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Pahalgam is located in the lap of the majestic Himalayas and happens to be one of the most beautiful spots to explore in Kashmir. Besides some of the most popular tourist places to visit in Pahalgam, there are a few offbeat locations as well. Prepare to witness pristine meadows carpeted with vibrantly coloured flowers, gushing rivers like the Lidder, and snow-capped peaks that pierce the azure sky. To ensure that your itinerary is comprehensive and well-planned, here are all the top spots in Pahalgam that are a must-visit.
Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Pahalgam
From mesmerising valleys to pristine lakes, and iconic glaciers, here are some of the best places to visit in Pahalgam.
1. Betaab Valley
Photo: CuriousZil / Wikimedia Commons
Immortalised by the Bollywood movie of the same name, Betaab Valley is a visual treat. The moment you step foot into the valley, the thick blanket of green grass dotted with the vibrant wildflowers will surely take your breath away. This picture-perfect landscape is further encapsulated with towering pine trees, making for a visual treat. Accounting for one of the best tourist attractions in Pahalgam, you can enjoy horseback riding, arrange a picnic or simply soak in the beauty of the surroundings here.
How To Reach: 8 km from Pahalgam
Suggested Read: Betaab Valley In Winter
2. Aru Valley
Photo: Irfanaru / Wikimedia Commons
A scenic paradise, Aru Valley is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It’s one of those destinations that should be on your Pahalgam tourist places list as you get to indulge in a variety of activities here. You can take a scenic pony ride, explore the valley on a mountain bike, or indulge in trout fishing in the crystal-clear streams. Also, tourists can enjoy a ride on the Aru chairlift to catch panoramic views of the valley’s surroundings.
How To Reach: 11 km from Pahalgam
3. Kolahoi Glacier
If you are visiting Pahalgam during the peak spring or autumn months when the roads are clear, you can plan and embark on a challenging trek to the Kolahoi glacier. It is located at an elevation of 3,475 m and offers awe-inspiring views of this glacier. This is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam with flower meadows and pristine lakes. However, it is important to note that you should be a seasoned trekker to be able to climb to the top as it is an arduous trek.
How To Reach: 19 km from Pahalgam (starting point for trek)
Timings: Accessible only during summer months (May to September)
Note: Permits are required for trekking
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
4. Sheshnag Lake
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Explore a trip down to Sheshnag lake as it is one of the top places to visit in Pahalgam. Legend has it that the mythical serpent Sheshnag resides in this lake. The lake is located at an elevation of 3574 m, so you’d either have to take a vehicle to the lake or have a local guide you as you embark on this journey. Besides the tranquillity of the area, this lake is one of the top Pahalgam tourist places that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and meadows bursting with wildflowers, and is truly a sight to behold.
How To Reach: 23 km from Pahalgam (starting point of the trek)
Timings: Accessible only during summer months (May to September)
Note: Permits are required for trekking
5. Baisaran
Photo: Hellohappy / Wikimedia Commons
When talking about the top places to visit in Pahalgam, Baisharan deserves a shout out. It is quite an offbeat but riveting spot with snow capped mountains, dense forests and green meadows. Also, this captivating meadow features a green carpet of grass with multi-coloured flowers on it, further adding to the breathtaking view. There are plenty of fun activities to take part in here that include horse rides, pony rides, zip lining and zorbing as well as several camping opportunities.
How To Reach: 5 km from Pahalgam
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar In Winter
6. Lidder River
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
The lifeblood of Pahalgam, the Lidder River should be included in your top places for a Pahalgam trip as it has a picturesque charm. Tourists can book a shikara and set sail through the river while soaking in the views of the majestic mountains. It is one of the few tourist places in Pahalgam where you can indulge in trout fishing as well. Also, there are several cafes along the riverside where tourists can sip on a steaming cup of coffee.
Fee: Charges applicable for shikara rides and fishing
7. Pahalgam Golf Course
Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
The Pahalgam golf course is an 18-hole golf course where you can enjoy scenic views all around, at an elevation of 7250 ft above sea level. This golf course is fully-equipped and is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a game of golf. With the green meadows and towering pines in the close vicinity, this course is a haven for nature lovers. Tourists can visit the deer park as well that is located just at the end of the golf course.
Location: Within Pahalgam town
Timings: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: Charges vary depending on season
Suggested Read: Pahalgam Trekking
8. Mamleshwar Temple
Photo: Hemanth / Pixahive / Image For Representation Only
The Mamleshwar Temple is a revered pilgrimage site that worships Lord Shiva, and is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam. The temple’s architecture, boasting intricate carvings of Mahimna Stotram and a serene ambience, is a sight to behold. Once you step foot inside the temple, the first thing you can do is offer blessings and perform Lingarchan Puja. Once that is done, tourists are free to explore the area. The surroundings of the temple are calm and serene and perfect for a quiet retreat.
Location: Pahalgam, 192123
Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset
9. Chandanwari
Photo: Akigupta131 / Wikimedia Commons
The Amarnath Yatra is a challenging trek wherein millions of devotees participate each year. Chandanwari serves as the base camp for this Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage that starts in June and ends in August. The site offers direct views of the snow-capped mountains, the nearby Lidder River, and the surrounding valleys, which is mesmerising. Tourists can sip on a cup of steaming Kahwa (Kashmiri tea) with locals whilst enjoying these majestic views or embark on a short hike to explore the surrounding meadows.
How To Reach: 16 km from Pahalgam
Best Time To Visit: March – April
Suggested Read: Camping In Pahalgam
10. Aru Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Suhayl091 / Wikimedia Commons
Last but not least is the Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread across an area of 49 sq. km and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. This is one of the best places to visit in Pahalgam as it is home to some of the rarest species of animals, including Himalayan brown bears, red foxes, and various bird species. If you are interested in wildlife and have been curious to explore more about the biodiversity of Kashmir, this is where you need to be.
How To Reach: 11 km from Pahalgam
Timings: Open during daylight hours
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
Pahalgam is a destination that caters to every traveller’s desire. When exploring the best places to visit in Pahalgam, you can embark on an adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in ancient temples, or simply unwind in nature’s embrace for an unforgettable experience. To help you plan this itinerary and book your holiday, turn to TripXL to secure all your bookings within the blink of an eye.
Cover Photo: Pranshu Goyal / Pixahive
