Pahalgam, a jewel in the picturesque Liddar valley of high Himalayas is famous for its scenic beauty. Besides, being a starting point for the annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave, it is a value added ideal destination for holding:
a) hiking camps,
b) trekking camps, and
c) fishing camps.
The origin of Pahalgam dates back to anicient times when herders used to seasonally camp in the lidder valley for grazing their livestock herds and flocks of sheep. The paticular village which used to be a common asembling point for herders and shaphards for dispersal to different destinations in the Lidder valley with their livestock got its name as Pahal-gam "The Village of Herders or shaphards".
Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and in the northern region of India. Pahalgam is situated at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range, in the Liddar valley drained by the Liddar River
The weather in Pahalgam is alpine in nature with mild summers (April-June), and intensly cold winters (November-February) with heavy snowfall.
For visiting Pahalgam every season is best for me however most of the local, national or international visotors is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.
What is the average trip cost for Pahalgam?
INR 28,000 - INR 30,000. This price is subject to change according to the meals, transfers, accommodation, and sightseeing options you choose. If you wish to visit Pahalgam, check out our tour packages here.
In Pahalgam five places are must to visit for first time visitors which include:
1) Chandanwari
15 kms uphill drive from Pahalgam. This touristvspot is starting point for Amarnath yatra. Nice picnic amidst nature.
2) Betaab Valley
Enrout to Chandanwari, at a distance of about 7 kms from Pahalgam market, this is one of the most important places in Pahalgam tourism. Betaab Valley is encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests. The Lidder River flows through the valley. The Bollywood movie Betaab was shot here, hence the name.
3) Aru Valley
11 km from Pahalgam, Aru is a beautiful tourist attraction. The location serves as a base camp for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Horse riding, trekking, camping and hiking are famous activities here.
4) Kolahoi Glacier
This glacier is located over the Lidder River. Basically, Kolahoi Glacier is a hanging glacier which can be reached from Lidderwat, a camping heaven, whose first view takes a visitor's breath away. Lidderwat is about 13 kms trek from Aru. Means of transport from Aru to Lidderwat to Kolahoi are ponies or horses.
5) Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake, a paradise for peace seekers, is the epitome of natural beauty and serenity. The lake is guarded by snow-clad mountains and alpine meadows.
