Facts And Figures:
Area - 2130 mts.
Temperature - Summer (25 C Max)
Winter (10 C Min)
Season - Mid april to Mid November
Pahalgam - The Valley Of Shepherds is about 95 kms to the east of Srinagar and at an altitude of about 2130 mts. At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. The shepherds were responsible for maintaining the tracks and bridges over much of the trekking country as they herd their flocks from pastures to pastures. Now Pahalgam is Kashmir's premier resort cool even during the height of summer. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets from luxurious to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including JKTDC's delightfully romantic, fully furnished huts partialy concealed by gaint pine trees.
In Pahalgam, there is trout fishing in the river and permits have to be obtained in Srinagar. Around the town there are luxuriant meadows and groves of Poplar. Willow and Mulberry, the last of which is important for Kashmiri sericulture. The only yellow-flowered cochincuon species grows in profusion here, flowering in March-April. There are many places of interest aroung Pahalgam and as the resort is set between faulry steep hills it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at the prominent locations. The places of interest include Baisaran (150 mts above the valley) surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine, and makes a very pleasant walk. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic.
Pahalgam has within it no fewer than eight tiny villages one of which is Mamal. The Mamaleshawara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is 1.5 kms., downstream to the south of town. The temple generally considered being Kashmir's oldest existing temple dating to the 8th century, it is also a starting point for many an interesting treks. The small village of Aru, 11 kms., up the Lidder river, is the first stage for Kolahoi Glacier trek. The main track is motorable but it does make a very interesting day's walk through pine forests.
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