Background and History of Pahalgam

A brief History of Pahalgam

Background Pahalgam, a hill station perched high in the Himalayas at 2740 meters above sea level, is a dreamy location. It is 92 kilometers from Srinagar, and is located along the banks of the Lidder River. The Valley of Shepherds is located at the confluence of the Aru Valley and the Sheshnag River, and is surrounded by the Himalayan Range Mountains.

This spectacular grandeur, surrounded by beautiful green meadows, snow-capped mountains, scenic valleys, and gushing rivers, has drawn travelers, trekkers, sport-lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Pahalgam is so beautiful that even Bollywood is enamored with it. It has long been a popular site for filming films ranging from Betaab (1983) to Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).

The Pahalgam mountainous valleys of Betaab, Aru, and Baisaran are made up of Alpine lakes, mountain ranges, and meadows. Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination, is about 5 kilometers from Pahalgam and is regarded as "mini-Switzerland" for its picturesque beauty. It's a lush meadow on a mountainside surrounded by snow-capped peaks and thick pine forests.

Apart from its scintillating beauty, it has also created a niche for adventure sports like trekking, rafting, trout fishing, and the high-altitude golf course that invites golf-lovers globally. Religiously, it is a camping site for devotees of the Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari, lying 16-km away from Pahalgam, is the first halt for the pilgrims going to the Amarnath Cave. The Yatra, held annually in July and August, attracts hundreds and thousands of pilgrims.

Apart from its breathtaking beauty, it has carved itself a niche for adventure sports such as trekking, rafting, trout fishing, and a high-altitude golf course that attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the world. It is a religious camping spot for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. Chandanwari, 16 kilometers from Pahalgam, is the first stop for pilgrims on their trip to the Amarnath Cave. The Yatra, which takes place every year in July and August, draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

History There is no conclusive evidence to support Pahalgam's origins. As a result, little is known about its past. As per Archaeological evidence, the earliest human habitation in the region from the Neolithic Age was found at Burzahom in Srinagar, Bomai, and Pahalgam.

The 'Valley of Shepherds,' as it is known locally, implies that nomadic shepherds have used the abundant pastures to feed their flock of sheep for ages. Hindu pilgrims have historically used the location as a transit route and rest stop on their sacred trip to Amarnath Caves. This ancient custom was first mentioned in Kalhana's 'Rajatrangini,' which was written in 1148.

The most well-known account of Pahalgam's documentation dates from the Mughal dynasty. Francois Bernier's Ain-e-Akbari provides a detailed account of the Mughal administration. Therein is also mentioned the place en route to Amarnath Caves, Pahalgam.