Skiing India

Pahalgam
Pahalgam, once a shepherd's village is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river. The area has breath taking views and natural beauty. Around Pahalgam there are various places of interest. Now it is a foremost and a prime resort in Kashmir, set between fairly steep hills.

Pahalgam has within it more than eight tiny villages, one of which is Mamal. There is a Shiva temple here, generally considered to be Kashmir's oldest existing temple, dating to the 5th century.

There are many short walks available from Pahalgam and in addition it is an excellent base for longer treks such as those to the Kolahoi glacier or to the Amarnath cave. Pahalgam is famous for its many shepherds and it is a common sight seeing them, driving their flocks of sheep along the paths all around the town.

Where to stay?
Various comfortable accommodations are available at Pahalgam for the tourists. They include a number of hotels and lodges that cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including J&K TDC's huts.

Places to Visit
Mamaleshwara
1 km downstream from Pahalgam is Mamaleshwara. It is this small Shiva temple which is believed to be as old as the reign of king Jayasima in the 12th century.

Baisaran
About 5 km from Pahalgam, is this meadow called Baisaran which provides excellent views over the town and the Lidder valley. The area is surrounded by pine forests and the snow clad mountains. One can hire ponies for this trek from near the center of town.

Chandanwari & Passage To The Amarnath Yatra
16-km from Pahalgam is Chandanwari. This is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra, which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (Rainy season). It is believed that the cave in Amarnath, is the abode of Lord Shiva.

Tulian Lake
At a ditsnce of 11-km beyond Baisaran, is the Tulian Lake. Surrunded by peaks, the lake is mostly covered by ice surrounded by peaks. One can reach there by pony trek.

Hajan
Hajan is on the way to Chandanwari. Hajan is an idle spot for a picnic.

Skiing at Gulmarg
Gulmarg has the best Ski resort in the country. Infact it is the most Heli-skiing resort of Asia. The place maintains the standards naturally friendly service for which Kashmir is famed. As December approaches the green slopes of Gulmarg gets covered with snow, thus forming slopes for skiing. It has been identified as European Skiing resort in the past.