Pahalgam “The Valley of Shepherds” is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination and a hill station. Located 98 kilometres from Srinagar and 244 Kilometers from Jammu, it can be reached in 2 to 5 hours from the Srinagar and Jammu airport, respectively, via road. There are direct flights from major cities of India to both Srinagar and Jammu airport, while train connectivity is only upto Jammu railway station. Located about Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,200 m), the place is famous for rafting, trekking and spirituality. The hill station is base site for various other sites of tourist attraction.
Chandanwari, located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Pahalgam is the starting point of the Holy Amarnath yatra, an annual religious pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave.
Baisaran, pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow- clad mountains, is 5 KM from Pahalgam. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran
Sheshnag Lake, (27 KM: 3,658M) the lake has special significance for Hindu religion followers who believe that the lake belongs to the Lord of Snakes – Sheshnaag which still resides there. One of the mythological beliefs says that the lake has been dug by the Lord Sheshnag himself and thus has been named after divine serpent. The lake is also sacred as it falls enroute to the holy Amarnath Cave.
Panchtarni, (40 KM) is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. A good camping site with serene breezes is soul refreshing.
Amarnath Cave, a large number of Hindu pilgrims pay obeisance at the Cave during the months of June and August. The pilgrimage commonly called as Amarnath Yatra begins from Chandanwadi which is 16 kms from famous tourist spot Pahalgam. The trek passes through Sheshnag and Panchtarni and concludes at Amarnath Cave. The shrine is dedicated to the god Shiva and is believed according to Hindu mythology over 5,000 years old. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m and is about 141 km from Srinagar. The cave can be accessed by either Pahalgam - Chandanwari Track Route or Sonamarg - Baltal Route. Over the years, it has become the revered destination for the Hindu devotes who visit the cave annually.
Aru Valley, (11 KM: 2,408M) this charming meadow can be reached by walking or by taxis along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 m. The place is not habituated hence untouched with no footprints, providing visuals of fresh mountains, streams, and clouds of the ground.
Lidderwat, (22KM: 3,408M) a beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.
Kolohi, (15 KM) base for a three-day return trek to the Kolohi Glacier.
Tarsar lake, (34 KM) it can be reached from Lidderwat. There are delightful camping sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from Pahalgam. To reach the nearby Marsar lake one has to cross a 243 mts high bridge.
Pahalgam Golf Course (Lidder Valley), the Pahalgam Golf Course will take your breath away with its sheer beauty and design. Set in the pretty town of Pahalgam and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them. The Course is set in a large bowl shaped expanse and is a must visit place in Pahalgam to experience & cherish. Pahalgam Golf Course is approximately 100 km from Srinagar and situated at an altitude of 2150 mtrs (approx). The breathtaking surroundings add to the exhilaration and get your adrenaline pumping. The course will test yours skills, strategy and patience. The greens are fast and true with bent grass. With the clean pure and revitalised air of Pahalgam is the closest that you will get to attaining nirvana while playing golf. Golf carts are available at the cours Pahalgam, the Valley of Shepherds
Explore the Pahalgam through this link:
Pahalgam - The Valley of Shepherds - GULMARG RIDERS
