Pahalgam
Pahalgam “The Valley of Shepherds” is a town and a notified area committee in Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir.
It is a popular tourist destination and a hill station. It is located 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Anantnag on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,200 m). Pahalgam is the headquarters of one of the five tehsils of Anantnag district. Pahalgam is associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Pahalgam is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the months of July-August.
Near By Places
CHANDANWARI (16KM: 2,923M )
Chandanwari, situated at a distance of 16 km from Pahalgam, lies at an elevation of 2,923 m. Pahalgam.It is famous for its snow bridge and as the base camp for annual Amarnath Ji Yatra. Its snow-covered mountains and breathtaking scenic beauty attracts numerous visitors. Other major attractions of this place include a snow covered bridge and icy glaciers situated in the proximity.
BAISARAN (5 KM: 2,438M)
Baisaran is situated at an altitude of 2438 m above sea level, at a distance of a mere 5 km from Pahalgam. Magnificent snow covered mountains. Magnificent snow covered mountains, dense pine forests and sprawling meadows attract tourists to Baisaran from far-flung places. The top of the hill allows for a mesmerizing view of the Lidder River Valley and Pahalgam Valley. The place is considered similar to European resorts and serves as a picnic and camp site for tourists.
SHESHNAG LAKE (27 KM: 3,658M)
The lake has special significance for Hindu religion followers who believe that the lake belongs to the Lord of Snakes – Sheshnaag which still resides there. One of the mythological beliefs says that the lake has been dug by the Lord Sheshnag himself and thus has been named after divine serpent. The lake is also sacred as it falls enrouteto the holy Amarnath Cave.
AMARNATH CAVE
A large number of Hindu pilgrims pay obeisance at the Cave during the months of June and August. The pilgrimage commonly called as Amarnath Yatra begins from Chandanwadi which is 16 kms from famous tourist spot Pahalgam.
The trek passes through Sheshnag and Panchtarni and concludes at Amarnath Cave.The shrine is dedicated to the god Shiva and is believed according to Hindu mythology over 5,000 years old.The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m and is about 141 km from Srinagar.
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ARU (11 KM: 2,408M)
Aru is located at a distance of 11 km from Pahalgam. Situated at an altitude of 2408 m, this place offers a magnificent view of the valley. Adventurous tourists can undertake a trek across Lidderwat extending up to the Kolahoi Glaciers. The placement of the site amid lush green grasslands makes it ideal for camping. Tourists can easily reach this place by walking down the valley. Further, adventure lovers can also take up a 3 day trek to Sonamarg with Aru as their base. Hiring a pony is also a suitable option.
Tarsar lake
Tarsar Lake lies at a distance of 34 km from Pahalagam at a height of 3962 m above sea level. The Panoramic view of the place attracts many tourists from all over the world. Visitors have to walk across a bridge which hangs at 243 m above ground level to reach the Tarsar Lake. Those wishing to reach the lake can travel to the place via Lidderwat, one of the popular tourist spots in Pahalgam. Sikiwas, considered to be one of the best camping sites, is situated at a distance short of 24 km from the lake.