Pahalgam serves as the base camp for many expeditions and excursions such as Kolahari Glacier, Sheeshnag, Sonasar, Harwag and the Amarnath Yatra. Pristine camping grounds under the shadow of tall pines trees are delightful. Pahalgam is situated at a distance of 95 kms from Srinagar at a height of about 2130 mts (7200 ft). Pahalgam offers excellent opportunities for hiking, riding, fishing etc.
MAMALLESWARA
Mamalleswara is only a kilometren downstream on the opposite bank of Lidder River. A Shiv temple dating back to the 12th century with a square stone tank, lies here.
BAISURAN
5 kms from Pahalgam is a lush meadow surrounded by hills and covered with dense vegetation. This region looks very similar to European resorts and is a good campsite.
TULIAN
3 miles from Baisuran is lake Tulian situated at 3353 mts. It remains snow covered for most of the year and comes along a trek route.
ARU
A small village, 11 kms upstream the Lidder River, is a beautiful locality. The route is picturesque with ample campsites. This village is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoi glacier.
KOLAHOI
This is the head of the Lidder valley and the base of a glacier of the same name. The glacier has twin peaks at 17,827 ft. It is a spectacular sight and there are camp sights around 14,000 ft. From Kolahoi, Sonmarg can be reached via Sarbal.
LAND THAT IS STOLEN
These small fields are typical to the Dal and are very well known because of their uniqueness. These small patches of land are used to grow melons and vegetables and it is a beautiful sight to see these floating gardens. Tenants of these lands often steal them by togging them away, using boats in the dead of the night. Shikaras selling vegetables and melons grown on these lands, are a common sight on the Dal and can be termed as the “mobile markets”.
GANDHERBAL
This is a small village on the banks of the Sind river, twelve and a half miles from Srinagar. Gandherbal offers scenic locales with beautiful camping grounds. Gandherbal can be accssed by three routes -
a) Via Shadpur through the river Jhelum which has the Wular Lake in between.
b) Via Mar canal is the direct water route.
c) By road across Anchar lake.
ANCHAR LAKE
This huge lake, 6 miles from Srinagar, offers beautiful locales with ample flora and fauna. The lake is marshy in parts and has huge clusters of lotus leaves floating on it. Chestnut and Chinar trees line the banks.
MANASBAL LAKE
This small lake is regarded as the gem among all the Kashmir lakes. With abundant vegetation, beautiful lotus plants in bloom and surrounded by majestic hills, it is very difficult to not fall in love with this place. On the neighborhood are fruit gardens are large orchards. There are good campsites in the vicinity and a visit to this lake is a must.
WULAR LAKE
22 miles from Srinagar this is perhaps the largest fresh water lake in Asia. Surrounded by the Harmukh mountains, this lake gets its water from the Jhelum which leaves it at Sopore. The lake is irregularly shaped and presents a spectacular sight that thrills the traveller. The lake has artificial islands, which have remains of temples and palaces scattered around. Wular can be accessed by road and by river. The river journey is advisable if a memorable adventure is on the mind. This has some good camping grounds along the way and some beautiful spots like Gandherbal, Khirbhawani and the Manasbal Lake enroute.
WOIN
The site is known for its sulphur spring, which has healing powers. It is situated just before Pampur on a side road. Camping grounds are easily available.
KHRU
14 miles from Srinagar Khru is a small village atop a hill. There is a temple of Jwaladevi, where a big fair is held annually some where in July.
NAGMARG
This lush meadow overlooks the Wular Lake and is covered by dense pine forests. A small spring supplies water and the scenic beauty is breathtaking. Nagmarg is about 7 miles from Alsu village, which can be reached from Bandipur situated on the shores of the Wular Lake.
