Pahalgam " The Valley of Shepherds "

Sheshnag

From Chandanwari, the next stoppage is at Sheshnag. The mountain lake of Sheshnag is situated about 11 kms from Chandanwari. The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Chandanwari

Chandanwari is located about 16 kms from Pahalgam. It is famous for its snow bridge. This is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra, which takes place every year during July-August. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be travelled by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony.

Panchtarni

Panchtarni is the last stoppage of the Amarnath Yatra. Panchtarni is located about 13 kms away from Sheshnag. It is the confluence of five streams that gives Panchtarni its name. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.

Amarnath Cave

The Amarnath Cave is situated about 44.8 kms. from Pahalgam and 6 kms away from Panchtarni. It takes about five days to reach the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. The Amaranth cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is situated on the mountains of Lidder valley amidst iced snow at a height on 13,000 feet. The thousands of Hindu pilgrims undertake the tour (yatra) to the Amarnath Cave from all parts of India in the month of Sawan (July-August) to have a glimpse of Shivlinga formed from iced snow. According to the legend, the Lord Shiva narrated to Parvati the secret of creation, in the caves of Amarnath. Without their knowledge, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on their conversation and having learnt it, they were reborn over and over again and since, have made this cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims have spotted these doves here. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. The most auspicious occasion to visit Amarnath for a pilgrimage is on the night of the full moon in the month of Sawan. The Amarnath yatra is done only once in the month of July to August as it is totally cut off from the rest of the world during winter. The dates of the yatra varies every year due to the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sawan.

Mamal

Mamal is one of tiny village in Pahalgam. A Shiva temple is also situated here, which is considered to be one of the oldest existing temple in Kashmir, dating to the 5th century.

Aru

Aru is a charming meadow that can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The Lidder river disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Baisaran

Baisaran is one of the most beautiful place in Pahalgam. Baisaran is situated about 5 kms. from Pahalgam. The huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran is surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains.

Hajan

Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.