Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular tourist destination. This world famous hill station is 45 km. from the District Headquarters at Anantnag and located on the banks of Lidder River. Pahalgam holds a central position in the Lidder Valley. It has an average elevation of 2740 metres. Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari is the starting point of the Yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August).
Demography of Pahalgam
As of 2001 India census, Pahalgam had a population of 5922. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Pahalgam has an average literacy rate of 35%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 49%, and female literacy is 17%. In Pahalgam, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Climate of Pahalgam
Pahalgam has sub-tropical highland climate with long and cold winter with short and mild summer.
Places to Visit at Pahalgam
Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and the most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. "Betaab Valley", on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes. Aru Valley, 12 kms from Pahalgam, is a picturesque meadow and base point for trekking to Kolahoi glacier, Katernag and Tarsar and Marsar Lakes. Sheshnag Lake is a high altitude mountain lake at an elevation of 12,000 feet. Tulian Lake is located in a meadow with pine forests and lies between the two Himalayan mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar. Mt. Kolahoi is the highest mountain peak in Kashmir Valley. It is also called "Matterhorn of Kashmir" because it resembles with Mt. Matterhorn of Switzerland.
Visiting Information to Pahalgam
The nearest airport is in Budgam District. The nearest railhead is at Jammu. The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara villages from this National Highway. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from buses to taxis plies on this highway. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar.
