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Once you get to Pahalgam, there are several short walks from here and it is an ideal base for longer treks to Kolahoi Glacier. During the winter months (December to February) snow skiing is an attraction at Kolahoi glacier. Pahalgam is the point of commencement of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage. Tours to Pahalgam are associated mostly with the Amarnath pilgrimage. It is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the country. The Shiva-ling (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva) here changes its size as the moon waxes and wanes and with the season too. The ling stands at a height of about 6 feet on a full moon night. There is a celebration at the cave temple each year on the full moon day in July-August (Shravan) when the Shiva-ling attains its maximum height. It is believed that Lord Shiva materialized for the first time on this day.

Amarnath is situated in a glacial valley 45 kilometers from Pahalgam at a height of 3888 meters. The cave is approximately 90 feet long and 150 feet high. According to a legend Lord Shiva narrated the secret of creation to Parvati here. Lord Shiva had been looking for a place where they wouldn’t be disturbed or overheard. He chose the Amarnath cave. When they started the journey he left Nandi (the bull he rides) behind at Pahalgam, which is also called Bail gaon. He liberated the moon from his hair (Jata) at Chandanwadi. He let the snakes off at the banks of Sheshnag. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh hill) he chose to leave his son Ganesha. Shivji released the five elements, which make a living being behind at Panjtarni. Lord Shiva is believed to be the Lord of these elements.

Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati did the Tandav to mark the sacrifice of the earthly world. Finally they came to the holy Amarnath cave. They were completely unaware that a pair of doves had overheard this conversation and since they discovered the secret of creation, they are reborn over and over again. The doves have made this cave their permanent dwelling. Several pilgrims have declared they have seen the pair of doves on their grueling trek up the path to the caves. If you visit Pahalgam, see if you can spot them!

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