Places to Visit in Pahalgam

Every now and then, we need a vacation, and Pahalgam tourist places have it all to revive your from all the hustle and bustle of a city life. Away from the screen times and amidst nature, that consumes all the restlessness in our lives. In recent times, Pahalgam has become one of the adored places to visit and a perfect weekend gateway.

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Located at an altitude of 7200 m and about 54 km from the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir, the charming milieu of this picturesque town is breathtaking. Majestic peaks, lush green meadows, and beautiful rivers verdantly surround it. This tourist-friendly destination was once a village of shepherds, owing to its epithet, ‘Valley of Shepherd’. With the enchantment of the Lidder River, snow-clad mountains, and beautiful landscapes, the places to visit in Pahalgam offer myriad activities. Therefore, it is an ideal place to visit with family, friends, or loved ones and it is worth every minute spent.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Pahalgam

1. Betaab Valley

When someone asks you to paint scenery, what do you imagine? A valley with beautiful mountains and a stream of river with dense vegetation, right? The picturesque valley of Betaab resembles the art! The beautiful combination of Lidder River, snow-covered mountains, and tall deodar and pine trees create a breathtaking view for the visitors. This tourist place in Pahalgam is located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district and is one of the top tourist places to visit.

( Beautiful View of Betab Valley during winter season, near Pahalgam, Kashmir, India )

The stunning landscape of this Pahalgam tourist place is also renowned among trekkers and adventure goers and attracts quite of them. Moreover, an interesting fact about this magnificent place is that it got its name from the famous Bollywood movie Betaab.

Suggested Read: How to reach Pahalgam

2. Chandanwari

Located 15 km from Pahalgam, Chandanwari is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra. During winter, this tourist place in Pahalgam remains covered with dusted snow, and attracts tourist from every corner of the country. It is situated at an elevation of 2,895 m and the magnificent Lidder River flowing close by, creates a splendid sight to see. This is a picturesque place to see in Pahalgam, where Mother Nature offers visitors to relax in its company.

3. Aru Valley

It is one of the enticing places to visit in Pahalgam that is enwrapped with pristine snow. It lies beside the majestic Aru River, a tributary of the Lidder River, and is famous for trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. During the winter season, this beautiful valley becomes a wonderland and perfect for skiing, horse riding, and several other activities.

( Horses grazin at Aru Valley Near Pahalgam )

Apart from the scenic meadows and sightseeing opportunities, you can shop souvenirs from the locals and experience the traditional way of first-hand living.

4. Baisaran

Baisaran Valley pahalgam — ( Baisaran Valley( Mini Switzerland) Pahalgam, Kashmir. )

If you get tired or exhausted while trekking down the Pahalgam tourist places, then Baisaran is a must-visit destination! It is perfect for camping or picnicking with family and friends amidst nature! Nicknamed ‘Mini-Switzerland’, this picturesque beauty is a hilltop green meadow enclosed with snow-capped mountains and dotted pine trees. This offbeat tourist place in Pahalgam, and is great for those wanting to spend some quiet time. It also serves as a campsite for trekkers going to Tulian Lake. Moreover, the panoramic view of the Lidder Valley and Pahalgam town is breathtaking to the visitors.

5. Kolahoi Glacier

It is the perfect destination for trekkers and adventure-goers! This 5 km long, hanging glacier is located below Kolahoi Mountain and above the Lidder River. This is one of the famous tourist places in Pahalgam that can only be reached by trekking. En route, enchanting waterfalls, lush green meadows, majestic pine trees, and the magnificent view of the grand Himalayas will greet you. It is also known as the ‘Goddess of Light’ as it is the only source of water for the Jhelum and Lidder Rivers.

Also Read: Things to do in Kashmir

6. Lidder River

You might be wondering what it is like to explore the Lidder River, as we have mentioned a few times in this blog. So, wait no more! Flowing through the Lidder Valley, it gushes through the beautiful landscape of Pahalgam tourist places with the backdrop of the snow-capped Pir Panjal Mountain range. The pristine water of this river is home to many fishes and one can indulge in various water activities like fishing, whitewater rafting, angling, and horse riding.

This 73 km long, glacial river originates from Kolahoi Glacier and it is one of the tributaries of the mighty Indus River. The splendid view of this tourist place in Pahalgam and the enchanting sound of the river captivate the mind of the visitors and serve as a perfect picnic spot.

7. Mamleshwar Temple

Mamaleshwar Temple — ( This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and stands across the Kolahoi stream up towards the mountain. )

Pahalgam tourist places do not does not shy away from the faith and beliefs of its people. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and draws tourists and pilgrims from all over the state. Surrounded by mountains and pine trees, this temple is built on the bank of the Lidder river by the then King Jayasima. It is one of the oldest temples in Pahalgam, and a fun fact about this tourist place is that is entirely carved with stone.

8. Tulian Lake

This beautiful lake is one of the top tourist places to visit in Pahalgam. Located at approx. 16 km from town, it is encircled by Zanskar and Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. It is famous for the 2-day trek needed to reach, but the blueish-green water, tranquil environment, and dotted chunks of snow are some of the major attractions of this beautiful destination.

9. Amarnath Cave

The famous Amarnath Cave is considered one of the popular places to visit in Pahalgam, and this list is incomplete without it. Every year hundreds and thousands of pilgrims visit the here during the month of Shravani Mela from July to August. The ambiance of the route to the cave is comprehended with the scenic views of the mountains, cold breeze, clanging bells, and loud chants of “Har Har Mahadev.”

This Hindu shrine is etched at an altitude of 3,888 m in the Himalayan range of Jammu & Kashmir. According to Hindu mythology, this is where Shiva enlightened the secret of life and eternity to his divine. The route or ‘yatra’ to this cave is of great importance to the devotees of Lord Shiva and the pilgrims trek through the rugged, mountainous terrain to worship the Shiva Linga.