Kashmir truly is paradise on earth, and pristine Pahalgam is one of the most scenic places in the famed valley. With unimaginably beautiful vistas that look like a perfect painting, complete with the sparkling Lidder River, lush meadows, soaring pines and cherubic children, Pahalgam has all the ingredients to take your breath away.
All the places to visit in Pahalgam are an ode to Nature in all its glory: pristine, unspoilt and magnificent. Untouched by the trappings of civilization, Pahalgam offers myriad options for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts as well as spiritual seekers.
14 Best Places To Visit In And Around Pahalgam
Pahalgam is one of the must see places in Kashmir. With numerous places to see in Pahalgam, it has emerged as the go to destination for all kinds of travelers. Here is a list of most famous places to visit in Pahalgam and near it for your memorable vacation. Keep scrolling down and read along!
- Betab Valley: For Bollywood Feels
- Mamal Temple: For A Tranquil Escape
- Sheshnag Lake: For Nature Lovers
- Lidder Amusement Park: For An Adventurous Break
- Aru Village & Valley: For Lush Meadows
- Baisaran Hills: For A Relaxing Stroll
- Avantipur Temple: For Clicking Pictures
- Pahalgam Golf Course: For A Fun Session
- Tulian Lake: For A Pony Ride
- Chandanwari: For Snow-Covered Vistas
- Kolahoi Glacier: For Avid Trekkers
- Lolab Valley: Gorgeous Waterfalls, Rivers And More
- Panchtarni: The Confluence Of Five Streams
- Tarsar Lake: Known For Scenic Beauty
1. Betab Valley: For Bollywood Feels
Made popular by the eponymous Bollywood film, Betaab valley is the stuff that picture postcards are made of. A place of surreal beauty, this charming valley is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam in May when spring transforms it to paradise. As you walk amidst lush meadows to the sound of the sparkling river and sight of snow-clad mountains, you feel rejuvenated and spellbound at the same time. You can simply relax with a book and a hot cup of tea or indulge in zip lining for a taste of adventure in this oasis by the river.
Entry fee: INR100/adult; INR 50/child (6-12 yrs)
Ideal for: Nature, Photography
Must Read: 10 Delightful Places To Visit In Kashmir In June For An Out Of The World Experience
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2. Mamal Temple: For A Tranquil Escape
Looking for popular Pahalgam tourist places? Mamal temple is an ancient Shiva temple by the Lidder River emanates powerful spiritual vibes and is a must visit for those seeking divine blessings. Located in a small hamlet about a mile from Pahalgam, the temple dates back to 400CE and is visited by devotees all the year round due to its religious significance. With a small platform, a shivalingam and a gold adorned shrine the Mamleshwar temple is also blessed with a perennial pure water spring under its base, enclosed in a basin in the front. Visiting this temple is one of the best things to do in Pahalgam for a tranquil escape.
Ideal for: Spirituality, History
3. Sheshnag Lake: For Nature Lovers
At a place so serene that you can hear the sound of silence and witness nature and its many hues is the pristine Sheshnag lake tucked between snow-laden mountains and alpine meadows. Located on the route to Amarnath around 23 kilometres from Pahalgam, this enchanting glacial lake is one of the most-recommended places to visit near Pahalgam for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. The place also holds great religious significance and is visited by devotees who believe that the mythical Sheshnag still resides in the lake.
Ideal for: Nature, Photography, Adventure
Suggested Read: 3 Best Valleys In Pahalgam One Must Mark In Their Bucket List When Visiting Kashmir!
4. Lidder Amusement Park: For An Adventurous Break
On the picturesque bank of the shimmering Lidder river, this amusement park is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam with kids. With paddle boats, a miniature railway, bumping cars and other fun rides and swings, this paradise for children with the view of the snow peaks and the cool valley breeze is a perfect stopover for the entire family. Do add this spot from our list of best tourist places in Pahalgam in your itinerary.
Timings: 10AM to 6PM. Opening season is April-November.
Entry fee: INR100/adult; INR 25/child. Price may vary depending on the number of rides.
Suggested Read: 55 Hill Stations Near Delhi For A Peaceful Getaway
5. Aru Village & Valley: For Lush Meadows
At the end of a scenic 12-km drive from the town is the tranquil and mesmerizingly beautiful Aru Village & Valley, a must-add to your list of places to visit in Pahalgam. Popular for its lush meadows, the valley is a wonderful place to spend few quiet hours in the lap of nature. There are pony rides available for exploring the valley & various scenic points around it. Adventure lovers can indulge in zorbing, ziplining, powered paragliding and river-crossing. The charming Aru village also serves as the base camp for the trek to stunning Kolahoi glacier and is one of the best Pahalgam tourist places.
Entry fee: INR25/person. A fixed-rate local cab needs to be hired from Pahalgam to reach Aru valley.
Pony ride rates: Starts from INR 210 for the nearest point Kootpathri.
6. Baisaran Hills: For A Relaxing Stroll
Pahalgam is endowed with many pristine lakes and picturesque meadows it that can be explored during your stay here. Ensconced in dense pine, cedar and fir forests is the charming and serene Baisaran Meadow considered to be amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Pahalgam. You can take a leisurely walk (takes around 1 hour or more), a pony ride or a taxi to reach this tranquil meadow about 6 Kms from Pahalgam.
Ideal for: Nature, Tranquillity, Photography
Suggested Read: 10 Resorts In Kashmir For An Incredible Himalayan Vacation!
7. Avantipur Temple: For Clicking Pictures
Located on the Srinagar-Pahalgam highway (around 57 Kms before Pahalgam), these ancient ruins must be on your list of must-visit places to visit near Pahalgam for their historical and architectural significance. Built by King Avantivarman between 855-883 AD, these fascinating temples still hold the interest of both religious devotees and history buffs till date. The majestic pillars and carved sculptures of various deities hold testimony to the architectural brilliance of that era. The two main structures, the Avantiswhar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Avantiswami temple to Lord Vishnu, are also the perfect spots for great photography.
Ideal for: History, Spirituality, Photography
8. Pahalgam Golf Course: For A Fun Session
Avid golfers can truly appreciate the pleasure of playing a round or two at this 18-hole golf course nestled amidst the Himalayan ranges across the Lidder River in Pahalgam. If you are searching places for Pahalgam sightseeing then it is one of the best ones for all golf lovers. You can also take up some preliminary golfing lessons at one of the highest golf grounds in the world, while soaking in the bewitchingly beautiful vistas all around. With soaring mountains on one side and the charming Lidder on the other, this is also one of the popular tourist places in Pahalgam for experiencing the essence of the place.
Ideal for: Golfing, Photography, Nature
Suggested Read: 7 Home-Like Cottages In Pahalgam Which Will Make You Want To Extend Your Trip!
9. Tulian Lake: For A Pony Ride
This is one of the most recommended places near Pahalgam for those seeking a taste of thrill and adventure high up in the mountains. Located at 12000 feet above sea level, this pristine Himalayan lake can be reached by first taking a pony ride and then a few hours of arduous trek. Located in a meadow with pine forests, this alluring alpine lake has the perfect setting nestled between lofty Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges on three sides and is no doubt, one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam in winter.
Trek tips: Since there are no marked trails beyond Baisaran, it is recommended to take a guide.
Also, the temperatures near the lake dips]really low so do not forget to carry appropriate warm clothes.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Pahalgam Hotels For A Holiday Like Never Before
10. Chandanwari: For Snow-Covered Vistas
Located 16Km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari holds significance both because it is the starting point for the holy Amarnath trek and also due to its gorgeous snow-covered vistas. It is the nearest place to visit in Pahalgam where you can spend time playing with fresh snow and enjoying the scenic beauty of the place. The picturesque drive is dotted with waterfalls and views of the mighty snow-capped mountains with the Lidder River meandering along side. Chandanwari is hugely popular for sledging across the snow bridge and the crystal waters of Sheshnag river cascading down the mountains.
Tips: Snow boots and jackets can be hired right there for uninterrupted fun in the snow
Ideal for: Nature, Picnics, Photography, Hiking
11. Kolahoi Glacier: For Avid Trekkers
Image Credit – Irfanaru from Wikimedia
Kolahoi Glacier is a hanging glacier and one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam. The only way you can reach this glacier is through trekking. It is described as the trek of a lifetime and is considered as one of the best short treks in Kashmir. Throughout the trek you will be allured with the stunning views and once you reach the peak, witness the magnificent Kolahoi Glacier. Trekking in Kashmir definitely has its own unique charm.
Tips: Get a glimpse of the glacier from a safe distance
Ideal for: Nature, trekking, photography
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Pahalgam: A Must-Have Experience On Your Kashmir Trip
12. Lolab Valley: Gorgeous Waterfalls, Rivers And More
Image Credit – Eshankaul for Wikimedia
Located in the northern district Kupwara, Lolab Valley is one of the must visit valleys in Kashmir is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls, thrilling treks, and rivers. It allures the tourists with its natural beauty and friendly locals. Visit during the months of April to June to enjoy all sorts of adventure activities.
Ideal for: Nature lovers and photographers
Suggested Read: Pahalgam In November: A Guide To The Best All-In-One Tourist Spot For Trip!
13. Panchtarni: The Confluence Of Five Streams
Image Credit – Shubajitdas for Wikimedia
Panchtarni is one of the most scenic places to visit around Pahalgam. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Pahalgam and serves as the base camp for Amarnath Yatra, an important pilgrimage for the Hindus. The narrow path concludes at Amarnath cave which is an ideal spot for picnic and camping.
Ideal for: Camping
14. Tarsar Lake: Known For Scenic Beauty
Image Credit – Irfanaru for Wikimedia
Tarsar Lake is another popular places to visit around Pahalgam. It is an almond shaped lake situated in Aru district of Jammu and Kashmir. The lake freezes during the winter and is covered by snow and hence it is not accessible for tourists. If you visit in summer, which happens to be the best time you can still see the floating ice and spot migratory birds including black bulbuls, cinnamon sparrows and high flying choughs.
Ideal for: Nature lovers
Further Read: Best Places To Visit On A Surreal Trip To Kashmir With Friends
And yes, when you spend a few days here, this enchanting hill town in Kashmir promises to reveal many more such amazing destinations in and around it that will leave you spellbound! So what are you waiting for? Plan your personalized Kashmir holiday with TravelTriangle and witness the best of nature like never before.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Pahalgam
What are some of the famous places to visit near Pahalgam?
Some of the best places near Pahalgam for you to explore are Mamleshwar Temple, Sheshnag Lake, Lidder Amusement Park, and Betaab Valley. Make sure to include these amazing places while planning to visit Pahalgam.
How far is Gulmarg from Pahalgam?
The distance between Gulmarg and Pahalgam is about 140 km and it takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to reach. Visitors prefer traveling in their own vehicles but to reach some places in Pahalgam, a ropeway is used to save time and energy.
Is it safe to visit Pahalgam during covid times?
The tourism industry is slowly reopening, and you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if traveling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure.
How can I reach Pahalgam?
Regular buses to Pahalgam are available from Srinagar and Anantnag. The nearest airport is Budgam Dist while the nearest railway station is at Jammu. One can hire a taxi from here to reach Pahalgam.
When is the best time to visit Pahalgam?
The best time to visit Pahalgam is from March to November. The weather during this time is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The winters are also preferred by many visitors as it gets covered with a thick layer of snow and visitors often indulge in various intriguing adventures.
Does Pahalgam experience snowfall?
If you want to see snow in Pahalgam, visit during the winter months. It is the best time to indulge in adventure sports like snow skiing and ice skating and admire the scenic beauty covered with beautiful snow.
Which are the famous lakes in Pahalgam?
Some of the famous lakes in Pahalgam you must-visit are Tulian Lake, Sheshnag Lake, Tarsar Lake, Marsar Lake, Sorus Lake, and Sanasar Lake. Make sure to explore these pristine lakes during your visit to Pahalgam.
How many days are required to explore Pahalgam?
For a brief visit to Pahalgam, a 1-2 days tour is recommended in order to explore the major attractions in the city but if you want to go for a thorough and relaxing vacation, then 3-4 days are sufficient to explore the hidden gems in this place and spend a relaxing holiday simultaneously.
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