Author : Kritika Sehwag
Pahalgam is a lovely village in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.The green valleys of J&K are full of natural beauty and are one of the greatest treasures of the Indian Himalayas.
For many decades, Pahalgam has served as a religious centre for its community.
The site has gained recent popularity because tourists from worldwide destinations visit for its natural landscapes and its heritage value.
Several interesting details about Pahalgam exist that deserve attention.
12 Pahalgam Tourism Facts You Didn’t Know
1. Etymology Rooted in Pastoral Life
The name “Pahalgam” is a derivative of the Kashmiri words “Puheyl” (shepherd) and “goam” (village), which gives “village of the shepherds.” This is how the region represented its links to people who kept animals.
2. Gateway to the Sacred Amarnath Cave
Every year, the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage starts from Pahalgam according to tradition. Each year, thousands of devotees visit the Shiva Linga at the Amarnath Cave Temple, which stands at 3888 meters above sea level.
3. Colonial-Era Summer Retreat
The British officers during the colonial period found Pahalgam’s pleasant climate and beautiful landscape a perfect getaway from the stifling heat of the plains.
4. Bollywood’s Picturesque Backdrop
Tourists flock to the scenic Pahalgam mostly because it has been a favoured location in innumerable Bollywood films.
The most significant among them is the 1983 movie “Betaab,” which was shot in the valley now called Betaab Valley and is lyrical about the place’s spectacular aesthetic.
5. Tulian Lake’s Icy Charm
At about 16 km southwest of Pahalgam, Tulian Lake is the starting point for a trek to the highest alpine lake at an altitude of 3,684 meters.
Here, one can witness small ice floes drifting around and high mountains rising to over 4,800 meters at every corner.
6. Myth of Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is not far from Pahalgam. Its name comes from the mythological serpent Sheshnag.
The Amarnath Yatra route passes by the lake, which has snow-capped peaks in addition to its pristine waters.
7. Aru Valley’s Window to the Alps
The twelve-kilometer distance from Pahalgam makes Aru Valley the base for hiking excursions leading to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.
The valley attracts visitors because of its picturesque meadows alongside traditional wooden houses and its winter possibilities for skiing and heliskiing.
8. The Overa-Aru
The 511 square kilometers of Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary protects an extensive range of plants and animals while preserving the rare Hangul deer and Himalayan black bear species.
The sanctuary’s rich biodiversity results from its elevation range between 3,000 and 5,425 meters.
9. Rafting and Fishing Activities
The Lidder River starts in Pahalgam. It gets its water from the Kolahoi Glacier. The river is great for white-water rafting. You can also enjoy trout fishing here. Its fast-flowing water is perfect for adventure. Nature lovers and thrill-seekers love this place.
10. Pahalgam Golf Course
An 18-hole golf course in Pahalgam exists at an elevation of 2,400 meters above sea level. A golf course at this elevation lets you admire the water hazards together with the Lidder River and mountain ranges.
The summer season draws large numbers of tourists to this destination.
11. Traditional Kashmiri Handicrafts
Pahalgam’s markets sell Kashmiri handicrafts. You can find woollen items like scarves, bags, and mats. Tourists love buying traditional pieces.
Gabbas and Namdas are the most popular choices. Many visitors take them home as souvenirs.
12. Top Attractions
Near the beautiful valley, you can visit Shankaracharya Hill, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, and Dal Lake.
You can enjoy the saffron Fields. Pahalgam is famous for growing saffron. In autumn, the fields look magical. They bloom with purple and orange flowers.
It turns the area into a colourful wonderland. The local economy maintains its integration with this valuable spice because farmers have cultivated it in the region for numerous centuries.
Visit Pahalgam to have an exciting adventure!!
More about Author: Kritika Sehwag
