About Pahalgam
Katra to Pahalgam distnce : 212 km
Estimated travel time : 6 hours
Katra to Pahalgam is a very popular route for tourism. Pahalgam has untouched and gorgeous natural beauty and is the base of most important pilgrimage 'Amarnath Yatra'. Pahalgam is also called the 'Valley of Shepherds' as shepherds are found driving their flocks of sheep throughout the place.
Located on the banks of river Lidder, Pahalgam is a picture perfect destination with dense cedar forests, majestic glaciers, snow-capped peaks and beautiful Lidder River. It is famous for adventure activities like hiking, trekking, fishing. A very popular trekk is to Kolhoi Glacier via beautiful Aru valley. Pahalgam is also called 'Betaab Valey' because of the shooting of famous bolywood movie 'Betaab'. Pahalgam attracts thousands of pilgrims in summer July - August as Amarnath Yatra starts from here at Chandanwari. Devotees visit the Amarnath cave every year for getting a pious glimpse of Lingam of Lord Shiva which is believed to be formed naturally from ice. It is believed that Lord Shiva explained Parvati the secret of life called 'Amar Katha' at Amarnath cave. For that, he left his bull Nandi at Pahalgam, at Chandanwari he left Moon taking it out of his hair, at the bank of Sheshnag he left his snake. He also left his son Ganesha at the Mahagunas Parvat and at Panjtarni he left behind all the five elements that is air, water, earth, sky and fire which are believed to be the building blocks of human beings.
Taxi from Katra to Pahalgam is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Katra to Pahalgam by car is well connected through NH 244A/NH 44 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Katra to Pahalgam distance is 212 Km and is 6 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
Dhanoo - Shiv Ji Temple, Devi Mata Temple
Kalta - Shiv Temple, Machal Mata Mandir, Kali Mata Mandir
Nagrota - Kalika Mata Mandir Temple and cave, Old Shiv Temple
Udhampur - Sankri Devta Temple, Shankri Devta, Moungri Cave Shiv Mandir, Moungri Cave, Sudhmahadev Temple Old, Sudh Mahadev And Mantalai, Ramnagar Fort
Patnitop - Nathatop, Skiing in Patnitop, Madhatop, Shiva Ghar, Naag Mandir, Billoo ki Powri, Kud park
Chanderkote - Jamia Masjid, Chenab River, Kali Mitti (Hill Station), Devi Mata Temple
Ramban - Panthyal Landslide, Ramban Gateway
Banihal View Point
Qazigund - Shahanshah Boating Lake, Masjid Sharif chearpora, Panzath Fisheries ( Hatchery), Panzath Spring, Panzath Dam, Masjid Shareef Pranigam
Anantnag - Jhelum River, Martand Sun Temple, Amarnath Ji's cave, Kishtwar National Park, Masjid Baba Dawood Khaki
Aishmuqam - Sakhi Zain ud Din Wali (ra) Cave and Shrine, Jamia Masjid