13 Best Places to Visit in Pahalgam For Incredible Vacations

Enclosed by lofty peaks and the owner of lush deep valleys covered with coniferous trees, Pahalgam is one of the best hill stations in Kashmir for family vacationers, Honeymooners, and Nature lovers. The mesmerizing tourist attractions and pleasant climate of Pahalgam allure a crazy number of tourists from around the world.

It is not just a hill station in Kashmir; Pahalgam can rightly be called a recreation retreat, offering all sorts of activities to suit the varied preferences of all kinds of tourists. To help you out during your visit to Pahalgam, the blog about the best places to visit in Pahalgam enlists some of the most famous tourist attractions in and around Pahalgam that you can visit with family or individual.

13 Best Places to visit in Pahalgam

1. Aru Valley
2. Betaab Valley
3. Baisaran Hills
4. Awantipora
5. Golf Course
6. Sun Temple
7. Mamleshwar Temple
8. Tulian Lake
9. Chandanwari
10. Sheshnag Lake
11. Amarnath Cave
12. Kolahoi Glacier
13. Lidder River

1. Aru Valley

Placed at a distance of around 12 km from Pahalgam city, Aru valley is an ideal place to visit around Pahalgam. Aru Valley is an enchanting village in the Trans-Himalayan region and overlooks the mighty Himalayas.

The colorful floral meadows, misty ambiance, conifer and pine forests, and the fantastic weather captivate every nature lover. However, the valley is not famous among only nature lovers. It also offers a chance to adventure enthusiasts who can enjoy such adventure activities in Pahalgam as trekking, river rafting, camping and trout fishing, etc.

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2. Betaab Valley

Located at a distance of 15 km from Pahalgam, Betaab Valley, earlier known as Hagan Valley, was rechristened as Betaab Valley after the hit Bollywood movie ‘Betaab’ was shot here in the year 1983. One of the three beautiful valleys, along with Chandanwari and Aru, Betaab valley in Pahalgam is a complete package of tranquility, pleasant weather, and scenic surroundings.

The valley lies on the route of Amarnath cave. Surrounded by snowy peaks sprinkled with pine and deodar forests, Betaab valley is a must-visit attraction in Pahalgam. Here you feel away from the stress of city life.

The colored floral beds and lush green carpets make Betaab Valley’s landscape more stunning and cast magic on the on-looker. That is the top reason to visit Betaab valley in Pahalgam.

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3. Baisaran Hills

Just 5 km from the main town Pahalgam, Baisaran hill is a Rolling meadow covered by thick pine forests, and lush greenery describes Baisaran hills the best, making it a place worth visiting. Baisaran looks highly eye-catching with its contrast of snow-capped hills and green pastures lands. The hill is also famous for camping in Kashmir.

You can set your camp beside Tulian Lake. At the same time, some trekkers opt to trek from Baisaran, going up to the Tulian Lake, at an above sea level of 3353 meters, and setting their camps there. Others start trekking from Pahalgam, Baisaran hills, and Tulian Lake.
This off-beak track offers fantastic views of the Lidder valley in the Himalayas. If you are not going to trekking! Pony-ride is another option to explore Baisaran hill and other nearby places.

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4. Awantipora

Placed in Pahalgam town in Kashmir valley called, Awantipora ruins or Avantipura ruins are the remnants of several ancient Hindu temples, which were constructed by King Awanti Varman, who ruled Jammu and Kashmir during the 9th Century.

A place of serenity, offering mental peace, Awantipora ruins are for the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, who are the residing deities of the temples. This group of temples has been constructed amidst lush greenery, so it offers a treat to the eyes of the visitor.

One of the popular tourist places, Awantipora ruins are also a mark of the Avantipur rulers who dominated the region for almost 1100 years. During its hay-days, the site has been a popular scared site. Today, the ruins tell a tale of the heritage of the region and its kings. Placed in Jaubror village, the Awantipora temple complex in Pahalgam can be visited throughout the year.

Also Read: 7 Historical Places in Jammu & Kashmir to Get Glimpses of Royal Past

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5. Golf Course

It might sound a little funny, but Pahalgam Golf Course is not only visited by golf enthusiasts but also by tourists of Jammu and Kashmir because of its incredible surroundings. Nuzzled amid giant pine trees, this excellent 18-hole golf course offers some most beautiful views to the golfers and visitors. In addition, the State Government organizes Golf Championship on the Pahalgam golf course every year during the summer season.

This giant bowl-shaped course has changed in its elevation, has differently-sized and shaped bunkers and ‘water-in-play’ in six holes, with several hazards and challenges that its throws; a golfer needs to play a patient game here.

Also Read: Top Things To Do In Kashmir For A Thrilling Experience

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6. Sun Temple

Sun Temple in Pahalgam was constructed by Emperor Lalit Aditya Muktapida, a Hindu emperor of the Karkota dynasty. It is believed that his precursor, King Ranaditya Muktapida, began the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone.

The Sun Temple is situated at a distance of 64 km from Srinagar and a mere 7 km from Anantnag city of Jammu and Kashmir.

Legends say that the Temple belongs to the age of the Pandavas of the great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. Its location on top of a plateau allows visitors a panoramic view of Mattan, a well-known pilgrimage site of Hindus.

Also Read: Famous Spiritual Places in Kashmir for devotees

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7. Mamleshwar Temple

Placed in Mamal at a distance of just a mile from Pahalgam town, Mamleshwar temple in Pahalgam is one of the ancient Hindu temples in Kashmir, which belongs to 40 AD.

Standing diagonally at the Kolahoi water stream on the mountainside, the Mamleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an important sacred site for the past several decades and is visited by devotees and tourists in decent numbers.

The entrance of the temple has an idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple complex also has a site with the gold-plated idol of the erstwhile ruler of the region.

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8. Tulian Lake

Tulian Lake lies amid Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges. Located at an altitude of 3353 meters above sea level, Tulian Lake is a highly picturesque lake in Pahalgam. This lake is top-rated among trekkers and camping enthusiasts.

The trek route starts from Pahalgam (16 km), with a halt at the beautiful village of Baisaran and finally, the lake where trekkers set up their camp and enjoy some of the most mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. 

If you are into trekking, there is also an option of pony riding. One can also spot large pieces of ice floating on the serene waters of the lake.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Kashmir for honeymoon.

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9. Chandanwari

Snuggled at an altitude of 2895 meters above sea level, Chandanwari Valley, about 16 km from Pahalgam, boasts of scenic beauty in abundance.

It is also the starting point for Amarnath Yatra from the Pahalgam route. Chandanwari is the most popular destination among adventure enthusiasts who enjoy hiking.

Also Check: 6 days Amarnath tour package via Pahalgam

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10. Sheshnag Lake

One of the most mesmerizing sights near Pahalgam, Sheshnag Lake, is 0.7 km wide and 1.1 km in length. That is also a sacred site as it is connected to Sheshnag. Located 27 km from Pahalgam town, Sheshnag Lake is settled at an altitude of 3658 meters above sea level. Around 11 km from the scenic valley of Chandanwari, this greenish-blue lake falls on the route of Amarnath Yatra.

This delightful lake remains covered with ice till June. The lake is rich in marine life, including brown trout. The verdant meadows make it appear green in color.

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11. Amarnath Cave

Amaranth Yatra is one of the revered religious journeys for the followers of Hinduism. Placed at a distance of 44 km Pahalgam, Amarnath Cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

Located in Kashmir, this sacred cave consists of an ice lingam (ice stalagmite) that is visited by the devotees of Lord Shiva every year.

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The Yatra takes place in the months of July-August, which is Sharavna month in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that this was the cave where the Lord narrated the secrets of immortality and the creation of the Universe to Goddess Parvati. Though tiring and challenging, this journey is a rewarding one.

Check-out: Amarnath Yatra Registration and Opening Date

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12. Kolahoi Glacier

Kolahoi Glacier lies below the Kolahoi Mountains and above the Lidder Valley. This 5 km long hanging valley glacier is 5 km away from Pahalgam town. It is spread over an area of 11 sq km. And this glacier lies at an elevation of 4700 meters and is Kashmir’s largest glacier. A portion of the Kolahoi Peak, this glacier is the source of River Lidder. A prime trekking attraction, this glacier offers a stunning view of the surroundings.

The trek to Kolahoi starts from Aru, around 10 km from Pahalgam. This trek is challenging, passing alongside the banks of Lidder, trekking under snow and dense conifer forests. The perennial course of the water is locally known as Gwash Brani. The best time to visit Kolahoi Glacier is the summer season.

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13. Lidder River

Known as an important tributary of River Indus, the Lidder River is a snow-fed river in Kashmir valley, 73 km long. Flowing through Pahalgam town, this river offers excellent opportunities for rafting and angling in it.

Lidder River is also the primary water source for Anantnag. If you are an angler, you can catch fishes like Shuddgurn, Brown trout, Rainbow trout, etc., but you must bring your angling equipment.

White water rafting in the Lidder River is a must for every adventure lover who likes to carry some fantastic memories of the Pahalgam trip.

Explore all famous places in Pahalgam with this Kashmir itinerary 6 days and have an unforgettable experience.

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Geetika Handa

Geetika Handa is a travel writer who has an interest in sharing her experiences with all. She provides a detailed account of any travel topic she chooses to write on. You can get detailed information and tips about choosing the right kind of holiday packages in the country from her write-ups.