No sooner the tourist vehicles cross the Jawahar tunnel connecting Jammu with the gorgeous Kashmir valley that people inside the vehicles come to realize that they have entered into a unique world unknown to them before. The tip of the majestic mountains ranges eternally capped by snow; breaking the rays of the sun in the multicolor rainbow, the energized waters of the streams cascading down from practically every mountain; the trees laden heavy with flowers and fresh fruits as apples, apricots, almonds, prunes all appear to be in the process of offering hospitality to the guests in their own way.
A visit to Kashmir would be incomplete without going to Pahalgam, the township of the shepherds and comfortably seated at the heights of 7200 ft (2132 meters) from the sea level. This belt is filled with ample greens and plentiful water. Pahalgam lies in the Anantnag district and is about four hour journey from Srinagar, the capital city of the state of J&K. The holy journey to the Amarnath cave, home to Lord Shiva and the revered shrine of Hindus begins from Pahalgam some where around the beginning of July. Huge arrangements to cater to the service of the devotees are undertaken from the money generated from donations and contributions from businessmen who are equally supportive of the cause. Tents are erected through out the course of journey serving variety of edibles, beverages, and milk round the clock besides resting places for the tired devotees. The sight of enthusiastic devotees coming from all walks of life, some even physically handicapped climbing the holy shrine with zealous chants in the name of Lord Shiva in equivocal chorus, in praise of the divine Creator and the Destroyer.
Their pain and exhaustion of the long expedition covering Sonemarg, the road of gold, and the emerald green waters of Sheshnag, Hajjan, the beautiful Chandanwari and Panchtarani, the confluence of five streams is forgone one they face their Lord. Chandanwari is renowned for its snow bridge. The route to the celebrated Amarnath cave is worth undertaking and simply stunning. One cannot forget the picturesque and stunning beauty of the land. A must place for visit for devotees is the 5th century ancient famed Shiva temple in Mamal, one of the eight villages that round up to form exquisite hill station called Pahalgam.
The road to Pahalgam and places around Pahalgam is interspersed with beautiful views and awesome vistas. It is a haven for trekkers. For they can trek the nearby highs of Lidderwat, bask in the undulating meadows of Baisaaran, Aru, rushing waters of Kolohoi Glacier and many other places of overwhelming beauty. Rippled spreads of green pastures thrown open cover miles and miles beyond the eyes' reach, dispersed with endemic variety of gorgeous wild flowers, deep jungles of deodar, cedar, junipers and pines. Rolling and crystal clear white waters of the torrential Lidder River is eternally rejuvenated with waters of the melting ice rushing down the streams emanating from the huge captivating mountains enveloping the narrow valley below. Lidder definitely adds to the beauty of this cherished land.
Interestingly it is not only the outsiders who come to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Pahalgam but the local Kashmiri population also loves to enjoy their weekends with their families and loved ones in the lovely meadows of this pristine and delightful land. After all we like to soak ourselves in the ambience of fresh cool air, therapeutic waters, and enchanting vistas and relive our tired body and souls. Time to time return to the lap of Mother Nature for a few days is the best way to invigorate from the fatigue generated in the body by everyday life.
