Pahalgam is a famous tourist destination of Kashmir known for its scenic locations, many Hindi movies have been shot at pahalgam. The splendor of Pahalgam lies in its nature specially the sprawling meadows which in winters are clad with sheets of snow cover. There are two entirely different scenic views of pahalgam one in winters and other in summer time. The winter season at pahalgam comes the entire time. The winter season at pahalgam covers the entire area under many feet of snow cover, in these months you can enjoy snowboarding and water games while summers turn the valley green with sprawling meadows and green pine trees, the nature frolic’s in pahalgam.
Location of Pahalgam: - Pahalgam is located around 45 kms from Anantnag. The town of anantnag lies on the four lane jammu shrinagar highway, Anantnag is around 40 kmsfrom state capital Srinagar. As you drive on the four lane highway you can notice the saffron farms around pampore. There are saffron shops on the highway from here from here you can buy the famous kashmiri saffron. You can also buy Kashmir willow cricket bats. At anantnag you take a winding hill road which will lead you to pahalgam, the road is lined up with apple orchards which in winters appear barren & marauded as the apple trees shed leaves in winters.
By Air – Srinagar airport is the nearest domestic airport near pahalgam this airport has flight connectivity with all major cities of India.
Pahalgam is located on the banks of river lidder the scenic background of snow clad mountains entice the tourists, the pahalgam is famous for many famous treks you can hire local taxi to explore these destinations. Another option is the horse ride.
1. Chandanwari - Amarnath Yatra every year is the famous trek to the cave of lord shiva where an ice shiva linga forms naturally during the winter season, thousands of pigrims visit this cave to rever lord shiva. Chandanwari is the base camp from where the trek to Amarnath starts being the base camp chandanwari has a very important role in the Amarnath yatra. Chandanwari is 27 kms from Pahalgam.
2. Betaab Valley - This picturesque valley is located around 15 kms from the town of pahalgam, the name comes from a 80’s Hindi block buster which was shot in the lush green meadows. Betaab the Hindi movie was the debut movie of Sunny Deol a famous Bollywood movie star. The sprawling green meadows coupled with gushing hill streams makes betaab valley a famous tourist destination.
3. Aru valley - This small village of Aru falls on the famous Kolhoi glacier trek- The kolhoi mountain is the picturesque back drop of the Aru valley from the Aru village you can undertake a horse ride to some picturesque locations of Aru valley. This is a favorite picnic location.
4. Baisarana Valley - This beautiful valley is also termed as the Indian version of Switzerland. A horse/ pony ride is required to access the baisaran valley. Various treks are possible at baisaran valley, these treks are only open during the summer months. The towering pine trees with background of snow clad peaks make the picture perfect at baisaran valley. Pahalgam also has a sprawling 9 hole golf course so if you are interested you can try your hands at the pahalgam golf course.
