Baisaran Valley in winter is yet another beautiful and calm place located 5 km from Pahalgam in the district of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the attractive tourist sites is the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, also called ‘mini-Switzerland’ because of its scenic beauty. Amidst the mountains and coated in fresh snow with a skyline of conifer hoods, the beauty of this place is mesmerising. Tourists can trek up the valley or hire a horse ride to enjoy the scenery and serenity. There are also several small and beautiful villages lying in the valley where one can capture a glimpse of real Kashmiri culture.
Quick Details
Baisaran Valley Location: Baisaran Rd, Forest Block, Anantnag, J&K
Elevation: 2700 m
Timings: 24*7
How To Reach: Air, Rail or Road
Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (95 kms)
Nearest Railway Station: Udhampur Railway Station (220 km)
Best Time To Visit: January – March
Entry Fee: ₹50 per person
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-4 hours
Ideal For: Couples and friends
About Baisaran Valley In Winter
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The Baisaran Valley region is blanketed by snow during the coldest months. The winter world changes into a wonderland with scenic sights all around. Tourists would be able to view the valley as they engage in activities like skiing and snowboarding. The tall mountain peaks and fir trees that dominate the valley provide great opportunities for winter photography. Travelling to Baisaran Valley in winter is a unique and fun thing to do.
How To Reach Baisaran Valley
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One can access the road network easily by taxi services, buses, or any other private car rental services to reach Pahalgam. The distance from Pahalgam to Baisaran is only 5 kilometres, and tourists can get here by horse, which is available for rent in Pahalgam. Baisaran is also a good destination to go trekking. Since the route is not complicated, many tourists prefer to go on foot. Approximately 50 minutes or sometimes an hour is taken to get to Baisaran.
Things To Do Around Baisaran Valley In Winter
There are several activities you can enjoy around Baisaran Valley in Kashmir like pony riding, ziplining, zorbing, and more:
1. Pony Rides
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There are many attractions in the valley, but among the popular activities, pony riding is one of the popular tourist attractions. Many places en route to this valley offer ponies & horses for transport. Any traveller intending to embark on these breathtaking mountains must take a pony ride. The charges can be bargained, and the rate for pony riding in Baisaran Valley starts from ₹1500.
2. Ziplining
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Baisaran Valley also provides tourist attractions, sightseeing, and adventure activities in the mountainous region. One of those adventurous sports that will give a rich dose of adrenaline rush is Ziplining (or zip-wire). It is an amazing experience to look at this beautiful valley from an aerial view while paragliding from a cable line. It is not very hazardous; therefore, individuals interested in this sport can practise it as it is relatively harmless for beginners. The range of charges observed for ziplining is ₹250 and above.
3. Zorbing
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The recreational sport of zorbing is perfectly suited to the Baisaran Valley. While zorbing, you get to roll downhill in a sphere of clear plastic called hamaca. This experience is made more pleasant due to the surrounding beautiful green scenery, making it one of the finest places to go zorbing. The charges for this activity start at ₹200.
4. Camping
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Baisaran also has several accommodation facilities for camping like tents for those who intend to spend the night here. Another preferred hobby in this region is camping. The trekkers who plan to visit Tulian Lake in Kashmir, slightly above Baisaran, stop here to relax and begin the trekking expedition again.
Places To Visit Around Baisaran Valley In Winter
When visiting Baisaran Valley, there are some captivating places nearby that are worth exploring like lush mountains, valleys and glistening rivers:
1. Betaab Valley
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Betaab Valley is just 2 km away from Baisaran Valley and is famous for its green belt of trees and tranquillity. It is a perfect destination for tourists, especially those who have an interest in nature and the views around it. This valley became famous after the movie Betaab was shot here in 1983. The landscape of this valley is dotted with chinar, deodar, pine, willows & poplar trees.
2. Aru Valley
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Located approximately 11 km from Baisaran Valley, Aru Valley provides picturesque views of snow, entwining rivers and mountains. Nature lovers can engage in activities such as trekking and even camping in the serene environment. This valley is also a base camp for the Tarsar Marsar Lake trek and the Kolahoi Glacier. The grand snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas and the river flowing through this valley make for a spectacular sight.
3. Chandanwari
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Situated 15 km from Baisaran Valley, Chandanwari is famous for its pictorial landscape, and the Amarnath Yatra starts there. Tourists can admire the area’s excellent view and engage in brisk strolls along the locality. The Lidder River also flows near this valley and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. There are also top things to do in Chandanwari like hiking, sledging, buying handicrafts and souvenirs from the local shops.
3. Pahalgam
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About a 20-minute car ride away from Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam is a small, picturesque town with gorgeous views of greenery and glistening rivers. It accommodates activities like river rafting, horseback riding, and gilt courses for nature lovers and enthusiasts. The lush valleys, colourful meadows and lofty hills provide the most picturesque backdrop. The cool and pleasant climate makes this destination a scenic delight.
Where To Stay
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You will find several top-rated hotels near Baisaran Valley like the Grand Mumtaz Resorts, Radisson Golf Resorts, Hotel Heevan, and Welcomhotel, and Pine N Peak, Pahalgam, provides luxury services. Restaurants, cafés, dining areas, coffee shops, barbeques, and bakeries are also nearby for dining purposes.
Best Time To Visit Baisaran Valley
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The best time to visit the mini Switzerland of Kashmir, Baisaran, is during the winter season. If you would prefer to engage in winter activities such as skiing or watching the snowfall, the best time for this activity would be from January to March.
Baisaran Valley in winter is a breathtaking place with its snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, frozen rivers and more. Besides the scenic sights, you can go zipline, zorbing, enjoy pony rides, and go camping nearby. This valley is rightfully known as the Switzerland of Kashmir and is the perfect location to enjoy nature’s blessings. Plan a trip here with TripXL and enjoy the excellent views of nature.
Cover Photo: S B Stock / Shutterstock