Pahalgam On the Banks of the Lidder

The sleepy town of Pahalgam offers beautiful hillsides forested with tall pine trees, luxuriant meadows and endearing valleys next to the very pretty and very Himalayan Lidder river. The Lidder River is what makes Pahalgam so alluring.

The Lidder has two main tributaries Lidder East (flowing from Sheshnag Lake) and Lidder West (from Kolahoi Glacier). The two streams tumble down the mountains and come together in a relatively flat and broad stretch right next to the town proper. Walking near the river bank is a rejuvenating experience take a stroll around and chuck a few pebbles into the river at the Lidder View Park, right in the centre of town. During season, and on holidays, the riverside in the town becomes a popular picnic spot for families and couples.

Things toSee & Do

Walk to Baisaran
There are also many walks to the lakes and meadows scattered all around Pahalgam. The most popular of these walks is the one to a large meadow called Baisaran (1.5 hours), surrounded by magnificent pine trees. You can also opt for a pony ride (350 per hour) or drive up here (6km from the Pahalgam taxi stand), but the road (more of a dirt track) is not in the best shape so check with the local authorities or your hotel before setting off.

Rafting and Adventure Sports
Pahalgams also the right destination if youd like to take up adventure sports in a serious fashion. The renowned Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (Tel 01936-243129, Cell 099069 67830 jawaharinstitutepahalgam.com), on the KP Road just before Pahalgam, offers mountaineering and rafting to paragliding and outdoor skills for children. Operators offer rafting on the Lidder a little below Pahalgam. Mountain Magic Trek n Tours (Contact Ibrahim Cell 09469284249 W mountainmagictours.com) and Jungle Guide Adventures Trek & Tour (Contact Imran Cell 09419923810, email imranbeach resort@gmail.com) are two good operators who undertake white water rafting in Pahalgam. The white water rafting season here extends from 1 April to 15 August. Approved rates are 350 for a short rafting ride (2km) and 700 for a long ride (5km).

Kashmirs Trekking Capital
Just out of Pahalgam, youre in picture-postcard territory Grassy meadows, tall peaks, frothy streams and tall fir trees. Tulian Lake (11,811ft), to the southwest of Pahalgam via Baisaran, is a 1012km, 2-day return trek for experienced hikers. Another trek close by is to Sheshnag Lake (12km from Chandanwari) on the Amarnath trail. But one of the best treks youll find anywhere is the Kolahoi Glacier Trek, via Lidderwat. This follows the course of the Lidder River from Pahalgam up to the Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir Valleys largest. Many trekking agencies offer the Kolahoi Glacier trek, including Moun tain Magic Trek n Tours (Cell 09469284249) and Jungle Guide Adventures Trek & Tour (Cell 09419923810) in Pahalgam. The cost is 10,00015,000 per person (depending on size of group) for a 2N/ 3D trek, inclusive of boarding, lodging, guide and porters, or 4,500 per day per person. The Leh-based Northern Escapes (Cell 09871511133, 0759282949, 0941976032)

Where to Stay
Most hotels are located in and around the main market. Grand Mumtaz Resorts (Delhi Tel 011-29847786, Cell 09818468786 Tariff 10,50016,000) a massive property, is the towns classiest. Other high-end options are Pahalgam Hotel (Tel 243252, 243137, Cell 09419045057 Tariff 16,80019,500, with two meals), Hotel Pine N Peak (Srinagar Tel 0194-2501323/ 95, Cell 07053127229 Tariff 12,00027,500) and Hotel Heevan (Srinagar Tel 0194-2501323/ 95, 2500299, Cell 07053127229 Tariff 9,50012,500). JKTDCs Hotel Complex & Tourist Bungalow (Tel 243224 Tariff 4,0006,000) has fine cottages on the hillside just above the town. Hotel Woodstock (Tel 243259, Cell 09419594171 Tariff7,4809,680), Pine Palace Resort (Tel 01923-243102, Cell 0949045069 Tariff 3,9004,500, with meals), Alpine Inn (Tel 243065, Cell 09906756030 Tariff 6,000, with two meals), Hotel Natraj (Tel 243225, Cell 09419523131 Tariff5,00018,000) are also popular.

Where to Eat
The Punjabi Rasoi dhaba, close to the bus stand, offers cheap and hearty vegetarian fare and is always packed. Dana Pani in the main market is popular for its simple and affordable north and south Indian vegetarian fare, including parathas and dosas. Hotel Pahalgam has a couple of options the Pine Retreat coffee shop or Caf Log Inn are good for light meals. But the best in town has to be the Troutbeat specialty restaurant, which offers fresh trout from the Lidder. The Senator Pine N Peak has three restaurants Lolaab, Saahil and Gulistan. Hotel Tulyans popular Nathus Rasoi, offers Indian and Chinjabi food.