Pahalgam: Difference between revisions

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<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Pahalgam
| name                     = Pahalgam
| native_name                     = Pahalgom
| native_name             = Pahalgom
| settlement_type                 = Hill Station
| settlement_type         = [[Town]]
| image_skyline                   = Pahalgam Valley.jpg
| image_skyline           = Pahalgam_views_13.JPG
| image_alt                       =  
| image_alt               =  
| image_caption                   = View of valley near Pahalgam town
| image_caption           = View of valley in Pahalgam town, [[Anantnag district]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]
| pushpin_map                     = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
| pushpin_map             = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
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| pushpin_label_position   = right
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| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| pushpin_relief                 =  
| pushpin_relief           =  
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
| coordinates                     = {{coord|34.01|N|75.19|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates             = {{coord|34.01|N|75.19|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type               = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1               = {{nowrap|[[States and union territories of India|Union Territory]]}}
| subdivision_type1       = {{nowrap|[[States and union territories of India|Union Territory]]}}
| subdivision_name1               = {{flagicon image|Government of Jammu and Kashmir.svg}} [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| subdivision_name1       = {{flagicon image|Government of Jammu and Kashmir.svg}} [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of districts of Jammu and Kashmir|District]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of Jammu and Kashmir|District]]
| subdivision_name2               = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]]
| established_title               =  
| established_title       =  
| established_date               =  
| established_date         =  
| founder                         =  
| founder                 =  
| named_for                       =  
| named_for               =  
| government_type                 =  
| government_type         =  
| governing_body                 = <!-- Established -->
| governing_body           = <!-- Established -->
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| unit_pref               = Metric
| area_footnotes                 =  
| area_footnotes           =  
| area_rank                       =  
| area_rank               =  
| area_total_km2                 =  
| area_total_km2           =  
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| elevation_m                     = 2740
| elevation_m             = 2740
| population_total               = 5922
| population_total         = 5922
| population_as_of               = 2011
| population_as_of         = 2011
| population_rank                 =  
| population_rank         =  
| population_density_km2         = auto
| population_density_km2   = auto
| population_demonym             =  
| population_demonym       =  
| population_footnotes           =  
| population_footnotes     =  
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| demographics_type1       = Languages
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| demographics1_title1     = Official
| demographics1_info1             = [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[English language|English]]<ref name="OfficialLang">{{cite web |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222037.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 |publisher=The Gazette of India|date=27 September 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020 | work=Rising Kashmir | date=23 September 2020| url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/parliament-passes-jk-official-languages-bill-2020 | access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>
| demographics1_info1     = [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[English language|English]]<ref name="OfficialLang">{{cite web |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222037.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 |publisher=The Gazette of India|date=27 September 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020 | work=Rising Kashmir | date=23 September 2020 | url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/parliament-passes-jk-official-languages-bill-2020 | access-date=23 September 2020 | archive-date=24 September 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924141909/http://risingkashmir.com/news/parliament-passes-jk-official-languages-bill-2020 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                     = 192126
| postal_code             = 192126
| registration_plate             = JK-03
| registration_plate       = JK-03
| website                         = {{url|anantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/}}
| website                 = {{url|anantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/}}
| footnotes                       =  
| footnotes               =  
| native_name_lang               = ks
| native_name_lang         = ks
}}
}}


'''Pahalgam''' ({{IPA-ur|pɛhɛlɡaːm}}), known as '''Pahalgom''' ({{IPA-ks|pəhəlʲɡoːm}} ; {{lit|village of shepherds}})<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Betts|first1=Vanessa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_rX8AgAAQBAJ&q=sonamarg+meaning&pg=PA158|title=Footprint Delhi & Northwest India|last2=McCulloch|first2=Victoria|publisher=Footprint Travel Guides|year=2014|isbn=9781910120866|pages=158}}</ref> in [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], is a town and a [[Nagar Panchayat (Notified Area Council)|notified area committee]] in [[Anantnag district]] of the [[India|Indian]] [[States and union territories of India|union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. 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.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 June 2010|title=Pahalgam: Valley of paradise|newspaper=Bangalore Mirror|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/Pahalgam-Valley-of-paradise/articleshow/21844962.cms?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501062938/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/38/201006242010062418282708e6c70cbb/Pahalgam-Valley-of-paradise.html|archive-date=1 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It is located {{Convert|45|km}} from [[Anantnag]] on the banks of [[Lidder River]] at an altitude of {{convert|7200|ft}}. Pahalgam is the headquarters of one of the five [[taluk|tehsils]] of Anantnag district.
'''Pahalgam''' ({{IPA-hns|pɛhɛlɡaːm}}), known as '''Pahalgom''' ({{IPA-ks|pəhəlʲɡoːm}}; {{lit|village of shepherds}} in [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]])<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Betts|first1=Vanessa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_rX8AgAAQBAJ&q=sonamarg+meaning&pg=PA158|title=Footprint Delhi & Northwest India|last2=McCulloch|first2=Victoria|publisher=Footprint Travel Guides|year=2014|isbn=9781910120866|pages=158}}</ref> is a [[town]] and a [[Nagar Panchayat (Notified Area Council)|notified area committee]], near [[Anantnag|Anantnag city]] in the [[Anantnag district]] of the [[India]]n-administered [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Vale-of-Kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716003220/https://www.britannica.com/place/Vale-of-Kashmir |archive-date=July 16, 2015 |title=Vale of Kashmir &#124; valley, India |publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619220652/https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |archive-date=June 19, 2015 |title=Jammu and Kashmir &#124; union territory, India |publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/summary/Jammu-and-Kashmir |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104053609/https://www.britannica.com/summary/Jammu-and-Kashmir |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |title=Jammu and Kashmir summary |publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617074549/https://www.britannica.com/place/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent |archive-date=June 17, 2015 |title=Kashmir &#124; Region, Indian subcontinent |publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/summary/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent |url-status=live |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121132433/https://www.britannica.com/summary/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |title=Kashmir summary |publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |language=en }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|date=24 June 2010|title=Pahalgam: Valley of paradise|newspaper=Bangalore Mirror|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/Pahalgam-Valley-of-paradise/articleshow/21844962.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501062938/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/38/201006242010062418282708e6c70cbb/Pahalgam-Valley-of-paradise.html|archive-date=1 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It is located {{Convert|45|km}} from [[Anantnag]] on the banks of [[Lidder River]] at an altitude of {{convert|7200|ft}}. Pahalgam is the headquarters of one of the eleven [[taluk|tehsils]] of Anantnag district.


Pahalgam is associated with the annual pilgrimage to the shrine [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath Yatra]]. Chandanwari, located {{Convert|16|km}} 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Bashir|first1=Subzar|last2=Goswami|first2=Subhrangsu|date=2016-01-01|title=Tourism Induced Challenges in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Hill Towns: Case of Pahalgam|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878029616301372|journal=Procedia Environmental Sciences|series=Waste Management for Resource Utilisation|language=en|volume=35|pages=77–89|doi=10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.048|issn=1878-0296|doi-access=free}}</ref> This flood of tourists overwhelms some of the local infrastructure, especially waste management in the town.<ref name=":0" />
Pahalgam is associated with the annual pilgrimage to the shrine [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath Yatra]]. Chandanwari, located {{Convert|16|km}} 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Bashir|first1=Subzar|last2=Goswami|first2=Subhrangsu|date=2016-01-01|title=Tourism Induced Challenges in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Hill Towns: Case of Pahalgam|journal=Procedia Environmental Sciences|series=Waste Management for Resource Utilisation|language=en|volume=35|pages=77–89|doi=10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.048|issn=1878-0296|doi-access=free}}</ref> This flood of tourists overwhelms some of the local infrastructure, especially waste management in the town.<ref name=":0" />


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Pahalgam'' was originally called '''Bail Gaon''' (बैल गाँव) meaning (village of bull ([[Nandi (mythology)|nandi]])) where Hindu God Shiva left his bull before entering [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath Cave]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hazra |first=Rajendra Chandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tJHXAAAAMAAJ |title=Rise of Epic and Purāṇic Rudra-Śiva Or Śiva Maheśvara |date=2003 |publisher=Sri Balaram Prakashani |page=71 |language=en}}</ref>
The name Pahalgam is derived from two Kashmiri words;
 
''Puheyl'' (shepherd} and ''goam'' (village) over the time became Puheylgoam or Pahalgam.{{Cn|date=January 2023}} 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 (mythology)|nandi]])), in other words, where Shiva left his bull before entering [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath Cave]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hazra |first=Rajendra Chandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tJHXAAAAMAAJ |title=Rise of Epic and Purāṇic Rudra-Śiva Or Śiva Maheśvara |date=2003 |publisher=Sri Balaram Prakashani |page=71 |language=en}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
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===Climate===
===Climate===
Pahalgam has a temperate climate with long and cold winter and short and mild summer.
Pahalgam has a temperate climate with long and cold winter and short and mild summer.{{Cn|date=January 2023}}
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|collapsed =
|collapsed =
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{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Pahalgam (2011)<ref name="Pahalgam Population">{{cite web|title=Pahalgam population|url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/jammu-kashmir/anantnag/pahalgam/pahalgam-mc-population.html|work=Census India 2011|accessdate=10 July 2021}}</ref>
|caption = Religion in Pahalgam Town (2011)<ref name="Pahalgam Population">{{cite web|title=Pahalgam population|url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/jammu-kashmir/anantnag/pahalgam/pahalgam-mc-population.html|work=Census India 2011|accessdate=10 July 2021}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Islam]]
|label1 = [[Islam]]
|value1 = 80.09
|value1 = 80.09
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|label2 = [[Hinduism]]
|label2 = [[Hinduism]]
|value2 = 17.64
|value2 = 17.64
|color2 = Orange
|color2 = DarkOrange
|label3 = [[Sikhism]]
|label3 = [[Sikhism]]
|value3 = 1.38
|value3 = 1.38
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|value4 = 0.41
|value4 = 0.41
|color4 = Blue
|color4 = Blue
|label5 = Other
|label5 = [[Buddhism]]
|value5 = 0.48
|value5 = 0.2
|color5 = Grey
|color5 = Gold
|label6 = [[Jainism]]
|value6 = 0.02
|color6 = Crimson
|label7 = Not Stated
|value7 = 0.36
|color7 = Black
}}
}}


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===Kolhoi Glacier===
===Kolhoi Glacier===
{{Main|Kolhoi Glacier}}
{{Main|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, Jammu and Kashmir|Aru]] and is known to have extended for at least {{convert|35|km}}.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.igsoc.org/journal.old/13/68/igs_journal_vol13_issue068_pg279-283.pdf|title=Glacial History of Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir, India|author=N. Ahmed and N. H. Hashimi|journal=Journal of Glaciology|volume=13|issue=68|year=1974|access-date=16 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211170052/http://www.igsoc.org/journal.old/13/68/igs_journal_vol13_issue068_pg279-283.pdf|archive-date=11 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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 {{convert|200|ft|m|adj=mid|-deep}} crevices.
Kolohoi Glacier, situated up the Lidder Valley, just below [[Kolhoi Peak]] is currently a hanging glacier. It is accessible from Pahalgam via [[Aru, Jammu and Kashmir|Aru]] and is known to have extended for at least {{convert|35|km}}.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.igsoc.org/journal.old/13/68/igs_journal_vol13_issue068_pg279-283.pdf|title=Glacial History of Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir, India|author=N. Ahmed and N. H. Hashimi|journal=Journal of Glaciology|volume=13|issue=68|year=1974|page=279 |doi=10.1017/S002214300002308X |bibcode=1974JGlac..13..279A |access-date=16 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211170052/http://www.igsoc.org/journal.old/13/68/igs_journal_vol13_issue068_pg279-283.pdf|archive-date=11 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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 {{convert|200|ft|m|adj=mid|-deep}} crevices.{{Cn|date=January 2023}}


===Betaab Valley===
===Betaab Valley===
{{Main|Betaab Valley}}
{{Main|Betaab Valley}}
Also known as Hagoon or [[Betaab Valley|Hagan Valley]], locally.


[[Betaab Valley]] is a valley located {{convert|15|km}} from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from a [[Bollywood]] movie  [[Betaab]] that was shot here.
[[Betaab Valley]] is a valley located {{convert|15|km}} from Pahalgam. The valley got its name from a [[Bollywood]] movie  [[Betaab]] that was shot here.
=== 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Baisaran Valley|url=http://www.simplykashmir.com/blog/destination/pahalgam/287-2/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=ExploreKashmir - SimplyKashmir Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Baisaran Valley Pahalgam {{!}} Top Things to Do & Best Time to Visit {{!}} J & K Tourism|url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/jammu-kashmir/baisaran.html|access-date=2021-09-22|website=tour-my-india}}</ref>


==Religious significance==
==Religious significance==
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===Mythology===
===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]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sunita Pant Bansal. |title=Hindu pilgrimage;a journey through the holy places of hindus all over india. |date=15 November 2012 |publisher=V & S Publishers |isbn=978-93-5057-251-1 |location=[Place of publication not identified] |page=121 |oclc=935985125}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sunita Pant Bansal. |title=Hindu pilgrimage;a journey through the holy places of hindus all over india. |date=15 November 2012 |publisher=V & S Publishers |isbn=978-93-5057-251-1 |location=[Place of publication not identified] |page=121 |oclc=930451370}}</ref> Mahaguna Parbat is lies at Nagaparbhat.


== Environmental issues ==
== Environmental issues ==
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== Pahalgam Golf Course ==
== Pahalgam Golf Course ==
[[File:Pahalgam Golf Course.jpg|center|thumb|261x261px|View of Pahalgam Golf Course.]]
[[File:Pahalgam Golf Course.jpg|thumb|upright|View of Pahalgam Golf Course.]]
Pahalgam Golf Course is approximately 100 km from Srinagar and situated at an altitude of 2150 metres. The course is an expanse of relatively large plain area in a relatively narrow valley. The locals would refer to this golf course simply as the 'plateau'. Portions of the plateau have been occupied by the military in the days of insurgency, leaving it out of bound of normal tourists. Mini-golf could also be played at the Pahalgam Club.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Website of Department of Tourism Govt of Jammu & Kashmir|url=http://www.jktourism.jk.gov.in/List/Listdetails.aspx?52734E46697354352F5A4446464543536C36796E567035464478525631365A4746444C37653263367947303D|access-date=2021-01-19|website=www.jktourism.jk.gov.in}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swantours.wordpress.com/tag/list-of-top-5-golf-courses-in-kashmir/|title=List of Top 5 Golf Courses in Kashmir – Swan Tours – Blogs }}</ref>{{rs?|date=February 2023}}
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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Official Website of Department of Tourism Govt of Jammu & Kashmir|url=http://www.jktourism.jk.gov.in/List/Listdetails.aspx?52734E46697354352F5A4446464543536C36796E567035464478525631365A4746444C37653263367947303D|access-date=2021-01-19|website=www.jktourism.jk.gov.in}}</ref>{{rs?|date=February 2023}}


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
===Air===
===Air===
The nearest airport is [[Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport]] in [[Srinagar]] located 91 kilometres from Pahalgam.
The nearest airport is [[Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport]] in [[Srinagar]], 91 kilometres from Pahalgam.


===Rail===
===Rail===
Pahalgam is not connected with railways. The nearest railway station is [[Bijbehara railway station]] located 45 kilometres from Pahalgam.
The nearest railway station is [Bijbehara railway station] 45 km from Pahalgam.


===Road===
===Road===
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px" caption="Pahalgam Gallery">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="120px" caption="Pahalgam Gallery">
File:A view of Pahalgam valley.jpg|A view of Pahalgam valley
File:A view of Pahalgam valley.jpg|A view of Pahalgam valley
Image:Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam.jpg|Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam
Image:Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam.jpg|Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[Kashmir]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Ladakh]]
* [[Kashmir Division]]
* [[Jammu Division]]
* [[Jammu]]
* [[Sonamarg]]
* [[Sonamarg]]
* [[Sopore]]
* [[Sopore]]
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==References==
==References==
{{Wikivoyage|Pahalgam}}
 
{{Commons category}}
 
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{India topics}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{Kashmir Valley}}
{{Kashmir Valley}}


[[Category:Tourist attractions in India]]
[[Category:Cities in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Anantnag district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Anantnag district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Anantnag district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Anantnag district]]

Revision as of 07:11, 22 July 2023

Pahalgam
Pahalgom
Town
View of valley in Pahalgam town, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
View of valley in Pahalgam town, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Pahalgam is located in Jammu and Kashmir
Pahalgam
Pahalgam
Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Pahalgam is located in India
Pahalgam
Pahalgam
Pahalgam (India)
Coordinates: 34°01′N 75°11′E / 34.01°N 75.19°E / 34.01; 75.19Coordinates: 34°01′N 75°11′E / 34.01°N 75.19°E / 34.01; 75.19
Country India
Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir
DistrictAnantnag
Elevation
2,740 m (8,990 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total5,922
Languages
 • OfficialKashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English[1][2]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
192126
Vehicle registrationJK-03
Websiteanantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/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°11′E / 34.01°N 75.19°E / 34.01; 75.19.[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.

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.[19] 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.[20]

Religious significance

Pahalgam is one of the most important site for Hindus.[21] Amarnath cave situated at 3,888 m (12,756 ft) is an important Hindu shrine located in Pahalgam.[22]

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.[23] 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.[24]Template:Rs? 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.[25]Template:Rs?

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

  • Breathtaking scenery on way to Amarnath Cave.JPG

    Route to Amarnath Temple

  • View of valley near Pahalgam town

    View of valley near Pahalgam town

See also

References

  1. ↑ "The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  2. ↑ "Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020". Rising Kashmir. 23 September 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  3. ↑ Betts, Vanessa; McCulloch, Victoria (2014). Footprint Delhi & Northwest India. Footprint Travel Guides. p. 158. ISBN 9781910120866.
  4. ↑ "Vale of Kashmir | valley, India". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 16 July 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  5. ↑ "Jammu and Kashmir | union territory, India". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  6. ↑ "Jammu and Kashmir summary". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 4 November 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  7. ↑ "Kashmir | Region, Indian subcontinent". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  8. ↑ "Kashmir summary". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 21 November 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  9. ↑ "Pahalgam: Valley of paradise". Bangalore Mirror. 24 June 2010. Archived from the original on 1 May 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Bashir, Subzar; Goswami, Subhrangsu (1 January 2016). "Tourism Induced Challenges in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Hill Towns: Case of Pahalgam". Procedia Environmental Sciences. Waste Management for Resource Utilisation. 35: 77–89. doi:10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.048. ISSN 1878-0296.
  11. ↑ Hazra, Rajendra Chandra (2003). Rise of Epic and Purāṇic Rudra-Śiva Or Śiva Maheśvara. Sri Balaram Prakashani. p. 71.
  12. ↑ "Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Pahalgam". fallingrain.com. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "Station: Pahalgam Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 605–606. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  14. ↑ "Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. December 2016. p. M78. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  15. ↑ "Pahalgam population". Census India 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
  17. ↑ "Archive News". Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  18. ↑ N. Ahmed and N. H. Hashimi (1974). "Glacial History of Kolahoi Glacier, Kashmir, India" (PDF). Journal of Glaciology. 13 (68): 279. Bibcode:1974JGlac..13..279A. doi:10.1017/S002214300002308X. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  19. ↑ "Baisaran Valley". ExploreKashmir - SimplyKashmir Blog. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  20. ↑ "Baisaran Valley Pahalgam | Top Things to Do & Best Time to Visit | J & K Tourism". tour-my-india. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  21. ↑ Incredible India : tourist & travel guide. Jodhpur: Indian Map Service. 2007. ISBN 978-81-89875-20-6. OCLC 156848033. The Shiva is one of the most important Hindu traditional route from Pahalgam to Amarnath pilgrimage centres in the country. The holy cave via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni perched at an altitude of 3962 metres is 2 feet is endowed ...
  22. ↑ "Archive News". Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  23. ↑ Sunita Pant Bansal. (15 November 2012). Hindu pilgrimage;a journey through the holy places of hindus all over india. [Place of publication not identified]: V & S Publishers. p. 121. ISBN 978-93-5057-251-1. OCLC 930451370.
  24. ↑ "List of Top 5 Golf Courses in Kashmir – Swan Tours – Blogs".
  25. ↑ "Official Website of Department of Tourism Govt of Jammu & Kashmir". www.jktourism.jk.gov.in. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
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