Pahalgam is a paradise in the foothills of Himalayas, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Located at a height of 2,130 metres, the town has retained its natural beauty despite the onslaught of urban development all around. Its is a perfect destination for those seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle of daily city life.
It is surrounded by soaring mountains, glistening glaciers, gushing silvery streams of ice water and dense pine and cedar forests that make is a must visit destination amongst the tourists – solo travellers, honeymooners as well as family vacationers.
Mountain trails run northeast to Amarnath Cave Temple, a Hindu shrine and site of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Aru Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its animals including brown bears and musk deer.
Pahalgam is an ideal place for an adventure sports enthusiast. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. The beautiful Lidder Valley offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best of nature. Some of the other popular tourist attractions in Pahalgam include Aru Valley, Betab Valley, Chandanwari, Baisaran and Tulian Lake.
The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February – a period when many tourists flock to this town to experience freezing cold and snowfall.
The best time to visit Pahalgam 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.
How to reach
By Air
Srinagar is the nearest airport to reach Pahalgam by air. A number of flights connect Srinagar directly with several important Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh etc.
By Road
Regular bus service to Pahalgam at economical rates are available from Srinagar, Jammu and Anantnag. There is plenty of private or state government buses also available in this route.
By Rail
Udhampur railway station located around 218 km away is the nearest station to Pahalgam.