Pahalgam:
This  world famous hill station is 45 Kms. from the District Head Quarter  at Anantnag and located on  the banks of river Lidder at an altitude of 7200 ft. from sea level. Pahalgam is one among the five tehsils of Anantnag district and tehsil head quarters are located in the main town of Pahalgam.  Once a great tourist puller and favourite place for shooting of Bollywood films is perhaps the best health resort in the country. Pahalgam also serves as base camp for the famous Amarnath Ji Yatra. The  Pahalgam Valley presents glamorous look  due to its pine forests, snow clad mountains, healthy climate and vast meadows and pastures. Pahalgam skirts Lidder river and torrential flow of water in Lidder river enriches the awesome beauty of the Valley. Besides tourist huts, several hotels in private sector have come up here and these hotels provide modern facilities to their guests. A number of treks in this region also begin from Pahalgam, as the 35 km trail traverses through pinewoods to the spectacular Kolahoi Glacier.
The Village of nomad is un-spoilt by the ravages of progress. This place is an angler's delight and even an amateur can catch a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. The large brown bear is a natural inhabitant of the thick Pine and Cedar forests. Pahalgam has a golf course at 2400 meters above the sea level. Camping equipment, ponies and skiing equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destination via Aru a charming meadow.  
Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.
The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.
Pahalgam has within it no fewer 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.
Pahalgam is also associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra. Chandanwari (2,895 m), 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the yatra that takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July to August). The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, and is accessible on foot or by pony. About 11 kms from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag (3,574 m), after which, 13 kms away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling in the Amarnath cave, which waxes and wanes with the moon. Visit Shri AmarnathJi Shrine Board's Website for detailed information on the Amaranath Yatra.


 Pahalgam Development Authority
For effective management of the erstwhile Pahalgam Project Organization, Pahalgam constituted by the Govt. in the year 1978 vide SRO 415 dated July,1978 under Development Act,1970, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir vide its Cabinet decision No.15/2 dated 6.2.2003 issued under Government Order No.23-TSM of 2003 dated 21.02.2003 ordered that Pahalgam Development Authority shall be headed by a Chief Executive Officer who shall also function as Administrator/Chairman of local Town Area Committee/Notified Area Committee. This shall remain part of the Tourism Department.

 How to reach
 Pahalgam is in Anantnag District and is about 96 Kms from Srinagar. The nearest Airport is  in     Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu and from there  National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India. The road to Pahalgam takes from Khannabal or alternatively from Bijbehara towns  from this National Highway.  Every sort of   transport  suiting  every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with rest of  India. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands.Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates. Assistance is available at Tourist Reception Centre Srinagar. On Road to Pahalgam one comes across the beautiful Lidder Valley with important spots of   Mattan and Aishmuqam.
Where to stay
 Pahalgam  has a number of Hotels and lodges of various types which are open only during summer months. JKTDC has a Dak Banglow and number of Huts which are available on hire. The tarrifs depend on the type of accommodation to be hired. Accommodation needs to be booked well in advance from srinagar. Tourists are advised to contact Manager Tourist Reception centre Jammu/Srinagar for booking and Tarrifs. Hotel bookings can be executed from their representatives in Srinagar the list of which can be had from the JKTDC.  
What to do
 Lots of recreational activities are on the offer :
 Horse Riding
 Ponies can be hired directly or through the Tourist Office. Tariff boards are displayed at all important locations.
Golf      
 Pahalgam Club has a 9-hole golf course, which can be used by tourists. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office.
 Fishing
 The Lidder River has excellent fishing beats for brown trout. The fishing season stretches from April to September. Permits are issued, for a maximum of three days at a time, on a first-come - first-served basis and are charged on a per day per rod basis. Fishing equipment can be hired in Srinagar. Live baits and spinning are not allowed. For permits contact the Directorate of Fisheries, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar. 
 Trekking
 The environs of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities, the best known being: Pahalgam - Chandanwari- Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg.Prior arrangements can be had from JKTDC at Srinagar or various tour operators in the valley.Trekking can also be undertaken to Kolahoi Glacier which is very beautiful via Aru village.
 OTHER FACILITIES
 Clubs
 Pahalgam Club, managed by JK TDC  has a restaurant, conference room, billiards and library. Temporary membership is available with the management.
 Shopping
 Pahalgam, originally a shepherds' village, is naturally known for products made of wool. Gabbas and Namdas can be purchased from local shops.
Overa- Aru Biosphere Reserve
The area is located located at a distance of 76 kms. from Srinagar to its south-east.It is famous for retaining several rare and endangered species like the hangul, musk deer, brown bear, leopard, koklas, monal and snow cock.
General Information
Approach Airport                              Srinagar 87 Kms
Railhead                          Jammu (280 kms.)
Road                                Srinagar (76 kms.)
                                         Anantnag (55 kms.)
Area 400 Sq. Kms.
Altitudinal Range 3,050 to 5,425 above M.S.L.
Accom modation 1 inspection hut ........ 2 bedrooms = 4 beds.
Tourist and private accommodation readily available at Pahalgam.
Camping site available.
Flora The area holds a rich cover of vegetation, the dominant forest consisting of conifers which account for over 90%. The principal species are Cedrus deodara, Pinus griffithii, Abies pindrow, Aesculus indica etc. The major shrubs are Indigofera heterantha, Viburnum spp., Sorbaria tomentosa etc. the ground cover is very rich and dicotyledonus herbs dominate, comprising of Rumex patientia, Primula spp., anemone spp., etc.
Fauna Nature has gifted this Biosphere Reserve with multiple species of rare, endangered and protected species. The main species are hangul, musk deer, serow, brown bear, Leopard, rhesus macaque, grey langur, Himalayan mouse hare, etc.
Avifauna The area houses a good population of pheasants and upland birds apart from other species, both resident and migratory. The common birds are griffon vulture, monal, snow cock, koklas, blue rock pigeon, Kashmir roller, European hoopoe, jungle crow etc.
Visit Mammal viewing: September to March (in lower areas)
Bird viewing

Mammal/Bird viewing March to May (in lower areas)
May to August (in upper areas.)
Dress Summer/Spring :

Trekking shoes, raincoat and light clothing.
Winter :

Trekking shoes, Heavy woolens and waterproof windcheater.