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{{Short description|City in Jammu and Kashmir, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
<!-- 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
| native_name_lang        = ks
| image_skyline                   = Pahalgam Valley.jpg
| settlement_type         = [[City]]
| image_alt                      =  
| image_skyline           = {{multiple image
| image_caption                  = View of valley near Pahalgam town
|perrow = 2/2/2
| pushpin_map                     = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
|border = infobox
| pushpin_label_position         = right
|total_width = 300
| pushpin_map_alt                 =  
|image1 = LiddarRiverJhelum.jpeg
| pushpin_relief                 =  
|caption1 = [[Lidder River]]
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
|image2 = Pahalgam views 33.JPG
| coordinates                     = {{coord|34.01|N|75.19|E|display=inline,title}}
|caption2 = [[Baisaran Valley]]
| subdivision_type               = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|image3 = Lavender Park 4.jpg
| subdivision_name               = {{flag|India}}
|caption3 = Lavender Park
| subdivision_type1               = {{nowrap|[[States and union territories of India|Union Territory]]}}
|image4 = Pahalgham(the valley of shepherds).jpg
| subdivision_name1               = {{flagicon image|Government of Jammu and Kashmir.svg}} [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
|caption4 = View of the town
| subdivision_type2               = [[List of districts of Jammu and Kashmir|District]]
|image5 = Pine trees in the snow in Pahalgam.jpg
| subdivision_name2               = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]]
|caption5 = Trees above the valley in winter
| established_title               =  
|image6 = A view of Pahalgam valley.jpg
| established_date               =  
|caption6 = View of the valley
| founder                         =  
}}
| named_for                       =  
| image_alt                =
| government_type                 =  
| image_caption            =
| governing_body                 = <!-- Established -->
| pushpin_map             = India Jammu and Kashmir#India
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| pushpin_label_position   = right
| area_footnotes                 =  
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| area_rank                       =  
| pushpin_relief           =  
| area_total_km2                 =  
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| coordinates             = {{coord|34.01|N|75.19|E|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_m                     = 2740
| subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| population_total               = 5922
| subdivision_name         = India
| population_as_of               = 2011
| subdivision_type1       = {{nowrap|[[States and union territories of India|Union Territory]]}}
| population_rank                 =  
| subdivision_name1       = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| population_density_km2         = auto
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of Jammu and Kashmir|District]]
| population_demonym             =  
| subdivision_name2       = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]]
| population_footnotes           =  
| established_title       =  
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| established_date         =  
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| founder                 =  
| 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>
| named_for               =  
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| government_type         =  
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| governing_body           = Pahalgam Municipal Committee
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| unit_pref               = Metric
| postal_code                     = 192126
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="Data">{{cite web|url=https://citypopulation.de/en/india/jammukashmir/anantnag/0140601000__pahalgam/|title=Pahalgam|work=citypopulation.de|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215182046/https://www.citypopulation.de/en/india/jammukashmir/anantnag/0140601000__pahalgam/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| registration_plate             = JK-03
| area_rank               =  
| website                         = {{url|anantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/}}
| area_total_km2           = 18.02
| footnotes                       =
| elevation_footnotes     =  
| native_name_lang               = ks
| elevation_m             = 2200
| population_total         = 9264
| population_as_of         = 2011
| population_rank         =  
| population_density_km2   = auto
| population_demonym       =  
| population_footnotes     = <ref name="Pop">{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42554/download/46180/2011-IndiaStateDistSbDistVill-0000.xlsx|title=Basic Population Figures of India, States, Districts, Sub-District and Village, 2011|work=Census Commission of India|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=2 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302073337/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42554/download/46180/2011-IndiaStateDistSbDistVill-0000.xlsx|url-status=live}}</ref>
| demographics_type1       = Languages
| 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|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019215035/http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222037.pdf|url-status=live}}</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]]
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]<ref name="Code">{{cite web|url=https://anantnag.nic.in/std-pin-code/|title=Pincodes and STD codes|work=[[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=21 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521004200/https://anantnag.nic.in/std-pin-code/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| postal_code             = 192126<ref name="Code"/>
| area_code                = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91-01936]]
| area_code_type          = STD Code
| registration_plate       = JK-03
| website                 = {{url|https://anantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/}}
| footnotes                =  
}}
}}


'''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|ur|pɛɦɛlɡɑːm}}) or '''Pahalgom''' ({{IPA|ks|pəhəlʲɡoːm}}) is a [[city]] in [[Anantnag district]] of the Indian [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. It is located on the banks of [[Lidder River]] at an altitude of {{cvt|2200|m}} in the [[Vale of Kashmir]]. Pahalgam is the headquarters of the Pahalgam tehsil, one of the eleven [[taluk|tehsils]] in 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" />
Located about {{cvt|45|km}} from [[Anantnag]], the city is a popular tourist destination and [[hill station]]. The city is the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the [[Amarnath Temple]], which takes place in July–August.


==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>
Pahalgam literally means "village of the shepherds" in [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], with "Pạhạlʸ" meaning shepherds and "Gōm" meaning village.{{sfn|Ahmad|2003|p=6}}{{sfn|Betts|McCulloch|2014|p=234}} In [[Hindu literature]], the region is mentioned as "Bailgaon", meaning "village of the bull", to indicate where the Hindu god [[Shiva]] left his [[Nandi (Hinduism)|bull]] on the way to [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath]].{{sfn|Raina|2014|p=325}}{{sfn|Hazra|2003|p=71}}


==Geography==
==Geography==
Pahalgam is located at {{coord|34.01|N|75.19|E|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/12/Pahalgam.html|title=Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Pahalgam|access-date=1 May 2016|work=fallingrain.com}}</ref> Pahalgam holds a central position in the [[Lidder Valley]]. It has an average elevation of {{convert|2740|m}}.
Pahalgam is located in [[Anantnag district]] of the Indian [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="Data"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/12/Pahalgam.html|title=Rain Genomics – Pahalgam|access-date=1 May 2016|work=Galling Rain|archive-date=25 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025170809/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/12/Pahalgam.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It is located at an altitude of {{cvt|2200|m}} in the [[Lidder Valley]], which extends east of [[Jhelum River]] in the [[Vale of Kashmir]].{{sfn|Ahmad|2003|p=6}}{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=31}} The two streams of [[Lidder River]]—East and West Lidder—join near Pahalgam before proceeding through the narrow valley.{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=25}} At Pahalgam, the valley divides into two, one heading towards Amarnath in the northeast and another leading to [[Aru, Jammu and Kashmir|Aru]] in the northwest.{{sfn|Ahmad|2003|p=6}} The region is made up of [[volcanic rock|volcanic]] and [[limestone]] rocks interspersed with asymmetrical roche rocks.{{sfn|Ahmad|2003|p=137}} The vegetation in the region is dominated by evergreen [[Abies pindrow|fir]] and [[coniferous]] trees such as [[pinus wallichiana|pine]] and [[picea smithiana|spruce]].{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=35}}


===Climate===
===Climate===
Pahalgam has a temperate climate with long and cold winter and short and mild summer.
Pahalgam has a [[temperate climate]], with mild summers and cold winters.{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=29}} The temperature variation across the day in minimal in the winter months of December to February. Cold winds can result in a steep decrease in nighttime temperatures in winter to below zero.{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=32}} Winter can result in heavy snowfall of up to {{cvt|4|m}} thick.{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=31}} Summer extends from June to October, when the temperatures are at a maximum. Pahalgam receives most of the precipitation from late winter after November to May before the onset of summer.{{sfn|Kaul|1990|p=32}}
 
{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|collapsed =
|collapsed =
| metric first = Y
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y
| single line = Y
| location = Pahalgam (1981–2010, extremes 1978–2012)
| location = Pahalgam (1991–2020, extremes 1978–2020)
| Jan record high C = 13.2
| Jan record high C = 13.8
| Feb record high C = 17.0
| Feb record high C = 17.6
| Mar record high C = 23.5
| Mar record high C = 23.9
| Apr record high C = 27.4
| Apr record high C = 27.4
| May record high C = 30.8
| May record high C = 30.8
Line 82: Line 102:
| Dec record high C = 15.6
| Dec record high C = 15.6
| year record high C = 32.2
| year record high C = 32.2
| Jan high C = 4.4
| Jan high C = 4.9
| Feb high C = 6.6
| Feb high C = 7.2
| Mar high C = 11.7
| Mar high C = 12.5
| Apr high C = 17.4
| Apr high C = 17.6
| May high C = 21.0
| May high C = 21.3
| Jun high C = 24.4
| Jun high C = 24.2
| Jul high C = 25.3
| Jul high C = 25.5
| Aug high C = 25.5
| Aug high C = 25.4
| Sep high C = 23.8
| Sep high C = 23.7
| Oct high C = 19.4
| Oct high C = 19.9
| Nov high C = 12.9
| Nov high C = 13.1
| Dec high C = 7.2
| Dec high C = 7.9
| year high C = 16.6
| year high C = 17.0
| Jan low C = -6.9
| Jan low C = -6.1
| Feb low C = -4.8
| Feb low C = -3.9
| Mar low C = -0.6
| Mar low C = -0.3
| Apr low C = 3.1
| Apr low C = 3.3
| May low C = 5.6
| May low C = 5.8
| Jun low C = 8.5
| Jun low C = 8.9
| Jul low C = 12.4
| Jul low C = 12.9
| Aug low C = 12.6
| Aug low C = 13.0
| Sep low C = 8.3
| Sep low C = 8.7
| Oct low C = 2.3
| Oct low C = 2.6
| Nov low C = -1.6
| Nov low C = -1.4
| Dec low C = -4.1
| Dec low C = -4.2
| year low C = 2.9
| year low C = 3.5
| Jan record low C = -18.6
| Jan record low C = -18.6
| Feb record low C = -17.3
| Feb record low C = -17.3
| Mar record low C = -11.6
| Mar record low C = -13.0
| Apr record low C = -4.2
| Apr record low C = -4.0
| May record low C = -1.0
| May record low C = -1.0
| Jun record low C = 1.5
| Jun record low C = 1.5
| Jul record low C = 5.0
| Jul record low C = 2.0
| Aug record low C = 4.0
| Aug record low C = 4.0
| Sep record low C = 0.6
| Sep record low C = 0.6
| Oct record low C = -5.1
| Oct record low C = -5.1
| Nov record low C = -10.6
| Nov record low C = -10.8
| Dec record low C = -15.7
| Dec record low C = -15.7
| year record low C = -18.6
| year record low C =  
| rain colour = green
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 120.3
| Jan rain mm = 136.0
| Feb rain mm = 139.2
| Feb rain mm = 144.5
| Mar rain mm = 198.0
| Mar rain mm = 171.2
| Apr rain mm = 141.6
| Apr rain mm = 144.2
| May rain mm = 129.9
| May rain mm = 120.1
| Jun rain mm = 88.0
| Jun rain mm = 91.2
| Jul rain mm = 109.1
| Jul rain mm = 107.1
| Aug rain mm = 109.8
| Aug rain mm = 114.9
| Sep rain mm = 81.4
| Sep rain mm = 95.1
| Oct rain mm = 46.2
| Oct rain mm = 38.2
| Nov rain mm = 42.9
| Nov rain mm = 51.3
| Dec rain mm = 75.1
| Dec rain mm = 59.7
| year rain mm = 1281.5
| year rain mm = 1273.5
| Jan rain days = 7.9
| Jan rain days = 8.1
| Feb rain days = 8.9
| Feb rain days = 9.3
| Mar rain days = 10.9
| Mar rain days = 10.3
| Apr rain days = 9.9
| Apr rain days = 10.0
| May rain days = 9.9
| May rain days = 9.8
| Jun rain days = 8.5
| Jun rain days = 8.3
| Jul rain days = 9.0
| Jul rain days = 8.8
| Aug rain days = 9.0
| Aug rain days = 9.0
| Sep rain days = 6.5
| Sep rain days = 7.0
| Oct rain days = 3.7
| Oct rain days = 3.3
| Nov rain days = 2.9
| Nov rain days = 3.0
| Dec rain days = 4.9
| Dec rain days = 3.9
| year rain days = 91.9
| year rain days = 90.8
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 82
| Jan humidity = 80
| Feb humidity = 77
| Feb humidity = 76
| Mar humidity = 68
| Mar humidity = 66
| Apr humidity = 60
| Apr humidity = 60
| May humidity = 57
| May humidity = 57
| Jun humidity = 57
| Jun humidity = 58
| Jul humidity = 65
| Jul humidity = 64
| Aug humidity = 67
| Aug humidity = 68
| Sep humidity = 62
| Sep humidity = 65
| Oct humidity = 59
| Oct humidity = 59
| Nov humidity = 67
| Nov humidity = 68
| Dec humidity = 75
| Dec humidity = 75
|year humidity = 66
|year humidity = 66
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
| archive-date = 10 November 2024
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20241110020508/https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| url-status = live
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
Line 185: Line 213:


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{Pie chart
{{bar box
|thumb = right
|title=Religion in Pahalgam (2011)<ref name="Rel">{{cite web|title=Population by religious community, Jammu and Kashmir - 2011|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11376|work=Census Commission of India|access-date=10 July 2021|archive-date=11 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211121246/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11376|url-status=live}}</ref>
|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>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|label1 = [[Islam]]
|left1=Religion
|value1 = 80.09
|right1=Percent
|color1 = Green
|float=right
|label2 = [[Hinduism]]
|bars=
|value2 = 17.64
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|80.09}}
|color2 = Orange
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|17.64}}
|label3 = [[Sikhism]]
{{bar percent|[[Sikhism]]|yellow|1.38}}
|value3 = 1.38
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.99}}
|color3 = Yellow
|label4 = [[Christianity]]
|value4 = 0.41
|color4 = Blue
|label5 = Other
|value5 = 0.48
|color5 = Grey
}}
}}
{{As of|2011}}, Pahalgam had a population of 9,264 people.<ref name="Pop"/> Males constitute 59.8% of the population and females 40.2%.<ref name="Rel"/> The town had an average literacy rate of 64.9% amongst the population of seven years and above. About 48% of the eligible age group were employed full-time, and 10% had casual employment.<ref name="Data"/> [[Scheduled Castes]] and [[Scheduled Tribes]] made up about two percent of the population.<ref name="Data"/> [[Islam]] was the major religion, with 80% adherents, with [[Hindus]] forming the second largest group (17.6%).<ref name="Rel"/>


{{As of|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> 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 Municipal Committee.<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.censusindia2011.com/jammu-kashmir/anantnag/pahalgam/pahalgam-mc-population.html|title=Pahalgam MC|work=Census 2011|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013203149/https://www.censusindia2011.com/jammu-kashmir/anantnag/pahalgam/pahalgam-mc-population.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cooperatives.gov.in/hi/district-dashboard/district-primary-urban-detls/1/248168|title=Cooperatives in Anantnag district|work=[[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The municipal committee is responsible for providing basic civic amenities such as water supply, sanitation and waste management, and other government services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jkhudd.gov.in/ulbkjcontent.html#:~:text=J&K%20Urban%20Local%20Bodies%2C%20is%20the%20application,amenities/%20services%20by%20way%20of%20exploration%20and|title=Services and amenities|work=[[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=10 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610182559/https://jkhudd.gov.in/ulbkjcontent.html#:~:text=J&K%20Urban%20Local%20Bodies%2C%20is%20the%20application,amenities/%20services%20by%20way%20of%20exploration%20and|url-status=live}}</ref> The town is divided into 13 wards which elect their own local body representative to the municipal council.<ref name="MC"/>


==Administration==
==Transportation==
Pahalgam is administered by the Pahalgam Development Authority, headed by a Chief Executive Officer who functions as  the administrator of local town area committee.
Pahalgam is well-connected with other regions of Jammu and Kashmir by roads.<ref name="Tourism"/> The [[National Highway 501 (India)|NH 501]] connects Pahalgam with Anantnag.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2012/E_1932_2013_003.pdf|title=New highways notification dated September, 2012|work=[[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]]|access-date=4 Aug 2018|archive-date=4 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804110139/http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2012/E_1932_2013_003.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> State-run bus services and private buses connect the town with [[Anantnag]], [[Jammu]], and [[Srinagar]].<ref name="Tourism"/> The nearest major rail heads are located at [[Udhampur]] and [[Jammu]], about {{cvt|217|km}} and {{cvt|285|km}} away respectively. The nearest airport is the [[Srinagar International Airport]], about {{cvt|95|km}} from Pahalgam.<ref name="Tourism"/>


==Tourism==
==Tourism==
The town has 3,510 rooms with 7,020 beds for tourists.<ref name=":0" />
Pahalgam's location in the Lidder valley and its climate has led to the town becoming a popular tourist destination and [[hill station]].<ref name="Tourism">{{cite web|url=https://anantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/|title=Pahalgam|work=[[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=19 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719152624/https://anantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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> In 2015, the town had about 7,020 beds for tourists.<ref name="Waste">{{Cite journal|last1=Bashir|first1=Subzar|last2=Goswami|first2=Subhrangsu|date=January 2016|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|bibcode=2016PrEnS..35...77B }}</ref>
 
===Amarnath Temple===
{{Main article|Amarnath Temple}}
'''Amarnath cave''' is a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] shrine located in Pahalgam. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Archive News |language=en |url=https://www.thehindu.com/archive/ |access-date=2020-07-14}}</ref>
 
===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.
 
===Betaab Valley===
{{Main|Betaab Valley}}
 
[[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.
 
==Religious significance==
Pahalgam is one of the most important site for Hindus.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Incredible India : tourist & travel guide |date=2007 |publisher=Indian Map Service |isbn=978-81-89875-20-6 |location=Jodhpur |oclc=156848033 |quote=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 ...}}</ref> Amarnath cave situated at 3,888 m (12,756&nbsp;ft) is an important [[Hinduism|Hindu]] shrine located in Pahalgam.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Archive News |language=en |url=https://www.thehindu.com/archive/ |access-date=2020-07-14}}</ref>
 
===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>


== Environmental issues ==
[[File:Betaab_Valley.jpg|thumb|[[Betaab Valley]] near Pahalgam]]
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.<ref name=":0" /> 74% of the total municipal waste comes from the tourism sector.<ref name=":0" /> This waste issue increase waterborne disease downstream and other health issues, as well as polluting the local landscape.<ref name=":0" />


== Pahalgam Golf Course ==
The [[Amarnath Temple]] is a Hindu pilgrimage site situated above the Pahalgam valley. The town forms the base camp for the [[yatra]] to the temple that takes place every year in the months of July–August, and results in a seasonal influx of pilgrims.<ref name="Tourism"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-fresh-batch-of-pilgrims-leaves-under-heightened-security-124071500079_1.html|title=Amarnath Yatra: Fresh batch of pilgrims leaves under heightened security|date=15 July 2024|access-date=1 April 2025|work=[[Business Standard]]}}</ref> As per [[Hindu mythology]], [[Shiva]] is believed to have left his mount [[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]] in Pahalgam, the moon he carries on his head in Chandanwari, the snakes around his neck at [[Sheshnag Lake]], and the [[Mahābhūta|five natural elements]] at [[Panchtarni]] before entering the Amarnath cave.<ref>{{cite book|author=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|page=121|oclc=930451370}}</ref> The yatra begins from Chandanwari, situated about {{cvt|16|km}} from Pahalgam, and proceeds towards Amarnath via Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jksasb.nic.in/traditional_route.html|title=Traditional route, Amarnath Yatra|work=Amarnath Yatra board|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=23 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723225747/https://www.jksasb.nic.in/traditional_route.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Pahalgam Golf Course.jpg|center|thumb|261x261px|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>


==Transportation==
[[Kolahoi Peak#Kolahoi Glacier|Kolahoi Glacier]] is a hanging glacier situated up the Lidder Valley, just below [[Kolahoi Peak]]. It is accessible via a {{cvt|35|km}} trail from Pahalgam via Aru.<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> [[Baisaran Valley|Baisaran]] and [[Betaab Valley|Betaab]] valleys are verdant meadows flanked by mountains and evergreen trees, located close to Pahalgam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bollywood returns to Kashmir, its original home |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bollywood-returns-to-kashmir-its-original-home-461037|work=[[NDTV]]|date=11 July 2011|access-date=1 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/explainers/when-baisaran-turned-into-a-valley-of-horror-all-you-need-to-know-about-indias-mini-switzerland-9309936.html|title=All About Pahalgam's Baisaran: From India's 'Mini Switzerland' To The Valley Of Horror|work=[[News18]]|date=23 April 2025|access-date=23 April 2025}}</ref> Pahalgam Golf Course, also known as Lidder Valley Golf Course, is an 18-hole golf course inaugurated in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pahalgam's Lidder Valley Golf Course struggles with maintenance, 'mismanagement'|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/pahalgams-lidder-valley-golf-course-struggles-with-maintenance-mismanagement/|date=12 November 2024|access-date=19 January 2021|work=Greater Kashmir}}</ref>
===Air===
The nearest airport is [[Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport]] in [[Srinagar]] located 91 kilometres from Pahalgam.


===Rail===
The high influx of seasonal tourists results in the production of large quantities of solid wastes, which overwhelms the waste management system, and leads to dumping of wastes throughout the town. With an estimated 74% of the total municipal wastes coming from tourism, the dumping had increased the probability of waterborne diseases downstream of the Lidder River and other health issues.<ref name="Waste"/>
Pahalgam is not connected with railways. The nearest railway station is [[Bijbehara railway station]] located 45 kilometres from Pahalgam.


===Road===
===2025 Pahalgam attack===
Pahalgam is well-connected with roads and highways. The [[National Highway 501 (India)|NH 501]] passes through Pahalgam alongside other intra-district roads.
{{Main article|2025 Pahalgam attack}}


==Gallery==
On 22 April 2025, terrorists affiliated with [[The Resistance Front]], an outfit of Pakistani LeT, opened fire on a group of tourists at Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people and injuring 20 others.<ref>{{cite news|title=LeT Affiliate "Resistance Front" Claims Pahalgam Attack: All About It |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-let-affiliate-resistance-front-claims-pahalgam-attack-all-about-it-8232840|work=[[NDTV]]|date=23 April 2025|access-date=23 April 2025}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px" caption="Pahalgam Gallery">
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:Pahalgam views 83.JPG|Meadows in Pahalgam
Image:LiddarRiverJhelum.jpeg|Lidder River
Image:Breathtaking scenery on way to Amarnath Cave.JPG|Route to Amarnath Temple
Image:Pahalgam views 13.JPG|View of valley near Pahalgam town
</gallery>


==See also==
== See also ==
* [[Sonamarg]]
* [[Sopore]]
* [[Aharbal]]
* [[Aharbal]]
* [[Gulmarg]]
* [[Kausar Nag]]
* [[Kausar Nag]]
* [[Gulmarg]]
* [[Martand Sun Temple]]
* [[Martand Sun Temple]]
* [[Sonamarg]]
* [[Sopore]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
===Bibliography===
* {{cite book|title=Jammu and Kashmir State: Kashmir region|last=Ahmad|first=Bashir|year=2003|publisher=State Gazetteers Unit, Government of Jammu and Kashmir}}
* {{cite book|last1=Betts|first1=Vanessa|title=Indian Himalaya Handbook|last2=McCulloch|first2=Victoria|publisher=Footprint|year=2014|isbn=978-1-907-26388-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Hazra|first=Rajendra Chandra|title=Rise of Epic and Purāṇic Rudra-Śiva Or Śiva Maheśvara|date=2003|publisher=Sri Balaram Prakashani}}
* {{cite book|title=Glacial and Fluvial Geomorphology of Western Himalaya Liddar Valley|first=Manmohan Nath|last=Kaul|year=1990|isbn=978-8-170-22244-6|publisher=Concept Publishing}}
* {{cite book|title=Kashur The Kashmiri Speaking People: Analytical Perspective|first=Mohini Qasba|last=Raina|year=2014|isbn=978-1-482-89945-0|publisher=[[Partridge Publishing]]}}
{{Wikivoyage|Pahalgam}}
{{Wikivoyage|Pahalgam}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
{{reflist}}


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


[[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]]
[[Category:Tehsils of Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)]]

Latest revision as of 10:32, 27 March 2026


Pahalgam
Pahalgom
City
Lavender Park
View of the town
Trees above the valley in winter
View of the valley
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; 75.19
CountryIndia
Union TerritoryJammu and Kashmir
DistrictAnantnag
Government
 • BodyPahalgam Municipal Committee
Area
[1]
 • Total18.02 km2 (6.96 sq mi)
Elevation
2,200 m (7,200 ft)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total9,264
 • Density510/km2 (1,300/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialKashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, English[3][4]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN[5]
192126[5]
STD Code+91-01936
Vehicle registrationJK-03
Websiteanantnag.nic.in/tourist-place/pahalgam/

Pahalgam (ur) or Pahalgom (ks) is a city in Anantnag district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 2,200 m (7,200 ft) in the Vale of Kashmir. Pahalgam is the headquarters of the Pahalgam tehsil, one of the eleven tehsils in Anantnag district.

Located about 45 km (28 mi) from Anantnag, the city is a popular tourist destination and hill station. The city is the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Temple, which takes place in July–August.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Pahalgam literally means "village of the shepherds" in Kashmiri, with "Pạhạlʸ" meaning shepherds and "Gōm" meaning village.[6][7] In Hindu literature, the region is mentioned as "Bailgaon", meaning "village of the bull", to indicate where the Hindu god Shiva left his bull on the way to Amarnath.[8][9]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Pahalgam is located in Anantnag district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.[1][10] It is located at an altitude of 2,200 m (7,200 ft) in the Lidder Valley, which extends east of Jhelum River in the Vale of Kashmir.[6][11] The two streams of Lidder River—East and West Lidder—join near Pahalgam before proceeding through the narrow valley.[12] At Pahalgam, the valley divides into two, one heading towards Amarnath in the northeast and another leading to Aru in the northwest.[6] The region is made up of volcanic and limestone rocks interspersed with asymmetrical roche rocks.[13] The vegetation in the region is dominated by evergreen fir and coniferous trees such as pine and spruce.[14]

Climate[edit | edit source]

Pahalgam has a temperate climate, with mild summers and cold winters.[15] The temperature variation across the day in minimal in the winter months of December to February. Cold winds can result in a steep decrease in nighttime temperatures in winter to below zero.[16] Winter can result in heavy snowfall of up to 4 m (13 ft) thick.[11] Summer extends from June to October, when the temperatures are at a maximum. Pahalgam receives most of the precipitation from late winter after November to May before the onset of summer.[16]

Climate data for Pahalgam (1991–2020, extremes 1978–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 13.8
(56.8) 		17.6
(63.7) 		23.9
(75.0) 		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) 4.9
(40.8) 		7.2
(45.0) 		12.5
(54.5) 		17.6
(63.7) 		21.3
(70.3) 		24.2
(75.6) 		25.5
(77.9) 		25.4
(77.7) 		23.7
(74.7) 		19.9
(67.8) 		13.1
(55.6) 		7.9
(46.2) 		17.0
(62.6)
Average low °C (°F) −6.1
(21.0) 		−3.9
(25.0) 		−0.3
(31.5) 		3.3
(37.9) 		5.8
(42.4) 		8.9
(48.0) 		12.9
(55.2) 		13.0
(55.4) 		8.7
(47.7) 		2.6
(36.7) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		−4.2
(24.4) 		3.5
(38.3)
Record low °C (°F) −18.6
(−1.5) 		−17.3
(0.9) 		−13.0
(8.6) 		−4.0
(24.8) 		−1.0
(30.2) 		1.5
(34.7) 		2.0
(35.6) 		4.0
(39.2) 		0.6
(33.1) 		−5.1
(22.8) 		−10.8
(12.6) 		−15.7
(3.7) 		−18.6
(−1.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 136.0
(5.35) 		144.5
(5.69) 		171.2
(6.74) 		144.2
(5.68) 		120.1
(4.73) 		91.2
(3.59) 		107.1
(4.22) 		114.9
(4.52) 		95.1
(3.74) 		38.2
(1.50) 		51.3
(2.02) 		59.7
(2.35) 		1,273.5
(50.14)
Average rainy days 8.1 9.3 10.3 10.0 9.8 8.3 8.8 9.0 7.0 3.3 3.0 3.9 90.8
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) 80 76 66 60 57 58 64 68 65 59 68 75 66
Source: India Meteorological Department[17][18][19]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Religion in Pahalgam (2011)[20]
Religion Percent
Islam
 
 80.09%
Hinduism
 
 17.64%
Sikhism
 
 1.38%
Other or not stated
 
 0.99%

As of 2011, Pahalgam had a population of 9,264 people.[2] Males constitute 59.8% of the population and females 40.2%.[20] The town had an average literacy rate of 64.9% amongst the population of seven years and above. About 48% of the eligible age group were employed full-time, and 10% had casual employment.[1] Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up about two percent of the population.[1] Islam was the major religion, with 80% adherents, with Hindus forming the second largest group (17.6%).[20]

Administration[edit | edit source]

Pahalgam is administered by the Pahalgam Municipal Committee.[21][22] The municipal committee is responsible for providing basic civic amenities such as water supply, sanitation and waste management, and other government services.[23] The town is divided into 13 wards which elect their own local body representative to the municipal council.[21]

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Pahalgam is well-connected with other regions of Jammu and Kashmir by roads.[24] The NH 501 connects Pahalgam with Anantnag.[25] State-run bus services and private buses connect the town with Anantnag, Jammu, and Srinagar.[24] The nearest major rail heads are located at Udhampur and Jammu, about 217 km (135 mi) and 285 km (177 mi) away respectively. The nearest airport is the Srinagar International Airport, about 95 km (59 mi) from Pahalgam.[24]

Tourism[edit | edit source]

Pahalgam's location in the Lidder valley and its climate has led to the town becoming a popular tourist destination and hill station.[24][26] In 2015, the town had about 7,020 beds for tourists.[27]

Betaab Valley near Pahalgam

The Amarnath Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site situated above the Pahalgam valley. The town forms the base camp for the yatra to the temple that takes place every year in the months of July–August, and results in a seasonal influx of pilgrims.[24][28] As per Hindu mythology, Shiva is believed to have left his mount Nandi in Pahalgam, the moon he carries on his head in Chandanwari, the snakes around his neck at Sheshnag Lake, and the five natural elements at Panchtarni before entering the Amarnath cave.[29] The yatra begins from Chandanwari, situated about 16 km (9.9 mi) from Pahalgam, and proceeds towards Amarnath via Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni.[30]

Kolahoi Glacier is a hanging glacier situated up the Lidder Valley, just below Kolahoi Peak. It is accessible via a 35 km (22 mi) trail from Pahalgam via Aru.[31] Baisaran and Betaab valleys are verdant meadows flanked by mountains and evergreen trees, located close to Pahalgam.[32][33] Pahalgam Golf Course, also known as Lidder Valley Golf Course, is an 18-hole golf course inaugurated in 2011.[34]

The high influx of seasonal tourists results in the production of large quantities of solid wastes, which overwhelms the waste management system, and leads to dumping of wastes throughout the town. With an estimated 74% of the total municipal wastes coming from tourism, the dumping had increased the probability of waterborne diseases downstream of the Lidder River and other health issues.[27]

2025 Pahalgam attack[edit | edit source]

Main article: 2025 Pahalgam attack

On 22 April 2025, terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front, an outfit of Pakistani LeT, opened fire on a group of tourists at Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people and injuring 20 others.[35]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Pahalgam". citypopulation.de. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Basic Population Figures of India, States, Districts, Sub-District and Village, 2011". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2 March 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  3. ↑ "The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020" (PDF). The Gazette of India. 27 September 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  4. ↑ "Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020". Rising Kashmir. 23 September 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Pincodes and STD codes". Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Ahmad 2003, p. 6.
  7. ↑ Betts & McCulloch 2014, p. 234.
  8. ↑ Raina 2014, p. 325.
  9. ↑ Hazra 2003, p. 71.
  10. ↑ "Rain Genomics – Pahalgam". Galling Rain. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Kaul 1990, p. 31.
  12. ↑ Kaul 1990, p. 25.
  13. ↑ Ahmad 2003, p. 137.
  14. ↑ Kaul 1990, p. 35.
  15. ↑ Kaul 1990, p. 29.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Kaul 1990, p. 32.
  17. ↑ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 November 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  18. ↑ "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.
  19. ↑ "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.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "Population by religious community, Jammu and Kashmir - 2011". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Pahalgam MC". Census 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  22. ↑ "Cooperatives in Anantnag district". Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Retrieved 1 June 2024.[permanent dead link]
  23. ↑ "Services and amenities". Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 "Pahalgam". Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Archived from the original on 19 July 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  25. ↑ "New highways notification dated September, 2012" (PDF). Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  26. ↑ "Pahalgam: Valley of paradise". Bangalore Mirror. 24 June 2010. Archived from the original on 1 May 2013.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Bashir, Subzar; Goswami, Subhrangsu (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. Bibcode:2016PrEnS..35...77B. doi:10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.048. ISSN 1878-0296.
  28. ↑ "Amarnath Yatra: Fresh batch of pilgrims leaves under heightened security". Business Standard. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  29. ↑ Sunita Pant Bansal (15 November 2012). Hindu pilgrimage;a journey through the holy places of Hindus all over India. V & S Publishers. p. 121. ISBN 978-93-5057-251-1. OCLC 930451370.
  30. ↑ "Traditional route, Amarnath Yatra". Amarnath Yatra board. Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  31. ↑ 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.
  32. ↑ "Bollywood returns to Kashmir, its original home". NDTV. 11 July 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  33. ↑ "All About Pahalgam's Baisaran: From India's 'Mini Switzerland' To The Valley Of Horror". News18. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  34. ↑ "Pahalgam's Lidder Valley Golf Course struggles with maintenance, 'mismanagement'". Greater Kashmir. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  35. ↑ "LeT Affiliate "Resistance Front" Claims Pahalgam Attack: All About It". NDTV. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Ahmad, Bashir (2003). Jammu and Kashmir State: Kashmir region. State Gazetteers Unit, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Betts, Vanessa; McCulloch, Victoria (2014). Indian Himalaya Handbook. Footprint. ISBN 978-1-907-26388-0.
  • Hazra, Rajendra Chandra (2003). Rise of Epic and Purāṇic Rudra-Śiva Or Śiva Maheśvara. Sri Balaram Prakashani.
  • Kaul, Manmohan Nath (1990). Glacial and Fluvial Geomorphology of Western Himalaya Liddar Valley. Concept Publishing. ISBN 978-8-170-22244-6.
  • Raina, Mohini Qasba (2014). Kashur The Kashmiri Speaking People: Analytical Perspective. Partridge Publishing. ISBN 978-1-482-89945-0.



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