Pahalgam literally means “ Village of Shepherd” (pahal – shepherd, gam –village) is located at a height of 2130m at the confluence of two streams and shrouded with pine forests and snow covered peaks. It once a popular tourist resort flocked with tourist from all over the world but militancy started in 90s forced it back to status of humble shepherd village. Most of the time in the year Pahalgam is forsaken but during the Amarnath yatra Pahalgam hosts to thousands of pilgrims to the Amarnath Cave.


Set in a magical valley beside the Lidder River Pahalgam is trekker’s paradise. Pahalgam is serene and exciting and perfect for a lazy holiday, angling in the river or just lazing in the sun, surrounded by fir clad hills. It is a perfect vacation place where you can do variety of activities like trekking, golf, angling and pony rides.

Sights And Activities

Chandanwari
It is located 16km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of Amarnath trek. The place is also famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge. Chandanwari can be reached from Pahalgam. A round trip on taxi takes about four to five hours. The journey is beautiful where one side glittering Lidder river flows and on the other side lofty, snow capped mountains follow you throughout the journey. Some over enthusiast travelers prefer a trek from Pahalgam. Take a snacks and tea at near by dhabas before engage in “snow fight”. Hajan a place near Sheeshnag river is also a ideal place for picnic. It captured many scenes of Bollywood flicks.

Mamalleswar Temple
Built in the 11th century on the west bank of the river Lidder, this Shiva temple is the most revered as well as popular temple in the region. It is believed that the temple is the oldest existing temple in Kashmir. There is stone lined tank about 1.1 sq.mt in dimension.

Horse Riding
Pahalgam is an excellent place for hiking, walkng, trekking and if you don’t like exertion go for horse riding. Pahalgam is long and roughly Y shaped. You can stroll across the busiest stretch extends down the mains street and then left towards Heevan hotel. Places to see include Baisaran, a stiff 2 hours walk up a hill, to a high altitude meadow and the Mamal temple in the village of Mamleshwar. Horses can be hired directly or from the tourist office.

Fishing
Fishing is the most common activity one can do in Pahalgam. The tempting Lidder river with plenty of rainbow trout from the rushing stream is anybody’s delight. The fishing season stretches from April to September. You need to take permit and it is for maximum of three days, on a first come first served basis. Either you can carry your own fishing equipments or rent it from organizers. You have to take permit from the Directorate of Fisheries, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar.

Trekking
There are ample opportunities to trek from Pahalgam. The most popular one is to Sonmarg via Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panchtarni, Amarnath Cave Temple. There is another trek to spectacular Kolahoi Glacier through pine forests and via Aru village.

Shopping
Pahalgam is famous for wool products. The two products Gabbas and Namdas can be purchased from local shops.