PAHALGAM
Situated at the confluence of the waters of
Sheshnag and Lidder, Pahalgam is 95 kms east of Srinagar , in Anantnag
district. Once a humble village frequented by nomadic herdsmen, it is still
called the “ Valley of Shepherds”.
Flanked by steep, fir clad hills and snow
capped mountains, this magnificent hill station sits at an altitude of 2130 m
above sea level. A dense cover of tall conifers envelopes the valley, while the
torrential flow of the Lidder, formed from streams flowing out of Sheshnag Lake
and the melting waters of Kolahoi Glacierm adds to beauty.
By the early 20th century, this
hill station began to draw visitors from Gulmarg and Srinagar , who came here
for its incredible natural beauty and its premier position as a starting point
for camping and trekking trips. With rapidly increasing tourist flow over the
years, local herdsmen either moved out or relocated to the outskirts.Clusters
of shepherd huts can still be seen on distant hill slopes.
Pahalgam is today one of Kashmir’s most
popular tourist destinations,hosting visitors with varied budgets and
interests. While many come here simply to relax and enjoy its breathtaking
views, others enthusiastically partake in several activities offered in the
valley pony riding , camping , trekking
, angling, rafting and golfing.
The breeze from the Lidder and fresh air
from the forests keep Pahalgam cool even during summer. However, during the
extreme winter months of November –January, much of the valley sleeps, with
many hotels not in business.
PAHALGAM is a delightful destination, not
only for itself, but for all the smaller sites around it accessible by
motorable roads or winding trekking trails through the mountains.
Among the more interesting sites accessible
by car is Hajan, 7kms away, on the road to Chandanwari.
It is an idyllic spot for picnics and has
been the location for several movie scenes. In fact, it has been renamed “
Betaab Valley “ after the popular Hindi film Betaab was shot here in 1983.
Aru Valley, 11kms from Pahalgam, can also
be reached by road and is popular with skiers in winters. From Aru, a popular
trek via Lidderwat leads to the hanging glacier of Kolahoi (35 kms) ,a t an
altitude of 3400 m. Here, you can have a glimpse of Kolahoi Peak, 5370 m high .
Aru is also the base for longer treks to Tarsar- Marsar lakes and Katrinag
valley.
Also connected by road is a 12th
century Shiva temple, Mamaleshwara , in Mamal village , that is believed to
have been built by King Jayasima.
There are narrow trails around Pahalgam for
exploring, on foot or by ponies, through thick pine forests, by fast flowing
streams, over open grasslands, past small lakes –all under the gaze of majestic
snow –clad mountains.
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