Pahalgam
The Lidder river runs
through the Pahalgam, in a rushing grey-green torrent, foam-alecked,
breaking in curling waves against the boulders that lie in its path. Its
sound is as eternal as the whisper of wind through pine and fir, its
force primaeval in its untamed splendour.
Long before this little
village, 96 km east of Srinagar, 2400 metres above sea level, became the
popular holiday resort it is today, it was the preserve of nomadic
shepherds. Its rugged charm has remained unspoilt by progress,
while a bustling main street and its wide range of tented camps, hotels,
and lodges have established it as a favourite holiday resort.
Pahalgam spreads along
the banks of the Lidder, which is the focal point of interest to the
angler. The trout fisherman's delight, the Lidder is divided onto three
fishing beats between Mattan and Pahalgam, and the trout are so thick
that even the first time fisherman can land a good catch.
Pahalgam is perhaps
best known as the take-off point for treks into the surrounding
mountains. The resort is well geared to meet the demands of onward going
trekkers and camping equipment is readily available, as are ponies and
porters. Walking the Lidder valley is scenically most rewarding, through
forests of virgin pine, fording crystal-clear mountain streams and
through meadows of wild-flowers, higher up the valley.
Popular treks from
Pahalgam are to the Kolahoi Glacier via Aru, Satlanjan and Dudsar Lake,
and to the high altitude lakes that dot the meadowland and mountain
ridges between Pahalgam ang Sonamarg
Pahalgam
serves as the base camp for many expeditions and excursions such as
Kolahari Glacier, Sheeshnag, Sonasar, Harwag and the Amarnath Yatra.
Pristine camping grounds under the shadow of tall pines trees are
delightful. Pahalgam is situated at a distance of 95 kms from Srinagar
at a height of about 2130 mts (7200 ft). Pahalgam offers excellent
opportunities for hiking, riding, fishing etc.
Excursions
from Pahalgam
MAMALLESWARA
Mamalleswara
is only a kilometren downstream on the opposite bank of Lidder River. A
Shiv temple dating back to the 12th century with a square stone tank,
lies here.
BAISURAN
5 kms
from Pahalgam is a lush meadow surrounded by hills and covered with
dense vegetation. This region looks very similar to European resorts and
is a good campsite.
TULIAN
3 miles
from Baisuran is lake Tulian situated at 3353 mts. It remains snow
covered for most of the year and comes along a trek route.
ARU
A small
village, 11 kms upstream the Lidder River, is a beautiful locality. The
route is picturesque with ample campsites. This village is the starting
point for treks to the Kolahoi glacier.
KOLAHOI
This is
the head of the Lidder valley and the base of a glacier of the same
name. The glacier has twin peaks at 17,827 ft. It is a spectacular sight
and there are camp sights around 14,000 ft. From Kolahoi, Sonmarg can be
reached via Sarbal.
LAND
THAT IS STOLEN
These
small fields are typical to the Dal and are very well known because of
their uniqueness. These small patches of land are used to grow melons
and vegetables and it is a beautiful sight to see these floating
gardens. Tenants of these lands often steal them by togging them away,
using boats in the dead of the night. Shikaras selling vegetables and
melons grown on these lands, are a common sight on the Dal and can be
termed as the “mobile markets”.
GANDHERBAL
This is
a small village on the banks of the Sind river, twelve and a half miles
from Srinagar. Gandherbal offers scenic locales with beautiful camping
grounds. Gandherbal can be accssed by three routes -
a) Via
Shadpur through the river Jhelum which has the Wular Lake
in between.
b) Via
Mar canal is the direct water route.
c) By
road across Anchar lake.
ANCHAR
LAKE
This
huge lake, 6 miles from Srinagar, offers beautiful locales with ample
flora and fauna. The lake is marshy in parts and has huge clusters of
lotus leaves floating on it. Chestnut and Chinar trees line the banks.
MANASBAL
LAKE
This
small lake is regarded as the gem among all the Kashmir lakes. With
abundant vegetation, beautiful lotus plants in bloom and surrounded by
majestic hills, it is very difficult to not fall in love with this
place. On the neighborhood are fruit gardens are large orchards. There
are good campsites in the vicinity and a visit to this lake is a must.
WULAR
LAKE
22
miles from Srinagar this is perhaps the largest fresh water lake in
Asia. Surrounded by the Harmukh mountains, this lake gets its water from
the Jhelum which leaves it at Sopore. The lake is irregularly shaped and
presents a spectacular sight that thrills the traveller. The lake has
artificial islands, which have remains of temples and palaces scattered
around. Wular can be accessed by road and by river. The river
journey is advisable if a memorable adventure is on the mind. This has
some good camping grounds along the way and some beautiful spots like
Gandherbal, Khirbhawani and the Manasbal Lake enroute.
WOIN
The
site is known for its sulphur spring, which has healing powers. It is
situated just before Pampur on a side road. Camping grounds are easily
available.
KHRU
14
miles from Srinagar Khru is a small village atop a hill. There is a
temple of Jwaladevi, where a big fair is held annually some where in
July.
NAGMARG
This
lush meadow overlooks the Wular Lake and is covered by dense pine
forests. A small spring supplies water and the scenic beauty is
breathtaking. Nagmarg is about 7 miles from Alsu village, which can be
reached from Bandipur situated on the shores of the Wular Lake.
1.5 kms. Down the river from the bridge, there is a small
ancient stone temple consecrated to Shiva Mamesvara. The temple was
built before the 12th century AD, through the name of the builder is
unknown. There is a stone-lined tank, about 1.1 sq.mt in dimension. |