Day 57 - Pahalgam - Amarnath

Pahalgam valley is located at the confluence of Lidder River and the streams originating from serene Sheshnag Lake.At an altitude of 2,130 m above sea level, this lush green valley is most sought by travelers seeking relaxation and leisure.The destination initially was a shepherd village and was under the rule of the Mughals during the medieval times. After the rule of the Mughal Empire, Kashmir was conquered by local Hindu rulers. The town remained independent even during the British era and later on was a part of independent India.The valley offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Himalayan Ranges. Pahalgam is the base camp for the renowned pilgrimage to Amarnath and also a famous shopping place for woolen products. It forms a part of the region in Asia where Saffron is growing. Pahalgam valley is perfectly suitable for adventurous activities like golf, horse riding, trekking and many water sports. The unexplored undulating hilly terrains and the plain valley regions are equally eye catching.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport to Pahalgam is at Srinagar. It is placed at a distance of about 95 km from Pahalgam. Srinagar is air connected to Delhi with regular flight services.

By Rail: The nearest major rail head is at Srinagar, which is 90 km away. One can reach Pahalgam from railway station by taxis or buses.

Best time to visit: March to November.

Languages spoken: Hindi, Kashmiri and Urdu.

Must eat: Cuk Waangan (sour fried Brinjal), Nadir-Haaq/Gogji/Monji (lotus stems cooked with Spinach or Radish), Muj Gaad (Fish with Radish), maach kebab, Dhani phul.

Famous Restaurants:Troutbeat, Hotel Paradise, Cafe Log Inn 

Places you must visit: 

Aru Valley is a small yet self-sufficient scenic village located 15 km from Pahalgam. The drive up to the village is alluring too. The location of the village among the grasslands, make this place a tourist delight. It is reachable by walking along a mountain path. The village also serves as the start point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier.

The Betaab valley was named Betaab after the Bollywood movie by the same name! Earlier known as Hajan Valley, after the release of the movie, it was renamed as major part of the movie was shot here. Set amid picture perfect environs complete with snowcapped mountains, gurgling streams, colorful willow trees & the warm sun; making it an ideal for an artist’s canvas!The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. 

Mattan is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Lying on the Pahalgam road this centre attracts hordes of devotees from all across the country. It is one of those religious places in India where the priests and pundits used to gather for worshiping the Sun god.The temple is famous for its beautiful Shiva Lingam, which is preserved within a beautiful brick structure surrounded by crystal clear water on all sides. Presently, the temple complex is one of the much-guarded areas of Jammu & Kashmir and is thus controlled by paramilitary forces. A special permission is required to enter this temple.

Sun Temple belongs to the era of Pandavas. This sun temple was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida (699 - 739 AD). However, some legends reveal that the foundation stone of this temple was laid in 370 – 500 AD by King Ranaditya Muktapida. Standing on the top of a plateau, this temple provides a bird’s eye view of the beautiful village of Mattan.

Mamaleshwar Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Pahalgam, with its history dating back to the 12th century. Built by King Jayasimha on the right bank of River Lidder, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple encompasses a pedestal and a Shiva Lingam, with a pure water spring covered by a basin. 

Baisaran, situated 5 km away from Pahalgam, is a lush meadow enveloped with dense vegetation. The meadow is dotted with thickly wooded forests of pine, and provides a view of the beautiful snow-clad mountains that surround it from all sides. Resembling European resorts, this huge and undulating meadow serves as a good campsite.

Tarsar Lake is situated at an elevation of 3,962 m. Travellers willing to visit the lake can travel via Lidderwat, and cross a bridge that is hanging at a height of 243 m above ground level. 24 km away from Tarsar Lake is Sikiwas, which houses beautiful camping sites with flower meadows.

Tulian Lake is located at an altitude of 3353 m. This snow-covered lake is surrounded by peaks that rise to a height of more than 300 m above its shores. Tulian Lake is set along a trek route via Baisaran, and thus can be reached by hiring ponies from near the centre of the town.

Lidderwat is a beautiful camping site amidst dense forests, located at an elevation of 3,408 m.This village is starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley. 

Chandanwari, situated at a distance of 16 km from Pahalgam, lies at an elevation of 2,923 m. Famous for its snow bridge, this location serves as the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra that takes place every year, from July to August. 

Panchtarni is named so, as it is situated at the confluence of five streams. Panchtarni is the last stoppage of the Amarnath Yatra as a narrow spiralling 6 km path  leading to the Amarnath Cave. The site is most popular for camping.

Sheshnag Lake is  at an elevation of 3,658 m above ground level.This greenish blue lake is covered with ice until June, after which it is used as an en route destination in Amarnath Yatra. 

Amarnath is one of the most popular sacred places in India. It is situated at an elevation of around 4,175 m in the Himalayas. Chandanwari which is around 15 km from Pahalgam is the starting point for Amarnath Yatra. From Chandanwari, pilgrims need to continue their Yatra on foot or pony, which will take at least 2 days to reach the cave and back, with an overnight stay in either Sheshnag or Panchtarni.This pilgrimage centre is popular for the holy cave of Amaranth, which is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha. As per the legend, Lord Shiva narrated stories behind the construction of this cave and explained various secrets of his life to Goddess Parvathi. This ancient cave isaround 5,000 years old. It has ice formations, denoting Goddess Parvathi and Lord Ganesha along with a Shiva Linga.