PAHALGAM

Pahalgam which is also called as the ‘Valley of Shepherds' is in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of 8990 feet in the Lidder Valley.

Lidder Valley- Pahalgam

It is the starting point of one of the routes to reach the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji (Another being Baltal). 

Route map of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra

It is believed that Lord Shiva left Nandi, the bull at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon).

It is a picturesque hill station surrounded by meadows rolling into pine forests that climb into snow capped mountains. 

Lidder River originates from the Kolhoi Glacier and joins Jhelum River at Mirgund Khanabal.

Lidder river which joins Jhelum

The houses here are made up of wood/brick with slanting tin sheds on the top- to facilitate downward fall of snow during snow seasons. 

Temperature here usually falls below zero degree during winters.The lush green valley will be covered by a blanket of snow from October to February. Schools remain closed from November to march due to harsh weather conditions.

Majority of population are Muslims. Languages spoken mainly are Kashmiri and Dogri. 

Major Tourist attractions here are Aru Valley, Betab Valley, Chandanwadi, Lidder Valley, Baisaran- which is known as Mini Switzerland. I will be describing each of them in my further posts.

Gujjars of Pahalgam are known as Bakarwals. They are semi-nomadic, shepherd community who rear horses, sheep, goats and cattle in the high meadows.  

Bakarwal children with lambs

A Bakarwal man in their traditional outfit "Pheran"

Horses are the principal mode of transport along the valley and an important source of income to the Bakarwals during the tourist months of summer.

Horses- the principal mode of transport 

Horses are usually in pairs 

Cashmere Goats

Animals climb high up the mountains to graze 

Pahalgam holds rich vegetation dominated by conifers, evergreens and numerous dicotyledonous herbs. I will write about the flora of the valley in my next article.

Me on the banks of Lidder River- Pahalgam Valley