Pahalgam Kashmir Alt. : 2130 m | Dist. Km:95 from main city Srinagar, Kashmir. A vast mountain valley where Lidder river flows nearby, astounding mountains with surplus meadows overwhelm every visitor. Word Puhoul denotes to Shepard and gam, a village, thus Pahalgam means a “Shepperd’s Village”. The village life in surrounding areas offers a perfect blend of culture and nature to be pleasured during the stay.
Roaring Lidder river flows through the valley, rises from the Kolohoi glaciers and is sufficed by the water of Sheeshnag lake and Tarsar lake which finally joins the river Jhelum. Pahalgam has an amazing 9 hole golf course open for tourists now being extended into an 18 hole Golf Course. Trout fishing in Lidder River is quite popular sport in Pahalgam. Brown and Rainbow trout’s in the soft & hard levels of the river challenges an angler to throw a line at different beats. Anglers can buy or hire the fishing equipment’s like a rod, reel, flies, net basket or long boots from the shops at Polo view lane, near the Bund Srinagar. The ghilis can also be arranged from fisheries dept or the angler’s shops in the market.
Permits have to be collected well in advance from J&K fisheries department. Best season for fishing is April to September. Pahalgam valley is famous for the trekers, its un ending mountain range, dense forests, presence of nomads in far off regions and availability of stream water makes it ideal for summer trekking and camping. Rafting is yet another sport enjoyed at Lidder River during summer. The professional registered rafting camps at Pahalgam provide services at reasonable charges to the tourists. Winter in Pahalgam charms visitors with snowcapped peaks and the clear blue sky. Most of the luxury hotels in Pahalgam have central heating facility, the winter chill would be more enjoyable with bonfires in the evening at valley full of pines. The Tourist Office at main market area provides information and assistance to the visitors related to all leisure, pilgrimage and adventure activities in the area.
Best time to visit: Round the year.
Places of Interest:
Baisaran (3 km) is an exciting place for tourists, where a stream flows through the meadows and pine trees. Visitors can either trek of enjoy a horse ride from the market area. Shikargha, a wild life reserve, is another nearby picnic spot reached on foot or by pony.
Betaab valley (4km)
A spot at a walk able distance famous for many Bollywood film shootings. Ponies can be hired to this stream and forest bound valley. Phrislan (7 km) a short trek to stream amidst poplars is an ideal place for nature walks and trout fishing.
Mamal Temple
The ancient temple of Mamalika built in 1lth century by King Jayasimha, is situated on the right bank of Lidder near Pahalgam. The temple has a pedestal and a Shivalinga, a pure water spring rises at the site covered by a basin.
Aru Valley
Aru is a resort village, 14km from Pahalgam with a motorable road. The Aru village offers wonderful peculiar village life style of the people. The JKTDC Tourist Bungalow and few private hotels offer accommodation for the visitors. Advance booking during peak season is recommended. From here, a famous trek via Lidderwat leads to the Kolohoi Glaciers (36km) at an altitude of 3400m. A glimpse of Kolohoi Peak, 5370 mn on a clear day can be most breathtaking. The most desired trek to twin Lakes, Tarsar 3794m & Marsar 3788 m (2-3 days trek) starts from Aru to these famous high altitude lake of Kashmir. Lakes are separated by a mountain pass, it is believed that Tarsar saves and the Marsar kills. The color of the lakes also has some significance as Tarsar lake is crystal clear with blue water while the Marsar lake has dark green colored water. The trekking to this area is possible only during the peak summer (lune to August).
Tulian Lake (14km)
Tulain Lake at an altitude of 3353 m is a full day trek starting from main market. A trek of steep terrains passing through valley full of nomads leads to a magically green colored lake where one would love to stay for a longer time. Mattan temple, few kilometers ahead of Anantnag, a pond full of holy fishes is believed to be creations of Lord Shiva. The water of the pond is believed to change colors signifying good or bad omen for the valley according to local belief.
for more information please visit https://www.ahangerhobo.com/
Comment (0)