Pahalgam
Pahalgam (Hindustani pronunciation: [pɛhɛlɡaːm]), known as Pahalgom (Kashmiri pronunciation: [pəhəlʲɡoːm]; lit. ’village of shepherds’ in Kashmiri)[3] is a town and a notified area committee, near Anantnag city in the Anantnag district of the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.[4][5][6][7][8] It is a popular tourist destination and hill station. Its lush green meadows and pristine waters attract thousands of tourists from all over the world each year.[9] It is located 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Anantnag on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2,200 m). Pahalgam is the headquarters of one of the eleven tehsils of Anantnag district.
Pahalgam is associated with the annual pilgrimage to the shrine Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) from Pahalgam. The town is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the months of July–August, receiving hundreds of thousands of tourists. Because of its religious significance and role as a base camp, the town attracts 70% of visitors to the valley.[10] This flood of tourists overwhelms some of the local infrastructure, especially waste management in the town.[10]
Etymology
The name Pahalgam is derived from two Kashmiri words;
Puheyl (shepherd} and goam (village) over the time became Puheylgoam or Pahalgam.[citation needed] The place acts as a gateway to many meadows and pastures and traditional Bakharwal communities settle there from spring season to pre-winter, herding their cattle.
According to Hindu traditions, Pahalgam was originally called Bail Gaon (बैल गाँव) meaning (village of bull (nandi)), in other words, where Shiva left his bull before entering Amarnath Cave[11]
Geography
Pahalgam is located at 34.01°N 75.19°E.[12] Pahalgam holds a central position in the Lidder Valley. It has an average elevation of 2,740 metres (8,990 ft).
Climate
Pahalgam has a temperate climate with long and cold winter and short and mild summer.[citation needed]
Climate data for Pahalgam (1981–2010, extremes 1978–2012)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 13.2
(55.8) 17.0
(62.6) 23.5
(74.3) 27.4
(81.3) 30.8
(87.4) 32.0
(89.6) 31.5
(88.7) 32.2
(90.0) 30.0
(86.0) 27.7
(81.9) 23.0
(73.4) 15.6
(60.1) 32.2
(90.0)
Average high °C (°F) 4.4
(39.9) 6.6
(43.9) 11.7
(53.1) 17.4
(63.3) 21.0
(69.8) 24.4
(75.9) 25.3
(77.5) 25.5
(77.9) 23.8
(74.8) 19.4
(66.9) 12.9
(55.2) 7.2
(45.0) 16.6
(61.9)
Average low °C (°F) −6.9
(19.6) −4.8
(23.4) −0.6
(30.9) 3.1
(37.6) 5.6
(42.1) 8.5
(47.3) 12.4
(54.3) 12.6
(54.7) 8.3
(46.9) 2.3
(36.1) −1.6
(29.1) −4.1
(24.6) 2.9
(37.2)
Record low °C (°F) −18.6
(−1.5) −17.3
(0.9) −11.6
(11.1) −4.2
(24.4) −1.0
(30.2) 1.5
(34.7) 5.0
(41.0) 4.0
(39.2) 0.6
(33.1) −5.1
(22.8) −10.6
(12.9) −15.7
(3.7) −18.6
(−1.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 120.3
(4.74) 139.2
(5.48) 198.0
(7.80) 141.6
(5.57) 129.9
(5.11) 88.0
(3.46) 109.1
(4.30) 109.8
(4.32) 81.4
(3.20) 46.2
(1.82) 42.9
(1.69) 75.1
(2.96) 1,281.5
(50.45)
Average rainy days 7.9 8.9 10.9 9.9 9.9 8.5 9.0 9.0 6.5 3.7 2.9 4.9 91.9
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 82 77 68 60 57 57 65 67 62 59 67 75 66
Source: India Meteorological Department[13][14]
Demographics
Religion in Pahalgam Town (2011)[15]
Islam (80.09%)
Hinduism (17.64%)
Sikhism (1.38%)
Christianity (0.41%)
Buddhism (0.2%)
Jainism (0.02%)
Not Stated (0.36%)
As of 2011 India census,[16] Pahalgam had a population of 5922. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. The average literacy rate is 35%, lower than the Indian national average of 59.5% with male literacy at 49% and female literacy at 17%. About 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Administration
Pahalgam is administered by the Pahalgam Development Authority, headed by a Chief Executive Officer who functions as the administrator of local town area committee.
Tourism
The town has 3,510 rooms with 7,020 beds for tourists.[10]
Amarnath Temple
Main article: Amarnath Temple
Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in Pahalgam. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft).[17]
Kolhoi Glacier
Main article: Kolhoi Glacier
Kolohoi Glacier, situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Kolhoi Peak is currently a hanging glacier. It is accessible from Pahalgam via Aru and is known to have extended for at least 35 kilometres (22 mi).[18] According to the mountaineers from Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, in 2008, the glacier receded by half since 1985 and it is not safe to study because it is hollow and has 200-foot-deep (61 m) crevices.[citation needed]
Betaab Valley
Main article: Betaab Valley
Also known as Hagoon or Hagan Valley, locally.
Betaab Valley is a valley located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from a Bollywood movie Betaab that was shot here.
Aru Valley
Main article: Aru Valley
Nestled amidst the fir and pine forests, Aru Valley is a tranquil haven that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and verdant meadows, this scenic valley offers breathtaking views and ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Go for a nature walk, enjoy a pony ride, or embark on a thrilling trek to Kolahoi Glacier. The serenity and beauty of Aru Valley will captivate your senses and create unforgettable memories.[19]
Baisaran Valley
Baisaran Valley, barely 5 kilometres from Pahalgam in Kashmir’s Anantnag district, is a popular tourist attraction that has been dubbed “mini-Switzerland” due to its scenic splendour. It’s a verdant meadow on a mountaintop flanked by snowcapped mountains and studded with thick pine woods.[20] The optimum time to go to Baisaran is determined on the type of experience you wish to have. From January through March is the best time to visit if you want to experience the snow. Visit there during April and June to appreciate the foliage and lovely weather.[21]
Religious significance
Pahalgam is one of the most important site for Hindus.[22] Amarnath cave situated at 3,888 m (12,756 ft) is an important Hindu shrine located in Pahalgam.[23]
Mythology
Lord Shiva is believed to impart the secret of immortality (Amrit Vachan) to Parvati in Pahalgam. Before entering Amarnath cave Shiv left nandi in Pahalgam, moon in Chandanwari, snakes in Sheshnag Lake, Ganesha on Mahaguna Parbat, five elements at Panchtarni.[24] Mahaguna Parbat is lies at Nagaparbhat.
Environmental issues
Annual tourist flow to the town produces much more waste than locals, overwhelming the local solid waste management system, and leading to dumping of waste throughout the town.[10] 74% of the total municipal waste comes from the tourism sector.[10] This waste issue increase waterborne disease downstream and other health issues, as well as polluting the local landscape.[10]
Pahalgam Golf Course
View of Pahalgam Golf Course.
Pahalgam has a scenic 9-hole golf course; where championships are organized by the state government and private hotels in summer. The course closes in winter due to snow.[25][unreliable source?] Pahalgam Golf Course is approximately 100 km from Srinagar and situated at an altitude of 2150 metres. Locals refer to the golf course as the ‘plateau’. Portions of the plateau were occupied by the military in the days of the insurgency, leaving it out of bounds for tourists.[26][unreliable source?]
Transportation
Air
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, 91 kilometres from Pahalgam.
Rail
The nearest railway station is [Bijbehara railway station] 45 km from Pahalgam.
Road
Pahalgam is well-connected with roads and highways. The NH 501 passes through Pahalgam alongside other intra-district roads.
Gallery
Pahalgam Gallery
A view of Pahalgam valley
A view of Pahalgam valley
Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam
Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam
Meadows in Pahalgam
Meadows in Pahalgam
Lidder River
Lidder River
Route to Amarnath Temple
Route to Amarnath Temple
View of valley near Pahalgam town
View of valley near Pahalgam town