Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the nighttime temperatures do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town. Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them.
The Aru flows down from the Kolahoi glacier beyond Lidderwat while the Sheshnag from glaciers along the great Himalayan. At the confluence of the steams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag Lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd’s village with breathtaking views. Now it Kashmir’s premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious to unpretentious trekkers’ lodges, including JKTD’s delightfully romantic, fully furnished huts, partially concealed by giant pine trees.
Main Attraction of Pahalgam
Mamaleshwara: Mamaleshwara is only a kms or so downstream from Pahalgam, and on the opposite side of the ladder, is this small Shiva temple with its square, stone tank. It is thought to date from the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th century, even earlier.
Tulian Lake: If one continues 11 kms beyond Baisaran one reaches the Tulian Lake at 3,353 mtrs, 1,200 mtrs higher up. It is covered in ice for much of the year and surrounded by peaks, which rise more than 300 mtrs above its shores. It also can be reached by pony trek.
Baisaran: This meadow, about 5 kms from Pahalgam and 150 mtrs higher, provides excellent views over the town and the Lidder valley. Pine forests and the snowclad mountains surround the grassy glen. One can hire ponies for this trek from near the centre of town.
Aru: The little village of Aru is actually the first stage from Pahalgam on the trek to Lidderwat and the Kolahoi glacier. It makes an interesting day walk from Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for Pahalgam, following the Lidder river for 11 kms upstream. The main track, which also can be taken by car, is on the left bank of the river. There is also a less used, and more difficult path, on the right bank
Mattan & Martand: Only a few kms beyond Anantnag, on the Pahalgam road, Mattan is a Hindu pilgrimage point due to its fish filled springs. On a plateau above Mattan and 3 kms to the south, stands the huge ruined temple of Martand (Sun). Built by Lalitaditya Mukhtapida (8 th –century AD) it is the most impressive ancient ruin in Kashmir and beautifully sited.
Pahalgam – Excursions
The Amarnath Yatra: situated 16 kms from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rain), The destination is the Amarnath cave, believed to the abode of Lord Shiva. Although the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain, and cab be undertaken by car, from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, Being accessible on foot or by pony. Located 11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which 13 kms away is the last stop, panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month of ‘Sawan’ an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling (also spelt as Shivlinga), which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

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