By Syed Salman
“Gar firdous bar-ruhe zamin ast, Hamin asto hamin ast“.
Perhaps because of the fame of Himalayas and the love for trekking, Pahalgam has always been, to me, a strenuous grill. It is one of those places you really should visit with a backpack,and go with the firm intention of getting some good healthy exercise, trudging uphill and down dale.
But then, Pahalgam is also one of the most enchanting places with excellent views to offer in the foothills of Himalayas, with the added attraction of truly magnificent mountains. However, if like me, you have neither the time nor inclination for lengthy journey on foot, the three important places of Pahalgam. Valley makes for a fascinating journey of discovery and that too without demanding much in the way of physical exercise.
Aru, Chandanwari, Bysarn are located conveniently close together and can easily be reached from main hotels by car, or pony, or if you still want some exercise-trekking.
Despite the modern hotels that have sprawled up in and around Pahalgam, there are a few dhabas mainly serving Punjabi food and Kashmiri Wazwan. There is also a small market which offers many traditional buys, such as Kashmiri shawls, furs, wooden crafts, fruits and nuts.
Pahalgam is not famous only because of its beauty but because of the holy Amarnath cave, the famous shrine of Lord Shiva. If you have children accompanying you, they might have a good time in the amusement park, pony riding or in the golf club. Many freshwater streams add to the beauty of Pahalgam Valley. Sweet music of the river Lidder provides tourists peace of mind.
The cool forest of Pahalgam Valley are indeed a sight for eyes. As the road gets steeper near Pahalgam. The swaying sounds of pine and deodars; whirls of sudden mist and sweet smells wafting from flowers and herbs freshens your mind and soul. Pahalgam is accessible the whole year round, the number of tourists to this hill station has increased manifold over the years and today the place tends to get crowded between the peak summer months of May, June and August. But such is Pahalgam’s attraction that the people don’t mind the crowds that flock here and still visit.
Pahalgam in not just about summer, it remains charming the whole year around – cool in summer with frequent showers and winter with snowcapped forests, slopes and white blanket of snow around, adding a different kind of allure. Spring and autumn come with three typical bursts of colours and fascination in their own special way.
It’s great to spend your vacation in the sweet environs of Pahalgam Valley. Free of pollution it costs you almost nothing much. Most of the people prefer to spend their vacation in luxurious hotels as it is always a one-time sweet experience. The few names which I remember are, Heaven hotel that is situated at the right bank of the River Lidder. This is the most famous hotel in Pahalgam valley and rightly named because of the view it offers of towering mountains around and the sweet voice of Lidder that plays a role of musician in this hotel. Other hotels are Hotel Natraj, Hotel Mount View and Hotel Pine and peak etc. They are present in the heart of market. They are also counted among the luxurious hotels of Pahalgam Valley. Tourist huts are also available. They are divided into two classes A and B; you can book these huts in Delhi, Jammu or Srinagar.
I recall the days I spent in Pahalgam Valley. That was exquisitely nice and I am still mesmerized the beauty of this Valley.
(Originally published in the Kashmir Times on January 28, 2006)
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