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Located amidst the snow-capped mountains on the banks of the Lidder River and Anantnag District, Pahalgam is a haven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual pilgrims. Beyond its vibrant meadows carpeted with wildflowers and the gushing Lidder River snaking through the valley, there are also many places to visit near Pahalgam. Each location boasts its unique charm, promising unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek the thrill of trekking on a glacier or the opportunity to commune with nature, Pahalgam and the places nearby have something for everyone.
Top 9 Places To Visit Near Pahalgam
From serene lakes to majestic peaks, each place near Pahalgam has its own charm. Following is a list of the places to visit near Pahalgam.
1. Aru Valley
Photo: Irfanaru / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful places to visit near Pahalgam is Aru Valley. It is a picturesque meadow adorned with pine forests and snow-capped peaks. However, the beauty of this valley comes to life amidst the scenic trekking. For adventure enthusiasts, activities like zip lining and paragliding add to the thrill of the experience of the holiday. Explore the Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for diverse flora and fauna, or embark on a trek to the captivating Tulian Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake offering panoramic views. It also serves as a base camp for the Kolahoi Glacier trek and Tarsar Marsar Lake trek.
Distance From Pahalgam: 12.7 km
Major Attractions: Trekking trails, Kolahoi Glacier, Tarsar Marsar Lake
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Pahalgam
2. Betaab Valley
Photo: Narender9 / Wikimedia Commons
The mesmerising charm of the Betaab Valley explains why it’s one of the best places to visit near Pahalgam. The popularity of the quaint hill station comes from the movie, “Betaab,” which was filmed there. The valley falls in the way of the popular Amarnath yatra. It’s a great place to relax and rejuvenate, with the Lidder River flowing through the valley. Pair that with the panoramic views of the Himalayas, and you will surely not want to miss out on basking in the serene landscape of this place. Besides sightseeing, bird watching and camping are popular in Betaab Valley too.
Distance From Pahalgam: 15 km
Major Attractions: Bobby Hut, Chandanwari, Lidder River
3. Kolahoi Glacier
Photo: Irfanaru / Wikimedia Commons
The Kolahoi Glacier is a majestic glacier that offers a challenging yet rewarding trek. Witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and explore the serene Lidder River cascading down the mountains. Camping under a starlit sky creates an unforgettable experience here. Located at 4700 m elevation, the trek takes you through the Lidder River and usually ascends from Aru Valley. The 10 km trek usually takes 5-6 hours through dense forests, rocky terrains and stunning views of the serene landscapes around. Reaching the top of the mountain offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas as well.
Distance From Pahalgam: 37 km
Major Attractions: Aru Valley, Lidder River
Suggested Read: Pahalgam Trekking
4. Lidderwat
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Escape the hustle and bustle at Lidderwat, a captivating meadow nestled amidst towering mountains. Unwind amidst the serenity of nature, with the gurgling Lidder River providing a soothing soundtrack to your escape. For the more adventurous, Lidderwat offers an exciting opportunity for white-water rafting. Navigate the rapids of the Lidder River, a thrilling experience that will leave your heart pounding and adrenaline pumping. The highlight of exploring Lidderwat lies in the trek you can embark on from Aru Valley. For a more relaxing experience, plan a picnic by the Lidder River and soak in the views of the surroundings.
Distance From Pahalgam: 17.4 km
Major Attractions: Lidder River and Aru Valley trek
5. Baisaran Valley
Photo: Hellohappy / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the good places to visit near Pahalgam is Baisaran Valley, often termed as “Mini Switzerland.” During spring, witness the valley come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours as wildflowers paint the landscape in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and blue. Besides the sightseeing spots, indulge in popular adventure activities like zip lining and zorbing. Some of the nearby tourist attractions from Baisaran Valley include Mamleshwar temple, Deno Valley and the Lidder Valley. Baisaran Valley is a perfect spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic, offering a serene escape from the daily grind.
Distance From Pahalgam: 6.4 km
Major Attractions: Mamaleshwar Temple, Deno Valley, Lidder Valley
Suggested Read: Camping In Pahalgam
6. Sheshnag Lake
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Anantnag district, Sheshnag Lake is a popular place to visit near Pahalgam that’s known for its iconic “oligotrophic lake.” Legend has it that the lake was created by Sheshnag, the serpent god with multiple heads, upon whom Lord Vishnu is said to reside. Devotees believe that a dip in the holy waters washes away sins. During the auspicious Hindu month of Shravana (generally falling in July and August), pilgrims converge on the lake as part of the Amarnath Yatra. Explore the nearby meadows teeming with wildflowers, or embark on a hike to get a closer look at the glaciers.
Distance From Pahalgam: 18.9 km
7. Tarsar Marsar Lakes
Photo: Riteshmishera951150 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the nearest places to visit near Pahalgam is the Tarsar Marsar lakes. Both of these enchanting alpine lakes are located amid the Kashmir Himalayas. The lakes are located near the Nagberan village. Embarking on the Tarsar Marsar trek unveils the beauty of Kashmir in the rawest form. It is a moderately challenging trek that takes you to an elevation of 4024 m and takes around 5-6 days to complete. The trek takes you through breathtaking villages, stunning peaks and towering mountains. As you reach the end point, take the time to soak in the views of the surroundings.
Distance From Pahalgam: 1.1 km
Major Attractions: Tarsar Marsar trek
Suggested Read: Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Amarnath Cave
Photo: Vladimir Melnik / Shutterstock
The Amarnath Cave is a significant pilgrimage site worth mentioning due to its proximity and spiritual importance. Nestled amidst the Himalayas, this natural ice cave houses a naturally formed ice lingam (Shiva lingam), a revered symbol of Lord Shiva. Every year, during the auspicious Hindu month of Shravana (generally falling in July and August), thousands of devotees undertake the Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the cave. The trek itself is a challenging yet rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a deep connection with nature.
Distance From Pahalgam: 190.1 km
Major Activities: Trek to the temple
9. Mamleshwar Temple
Photo: Nishant karsogi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mamleshwar Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 4th-century structure, built in Kashmiri architectural style, is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the Kashmir Valley. Legend has it that the temple was guarded by Ganesha, who wouldn’t allow anyone to enter without permission. The temple’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning mountain backdrop make it a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. Situated at the banks of the Lidder River, the temple was reportedly built by Adi Sankara to perform puja when Omkareshwara became inaccessible due to the Narmada overflowing for four months during the rainy season.
Distance From Pahalgam: 1.8 km
Major Attraction: Temple premises and Lidder River
Suggested Read: Jammu Temples
The places to visit near Pahalgam offer a treasure trove of experiences for every kind of traveller. From serene meadows and cascading waterfalls to challenging treks and thrilling adventures, this captivating region promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. So, as you gear up for the vacation, sort out all your bookings with TripXL for the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Sauood07 / Wikimedia Commons
