Main Info
Pahalgam Tourism
Pahalgam is a place of authentic natural beauty with landscapes with sights to behold and skies so blue that they have their own exotic aura. It is surrounded by huge Himalayan ranges and can be visited if you are looking for a place to escape the chaotic outside world.
Pahalgam is a place that is known for attracting tourists the minute they step foot on its land. It can truly make you fall in love at first sight. Here you can find little houses in the village among vast fields growing saffron and lush green landscapes. All these together make it look like a landscape painting. You also have the option to go on trekking trips or even try your hand out at fishing. The place also houses an 18-hole golf course amongst the snowcapped mountains.
The Base to Amarnath
Pahalgam is a hill station nestled in the Himalayan mountain ranges of the Anantnag district of Kashmir. This place also serves as the base camp for the holy pilgrimage to the Amarnath caves. The Amarnath base is 16 km from main Pahalgam in Chandanwari. The hill station of Pahalgam is a very popular tourist destination. One contributing factor to its popularity is the beautiful Lidder river flowing through the place at an altitude of 7200 feet. The famous Bollywood movie Betaab, starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh, was also shot at Pahalgam. Since then, the valley has been commonly also known as ‘Betaab Valley’. Tourists who visit Pahalgam make sure to make a stop at the nearby Sheshnag Lake as well. Pahalgam is a must place visit, regardless of the fact that your trip is for religious reasons or not.
Flora and Fauna in Pahalgam
Pahalgam will give you plenty of scenic views to admire. It is also popular for the vast species of flora and fauna found on its land. You can talk long, serene walks in the jungle and admire its natural beauty. The hill station also is home to many snow-capped mountain ranges. These mountains ranges are covered with pine trees that grow for miles. The nearby Sheshnag lake also adds to its beauty with its picturesque greenish-blue waters. The lake is frozen as ice throughout the year except for in June. You can also spend time camping at Panchtarini, the place of junction of the five streams.
Adventure Activities in Pahalgam
While being a place of beauty, Pahalgam is also home to many adventure sports. The most popular ones are trek-related activities. One popular trekking track amongst tourists is the Kolahoi Glacier track via the stunning Aru village. Other adventure activities include sledging on frozen water bodies. Another attraction is the Alpine Skiing activity offered at high altitudes. All camping and trekking related equipment can be easily acquired in the village. Trout fishing is also an activity that might pull you in. The many river-stretches in Pahalgam are perfect for the activity. One such river is the Lidder river.
Restaurants and Local Food in Pahalgam
The food found at Pahalgam differs from that found anywhere else in the state. The unique food delicacies include Matschgand. This is a unique preparation that is made from minced lamb. They are shaped into meatballs and served in a delectable spicy red gravy. Another one, Kaanti Mutton is lamb served in spicy and red colored gravy that is best enjoyed piping hot. It is a popular snack in Kashmir. Other food items on the menu include Modur Pulaav. Modur Pulaav is basically boiled rice that tastes sweet and makes an excellent dessert in Kashmir. Muj Gaad is another famous dish of Kashmir. It is made from radish and fish. People here are very fond of Nadir-Haaq. It is made of lotus stem and is commonly eaten spinach. People are also very fond of Marcha-wangan korma. Syoon Olav is delicious and popular mutton-based dish served with potatoes.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Try to get the Pahalgam by noon so you get some time to rest. You can spend the evening in the market of Pahalgam shopping for souvenirs to take back home.
Day 2 – If your travel reasons are religious, you should leave for your pilgrimage to Amarnath on your second day of the trip. A 2-minute drive from Pahalgam will take you to Chandanwari which is the base camp for the pilgrimage to the Amarnath caves. The entire journey up to the caves takes a day to complete on foot. But pilgrims have the option to travel by ponies and helicopters. On the way, you will be mesmerised by the stunning Sheshnag Lake. There on, you will reach the hills that are home to the holy Amarnath caves.
Day 3 – Spend this day getting back from the Amarnath caves. The trip might turn out to be tiring and exhausting. A shorter route via Baltal can be taken up to come back down.
Day 4 – On your fourth and final day, spend time visiting the Betaab valley. The place was named so because of the famous Bollywood movie that was shot here starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh. When you return back to main Pahalgam, you will have witnessed the true beauty of the valley.