Pahalgam | |
|---|---|
| State | Jammu and Kashmir |
| District | Anantnag |
| Altitude | 8,990 feet (2,740 metres) |
| Geographic Coordinates | 34.0100° N, 75.1900° E |
| Ideal for | Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, honeymooners |
| Pin code | 192126 |
| Best time to go | March to November |
| STD code | 1936 |
| Population | 9,264 (Census 2011) |
| Languages | Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, English |
Where is Pahalgam?
Located on the banks of River Lidder, Pahalgam is a town and a popular hill resort in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Perched at a height of 8,990 feet, and surrounded by alpine peaks, conifers, deep valleys, beautiful lakes, and meadows, Pahalgam lures everyone with its pristine charm!
Pahalgam Tourism
Once a shepherd's village, Pahalgam is now a premier hill station visited by tourists from across the world and has best of facilities for all its visitors. Famed for its association with the annual Amarnath Yatra that starts from Chandanwari, 16 kilometres from the town, Pahalgam is also ideal for nature lovers, honeymooners, trekkers, and adventure enthusiasts. The magical appeal of the place has taken this destination to the list of top Bollywood film shooting locations in the country. Latest hits like Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Highway, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Rockstar are a few movies to mention that feature scenes being shot in or around Pahalgam.
To woo tourists and to send positive vibes about Kashmir's tourism industry, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has started chopper services to reach Pahalgam and Gulmarg from Srinagar Airport. Tourists can even opt for a seven minutes joy ride over Dal Lake, downtown Srinagar, Zabarwan Hills, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens and Royal Springs Golf Course at a cost of Rs. 3,000. However, Pahalgam-Srinagar return trip by chopper would cost Rs. 12,000 and for Gulmarg-Srinagar one would have to shell out Rs. 10,000. Experiencing the pure charm of Pahalgam from a bird's eye view surely sounds like an awe-inspiring extravaganza! J&K Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) even plans to make Pahalgam an all-season tourist destination. Recently, on 1 January 2016, the first ever Ice-Climbing event was held at Chandanwari, Pahalgam. The event was organised by the Department of Tourism, Kashmir and J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club (JKMHC).
Pahalgam Weather
Pahalgam attracts tourists around the year with its lush green meadows during summer and snow-clad surroundings in winter. Summers are pleasant with maximum temperature ranging between 11 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. July to September, that is the time of monsoons, is ideal for adventure sports as the area receives only little rainfall. Winters are marked with chilly winds, snowfall and even sub-zero levels of temperature.
Best time to visit Pahalgam
March to November is the ideal time to visit Pahalgam as the weather is pleasant and you can then enjoy a perfect holiday. But if you want to experience the white snow over Pahalgam and are up for some skiing and other winter sports, just pack your warmest woollens, snow boots and overcoats to visit this paradise any time between November and February!
How to Reach Pahalgam?
By Air
The nearest airport to Pahalgam is Srinagar International Airport, 92 kilometres from the town via National Highway 1A and National Highway 501. Air India, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet are some of the popular carriers, connecting the airport to major cities including Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Amritsar, Goa, Bangalore and Kolkata. From there you can hire a taxi to reach Pahalgam which would take around two and a half hours.
By Train
The nearest railhead for Pahalgam is at Udhampur, approximately 209 kilometres away and it would take you around 7 hours to reach Pahalgam via National Highway 1A from Udhampur. However, Jammu Tawi Railway Station being the largest station in Jammu and Kashmir, provides better connectivity to major cities across India and other places in the state itself.
By Road
Regular buses run from the neighbouring cities of Srinagar and Anantnag to Pahalgam. You can take a state run bus service or choose among luxurious coaches by private vendors. If you need to travel from Jammu to Pahalgam, you can opt for direct state transport buses or hire a taxi which would take comparatively lesser time.
Getting around Pahalgam
The best way to explore Pahalgam is on foot. You can hire a taxi or even opt for pony rides to visit various nearby attractions. These ponies are available everywhere in Pahalgam at officially published rates.
Eating Out in Pahalgam
Whether you are a vegetarian or a non vegetarian, we strongly recommend you to try out authentic Kashmiri food when you are in Pahalgam. Though the vegetarian options on the menu would be comparatively fewer, but do not miss gorging on these scrumptious delights!
While you are in Pahalgam, Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Rista, Gushtaba and Zafrani Murg should definitely be on your list of must haves, if you prefer non-vegetarian food. Also, do try the typical Kahwa, a green tea preparation made with added cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, Kashmiri roses and nuts. Try some of the staple breads like Sheermal, baqerkhani, Tsochvoru and Tsot from Kashmiri bakeries with salt tea during breakfast.
Some of the popular restaurants in Pahalgam are listed below:
- Dana Pani - A pure vegetarian restaurant, serves great food!
- Cafe Log Inn - With its cosy, wooden ambiance, this cafe is famous for its coffees, cakes and desserts.
- Nathu's Rasoi - A good option if you want to have some South Indian, Chinese or North Indian delicacies.
- Troutbeat - If you are fond of trout, you cannot miss dining out here.
- Pine Retreat - Go there to indulge in to some authentic Kashmiri recipes.
- Punjabi Rasoi - Another option for those who are looking for pure vegetarian restaurants in Pahalgam.
- Palestine Restaurant and Volga Restaurant also offer some of the best Kashmiri delights to feast on.
Things to do in and around Pahalgam
Here is why no visitor ever gets enough of Pahalgam! There is a variety of things you can indulge in during your stay at this beautiful destination.
- Trekking is one of the best ways to explore Pahalgam. Popular treks are from Pahalgam to Kolahoi and to Chandanwari and Sheshnag Lake. Alternatively, you can choose to ride a pony amidst the gorgeous panoramas. Aru Valley is a trekkers' delight and should not be missed!
- Lidder River is aptly called as the 'Angler's Paradise' and is perfect for angling and fishing. Besides fishing, the river offers a challenging experience of white water river rafting.
- Plan your trip to Pahalgam during the annual Amarnath Yatra and experience the magical faith of the devotees with which they traverse the laborious route to visit the holy Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam, situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres. The Yatra starts from June or July every year.
- Famous for its snow bridge, Chandanwari is ideal snow sleighing. Take a pony ride to cover 7km and reach the Sheshnag Lake. This high altitude lake, surrounded by snow-clad mountains, with its sparkling water, composes an inexplicable view; it's ideal for photography.
- Trek up to capture the splendid charm of Kolahoi Glacier. This hanging glacier is hollowed inside and is said to be a victim of global warming.
- If you are planning your trip for January, do not miss the Winter Snow Festival! The festival is quite a rage with special plays and performances by the local Faqirs and enormous adventure activities sleighing, skiing, snow trekking, snow cycling, archery, snow rugby and horse riding organised for the crowd by the tourism department.
- Pack up some snacks, prepare a lunch, take a pony ride to Dabian, Baisaran, Kashmir Valley, Aru Valley and enjoy a perfect picnic time.
- Situated 15km from Pahalgam, Betaab Valley mesmerises with its intrinsic beauty and has been a popular location for Bollywood film shootings. Interestingly, the Valley got its name after Sunny Deol's debut movie Betaab was shot here.
- Pahalgam is one of the best places in India to enjoy winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports in Aru conduct various courses on mountain trekking, rock climbing, skiing, among other sports, and is ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
- The 18-hole Pahalgam Golf Course is magnificent not only in terms of what it offers to avid golfers but also for it's spectacular beauty.
- Trek up to the Tulian Lake for its delightful, breathtaking views. At an altitude of 11,001 feet, this lake lies between Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges.
- If you are fond of wildlife or you are visiting Pahalgam with your kids, do visit the Pahalgam Zoo.
- Visit the ancient Mamleshwar Shiva Temple in Mamal near Pahalgam for its religious significance.
Pahalgam Hotel
Address: Opp. Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Main Market, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Website: http://www.pahalgamhotel.com/
Hotel Heevan
Address: Opposite Amusement Park, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Hotel Pine Lodge
Address: Opposite First Bridge, Chandanwari Road, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Website: www.pinelodgepahalgam.com
Hotel Himalaya House
Address: Laripora, Opp Hotel Pine Spring, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Website: www.himalayahouse.in
Hotel Noor Mahal
Address: At the first step near petrol pump, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Website: hotelnoormahal.in
Himalaya House
Address: Laripora, Opp Hotel Pine Spring, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Website: www.himalayahouse.in
Hotel Palestine
Address: Main Market, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 192126
Kolahoi Green Resorts
Address: KP Road, Langanbal, Pahalgam, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir 192129
Website: www.kolahoigreen.com
Travel Tips for Pahalgam
- Even if you are going to Pahalgam during summer, pack light woollens as it gets cold in the evening. Snow boots and overcoats are essential for winters.
- If you want to go for trout fishing in River Lidder, you need to first get a permit from the Directorate of Fisheries, Srinagar which is valid for only 3 days.
- Do not wander off alone in the woods around Pahalgam as there have been reports about bears attacking humans.
- Please note that the chopper ride from Srinagar to Pahalgam only allows you to carry maximum baggage of 5kg.
- While you are out for trekking or sightseeing particularly during monsoons, carry an umbrella and wear waterproof shoes.
- You need at least 2 days to experience the best of Pahalgam. Rest, you can extend your stay up to even 7-8 days because you won't get bored of this heavenly place.
Last Updated on : January 27, 2016
