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Travel
Pahalgam - The Valley of Shepherds.
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Pahalgam
has within it no fewer than eight tiny
villages, one of which is Mamal. There
is a Shiva temple here, generally considered
to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple,
dating to the 5th century.
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Situated at the confluence of the streams
flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river,
Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's
village with breathtaking views. Now it is
premier resort of kashmir, cool even during
the height of summer when the maximum temperature
does not exceed 25 degree celsius. A number of hotels and
lodges cater to all preferences and budgets,
from luxury hotels to unpretentious trekkers'
lodges, including J&K TDC's huts.
Around Pahalgam are many tourist destinations,
and because the resort is set between fairly
steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather
than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent
locations.
The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating
meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests
of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic destination
for picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly
as it has been the location of several movie scenes.
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Pahalgam travel
is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point
of the yatra that takes place every year in the month
of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to
Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken
by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much
steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About
11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag
(3,574 m), after which, 13 kms away is the last stop,
Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.
During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a
natural shivling in the Amarnath cave, which waxes and
wanes with the moon.
For detailed information on the Amaranath Yatra, refer to the
Amarnathji Yatra Link, which contains detailed information on
the background of the yatra, the facilities provided and arrangements
made, the routes of yatra, registration requirements, "do's
and don’ts", tourism etc.
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Adventure Travel
Horse Riding
Ponies can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office.
Tariff boards are displayed at all important locations.
Golf
Pahalgam Club has a 9-hole golf course, which can be
used by tourists. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist
Office.
Trekking
The environs of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities,
the best known being: Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag-
Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg.
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Fishing
The Lidder River has excellent fishing beats for brown trout.
The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits
are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come
- first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod
basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits
and spinning are not allowed.
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