Baisaran and Tulian Lake
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.
There even have been Bollywood movies shot in Basisaran, the Kumar Gaurav starrer ‘Love Story’ 1891 ) comes to mind whose song ‘Phulon Ke Shehar me hai ghar apna’ was shot in Baisaran.
Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains.
11 kms up a trek from Baisaran is Tulian or Tulyan lake – the make is mostly snow covered – other than summers – and is at an altitude of 3353m.
In recent years, there is now even a forest road to Baisaran and in summer months you could try and drive up there.
But when you are in Pahalgam, why would you even take your car up there? Usually people would make a day trip to Baisaran on pony, or just trek up there. Its one of the easiest and family friendly treks. Once in Baisaran, you can expect to find a stall or two selling snacks and soft drinks. There may even be an Indian army camp near by.
Trek up to Tulian could be another matter. Its challenging – some of the heights are tough, and there is no trek really laid out. Tulian could be covered in one day if you leave Pahalgam at dawn, and trek briskly, or just go on a pony. Or you could plan an overnight trek. Unless you have a very good sense of direction on hills and passes, its advisable to take experienced guide or go with local poly wallahs.
This video (courtesy Ajay Verma) shows a breakthtaking visual story of the trek to Tulian Lake. When you trek in Pahalgam area, don’t be surprised to meet a Gujjar or Bakarwal family in the middle of nowhere. And even more, you will be welcome as their guests over a cup of tea (as seen in the video), or can ask them about the area.
Winter Snow festival in Pahalgam
As Pahalgam was freezing with the mercury plunging to settle at minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, the two day Pahalgam Snow festival commenced on Jan 30, 2011 marked by organization of various winter sports and a cultural program. These included bhand pather, dhambali besides skiing, snow sledging, horse race. On the occasion officials and the heads of local traders’ bodies hailed the efforts of Tourism department to promote Pahalgam. Besides participants of winter sports, a large number of people and tourists were present on the occasion.
This was the first winter sports festival to be organized in Pahalgam, and per the officials, this would be an on going annual feature. Tourism department is also organizing a Spring festival at Pahalgam.
Government is planning to develop Pahalgam as a world-class winter tourist destination and reportedly also introducing heli-skiing and ice-skating in a big way. Ultimately if tourists and skiers accept Pahalgam as a significant ski and snow sport destination would depend on efforts made by the private tourism operators in introducing pragmatic facilities and visitor plans.
Mountaineering institute to aid in Cave Climb
Srinagar: In the wake of several accidents on a slippery stretch en route the Amarnath cave shrine, the Jammu and Kashmir governor today deputed an eight-member team of mountaineering experts to assist the movement of pilgrims.
The team from the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam was deputed in addition to the 20 state police personnel comprising two mobile rescue teams which have already been deployed to assist the pilgrims between Sheshnag and Poshpathri along the traditional Pahalgam route.
The team was deputed after reports of several accidents on the difficult 5km stretch between Sangam Top and the shrine, which becomes extremely slippery when the snows start melting.
Sangam is a point en route to the 3,880m cave shrine where the pilgrims from both the traditional 46km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and shortest 16km Baltal in Ganderbal district meet.
The annual two-month Amarnath yatra commenced from both the routes on July 1 and so far 1,41,232 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the shrine. PTI.
Helicopter Service for Amarnath Yatra
A yatra – the pilgrimage – via a copter is no Yatra. Sure.
Having said that, people still want to do darshan at Shri Amarnath Ji – and some are too frail, while some have no time, while some just have that extra capacity to afford. So doing the yatra using a Copter for a big leg of the journey is increasingly becoming popular.
One could argue that using a pitthoo or doing the Yatra on horseback in no better than the helicopter. Perhaps yes, ethically speaking, but on the pony back you still have to endure the pony ride itself (which is tough on the body in its own right) – while a helicopter ride over the mighty beautiful Himalayas is plain fun and bliss!
Anyhow, since the service is becoming popular, here is how to book it:
Pawan Hans – Shri Amarnath Ji Booking website is here:
https://booking.pawanhans.co.in/web/ta/home.aspx
Or Contact Numbers:
011-24651248, 24690924,
09868906223, 09968686822,
09968686811, 09419169875-76-77
From Pahalgam to Amarnath Ji, contact
http://www.globalhelicorp.com/
globalhelicorp@gvhl.net
+91-11-46433300
Maximum 5 per charter 0 the GVHL one flies over the traditional route. Can also contact at yatra@gvhl.net