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 The Lidder river runs through the Pahalgam, in a rushing grey-green torrent, foam-alecked, breaking in curling waves against the boulders that lie in its path. Its sound is as eternal as the whisper of wind through pine and fir, its force primaeval in its untamed splendour.
Long before this little village, 96 km east of Srinagar, 2400 metres above sea level, became the popular holiday resort it is today, it was the preserve of nomadic shepherds. Its rugged charm has remained unspoilt by progress, while a bustling main street and its wide range of tented camps, hotels, and lodges have established it as a favourite holiday resort.
Pahalgam spreads along the banks of the Lidder, which is the focal point of interest to the angler. The trout fisherman's delight, the Lidder is divided onto three fishing beats between Mattan and Pahalgam, and the trout are so thick that even the first time fisherman can land a good catch.
Pahalgam is perhaps best known as the take-off point for treks into the surrounding mountains. The resort is well geared to meet the demands of onward going trekkers and camping equipment is readily available, as are ponies and porters. Walking the Lidder valley is scenically most rewarding, through forests of virgin pine, fording crystal-clear mountain streams and through meadows of wild-flowers, higher up the valley.
Popular treks from Pahalgam are to the Kolahoi Glacier via Aru, Satlanjan and Dudsar Lake, and to the high altitude lakes that dot the meadowland and mountain ridges between Pahalgam ang Sonamarg
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