By Kashmir has been the muse and perfect location for the narration of many popular Bollywood films and made us fall in love with its beauty, mountains romanticizing the place for generations from directors such as Yash Chopra, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and Vishal Bharadwaj. Silsila, Chandini, Highway, Haider, Yahan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, URI The Surgical strike and the recent Shershah captured the beauty of Kashmir making us fall in love with the place all over again and again for decades. Pahalgam locally known as Pahalgam is a village of shepherds and is located in the Anantnag district in the state of Kashmir. It is a popular hill station and the most visited holiday destination. The lush green grass and clear water pull nature and travel lovers from all over the country each year.
Why is it called Mini Switzerland?
Pahalgam has a resemblance to the lush green meadows of Switzerland and has been given the title the “Mini Switzerland in Kashmir” due to its attractive beauty. The snow-capped mountains sit like a tiara over the entire valley and the beautiful dense pine forests add tranquillity to its surroundings.
Activities to do in Pahalgam
Winter Sports
Pahalgam has now become a hub for winter sports and various other activities during the time as the region is covered with snowfall. If you go on a winter trip to Pahalgam and you don’t take part in the winter sports, you are definitely missing out on all the fun and wonderful experiences. Go ahead and try your hand at rafting, sledding, and skiing with like-minded individuals and adventure lovers.
Trekking
The green valley of this exotic place is also the perfect destination for all trekkers. The Pahalgam-Kolahoi trek through the Aru village and the Pahalgam-Chandanwari trek to Sheshnag Lake are the most popular locations for trekking. The trek from the Kolahoi glacier at 18,000 feet is not for the weak-hearted. One can take a horse ride halfway to the Tullian Lake, which is at 11,000 feet and is frozen all year round. The greenish-blue ice against the brown rocky mountains is worth it for all the long enroute trek.
White Water River Rafting
The Lidder River sets up a different kind of challenge from the rocky mountains. Rafting is at the upper region of Lidder where water rushes on, frothy and icy. Whitewater rafting is another unique way to admire the beauty of this place.
Trout Fishing in Pahalgam
Fishing in the River Lidder is a popular activity in Pahalgam. Don’t forget to get a permit from the Directorate of Fisheries before indulging in the sport. The permit is valid for a maximum of three days.
Golfing in Pahalgam
Situated at 7,800 feet, the 9-hole golf course in Pahalgam is a delight for golf lovers. Head out to the Pahalgam Golf Course for an energetic game with spectacular mountains as the backdrop.
Best time to visit Pahalgam
March to June is the best time to visit Pahalgam as the temperature ranges from 11 to 23 degrees celsius.
Pahalgam is surely one destination nature lovers should plan for their future trips. Our own mini Switzerland will surely you fall in love with our own country’s picturesque and natural beauty.
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