to have a glimpse of Shivlinga.