Background
Pahalgam, a hill station perched high in the Himalayas at 2740 meters above sea level, is a dreamy location. It is 92 kilometers from Srinagar, and is located along the banks of the Lidder River. The Valley of Shepherds is located at the confluence of the Aru Valley and the Sheshnag River, and is surrounded by the Himalayan Range Mountains.
This spectacular grandeur, surrounded by beautiful green meadows, snow-capped mountains, scenic valleys, and gushing rivers, has drawn travelers, trekkers, sport-lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Pahalgam is so beautiful that even Bollywood is enamored with it. It has long been a popular site for filming films ranging from Betaab (1983) to Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).
History
As per Archaeological evidence, the earliest human habitation in the region from the Neolithic Age was found at Burzahom in Srinagar, Bomai, and Pahalgam.
The 'Valley of Shepherds,' as it is known locally, implies that nomadic shepherds have used the abundant pastures to feed their flock of sheep for ages. Hindu pilgrims have historically used the location as a transit route and rest stop on their sacred trip to Amarnath Caves. This ancient custom was first mentioned in Kalhana's 'Rajatrangini,' which was written in 1148.
The most well-known account of Pahalgam's documentation dates from the Mughal dynasty. Francois Bernier's Ain-e-Akbari provides a detailed account of the Mughal administration. Therein is also mentioned the place en route to Amarnath Caves, Pahalgam.
Go for the Adventure of River Rafting
River Rafting is usually done on the gushing water of the Lidder River from April to September. Depending on the levels, sports lovers have three options to choose from:
Lidder joy ride - a 2.5 km ride.
Lidder long ride - a 5 km ride.
An extra-long ride - up to 8 km.
Each course has rapids ranging from grade II to III and IV, respectively.
The rafting runs for 8 kilometers, from Langanbal Bridge to Ganeshpura, and takes around 45 minutes to complete. The next leg of the journey takes you all the way downriver. Rafting is done by a variety of organizations. The most difficult rafting experience, however, may be found on the Zanskar River, which runs through gorges between the Zanskar Mountains and Padum and Nimu in Ladakh region.
Ski the Pahalgam's powder
Skiing in Pahalgam's snowy terrain is a wonderful experience. After Gulmarg, this is one of the best places to go skiing during the winter months.
Aru is a luxury ski area located near Pahalgam center. Skiing is a lot of fun because of the beautiful surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.
In January and February of each year, a large snow celebration is held. This event includes a variety of adventure activities such as horseback riding, skiing, and sledding.
Trek the Himalayas
Pahalgam offers a variety of hiking trails and serves as a base camp for many hikers. Pahalgam's lush green mountain ranges, lakes, and virgin meadows make it ideal for all types of trekking.
The best time to go trekking in Pahalgam is from April to June. Consider trekking:
Tarsar Marsar Lakes - 4 to 7 days
Kolahoi Glacier Trek - 8 to 9 days
Pahalgam to Sonmarg - 6 to 7 days
Opt for short and day treks as well
Amarnath Cave
At an elevation of 12,756 feet above sea level, Amarnath cave is a holy shrine on Mount Amarnath's peak. Amarnath is the holiest shrine of Lord Shiva and one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, built over a 5000-year-old cave. These caves are about 68 kilometers from Srinagar's capital city and may be reached via Pahalgam.
Inside the mountain cave, water droplets drip down from the top and freeze into ice, forming an ice stalagmite known as Shiv Linga, which Hindus believe is a phallic emblem of Hindu God Lord Shiva. Shiv Linga's natural ice formation grows from May to August and then gradually wanes after that.
Mamleshwara Temple
Mamleshwara Temple is a famous Shiva temple located on the banks of the icy Kolahoi River. This single-structured temple, located 2 kilometers from Pahalgam, is entirely made of stone and depicts the heyday of Hindu monarchs. The grandeur of ancient craftsmanship is displayed in temple archaeology. The Rajatrangini recalls King Jayasimha's (1128-1155 AD) redecorating of the temple, which included a gilded finial.
The temple is an important religious site that draws pilgrims from all over the world. It is said that the courtyard's spring is the same where Goddess Parvati used to take a bath and directed his son Ganesha to prohibit anyone's entry while she was inside. Shiva was enraged when Ganesha denied him admission while guarding the entrance. Shiva decapitated Ganesha in rage. Lord Shiva afterward restored his life at Goddess Parvati's request..
Tourist Places and Sightseeing in Pahalgam
Sheshnag Lake
The history of Sheshnag Lake may be traced back to the sacred pilgrimage of Amarnath. Lord Shiva abandoned the Sheshnag decorating his neck on his trip to Amarnath Caves to teach the secret of immortality to his beloved Parvati. After abandoning Nandi (bull) and the Chandra (crescent moon), he left Sheshnag (king of the snakes) here for complete seclusion.
Sheshnag Lake is the ideal of natural beauty and calm, and it is one of Pahalgam's primary attractions. This green-colored lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, is home to a variety of species, including brown trout. This lake's water is deemed to be of high quality because it has a low level of algae production.
Tullian Lake
Tullian Lake is about 16 kilometers from Pahalgam and 11 kilometers from Baisaran. Tullian Lake, located between the Zanskar and Pir Panjal Mountain ranges, is known for its serene surroundings, blueish-green waters, and sightseeing.
Arriving here, at a height of 3,353 meters above sea level, is a difficult effort due to the long trip and steep hills. The lake frequently looks to have ice chunks floating in it
Chandanwari
Altitude: 2895 meters above sea level
Chandanwari is around 15 kilometers from Pahalgam and serves as the starting point for the yearly Amarnath Yatra. This place is also famous for riding sleds during the snowy winter. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the gushing Lidder river flowing close by, it is an ideal place for a family picnic and enjoying the natural beauty. From November until May of the following year, Chandanwari is covered in snow and deemed skiable. Between April and June, however, is the greatest time to visit Chandanwari because the weather is ideal for sightseeing.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is one of Pahalgam's most popular tourist destinations. It is named after the hit Bollywood blockbuster movie Betaab, which was released in 1983 and is located between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar Himalayan peaks. The scenery is stunning, with big cedar trees, pine forests, and the Lidder River, which flows 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. The Pahalgam Valley's large rich grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and winding streams present a breathtaking backdrop that entices hikers and trekkers to explore the Pahalgam Valley.
