Beautiful Hill Station

Pahalgam means, The valley of Shepherds. At the confluence of the streams flowing from the river Lidder and Sheshnag lake, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherds village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmiris premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. If you are off to Pahalgam, keep it in mind that you are visiting the 'Jewel of the Lidder Valley', a wonderful collection of soul-stirring scenes. The tiny village of much popular Pahalgam is located at an altitude of 2,130 m and occupies a position on the banks of the River Lidder. Pahalgam is also the very place where a number of earlier bollywood films have been shot. It is interesting to know that Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir also is a part of Asia's only saffron growing area. Trout fishing in the Lidder River is a favourite pastime with travellers. The village also offers a number of hiking trails where you can come in close contact with nature and its mind blowing creations. Summers (April to June) in Pahalgam are mild while winters (November to February) are cold. During the rainy season (July-August), a large number of pilgrims are headed here to visit the holy cave of Amarnath; the famous Amarnath Yatra begins from Pahalgam itself.

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Major Tourist Attractions in Pahalgam

The tiny but scenic village of Pahalgam offers a number of wonderful sites to see. Before you get yourself busy and indulge in light adventure options at Pahalgam, do remember to visit the famous tourist attractions in Pahalgam, some of which are given below.

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Chandanwari

It is famous for its snow bridge. Lying at a distance of 16 km, Chandanwari is also the starting point for the auspicious Amarnath Yatra. It is a small valley, situated at an altitude of 6,500 above sea level. Good sturdy shoes are a prerequisite if you are hiking in this area.

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Baisaran

Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran.

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Sheshnag Lake

The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June. Sheshnag lies at a distance of 13 km from Chandanwari and is at 11,330 ft above sea level. The place has derived its name from seven peaks that look like the head of Sheshnag, the sacred snake in the Hindu mythology.

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Panchtarni

It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. For those headed towards the holy cave of Amarnath, Panchtarni is the last camping site. From Panchtarni, Amarnath is located at a distance of 6 km.

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Amarnath Cave

Pahalgam is the base for the religious trek to the abode of Lord Shiva. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The massive ice shivlingam is visited by thousands of pilgrims between July and September.

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Aru

This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

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Lidderwat

A beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.

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Activities in Pahalgam

Pahalgam has lots of recreational activities especially trekking adventures. It offers wonderful treks, skiing, mountaineering and camping sites. Trekking can be undertaken to Kolahoi Glacier which is very beautiful via Aru village. Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals. You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich flora and fauna. Pahalgam is the main base camp to Amarnath Cave. Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes. A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam and trek to Chandanwari and Sheshnag lake can also be undertaken. The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available.

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Travel Information

Once in Jammu & Kashmir, you can easily reach Pahalgam. Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir, connects quite well to Pahalgam.
Closest Airport : Srinagar, which is at a distance of 95 km from Pahalgam
Closest Railhead : Jammu, which is further connected to the rest of India by NH 1A
Road Link : A road drive of 2½ hrs hours from Pahalgam takes you to Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Regular buses and taxis connect Pahalgam to Srinagar.

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For all those adventure loving people who wish to enjoy camping at a hill station, Sonmarg is the ideal destination. Tourists flock to this small hill resort in heavy numbers to see the enchanting natural beauty and snow clad peaks. Sonamarg is 435 kms from from Leh and 80kms from Srinagar. Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The word "Sona" literally means "Gold" in Hindi, and this golden beauty covered with white snow is most attractive in the spring. The exotic flora of the region is nurtured by the Sindh river. Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh. The dense forests of Sonmarg comprise of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. The place is frequently visited by nature lovers in the search of tranquil peace and soothing natural beauty. The stunning blue water lakes and grasslands are the other attractions. The enchanting beauty of the towering snow clad mountains is a real treat to the eyes.

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Major Attractions

Enveloped by alpine trees, Sonmarg is a base camp for the holy Amarnath yatra. The yatra is organized during the month of July-August every year, and thousands of tourists are drawn towards Sonmarg. While visiting Sonmarg, make sure you include a trip to Nilagrad, the confluence of mountain rivers with the Indus river. The most amazing aspect of this place is that the river water is pure red in colour, and is believed to have curative powers for skin ailments. People often take a bath in this water. Krishnasar Lake, one of the most mesmerizing lakes in the chain of many Himalayan lakes, is a good spot for picnics. The place is surrounded by dense alpines and provides a cool and peaceul atmosphere at a height of 3801 m above sea level. People enjoy trout fishing and other water activities here. Vishansar is another popular lake. Walk along the exotic grasslands of Baltal to explore the untouched beauty of Sonmarg. Situated at the foot of Zoji-la-pass (gateway to the Ladakh plateau, 3540 m from the sea level), Baltal is close to the Amarnath cave. Baltal grasslands witness a number of pilgrims during the Amarnath yatra.

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Climate

The weather is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild, one can get by with thick cottons. But the place receives heavy snowfall in December-February. The best time to visit Sonamarg is during the summers.

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Accommodation

You can find a number of Hotels and lodges of various types and budgets in Sonmarg. Most of these are operated in summers only. If you visit Sonmarg in winters, you can hire cottages or guest rooms. Sonamarg is a place of enthralling beauty. Three lakes viz Kishensar,Vishensar and Gangabal can be viewed from Nichnai Pass. 20 Kms east of Sonamarg is Zoji-La Pass at 3540 mtrs which leads into Ladakh Plateau. Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway approx.110 Kms from Srinagar.The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxisply on this Highway. It Takesaround 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road whichcrosses some beautiful spots andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with India. Bus service is available from Srinagar which leave at fixed time from the Srinagar Bus stand. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance isavailable at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar. Sonamarg has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types which are open only during summer months. Accomodation needs to be booked well in advance from srinagar. Sonamarg offers lots of recreational activities:Sonamarg mainly offers trekking adventure.Trekking can be undertaken to Thajiwas Glacier which is very beautiful. Sledging at the frozen Glaciers is also offered by locals.Angling ( a license is required)You can take long walks in the jungles and explore rich lora and fauna. Sonamarg is also the base camp to Amarnath Cave for the route of Bal Tal. Alpine Skiing is also available at high altitudes.A Popular trek from Sonamarg to Pahalgam can also be undertaken. Some probability of white water rafting is also available downstrean from sonamarg.

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Gulmarg means "the meadow of flowers' and truly the state is blessed by Mother Nature. Though, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hill stations in India, it also offers many opportunities to adventure seekers. Consider spending your next holidays at Gulmarg, and enjoy skiing, on its high slopes and trekking through its green hills with Adventure Tours of India. There are many places one can visit while on a tour to Gulmarg. You can go to Khilanmarg by pony, which is a famous skiing spot. It also offers a great view of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range. You can also take a tour to the Alpather Lake, which is a beautiful lavke that usually remains frozen till June. The Alpather Lake lies across the Apharwat peak. You may also pay a visit to the shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim mystic saint, while you are on a tour of Gulmarg. Gulmarg-Things to do Gulamrg is the perfect skiing destination for many adventure seekers. One can hire all the equipment needed, such as skis and sticks, snow boots, mufflers, woolen socks, jackets, goggles, etc here. One can take skiing lessons from ski instructors too. The time to enjoy skiing in Gulmarg is between November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg vary from 8,700 ft to 10,500 ft. One remarkable fact about Gulmarg is that it is the only heli-skiing resort in Asia. Though not exactly an adventure sport, Golf is enjoyed as a relaxing activity by many. Gulmarg has the world's highest golf course. Visitors can enjoy golf by obtaining a short-term membership at the Golf Club.

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Accommodation

Gulmarg - skiing The closest airport is at Srinagar, 57 kms from Gulmarg. There are regular flights from this airport to all the major cities in the country. The nearest railway station is at Jammu. Visitors to Gulmarg need not worry too much about accommodation. There are many hotels and lodges for the tourists. There are hotels available for every kind of budget. If you are going in the peak season, then it is advisable that you book accommodation prior to your visit to Gulmarg. One can also check out hotels run by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation, which offers reasonably priced accommodation. While you are in Gulmarg, you can enjoy both vegetarian and Non-vegetarian cuisine. If you eat non -vegetarian, then do try a traditional dish, called Rogan Josh. Gulmarg-Things to keep in mind Though Gulmarg is more or less safe for tourists, it is advisable that you update yourself with the current law and order situation in the area, before you visit Gulmarg. Gulmarg is very cold, so make sure you carry heavy woolens with you, while you tour Gulmarg.

Gulmarg literally means meadow of flowers. It is a majestic hill station in the district of Baramula of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The hill station, at an altitude of 2730 m, was earlier known as Gaurimarg, where Gauri stands for Goddess Parvati the wife of Lord Shiva. The name Gulmarg was given to this place by the King Yousuf Shah Chak. Nestled with stunning peaks in the Himalayan ranges, Gulmarg is a spectacular picnic spot attracted by all kinds of tourists with its lush green backdrop, beautiful landscapes, flowering gardens, serene lakes and pleasant climate during the summers and falls. This imposing hill station was a pleasure resort for kings and royal family members and a summer retreat for the British officers during the British rule in India. Sir Marc Aural Stein, the renowned central Asian explorer made this place as his halting location between the expeditions during early 20th century. History claims that Mughal emperor Jehangir was a frequent visitor to this pleasant environment. Gulmarg is an eye catching place with picturesque surroundings, beautiful gardens with mind blogging flowers and fragrance. This is one of the best ski resorts in India as it gets heavy snowfall during, especially during winter. Some of the highest ski slopes in India lies in the sloppy Himalayan regions in Gulmarg.

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Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from the Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless. Within commutable distance from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, Yusmarg is the perfect place to go for a picnic. It is possible that after reaching this place, you may want to even stay for a few days. Specially, for the lovers of long walks in picturesque locales, Yusmarg is the place to be.

You may a laid-back stroll amongst flower-strewn meadows. Another venue for the walkers is a river, known by the name of Dudh Ganga. Frothing and crashing on its way over the rocks, the river makes a little white foam, which gives it this name. A little ahead, is a lake, Nilnag, embraced with hills. The hills comprise of a number of several peaks, namely Tatta Kutti, Sang Safed, etc. At a distance of about 13 km from Yusmarg in the Kashmir valley is the Charar-e-Sharief, the shrine of the saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi.Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows,a sparkling reservoir and mountains comparable to European Alps. Situated amidst Sang Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for having some unique spring flowers. It also has some of the highest peaks in Pir-Panjal range like Tatakoti 4725m, Romesh Thong 5000m and Sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga rises from these peaks and a dis-tributory of the same flows into the reservoir. Word 'Yus' is said to be a short form of Youza or Jesus PBUH and a marg means a meadow, according to a belief the Jesus is said to have passed through this valley while travelling into Kashmir.

A major trekking route from Yousmarg eads to a famous spot called Tosa Maidan, a large meadow used for cattle grasing by nomads. This area is connected through rough routes to places like Gulmarg and Poonch. The region is full of springs , the one at Khag is most famous for the curative properties. The natural slopes of Yousmarg offer skiing opportunities to experts. School camps and adventure lovers make a week to fortnights stay at Yousmarg for the thrilling trekking routes around.Day treks are mostly commenced by the visitors. Stay in personal tents is recommended for the visitors intending to stay for longer duration. The expeditions to the various peaks in the range can be organized through the reputed Travel Agents in Srinagar. Horse riding in the valley can be great fun, the ponywallas in Yousmarg have quite reasonable charges for a ride compared to other destinations. A visit in summer to a place like Yousmarg will positively be cherished by every one in a group. Yousmarg is suitable for young couples, as it is quietest place out of all tourist destinations. Last few years of large tourist inflow into Kashmir valley has seen the diversification of tourism to this wonderful destination. Most of the travel agents include Yousmarg as one day trip in their packages.

A short trek of 4km to Nilnag a small lake amidst pine trees, near a hamlet gives an ultimate pleasure to visitors. A full day trek from Yousmarg to frozen lake in Sang e safed valley 10 km from Yousmarg is quite fascinating one. Most of the portion of the lake is covered under ice throughout the year. Trekkers are advised to carry tents along during the trip as the weather at high altitude changes frequently which can make further journey quite hard. Assistance of a guide is advisable. Tsrar-e-Sharief from political, social and economical upheavals, the Rishis or saints emerged with a sacred thoughts which gave comfort and mitigated the miseries of the people of valley. Nund Reshi was the patron of the Sufism in Kashmir who showed disinterest in worldly matters from childhood and renounced the world at an early age of 12 in search of divinity of God . He was an illiterate Shiekh Noor-ud-Din Noorani RA popular as Nund Reshi or Alamdar-e- Kashmir was born in 1378 AD at Kaimuh a village in Anantnag district. When the people of valley were suffering and yet spontaneously uttered concise and rhythmic verses called 'Shruks' which are considered of high value in Kashmiri literature.

"Do not go to Shiekh and priest and rnullah: Do not feed the cattle on the arkhor(leaves) Do not shut yourself in mosque and forest Enter thy own body with breath controlled in communion with God" Local buses ply only upto Chrair e sharief, tourists are advised to hire a taxi from Srinagar or take the assistance of a travel agent. The road from Tsar e sharief to Yousmarg remains closed during the winters.

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Islamabad, the second town in Kashmir,stands a few miles higher up the Jhelum from Bijbehara, just where the river narrows. It is the starting-point for the Verinag-Jummu route. At the foot of the hill, overlooking the town, there are numerous springs, and consequently remains of Mughal gardens. But only some Kashmiri pavilions, and the stone tanks which swarm with sacred carp are left. The direct road from Islamabad to Verinag Bagh, Nur-Jahan's favourite Kashmir garden, runs for nineteen miles across the rivers and the rice-fields and a very bad road it is. For the traffic of the country goes down the new Jhelum valley road by Baramulla and Domel, up over the Murree hill, and out to join the railway at Rawal Pindi. Now, if a river washes away a bridge or two between Islamabad and Verinag, no one hurries to replace it ; and the old road is left to the pilgrims from the plains or to stray travellers, such as the little company who gathered in the gardens at the northern foot of the Banihal Pass to spend, after the old fashion, the last hot weeks of June by the ice-cold holy spring. The previous autumn I had tried to reach the gardens and failed ; but on my second visit to Kashmir the journey was accomplished, and I and some friends arrived there at last.

Camped under the chenars of the ruined garden, where the pine forest runs down a steep limestone spur to the tank in which the spring rises, it is easy to understand the romantic charm of Verinag (the secret spring, the supposed source of the Jhelum, " the snake recoiled," as the literal translation runs) and the spell which held Jahangir and Nur-Mahal in their palace by the bright blue-green pool, where the largest of the sacred carp bore the Queen's inscriptions on gold rings placed through their gills. On the cold mountain pass above, Jahangir died ; leaving a last request that he might be brought back and buried by the spring. But as we have seen, his wishes were set aside; the courtiers no doubt were frightened by the approach of winter, and the danger of the passes being closed ; and the Court continued their journey south- wards, carrying the dead Emperor down to Lahore. The octagonal tank built round the spring is designed to form the centre of the palace buildings. No omrah's house at Delhi was complete without its fountain court, and the same idea is carried out on the grandest scale for the Emperor's palace at Verinag. Round the reservoir there are twenty-four arched recesses still roofed over, some containing small stairways 'which led to the rooms above; and the few carved stones of the cornice that are left show how fine the building must have been. The current rushes out through the large arched crypt on the north side, flowing under the chief fagade of the house. The stream, flashing through the gloom, lights up the dark arches with a flickering green magic like a mermaid's cave, beyond which lies the serene upper world of the sunlit watercourt.

The palace is built on a succession of small arches extending across the width of the first terrace.Only the lower story is left, the rest of the building having been destroyed by a fire a few years ago. A road and an ugly rubble wall shut out the terrace and turfed wooden bridges across the canals, and spoil the whole effect, which must have been most impressive when the palace walls formed the southern garden boundary, backed by the dark pines on the cliff behind the spring. The main canal is about twelve feet wide, and is crossed by a second watercourse running immediately under the building. The garden has been a large one, although it is somewhat difficult to make out the whole plan. At present the first terrace is alone enclosed, but a broken water-chute leads to a lower level, and a big hummum with stone-edged platforms and other buildings can be traced on the east side.

For those who feel the charm of solitude in a beautiful setting, Verinag Bagh is still an enchanting place to pass the early summer days. So at least we found it ; reading, writing, and painting under the fruit trees, or ensconced in latticed summer-houses built across the stream, where straggling Persian rose-bushes scented the garden with their soft pink blooms. Early every morning the Brahmins in charge of the spring came to gather the flowers to decorate their shrine. Later in the day, a school of small boys were usually busy at work in the shade of a large chenar, or were drawn up in line for a diving lesson, learning to swim with merry splashings in the clear, fast-flowing stream. At noon even the shady garden grows too hot ; and then the alcoves round the tank prove a welcome refuge, the icy water making the temperature of the surrounding court some degrees cooler than elsewhere. From the curiously vivid green depths of the tank an emerald flash lights up a polished black marble slab let into the walls, revealing Jahangir's inscription : " The King raised this building to the skies : the angel Gabriel suggested its date 1609." The mason's tablet on the west side, erected seven years later, on the completion of the work, runs : " God be praised ! What a canal and what a waterfall ! Constructed by Haider, by order of the King of the World, the Paramount Lord of his Age, this canal is a type of the canal in the Paradise, this waterfall is the glory of Kashmir." Brave words these, but no doubts troubled Haider a master-builder sure of his patron and his own skill. A Hindu shrine is set up in one of the arches where the marigolds and rosebuds wreath the drab plaster walls. Pink indigo bushes and lilac wild -flowers flourish on the earthen roofs, and grow between the grey cornice stones; behind which the giant poplars whisper rest- lessly in the lightest breeze ; while over the close, delicate, northern harmonies the pine woods brood sombre and remote. Then with a sudden burst of sound and colour, a band of newly- arrived pilgrims flock in to make their puja at the shrine. The sacred fish are fed, roses are lung into the reservoir, the pradakshina is performed. Three times round the tank they go in their saffron, mauve, and marigold robes, and the water glitters bright with all the brilliance of the hot southern plains.

Situated in the heart of Bringhi valley, Kokernag , is set amidst sprawling gardens fragrant with the bloom of thousands of flowers. The Kokernag spring bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain. The water of the spring is famous for its medicinal and digestive properties.
Situated at a height of 2,020 m, Kokernag is approximately 70 km from the district of Srinagar. Blooming gardens surround this spring, which bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain. The water of Kokernag in Kashmir is believed to have medicinal and digestive properties. And because of these properties only, the spring is also known as Papashudan Nag or the sin-cleansing spring. There is also a botanical garden and a rose garden near Kokernag, overflowing with fragrances of flowers and shrubs. Kokarnag is also the largest fresh water spring of the Kashmir valley. The word Kokernag is a combination of the two words, Koker meaning 'fowl' and Nag meaning 'serpent'. Kokernag is a collection of many small springs and collectively, they all look like the claw foot of a Koker (cock). And the flowing stream resembles a moving serpent. Hence, the name "Kokernag". The spring of Kokernag comprise of 300 canals, 129 canals for garden purposes and 171 canals for forest area.

Home to a spring with magical, curative powers, a tour to Kokernag is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Srinagar. Located at an altitude of around 2012 meters above sea level, tour to Kokernag also reveals some of the other treasures of this important tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir. The moment you enter the green valley of Kokernag, you are welcomed by the cool and fragrant air of the mountains, an air that brings with it the perfume of the blossoming flowers which you see all around this picturesque valey. Perhaps the most important tourist attraction of a tour to Kokernag is the Papashudan Nad, the magical and curative spring which draws thousands of tourists to the valley each year. Home to the largest fresh water spring in Kashmir, Kokernag is known for its collection of springs, which in totality produce an image of the claws of a “Koker” or a cock, a trait to which the vale owes its name. Blessed with rich a soil which promotes the growth of several varieties of plants and flowers, a tour to Kokernag is made even more perfect by the presence of a number of accommodation options in the region.

Blooming gardens surround this spring, which bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain. The water of Kokernag in Kashmir is believed to have medicinal and digestive properties. And because of these properties only, the spring is also known as Papashudan Nag or the sin-cleansing spring. There is also a botanical garden and a rose garden near Kokernag, overflowing with fragrances of flowers and shrubs. Kokarnag is also the largest fresh water spring of the Kashmir valley. The word Kokernag is a combination of the two words, Koker meaning 'fowl' and Nag meaning 'serpent'. Kokernag is a collection of many small springs and collectively, they all look like the claw foot of a Koker (cock). And the flowing stream resembles a moving serpent. Hence, the name "Kokernag". The spring of Kokernag comprise of 300 canals, 129 canals for garden purposes and 171 canals for forest area. Home to a spring with magical, curative powers, a tour to Kokernag is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Srinagar. Located at an altitude of around 2012 meters above sea level, tour to Kokernag also reveals some of the other treasures of this important tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir. The moment you enter the green valley of Kokernag, you are welcomed by the cool and fragrant air of the mountains, an air that brings with it the perfume of the blossoming flowers which you see all around this picturesque vale.

Perhaps the most important tourist attraction of a tour to Kokernag is the Papashudan Nad, the magical and curative spring which draws thousands of tourists to the valley each year. Home to the largest fresh water spring in Kashmir, Kokernag is known for its collection of springs, which in totality produce an image of the claws of a “Koker” or a cock, a trait to which the vale owes its name. Blessed with rich a soil which promotes the growth of several varieties of plants and flowers, a tour to Kokernag is made even more perfect by the presence of a number of accommodation options in the region.