Is situated at an altitude of 2,400 m in the state of Kashmir. The beautiful Lidder River flows through the town which is at the junction of the Sheshnag and Lidder rivers and is surrounded by fir-covered mountains with snowcapped peaks rising behind them.
About 2 kms outside of Pahalgam is one of our family guesthouses, Himalaya House, located right on the Lidder River, nestled at the base of the mountains.
Download brochure (PDF)... of Himalaya House.
Pahalgam is an ideal base for longer treks to the Kolahoi Glacier and Amarnath Cave. It is most crowded during July and August when thousands of pilgrims converge on the town on their way to the cave shrine of Amarnath, a 45 km trek away. Pahalgam itself is little more than a single street on the banks of the Lidder. The Lidder Valley is full of streams and is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. The experience of village life can be fully realized here in this remote beautiful town and its surrounding villages. If you are interested in trekking in this region, this will be your first stop. Horse rides in the mountains are very popular and are also used for trekking long distances. It is the usual custom to be invited for tea and to sit with the people of Pahalgam. Visitors have experienced the events of life here like attending weddings and enjoying holidays with the rest of the villagers.
Amarnath ji Yatra
The pilgrimage by-passing through Sind Valley to Amrarnath cave, one of the holiest shrines of the Hindu faith continues from generations. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of mating doves eaves dropped on this coversation and having learnt the secret, are reborn again and again and have made the cave a heavenly abode. The pilgrimage starts from Pahalgam and goes via Bradhaji, Higun, Betab Valley, HapathGand and to Chandanwari. Chandanwari to Sheshnag is 7 kms. Sheshnag to Panchtarni is 13 kms. Panchtarni to Amarnath cave is 6kms.
Is the capital city of Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730m. Srinagar's population size is 725,000. It receives over 650mm rainfall per annum. More than 50% of this is due to western disturbances. Srinagar is located around a number of lakes, of which Dal lake is the best known. The city is divided into two by the river Jhelum. One of the highlights of Srinagar is staying on a boat house in Dal Lake. Here you experience the ebb and flow of locale life on the lake while staying in a beautifully woodent carved house boat with many conveniences. The sunsets on the lake are extraordinary.
Initially known as 'Gaurimarg', Emperor Jahangir's favorite spot, it is situated at an altitude of 2,730m. Gulmarg lies 56 kms west of Srinagar, and has an excellent view of Nanga Parbhat, one of the tallest mountains on earth. The name 'Gulmarg' means "Meadow of Flowers" and is an excellent trekking base. In winter, it is India's premier skiing resort.
Is situated at an altitude of 2,740m. The name Sonamarg means `Path of Gold'. It is the last major town in Kashmir before the Zoji La and Ladakh and is a trekking base, especially useful for those heading to Gangabal Lake. It's name may derive from it's past importance as a feeder to the Great Silk Road, or more likely. Because of it's carpet of spring flowers, it is believed that the legendary spring has the power to turn anything into gold. This valley by the Sindh River has beautiful forests of silver fir and blue pine.
Situated at an altitude of 3,500 m, Leh is in a fertile side valley of the Indus about 10 km from the river. It developed as a trading post and market. It's population size is 90,000, while It receives annual rainfall of 1,780 mm. It's quite hot when the sun is up but in the shade it can still be very cold. Leh and its surrounding areas offers the remoteness of a traditional mountain setting and the conveniences found in a small city. You can walk and trek on day trips but enjoy the comforts of a quaint city atmosphere in the evening.
