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.
Aru Valley
Located around 11 km from Pahalgam, Aru Valley is the base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Aru lies beside the Aru river and is known for its scenic meadows and activities like horse riding, hiking and trekking.
Chandanwari
Chandanwari, located 15 km from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the famous Amarnath Yatra. Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and the Lidder River flowing by, it is breathtaking. Chandanwari is famous for snow sledging on a snow bridge and enjoying a picnic.
Baisaran
Baisaran is a beautiful destination 6 kms away from Pahalgam. It is also called the mini Switzerland of India with tranquil meadows, pristine lakes and picturesque settings. You can just stroll down the area or sit down to have a picnic. Baisaran also offers activities like pony rides, zorbing, etc.
Betaab Valley
Betaab Valley is a breathtaking combination of picturesque surroundings encircled by tall deodar trees and pine forests, with the Lidder River flowing right through it. It got its name from the Bollywood movie Betaab starring Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh shot here.
Kolahoi glacier
Situated over the Lidder River, Kolahoi glacier is a hanging glacier known for its breath taking views. While the only way of reaching this glacier is though trekking, one can also hire ponies or horses for some parts of the journey.
Lidder Valley
Lidder River is a 73-kilometre long glacial river that originates from the Kolhoi glacier. Flowing through the valleys of Pahalgam, Lidden River is a quaint picnic spot. Other adventure sports that you can indulge in are white water rafting, angling, horse riding, and fishing.
Sheshnag lake
Sheshnag Lake is one of the topmost attractions of Pahalgam and is an epitome of natural beauty, peace and serenity. Enveloped in snow capped mountains and surrounded by tall alpine meadows, the lake is a haven for nature lovers.
Lolab valley
Lolab Valley is an oval-shaped valley and a top camping site in Kashmir, famous for its scenic natural beauty, dense pine forests and bubbling springs. It is also home to some animals like Himalayan brown and black bear, snow leopard, hangul and musk deer.
River rafting, Trekking & Skiing: Pahalgam
With plenty of trekking trails, Pahalgam is the base camp for countless trekkers. Challenging mountain ranges, pristine lakes and plateaus make the region of Pahalgam suitable for all types of trekking. Best time to trek in Pahalgam is from April to June.
Skiing in the mesmerizing terrain of Pahalgam is an experience you would not want to miss. After Gulmarg, this town is one of the best options that offer the true essence of Kashmir. Aru Valley, situated a short distance from Pahalgam, is the prime location for skiing, bounded by an enchanting landscape and an abundance of tranquillity.
Indulge into pure awesomeness in the rivers flowing in and around Pahalgam by rafting in its gentle gradients. A 2 km stretch on the Aru branch of the Lidder River is a popular rafting spot in Pahalgam. In Pahalgam, white river rafting generally starts in the month of June.
Tulian Lake
Tulian Lake is a famous tourist attraction in Pahalgam, located between the Pir Panjar and the Zanskar range. It is a sparkling blue lake which is popular for the 2-day trek needed to reach it.
Mamleshwar Temple
Mamleshwara Temple is a famous temple in Pahalgam, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the few temples constructed purely of stone, by the then King Jayasima. Inside the temple complex is a shrine completely covered in gold.
Amarnath yatra
Pahalgam is also a host to the famous Amarnath Yatra which takes place each year during the month of Sawan (July to August). It commences from both routes, of Pahalgam and Baltal. As per Hindu mythology, it is believed that when Parvati asked Shiva for the secret of life and eternity. When he decided to reveal the secret to her, he left Mount Kailash along with Goddess Parvati and left his belongings at various places.
For instance, Nandi, the Bull at Pahalgam, the Moon from hair at Chandanwari, and snakes on the banks of Lake Sheshnag. Lord Ganesha was left at Mahagunas Parvat also called Mahaganesh Mountain. Plus, the five elements of nature – Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Sky were left at Panchtarni. As he sacrificed his belongings, he performed the Tandava Dance. And later, enter the cave with Parvati.
Golf Course Pahalgam
At an altitude of about 2400m above sea level, a nine hole golf course is sported by Pahalgam, also referred to as ‘Plateau’ by a lot of locals. One can also rent equipments here as well as enjoy the few refreshments available in the premises.