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.
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