Pahalgam is famous for its scenic beauty and is the jewel of the picturesque Liddar valley in the high Himalayas. It provides an ideal setting for hiking, trekking, and fishing. It is also the starting point of the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. Situated at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range, Pahalgam is positioned beside the Liddar River in the Liddar valley.The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which local Hindu rulers ruled. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later merged into independent India.